: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:24 am  

We need to look at history a bit too.

On 13/4/08 (our only league home game that month) we had 2,024 for a game v Featherstone (with a solid away support)

on 9/4/07 we played Dewsbury and got 1,889.

Doncaster at home in league in 2007, towards the end of the campaign, produced a crowd of 1,905.

The reality is that despite all the success on the field - we have not added a SIGNIFICANT increase in supporters who are paying and thus securing the future of the club. I suspect that as kids were "in for a quid" we probably took less money than in 2007 against higher costs (inflation). As Gateshead will bring few fans the club needs 500 new FULL PAYING fans each game as a minimum to build up income.

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:39 am  

Although we're playing some wonderful stuff, we still haven't actually won anything, or got to a Final as yet. When this eventually happens it'll PROVE we're the real thing which will get some of the floaters back. Winning the NRC for a start would be a great kick start.

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:00 am  

Tony Fax wrote:

Although we're playing some wonderful stuff, we still haven't actually won anything, or got to a Final as yet. When this eventually happens it'll PROVE we're the real thing which will get some of the floaters back. Winning the NRC for a start would be a great kick start.

Like I have said on another post I have seen people I have not seen for years down there just of late and this Sunday I saw someone who vowed never to come back again around 6yrs since but it is new fans we need to encourage as well.I still think the away support is down as people cannot afford it following home and away.

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:28 am  

I thought the away support at Whitehaven was fantastic...and thats one of the most costly away trips we have to make.

I know we haven't won anything, but we are now top of the league, the press is good, people around the town are talking about the rugby and we need to get people coming back, and if good press isn't bringing people back then we need to be more creative...hence my original suggestion.

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:58 pm  

Howardposner wrote:

We need to look at history a bit too.

On 13/4/08 (our only league home game that month) we had 2,024 for a game v Featherstone (with a solid away support)

on 9/4/07 we played Dewsbury and got 1,889.

Doncaster at home in league in 2007, towards the end of the campaign, produced a crowd of 1,905.

The reality is that despite all the success on the field - we have not added a SIGNIFICANT increase in supporters who are paying and thus securing the future of the club. I suspect that as kids were "in for a quid" we probably took less money than in 2007 against higher costs (inflation). As Gateshead will bring few fans the club needs 500 new FULL PAYING fans each game as a minimum to build up income.

Hmmmm. Rather worrying. Could be a fly in the ointment in what is turning out to be a potentially historic season for the club. How long can we sustain this squad on crowds of 2,000? Finances could be eased if we progress beyond Castleford, take the NRC and appear in the GF but long term - we need to be converting on-field success into bums on seats. What if it doesn't happen?

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:13 pm  

Keep the faith. I know for a fact that people are keeping a track of our progression. If we manage to make the grand final this year i'm sure we will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of dormant support there is actually still out there.

On top of this I feel once the east stand is finally finished the club as a whole will have a greater appeal to it somehow, it would sure look like a more complete package and a much more appealing visit from the outside.

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:21 pm  

Howardposner wrote:

We need to look at history a bit too.

On 13/4/08 (our only league home game that month) we had 2,024 for a game v Featherstone (with a solid away support)

on 9/4/07 we played Dewsbury and got 1,889.

Doncaster at home in league in 2007, towards the end of the campaign, produced a crowd of 1,905.

The reality is that despite all the success on the field - we have not added a SIGNIFICANT increase in supporters who are paying and thus securing the future of the club. I suspect that as kids were "in for a quid" we probably took less money than in 2007 against higher costs (inflation). As Gateshead will bring few fans the club needs 500 new FULL PAYING fans each game as a minimum to build up income.

I think this also tells a story looking at other clubs crowds this weekend and that is the Easter programme is too much for the fans, the last game of the holiday period seems like a miss for a lot of fans.
Maybe time to just play one game over the easter weekend?

: Mon Apr 20, 2009 9:40 pm  

we need to use this:

Link removed. TS.

I refer you to the AUP, point 1.2b

: Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:53 am  

Don't laugh but....

I know two lads who have been going for years. They weren't there on Sunday because, "we know that they'll win easy....".

: Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:04 am  

Piston Broke wrote:

Don't laugh but....

I know two lads who have been going for years. They weren't there on Sunday because, "we know that they'll win easy....".

That was someones excuse for skipping the Batley match,