Leave the fleece to the sheep

[Thracian]

http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/details.asp?k...102006342004631

The Blue Army website says Football clubs must start looking at the cost of alternative entertainment as a basis for their pricing structure and the author has a point.

Five pounds for 15 minutes football (when you can call it that) is a lot of money compared with £15 for a four-hour game of golf (the author must have gone to a pitch and putt place for £10) or two/three hours at the flix for the cost of that 15-minute stint of watching football.

If television and other special situations can fund the ludicrous wages paid to footballers who often fail to entertain (one of the key reasons for their professional being) I don't give a damn but the fans themselves have choices now - and a lot more of em than they had in the 50's.

I don't know about "We're In It Together".

"Fair Play For Football Fans" might be a better banner for our club......

Pricing/publicity/public relations/on field performance all need a radical overhaul from what I can see.

[Fox in a Box]

Pricing/publicity/public relations/on field performance all need a radical overhaul from what I can see.

yes about right!

The Marketing Dept, (Jo Bucci) who has now gone really havent got a clue........

I really want my club to be great again....bring back Barrie Pierpoint!! he know how to polish a turd!

[Surreal Madrid]

for the cost of that 15-minute stint at the Walkers.

The price comparison is for St Andrews, not our ground.. I'm sure Birmingham don't have imaginative ideas like us, for instance free season tickets for kids, the October ticket offer, the vouchers for tickets for those who attended the Hereford game ( I pooled mine with friends and encouraged a lot of people to attend the Colchester game who wouldn't have gone otherwise ), the £5 voucher for the Stoke game with the Villa tickets. Oh, forgot the £10 Villa match tickets for season ticket holders ( £10 for the Villa fans as well ).

[Thracian]

The price comparison is for St Andrews, not our ground.. I'm sure Birmingham don't have imaginative ideas like us, for instance free season tickets for kids, the October ticket offer, the vouchers for tickets for those who attended the Hereford game ( I pooled mine with friends and encouraged a lot of people to attend the Colchester game who wouldn't have gone otherwise ), the £5 voucher for the Stoke game with the Villa tickets.

Thanks for that. I've altered it in my post.

I also take your point that efforts are being made in this direction - and thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Hereford - but the fact remains that an underperforming Leicester are never going to attract/re-attract new/lost fans with standard prices being so high.

And of course those targets wouldn't be likely to want season tickets to start with, however much that would please the club.

Apart from the cost not every potential fan is especially committed to Leicester City. Some just want to watch a decent football match, some have other things they want/need to do on occasions.

But do we even promote our games as an "attraction"?.

If you go to watch a film you have some idea of what it's about and know exactly who's going to be in it.

We don't even announce the team squad on the days before. Times I've gone down and wished I hadn't because it's more of the defensive rubbish which has stiffled any ambition in the first place.

But if someone announced a proper team with real ambition - then I'd be encouraged.

Can you imagine the stir if a Thursday/Friday announcement were made.....!

Logan;

Stearman, McAuley, Kisnorbo, Sheehan;

Hammond/Gradel, Wesolowski,Williams, Porter,

Collymore (imagine the interest if he signed), Hume/Fryatt/O'Grady.

Subs: Henderson, Kenton, McCarthy, Chambers/Hammond/Gradel, Hume/Fryatt/O'Grady.

Or something on similar lines?

We might be in the business of winning but we're also in the entertainment business.

Negative football has recently been cited, among other reasons, in a specially commissioned report on why football attendances have dropped.

Sooner or later we'll get the message...

[Surreal Madrid]

Thanks for that. I've altered it in my post.

I also take your point that efforts are being made in this direction - and thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Hereford - but the fact remains that an underperforming Leicester are never going to attract/re-attract new/lost fans with standard prices being so high.

And of course those targets wouldn't be likely to want season tickets to start with, however much that would please the club.

Apart from the cost not every potential fan is especially committed to Leicester City. Some just want to watch a decent football match, some have other things they want/need to do on occasions.

But do we even promote our games as an "attraction"?.

If you go to watch a film you have some idea of what it's about and know exactly who's going to be in it.

We don't even announce the team squad on the days before. Times I've gone down and wished I hadn't because it's more of the defensive rubbish which has stiffled any ambition in the first place.

But if someone announced a proper team with real ambition - then I'd be encouraged.

Can you imagine the stir if a Thursday/Friday announcement were made.....!

Logan;

Stearman, McAuley, Kisnorbo, Sheehan;

Hammond/Gradel, Wesolowski,Williams, Porter,

Collymore (imagine the interest if he signed), Hume/Fryatt/O'Grady.

Subs: Henderson, Kenton, McCarthy, Chambers/Hammond/Gradel, Hume/Fryatt/O'Grady.

Or something on similar lines?

We might be in the business of winning but we're also in the entertainment business.

Negative football has recently been cited, among other reasons, in a specially commissioned report on why football attendances have dropped.

Sooner or later we'll get the message...

I take your point, apart from the Collymore part. In my opinion we would be the laughing stock of football if we allowed him anywhere near us, but that's just my opinion. To be honest I can't see any club in the top two leagues being interested. He may be able to get fit ( tho' I don't think so ), but his mental health would be a worry to many. Anyhow, that's just my take on things.

[Manwell Pablo]

I take your point, apart from the Collymore part. In my opinion we would be the laughing stock of football if we allowed him anywhere near us, but that's just my opinion. To be honest I can't see any club in the top two leagues being interested. He may be able to get fit ( tho' I don't think so ), but his mental health would be a worry to many. Anyhow, that's just my take on things.

Laughing stock of football? A bit harsh, he's had Championship clubs after him for awhile and his agent is holding out for a Prem deal. the blokes got bags of talent which should allow him to play at some level resembling decent well into his late thirties ala Di Canio, Sherringham, Speed. His comment about not burning himself out are also true and work in his favour.

Fair enough he's a trouble maker and signing him could be a risky and expensive venture, but I think signing Collymore would move us away from the laughing stock of football image, one that we soon will aquire if we don't start doing something positive on the pitch.

[Surreal Madrid]

Laughing stock of football? A bit harsh, he's had Championship clubs after him for awhile and his agent is holding out for a Prem deal. the blokes got bags of talent which should allow him to play at some level resembling decent well into his late thirties ala Di Canio, Sherringham, Speed. His comment about not burning himself out are also true and work in his favour.

Fair enough he's a trouble maker and signing him could be a risky and expensive venture, but I think signing Collymore would move us away from the laughing stock of football image, one that we soon will aquire if we don't start doing something positive on the pitch.

Di Canio, Sherringham and Speed have looked after themselves and kept themselves at a high level of fitness. Collymore has been sat on his arse for the last five years. Not a great deal of comparison there. His agent is holding out for a Prem deal? I think he might be waiting for a while, I might as well say I'm holding out for a Prem deal - it isn't going to happen.

[Thracian]

Laughing stock of football? A bit harsh, he's had Championship clubs after him for awhile and his agent is holding out for a Prem deal. the blokes got bags of talent which should allow him to play at some level resembling decent well into his late thirties ala Di Canio, Sherringham, Speed. His comment about not burning himself out are also true and work in his favour.

Fair enough he's a trouble maker and signing him could be a risky and expensive venture, but I think signing Collymore would move us away from the laughing stock of football image, one that we soon will aquire if we don't start doing something positive on the pitch.

I think Collymore's magnificent hat-trick against Sunderland was the last time I was really excited watching Leicester (apart from Sheffield United perhaps).

If that makes him nuts I'll have a dozen!.

True talent never dies. I remember the incomparable Stanley Matthews coming to Filbert Street with Stoke when he was 50 and going on one run which took him past virtually the entire Leicester side, only for him to shoot wide of an open goal which was typical of the bloke in some ways.

If I can risk a few grand on poxy shares I'm bloody sure I'd take my chances on Stan.

Asaba and Farrelly won't lift a limp cock but Collymore would make everyone's spirits rise even if he couldn't keep it up for long!.

[Surreal Madrid]

I think Collymore's magnificent hat-trick against Sunderland was the last time I was really excited watching Leicester (apart from Sheffield United perhaps).

If that makes him nuts I'll have a dozen!.

True talent never dies. I remember the incomparable Stanley Matthews coming to Filbert Street with Stoke when he was 50 and going on one run which took him past virtually the entire Leicester side, only for him to shoot wide of an open goal which was typical of the bloke in some ways.

If I can risk a few grand on poxy shares I'm bloody sure I'd take my chances on Stan.

Asaba and Farrelly won't lift a limp cock but Collymore would make everyone's spirits rise even if he couldn't keep it up for long!.

And he would be a really great role model for the youngsters in the squad as well! Everyone is a winner!

[Thracian]

And he would be a really great role model for the youngsters in the squad as well! Everyone is a winner!

I've known lots of real villains become decent role models over time.

But, whatever, any youngster intent on being a sports professional and who has coped with the discipline of being a football apprentice for years is also likely to have a mind of his own and, quite likely, parents who have backed him to the hilt judging by the family members you see at the Academy matches.

Bad role models turn up in all walks of life - parish priests, teachers, policemen - and football is no different. Expecting that your son will never meet one is like trying to turn back the tide.

The important thing is making sure your kids have the wisdom to cope.

Not that I believe Collymore is any way difficult to cope with.

[Swedging]

Not that I believe Collymore is any way difficult to cope with.

Yeah, dealing with people with mental health issues is a doddle. Especially ones who like their drink, drugs, dogging and whacking people.

[Surreal Madrid]

Bad role models turn up in all walks of life - parish priests, teachers, policemen - and football is no different. Expecting that your son will never meet one is like trying to turn back the tide.

But do we have to thrust one upon them? Anyway it's not going to happen, he tried a comeback a couple of years ago, and it got him zilch. I would guess this desperate attempt is because Stan and/or his agent see this as one last payday. I doubt if there is much enthusiasm for football, his five year holiday would give evidence for the fact he is not interested one iota. This is all about money - fortunately ( in this case ) LCFC haven't any to give him to feed his addictions.

[Thracian]

Yeah, dealing with people with mental health issues is a doddle. Especially ones who like their drink, drugs, dogging and whacking people.

My father was a nurse at the Towers and my sister is a trauma counsellor so I'm well aware of the potential problems - and I'd say Stan's a long way down the list of difficult people to deal with.

[Sooper Steve's shin]

Can you imagine the stir if a Thursday/Friday announcement were made.....!

Logan;

Stearman, McAuley, Kisnorbo, Sheehan;

Hammond/Gradel, Wesolowski,Williams, Porter,

Collymore (imagine the interest if he signed), Hume/Fryatt/O'Grady.

Subs: Henderson, Kenton, McCarthy, Chambers/Hammond/Gradel, Hume/Fryatt/O'Grady.

Or something on similar lines?

I appreciate that you are excited by our young players but, apart from the novelty of Collymore, I don't see what is particularly stirring about that lineup - you've basically added a left-back who we've currently shipped out to Mansfield to our current team.

True enough, Stan's return would generate a bit of publicity but I do not think for a moment he'll ever be fit enough to play League football again. And whoever does pick Stan up (if anyone is mad enough to do so) will be made to look like fools - just look at Gazza's attempted comebacks. Collymore is in the same vein, he was never right in the head when he had supervision from coaches, medical staff etc. Nowadays, he should stick to reality TV.

Don't get me wrong, I loved him when he was playing for us (who can forget the Sunderland game where he partnered Heskey) and it would be exciting (and more worth watching than recent games) if he came back but it wouldn't be particularly helpful if we want to win a few Championship games. If you want to watch legends, flick the TV on and watch The Match or the Masters Tournament.

[Surreal Madrid]

My father was a nurse at the Towers and my sister is a trauma counsellor so I'm well aware of the potential problems - and I'd say Stan's a long way down the list of difficult people to deal with.

You've met him personally on a number of occasions then, including his troubled times. I assume you've also read his case notes from the Priory to make such a statement - otherwise it is complete and utter tosh. Speaking as one who has had personal issues with mental health, I wouldn't trust a diagnosis from someone such as yourself - I would rather see a professional.

[Thracian]

I appreciate that you are excited by our young players but, apart from the novelty of Collymore, I don't see what is particularly stirring about that lineup - you've basically added a left-back who we've currently shipped out to Mansfield to our current team.

True enough, Stan's return would generate a bit of publicity but I do not think for a moment he'll ever be fit enough to play League football again. And whoever does pick Stan up (if anyone is mad enough to do so) will be made to look like fools - just look at Gazza's attempted comebacks. Collymore is in the same vein, he was never right in the head when he had supervision from coaches, medical staff etc. Nowadays, he should stick to reality TV.

Don't get me wrong, I loved him when he was playing for us (who can forget the Sunderland game where he partnered Heskey) and it would be exciting (and more worth watching than recent games) if he came back but it wouldn't be particularly helpful if we want to win a few Championship games. If you want to watch legends, flick the TV on and watch The Match or the Masters Tournament.

I aslo added Gradel but that apart, sadly, you're probably right.

As a Leicester fan these days, it is tempting to resort to fantasy.

Mind you. It would be interesting to have a poll on who the fans would rather have training with us with a view to their possible signing:- Asaba, Farrelly or Collymore.

[Fez of Mahrez]

I aslo added Gradel but that apart, sadly, you're probably right.

As a Leicester fan these days, it is tempting to resort to fantasy.

Mind you. It would be interesting to have a poll on who the fans would rather have training with us with a view to their possible signing:- Asaba, Farrelly or Collymore.

I think it's fairly obvious what the answer to that is. I'd be more interested to see whether Leicester fans think Collymore's arrival and integration into a 4-4-2 would stunt the progress of two of the most promising young strikers we've had at the club at the same time since the 1980s.

Of course in your fantasy world it would all work out perfectly, Stan would turn to God and become the perfect model citizen while scoring 35 goals and squeezing us into the play-offs on the last day. However, I think it's a real possibility that he could be no more effective than Fryatt and Hume.

The more I think about this, the more it makes me realise how desperate and deluded the average Leicester fan has become.

[Guest]

We all want see better players and a better standard of football, but where's the money supposed to come from?

The easy argument is if we want it, we should pay for it.

*For those who haven't guessed already, I like to play the role of Devil's Advocate. Anything posted in this, or any other thread may not be my own point of view.

[Surreal Madrid]

We all want see better players and a better standard of football, but where's the money supposed to come from?

The easy argument is if we want it, we should pay for it.

Some people hold Leeds and Birmingham up as examples of clubs that are being well run and have had an outside input of money. They conveniently forget both sets of fans are paying through the nose at the turnstiles. I'm not saying the owners of both clubs are wrong, but if we were to get an outside saviour, I can assure the Leicester fans who moan about our ticket prices now, they would be a hell of a lot higher in future. And those prices would not guarantee success.

[Manwell Pablo]

I aslo added Gradel but that apart, sadly, you're probably right.

As a Leicester fan these days, it is tempting to resort to fantasy.

Mind you. It would be interesting to have a poll on who the fans would rather have training with us with a view to their possible signing:- Asaba, Farrelly or Collymore.

[Thracian]

I think it's fairly obvious what the answer to that is. I'd be more interested to see whether Leicester fans think Collymore's arrival and integration into a 4-4-2 would stunt the progress of two of the most promising young strikers we've had at the club at the same time since the 1980s.

Of course in your fantasy world it would all work out perfectly, Stan would turn to God and become the perfect model citizen while scoring 35 goals and squeezing us into the play-offs on the last day. However, I think it's a real possibility that he could be no more effective than Fryatt and Hume.

The more I think about this, the more it makes me realise how desperate and deluded the average Leicester fan has become.

Alternatively the guy could enjoy our training facilities, get himself fit enough to be included in the squad, be the subject of an eve-of-match announcement, boost the gate, create some national publicity and a bit of buzz, come on with 20 minutes to go and give the fans something to get excited about.

His presence would probably give a gee up to all our strikers who have all been under-performing despite the midfield being the major source of our problems.

I agree our strikers are promising - but no more so than Dodds and Chambers - and I wasn't at all impressed with the apparent fitness level of Fryatt when he started the season.

Stowell says competition for places is good and if what you say is true they should have no problem shaking off a challenge from Collymore for the role of first choice striker.

That being the case we might still have benefitted from his cameo contributions and the buzz he created around the place. And, some of his (footballing) skills might have rubbed off on the others because I was always a believer in having the best skills around the place that you could afford. It knocks on.

Altogether a far better bet than Asaba/Farrelly for me.

[Dr The Singh]

Alternatively the guy could enjoy our training facilities, get himself fit enough to be included in the squad, be the subject of an eve-of-match announcement, boost the gate, create some national publicity and a bit of buzz, come on with 20 minutes to go and give the fans something to get excited about.

His presence would probably give a gee up to all our strikers who have all been under-performing despite the midfield being the major source of our problems.

I agree our strikers are promising - but no more so than Dodds and Chambers - and I wasn't at all impressed with the apparent fitness level of Fryatt when he started the season.

Stowell says competition for places is good and if what you say is true they should have no problem shaking off a challenge from Collymore for the role of first choice striker.

That being the case we might still have benefitted from his cameo contributions and the buzz he created around the place. And, some of his (footballing) skills might have rubbed off on the others because I was always a believer in having the best skills around the place that you could afford. It knocks on.

Altogether a far better bet than Asaba/Farrelly for me.

Agreed, don't worry, once Collymore has been snubbed by the prem clubs, he will see sense and join us on a 'non contractual basis', come of it , we have Asaba and Farelly, why not Collymore!!

[Ultra]

Laughing stock of football? A bit harsh, he's had Championship clubs after him for a while

Says who?

And which Championship clubs would these be?

If they REALLY wanted to take him on surely they would have done so by now?

[Ultra]

Don't get me wrong, I loved him when he was playing for us (who can forget the Sunderland game where he partnered Heskey) and it would be exciting (and more worth watching than recent games) if he came back but it wouldn't be particularly helpful if we want to win a few Championship games. If you want to watch legends, flick the TV on and watch The Match or the Masters Tournament.

Spot on!

[Ultra]

I think it's fairly obvious what the answer to that is. I'd be more interested to see whether Leicester fans think Collymore's arrival and integration into a 4-4-2 would stunt the progress of two of the most promising young strikers we've had at the club at the same time since the 1980s.

Of course in your fantasy world it would all work out perfectly, Stan would turn to God and become the perfect model citizen while scoring 35 goals and squeezing us into the play-offs on the last day. However, I think it's a real possibility that he could be no more effective than Fryatt and Hume.

The more I think about this, the more it makes me realise how desperate and deluded the average Leicester fan has become.

Not "the average Leicester fan", just "the average message board user". There is a difference.

But I didn't see you moaning the other week when 90%+ on here were agreeing with the "bring in Mandaric" post.