Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 1:28 am  

As a St Helens fan today was probably the most disappointing visit ever to Widnes and in that is someome in their 5th decade of watching my team.

During the 1980's when we were not playing I would often visit Naughton Park to watch the entertaining Widnes teams. I was at OT when you won the WCC against Canberra.

I have been quite vociferous in support of Widnes in their attempt to get back in the big time. I played at a high amateur level and always thought that Widnes was an out and out RL town. You were undoubtedly shafted when you were relegated and I always thought there was great support for the club at elite level.

Todays game was the first proper derby we have had for a few years. I went to the Crown for a pint and walked to the ground and you wouldn't think there was a game on.

I have today, irrespective of the way the game itself, felt quite despondant.I know there were significant competing sporting events but the sparse attendance was a complete embarassment. An attendance of just over 3000 2/3 rds of which was probably Saints fans is sad.

I know Widnes are struggling and posted my thoughts on that on another thread but where are all those people whinging about exclusion now ?

The Widnes team never threw the towel in today and could have won it at the death. Your team and the game surely deserve better ?

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:11 am  

It was an embarrassing turn out but is was more of a protest than anything else. After what has gone on at the club in the last week has ensured that the fans voted with their feet. Add to the fact that it was £20 to buy an advanced ticket, £22 on the day, people are bound to be put off. Also when the stronghold was announced it was said that the 1st challenge cup game would be included in the price. Times are hard for some people and with the way the team performed against Bradford, most people made the decision to watch on TV. It probably been a better idea if both clubs would have agreed to cut the cost to £10 for season tickets.

The challenge cup is usually poorly supported anyway so not so much of a surprise.

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 9:38 am  

I wouldn't be overly concerned. Judge them on the turnout for the league game, which I imagine would have at least 3 times more people attending

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 12:45 pm  

Wheres all this "stay away protest" crap come from.............

widnes Fans were giddy as anything when the announcement was made and they were back in the big time....this massively historic club with its state of the art stadium and its massive fan base was back where it belonged according to many fans of various clubs???

And many a post from your own fans limited your expectations by stating you expected to be in the bottom three..........??

your in the bottom three as expected so what's the protest about...??

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 12:59 pm  

It wasn't a protest at all. Simple facts are, we're playing crap and I mean crap so people aren't going to pay to watch us, no chance. If cas, London, wakey or any other club were in our position the same would happen. Combine this with. Saturday tea time kick off and it's televised a lot of people would have gone the pub for the game

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 1:40 pm  

Maybe protest was a little too far. There were quite a few factors for the low turnout, performances, price, being live on Tv etc. I was not one of those that stayed away and wouldnt criticise anybody from not attending.

Saints fans cant have a go , their attendances last year were shocking.

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 1:49 pm  

I was in work. Don't judge a brother.
Haters gunna hate.

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 3:31 pm  

HARDMAN wrote:

Maybe protest was a little too far. There were quite a few factors for the low turnout, performances, price, being live on Tv etc. I was not one of those that stayed away and wouldnt criticise anybody from not attending.

Saints fans cant have a go , their attendances last year were shocking.

We did play the season out of town to be fair and they were not that bad.

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:05 pm  

If we were playing well you'd only be able to add an extra 1000 on that gate. Cup games, and indeed play-off games, are always poorly attended across the board. Don't care.

Re: Shame : Sun Apr 15, 2012 8:22 pm  

What can you say... we've been poor at times this season and following the performance against Bradford a lot of fans thought why bother paying £22 or more if they're bringing kids and turning up for a game in which we will probably get thrashed when they can watch it on TV for free.

I went and it was embarrassing, but in the end to those that chose not to go...love them!!! The actual supporters were there!