@glasshalffull said:
It certainly used to be a rule imposed by the FA that scoreboard clocks have to stop at 45 minutes and 90 minutes irrespective of added time.
Also it was a rule about not showing replays of any contentious incidents on the pitch too.
But there isn't any rule about not showing replays of goals is there? It was surprising we didn't show any yesterday as I'm sure we used to?
I don’t think there is a problem about showing replays, as you say we used to do that, but perhaps the guys controlling the new screen don’t yet have that facility at their disposal. I will ask the question and report back.
@Blue_since_1990 said:
You are right @bookertease, I remember the horrible Col U fans being in that section some while back.
I remember that too and it definitely wasn’t segregated the night I am thinking of as I was stood with them. If I remember correctly a Keith Scott goal was quickly followed by being kicked down the terrace and being rescued from the floor by a friendly steward.
@glasshalffull said:
It certainly used to be a rule imposed by the FA that scoreboard clocks have to stop at 45 minutes and 90 minutes irrespective of added time.
Also it was a rule about not showing replays of any contentious incidents on the pitch too.
But there isn't any rule about not showing replays of goals is there? It was surprising we didn't show any yesterday as I'm sure we used to?
I don’t think there is a problem about showing replays, as you say we used to do that, but perhaps the guys controlling the new screen don’t yet have that facility at their disposal. I will ask the question and report back.
Ta muchly.
Initial line ups, pre match razzmataz and showing our goals seem the 3 key uses to me.
There was talk of showing the early kick offs on there too.
Not sure how good a watch that'd be from so far away in the Woodlands in fairness!
On the replays, quite possibly the feature not yet at the disposal of the TV guys as previously suggested - and the club has advertised for operators for the electronic barriers so possibly quite a lot to manage at present to run everything to its full potential.
I think we're beginning to see the difficulties in getting someone in to run the football club, whose vision is to make a profit by introducing an American-style match day experience... while also introducing American-style cost cutting.
That vision is up against the inexorable force of the British football fan, who care less about the quality than about the convenience.
If they're going to put the price of beer and burgers up dramatically they will have to increase the levels of service to grease the process - because few of us will be prepared to pay more for the same product while having to queue significantly longer to experience it.
The other key thing they need to sort quickly is access into the ground. Losing the bus service from the train station makes the club appear inhospitable and unwelcoming to the casual fan coming from out of town. In my case, it also meant 45 fewer minutes in the beer tent while I walked to the ground; heading straight to my seat instead of buying a couple of pints.
Do we still have a general manager or was that post removed in one of the various reorganisations? If not they might want to consider advertising for a 'matchday experience manager' pretty pronto.
Agreed, @peterparrotface - though I did cock a slight eyebrow at Pete's tweet where he said the problems were partly caused by there being no opportunity for a soft launch before the season. Wasn't the Leicester friendly the very definition of an opportunity for a soft launch?!
I keep mentioning that the club made noises about "enhancing" the Arriva busses.
It seems surprising that they've started by cutting the existing ones out.
Though maybe as it's been 18months since the last one means you can't really call it existing.
But food and programmes to one side, getting the town centre specialist football busses back has to be priority one.
@Malone said:
I keep mentioning that the club made noises about "enhancing" the Arriva busses.
It seems surprising that they've started by cutting the existing ones out.
Though maybe as it's been 18months since the last one means you can't really call it existing.
But food and programmes to one side, getting the town centre specialist football busses back has to be priority one.
Could have utilised the 5 buses they had for the park and ride.At least 2 too many.
If parking continues to be difficult I would.With getting stuck for 20 mins in hillbottom Road I pretty much got home around the same time as I would parking in nearby roads..would think lincoln would bring a few so would have a knock on affect with parking.As a club I would recommend the club advertising it to away fans.
Can’t comment on food quality as arrived at 2:55 after parking a mile away at a friend’s house (very helpful recent move on their part). Didn’t leave my very clean seat at half time and left on the whistle. That said, prior to lockdown when casual supporting friends were with us we’d enjoyed the beer tent outside and eaten from various food trucks with no complaints and much satisfaction. And on wet days and years past we’d made good use of the real ale corner inside. Long suffering wife nagged to get us there for 1 so we could get a few in. I do hope that selection and atmosphere can return. A quick eyeball of the neighbourhood in block Q FA suggested not many people had club bought food and drink, my guess is fewer than usual. The prices do seem high but if reported quality can be improved it may work out. Although how much better can tea and coffee be? Maybe reduce the things we can bring ourselves (Mars bar, bottle of water, brew in a flask)?
Ground looked nice, the scoreboard is impressive (goal replays would be a pleasure although I assume If contentious a risk and by the time the footage is checked…) and I was absurdly pleased by the clock in the centre of the main stand (if that was there season before last then it’s memory clinic for me).
Tannoy- volume OK for me close to the front of block Q. I’d prefer the music to fade as soon as we enter the field but it’s not a biggie for me (I happen to like GnR and the Cult). The enthusiasm of the announcer I can live with.
Half time entertainment - meh, but easily fixed. Good ideas on here although one of my favourites at an away somewhere was a race between home and away supporters in those Zorb things. Anything that gets the travelling support involved is always fun. Maybe something that kids who’ve travelled can be part of? Win a ball signed by their team captain and ours or something?
50/50- that’s a real shame. It was surely my turn after years and years of never getting close! Seriously I wonder why it’s gone? Presumably handled by volunteers so I can’t see what the downside was?
As for parking.. looks like the factory on the right just before the ground has gone as an option. Shame as Her Indoors had schmoozed the guys there so well that they let us in even when ‘full’. I didn’t see what the other units were charging - no spaces and ‘park here for £x’ boards removed at 2:45?
Park and ride to west Wycombe could be the answer on days our friends have no space. It has to be car for us coming from Bedfordshire.
And as for the football- excellent fare. Terrace in good voice, Vokes will be quality and McCleary… wow! If Horgan can find the target and Mehmeti not go down the rabbit hole of showmanship/doing it all himself over finding other players with the killer pass then I expect us to thump a few teams and do very well against the ‘big clubs’.
Finally, I appreciate the argument that it’s all about the game and get that right and nothing else matters . However it does for a lot of supporters. They will expect a modern day smooth experience with good tech, good food, food prices that are matched by quality, short queues and entertainment.
A fair few casual supporters may only come to the odd home game and perhaps big events in other sports where some or all of the above is what they expect all sports to be like. I like going to the likes of Kenilworth road and moaning about burnt food, abysmal seating and god awful toilets. I’d still go to home games if that is all we had. So would 3000 others. But we have to have more than that to realise the dream of sustainable high quality football.
There seem to be even more opinions on the merits of beers than about the merits of the footballers. I bet there is more actual experience behind evaluating the beer than the players.
@wingnut et al,
There have been a few comments on the Gasroom regarding posters being critical about aspects of the 'Matchday Experience'. I am one who has been vocal on certain aspects. My intention when posting such comments was simply to supply feedback to Directors who we know are intending to listen to supporters and wish to learn and improve. Without reasoned and clear comments, they may not get sufficient feedback from which to work.
I am aware that something was also said somewhere (was it on a tweet from Peter C? - I do not do Twitter) about giving feedback directly to the Club, rather than just posting on social media.
What is needed is perhaps some system of separate threads on the Club's own website for feedback to be provided on topics such as:-
Parking - cost of main car park and any links with factories close to the ground;
Park & Ride - cost, convenience of location and pick up locations
Buses - possible Park & Ride to the Train Station or the Handy Cross P&R car park;
Tickets - ease of downloading matchday / season tickets;
Food - (in the tent and in the Vere) variety, availability and price;
Drink - (ditto) and in this case the time taken to obtain it!;
Food and drink in the stadium - variety of offering, speed of delivery and price;
Programmes - availability and price;
Entertainment - outside and at half time;
Announcements - style of delivery, content & volume.
The match itself was great and there was a time when I came on my own for that alone. However, in recent years I have brought friends who have since bought season tickets. We now aim to arrive early and occasionally stay after. We wish to spend money with the Club and to enjoy the Matchday Experience. I suspect we all wish the Club to prosper financially and I am sure many posters on here would be only too pleased to assist the Directors by offering feedback and possible offer to volunteer to spread the word in any way we can. Above all, this needs to remain a family Club with everybody emphasising the positive moves.
@ReturnToSenda said:
In fairness, the club specifically asked for feedback on Twitter yesterday.
In fairness Twitter isn't everyones cup of tea and if they were really serious about feedback. They could email them and maybe they will. The club used to invite fans to focus groups. Wonder if still do those as I haven't had an invite in a long time
Ultimately the only feedback that matters is if people stop buying the services. Telling us it's a great match day experience doesn't make it a good matchday experience.
@Thicketblue said: @wingnut et al,
There have been a few comments on the Gasroom regarding posters being critical about aspects of the 'Matchday Experience'. I am one who has been vocal on certain aspects. My intention when posting such comments was simply to supply feedback to Directors who we know are intending to listen to supporters and wish to learn and improve. Without reasoned and clear comments, they may not get sufficient feedback from which to work.
I am aware that something was also said somewhere (was it on a tweet from Peter C? - I do not do Twitter) about giving feedback directly to the Club, rather than just posting on social media.
What is needed is perhaps some system of separate threads on the Club's own website for feedback to be provided on topics such as:-
Parking - cost of main car park and any links with factories close to the ground;
Park & Ride - cost, convenience of location and pick up locations
Buses - possible Park & Ride to the Train Station or the Handy Cross P&R car park;
Tickets - ease of downloading matchday / season tickets;
Food - (in the tent and in the Vere) variety, availability and price;
Drink - (ditto) and in this case the time taken to obtain it!;
Food and drink in the stadium - variety of offering, speed of delivery and price;
Programmes - availability and price;
Entertainment - outside and at half time;
Announcements - style of delivery, content & volume.
The match itself was great and there was a time when I came on my own for that alone. However, in recent years I have brought friends who have since bought season tickets. We now aim to arrive early and occasionally stay after. We wish to spend money with the Club and to enjoy the Matchday Experience. I suspect we all wish the Club to prosper financially and I am sure many posters on here would be only too pleased to assist the Directors by offering feedback and possible offer to volunteer to spread the word in any way we can. Above all, this needs to remain a family Club with everybody emphasising the positive moves.
Well said, pretty much my situation as well. Of course we all know that on the pitch is more important, and there's no doubt that is going really well.But I like to come down with friends and have a few drinks before and after and make it a social occasion as well. I'm more than happy to give them time to get it right, and hopefully they will soon. But it will put people off when what is promised isn't delivered.
Comments
I don’t think there is a problem about showing replays, as you say we used to do that, but perhaps the guys controlling the new screen don’t yet have that facility at their disposal. I will ask the question and report back.
Once upon a time it was the Woodlands Terrace. I just now sit about 20 foot higher than where I used to stand….
If memory serves it was also where the away fans stood with segregation 1/3 of the way along?
You are right @bookertease, I remember the horrible Col U fans being in that section some while back.
I remember that too and it definitely wasn’t segregated the night I am thinking of as I was stood with them. If I remember correctly a Keith Scott goal was quickly followed by being kicked down the terrace and being rescued from the floor by a friendly steward.
Ta muchly.
Initial line ups, pre match razzmataz and showing our goals seem the 3 key uses to me.
There was talk of showing the early kick offs on there too.
Not sure how good a watch that'd be from so far away in the Woodlands in fairness!
Good point.
Although that is going back 20 or so years now!
On the replays, quite possibly the feature not yet at the disposal of the TV guys as previously suggested - and the club has advertised for operators for the electronic barriers so possibly quite a lot to manage at present to run everything to its full potential.
@Malone - probably more like 30.
I think we're beginning to see the difficulties in getting someone in to run the football club, whose vision is to make a profit by introducing an American-style match day experience... while also introducing American-style cost cutting.
That vision is up against the inexorable force of the British football fan, who care less about the quality than about the convenience.
If they're going to put the price of beer and burgers up dramatically they will have to increase the levels of service to grease the process - because few of us will be prepared to pay more for the same product while having to queue significantly longer to experience it.
The other key thing they need to sort quickly is access into the ground. Losing the bus service from the train station makes the club appear inhospitable and unwelcoming to the casual fan coming from out of town. In my case, it also meant 45 fewer minutes in the beer tent while I walked to the ground; heading straight to my seat instead of buying a couple of pints.
Do we still have a general manager or was that post removed in one of the various reorganisations? If not they might want to consider advertising for a 'matchday experience manager' pretty pronto.
Losing that bus service is ridiculous. No other way of 'cutting it'
@aloysius I’ll give everyone a bit longer before I judge too much, everyone’s an expert and all that.
@peterparrotface if there's one thing I learnt from yesterday...you know your onions
Agreed, @peterparrotface - though I did cock a slight eyebrow at Pete's tweet where he said the problems were partly caused by there being no opportunity for a soft launch before the season. Wasn't the Leicester friendly the very definition of an opportunity for a soft launch?!
Petition to ban the term 'matchday experience'. Going to the football and having a few pints and a bite to eat doesn't need to be an experience.
It's a right of any Bucks man or woman
I keep mentioning that the club made noises about "enhancing" the Arriva busses.
It seems surprising that they've started by cutting the existing ones out.
Though maybe as it's been 18months since the last one means you can't really call it existing.
But food and programmes to one side, getting the town centre specialist football busses back has to be priority one.
Could have utilised the 5 buses they had for the park and ride.At least 2 too many.
Out of interest, roughly how many cars/ people did use the park and ride would you say, @Aylesburyblue?
Hard one..I would say no more than 40 cars..we was 2nd bus back and so some had left already but looking at the spaces I would say between 30-40.
OK. Thanks. Would you do it again?
If parking continues to be difficult I would.With getting stuck for 20 mins in hillbottom Road I pretty much got home around the same time as I would parking in nearby roads..would think lincoln would bring a few so would have a knock on affect with parking.As a club I would recommend the club advertising it to away fans.
Can’t comment on food quality as arrived at 2:55 after parking a mile away at a friend’s house (very helpful recent move on their part). Didn’t leave my very clean seat at half time and left on the whistle. That said, prior to lockdown when casual supporting friends were with us we’d enjoyed the beer tent outside and eaten from various food trucks with no complaints and much satisfaction. And on wet days and years past we’d made good use of the real ale corner inside. Long suffering wife nagged to get us there for 1 so we could get a few in. I do hope that selection and atmosphere can return. A quick eyeball of the neighbourhood in block Q FA suggested not many people had club bought food and drink, my guess is fewer than usual. The prices do seem high but if reported quality can be improved it may work out. Although how much better can tea and coffee be? Maybe reduce the things we can bring ourselves (Mars bar, bottle of water, brew in a flask)?
Ground looked nice, the scoreboard is impressive (goal replays would be a pleasure although I assume If contentious a risk and by the time the footage is checked…) and I was absurdly pleased by the clock in the centre of the main stand (if that was there season before last then it’s memory clinic for me).
Tannoy- volume OK for me close to the front of block Q. I’d prefer the music to fade as soon as we enter the field but it’s not a biggie for me (I happen to like GnR and the Cult). The enthusiasm of the announcer I can live with.
Half time entertainment - meh, but easily fixed. Good ideas on here although one of my favourites at an away somewhere was a race between home and away supporters in those Zorb things. Anything that gets the travelling support involved is always fun. Maybe something that kids who’ve travelled can be part of? Win a ball signed by their team captain and ours or something?
50/50- that’s a real shame. It was surely my turn after years and years of never getting close! Seriously I wonder why it’s gone? Presumably handled by volunteers so I can’t see what the downside was?
As for parking.. looks like the factory on the right just before the ground has gone as an option. Shame as Her Indoors had schmoozed the guys there so well that they let us in even when ‘full’. I didn’t see what the other units were charging - no spaces and ‘park here for £x’ boards removed at 2:45?
Park and ride to west Wycombe could be the answer on days our friends have no space. It has to be car for us coming from Bedfordshire.
And as for the football- excellent fare. Terrace in good voice, Vokes will be quality and McCleary… wow! If Horgan can find the target and Mehmeti not go down the rabbit hole of showmanship/doing it all himself over finding other players with the killer pass then I expect us to thump a few teams and do very well against the ‘big clubs’.
Finally, I appreciate the argument that it’s all about the game and get that right and nothing else matters . However it does for a lot of supporters. They will expect a modern day smooth experience with good tech, good food, food prices that are matched by quality, short queues and entertainment.
A fair few casual supporters may only come to the odd home game and perhaps big events in other sports where some or all of the above is what they expect all sports to be like. I like going to the likes of Kenilworth road and moaning about burnt food, abysmal seating and god awful toilets. I’d still go to home games if that is all we had. So would 3000 others. But we have to have more than that to realise the dream of sustainable high quality football.
There seem to be even more opinions on the merits of beers than about the merits of the footballers. I bet there is more actual experience behind evaluating the beer than the players.
@wingnut et al,
There have been a few comments on the Gasroom regarding posters being critical about aspects of the 'Matchday Experience'. I am one who has been vocal on certain aspects. My intention when posting such comments was simply to supply feedback to Directors who we know are intending to listen to supporters and wish to learn and improve. Without reasoned and clear comments, they may not get sufficient feedback from which to work.
I am aware that something was also said somewhere (was it on a tweet from Peter C? - I do not do Twitter) about giving feedback directly to the Club, rather than just posting on social media.
What is needed is perhaps some system of separate threads on the Club's own website for feedback to be provided on topics such as:-
Parking - cost of main car park and any links with factories close to the ground;
Park & Ride - cost, convenience of location and pick up locations
Buses - possible Park & Ride to the Train Station or the Handy Cross P&R car park;
Tickets - ease of downloading matchday / season tickets;
Food - (in the tent and in the Vere) variety, availability and price;
Drink - (ditto) and in this case the time taken to obtain it!;
Food and drink in the stadium - variety of offering, speed of delivery and price;
Programmes - availability and price;
Entertainment - outside and at half time;
Announcements - style of delivery, content & volume.
The match itself was great and there was a time when I came on my own for that alone. However, in recent years I have brought friends who have since bought season tickets. We now aim to arrive early and occasionally stay after. We wish to spend money with the Club and to enjoy the Matchday Experience. I suspect we all wish the Club to prosper financially and I am sure many posters on here would be only too pleased to assist the Directors by offering feedback and possible offer to volunteer to spread the word in any way we can. Above all, this needs to remain a family Club with everybody emphasising the positive moves.
In fairness, the club specifically asked for feedback on Twitter yesterday.
Has anyone got a copy/link for the new menu within the ground?
In fairness Twitter isn't everyones cup of tea and if they were really serious about feedback. They could email them and maybe they will. The club used to invite fans to focus groups. Wonder if still do those as I haven't had an invite in a long time
Ultimately the only feedback that matters is if people stop buying the services. Telling us it's a great match day experience doesn't make it a good matchday experience.
Well said, pretty much my situation as well. Of course we all know that on the pitch is more important, and there's no doubt that is going really well.But I like to come down with friends and have a few drinks before and after and make it a social occasion as well. I'm more than happy to give them time to get it right, and hopefully they will soon. But it will put people off when what is promised isn't delivered.
Excellent comments. Why not print it off and post it to the club, or perhaps they do read this after all as some seem to doubt.