Guy Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Although we're not exactly in a rich vein of form at the moment like we were for throughout most of last season under Pearson, even so the attendances at the Walkers so far this season have been poor overall in my opinion! There might have been a general air of despondency following the manner of our penalty shoot-out defeat in Cardiff from last season and it might be that there was some sort of hangover from that night still prevalent in the air at the start of this season but even so we now have a high profile manager in charge and you'd think the attendences would be far better than they are, not 10,000 shy of capacity now every game! For last season's opener at the Walkers against Swansea for example we got 26,171 whereas against Middlesbrough this season (the pre-season favourites for promotion no less!) we only mustered a miserly 21,587. Moreover I don't recall Swansea bringing many more away fans the year previously to what M'Boro' did this....to me it was almost as if we were back in League One or something!! That said, even against MK Dons in the League One season's curtain opener for us in August 2008 we still managed to get 23,500........that's still a respectable 2,000 more than against M'Boro' for this season's opener if I've done my maths right. Maybe MK Dons brought more away than Swansea and M'Boro but not many more I wouldn't have thought! Perhaps this season's low attendances are all down to a combination of factors though - the disillusionment from some re the manner in which Pearson left in the summer, the residual disappointment of the manner of the play offs defeat from last season against Cardiff as already said, plus the lingering spectre of a disastrous World Cup in South Africa for the national squad inbetween that has possibly put a good 5,000+ off regularly attending the Walkers now that were there last season? It's also not getting any cheaper to do so of course! Is it down to the recession though? It wasn't as if the country was in any better a financial state throughout last season yet we were regularly still getting 24000-25000 through the turnstiles......and even with the likes of Barnsley and Scunny at home it was 22,000, 23,000! We got 29,067 v Newcastle (which was on Sky too!) and 31,759 v Forest. Even with the ex England manager in charge now, Sven (surely the biggest name since M.O'Neill), then you'd think that at least attendances would be as good as last season's. How do Derby still manage to get 8,000 more a game on average compared to us for instance, even when they're sh*t and four from bottom?! Puzzled!
Mack Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 For me it's simple. I have been to every game so far but with Christmas coming and 2 kids to please 30 quid on a ticket plus a drink, maybe a burger and the petrol and it's just too much. I was gutted I missed yesterday's game, and sulked most of the afternoon. If they dropped the prices a bit I am sure we would have another few thousand on the gate, and the added atmosphere would really help the team.
Guest Bilo Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Overpriced tickets. Poor atmosphere. Fans treated like shit. Popular manager shifted on for a 'Hollywood' appointment. Poor start to the season. Not difficult to work out really.
Dan Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 That argument is full of shite I'm afraid. I mean lets not kid ourselves - the prices have gone up, so obviously there'll be a decline, at least some decline anyway. Also, some of the figures are massively wrong - well this isn't a figure, but Middlesbrough was actually our 2nd game this year as opposed to Swansea and MK, which were both openers in a new division. Also, Swansea brought a good 3,200 as opposed to the 1,300 each MK and Boro both took. And Derby - they are a bigger club it's fact, but in our defence, we have to compete with the Tigers, Forest have to compete with Notts County, Derby have basically no competition at all.
Guest Bilo Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 That argument is full of shite I'm afraid. I mean lets not kid ourselves - the prices have gone up, so obviously there'll be a decline, at least some decline anyway. Also, some of the figures are massively wrong - well this isn't a figure, but Middlesbrough was actually our 2nd game this year as opposed to Swansea and MK, which were both openers in a new division. Also, Swansea brought a good 3,200 as opposed to the 1,300 each MK and Boro both took. And Derby - they are a bigger club it's fact, but in our defence, we have to compete with the Tigers, Forest have to compete with Notts County, Derby have basically no competition at all. We don't play on the same day as the Tigers do at home and haven't since they built the Cat Stand, I would imagine Nottingham City Council insist on similar for Forest and County as well.
Mack Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 We don't play on the same day as the Tigers do at home and haven't since they built the Cat Stand, I would imagine Nottingham City Council insist on similar for Forest and County as well. You are missing the point mate. Tigers and Foxes fans are one and the same, and when times are hard people will chose which to go to, rather than both. Forest and County are separate clubs without any crossover fans.
Spudulike Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 That argument is full of shite I'm afraid. I mean lets not kid ourselves - the prices have gone up, so obviously there'll be a decline, at least some decline anyway. Also, some of the figures are massively wrong - well this isn't a figure, but Middlesbrough was actually our 2nd game this year as opposed to Swansea and MK, which were both openers in a new division. Also, Swansea brought a good 3,200 as opposed to the 1,300 each MK and Boro both took. And Derby - they are a bigger club it's fact, but in our defence, we have to compete with the Tigers, Forest have to compete with Notts County, Derby have basically no competition at all. Derby are a bigger club ?? They give away free season tickets with mobile phone contracts costing about 30 squid a month. http://www.buymobilephones.net/free-gifts/FREE-DCFC-Adult-Season-Ticket
davieG Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Derby have more ST holders due to their more generous ST package that pretty much guarantees them a higher gate. I would imagine both clubs have similar levels of 'transient' fans because they all suffer from the same financial constraints and other influences. I can't see that they're a 'bigger' club.
Guest Bilo Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Derby are a bigger club ?? They give away free season tickets with mobile phone contracts costing about 30 squid a month. http://www.buymobilephones.net/free-gifts/FREE-DCFC-Adult-Season-Ticket Derby have more ST holders due to their more generous ST package that pretty much guarantees them a higher gate. I would imagine both clubs have similar levels of 'transient' fans because they all suffer from the same financial constraints and other influences. I can't see that they're a 'bigger' club. Both very true. Derby offer far more generous ST packages than we do at better prices, there's no reason why we couldn't match them in terms of numbers if the wise and powerful men at the top looked into offering similar deals.
Spudulike Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 ...and lets not forget, all those with mobile phone free season tickets get counted even if they don't turn up.
Dan Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 I don't think there's much in it but I don't think we're a bigger club than Derby. My point is though Bilo, very few people go to both the Tigers and City, if the Tigers weren't there - regardless of how often they don't play on the same day - we'd get far higher crowds.
Spudulike Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 You are missing the point mate. Tigers and Foxes fans are one and the same, and when times are hard people will chose which to go to, rather than both. Forest and County are separate clubs without any crossover fans. Tigers and Foxes fans are one and the same ?? Bit of a sweeping statement there. I'm a City fan that wouldn't be seen dead at Welford Road (apart from the cemetery). I don't think that I'm the only one.
davieG Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 I don't think there's much in it but I don't think we're a bigger club than Derby. My point is though Bilo, very few people go to both the Tigers and City, if the Tigers weren't there - regardless of how often they don't play on the same day - we'd get far higher crowds. By what criteria do you think Derby are bigger though?
davieG Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Tigers and Foxes fans are one and the same ?? Bit of a sweeping statement there. I'm a City fan that wouldn't be seen dead at Welford Road (apart from the cemetery). I don't think that I'm the only one. Might be sweeping but there are a few, I'd consider going to both if I could afford it, I'd even like to take in the Riders and a bit of cricket.
Guy Posted 31 October 2010 Author Posted 31 October 2010 As I don't live anywhere near to Leicester these days, being exiled in Devon as I have been for the past five years, then I am only being observant for the three times I've managed to attend the Walkers so far this season when comparing it to the previous two seasons so perhaps I'm not the best qualified person for starting such a thread?! - but I think my observations have been a fair assessment of things so far this season as I've seen them when compared to the other two seasons pror to this. Maybe it has been down to the managerial merry-go-round and poor start thus far - and nothing else. Looking back, perhaps the novelty of being in League One gave us comparitively good attendances throughout that season two years ago (plus pretty much knowing we'd win it from the off really, with only Leeds being a realistic threat to us at the time - not Posh as it turned out!). Then the momentum gained from convincingly winning League One possibly spilled over into the start of last season (v Swansea) - and with it the success and form back in the Championship - something that probably kept the attendances very healthy thoroughout it and to the end. It's also fair to say that Swansea and MK Dons probably brought more with them than M'Boro' did this season too. The nature of the defeat away to C.Palace on the opening day was probably instrumental in denting the Walkers' opener attendance too. There is probably a lot of truth in the Derby matter re mobile phone contracts = free season tickets to swell the attendances at PP! It obviously creates a better atmos. when the ground's full. Derby have played well at home this season so far too, so it's perhaps no coincidence! It is true that Derby have no competition from a successful rugby team but like us, they have no other footballing city rivals either. I suppose that there's fcuk all else to do there in life anyway! I dare say they do more incentives to get more bums on seats there too though - something which has been noticeably absent this season at the Walkers when compared to even last season. I well recall the Plymouth game last season being only £10 for members to gain entry to and I bet there were other such like cheaper graded fixtures too. It just seems to have applied to the League Cup games this season....and probably will again if we get a minnow-like or very mediocre team at home in the FA Cup 3rd round. As for Tigers and City, as I'm not a rugby lover at all then I can't really comment on that side of things, the clashing of the two sports, but they rarely (if ever) both play at home on the same day nowadays of course like they did in days gone by.....which is perhaps just as well, although as one of the posters said, it appears to have made little to no difference anyway! As for folk with kids to bring along too and with Christmas et al looming on the horizon once again!- I sympathise with you re the lack of deals available from the powers that be this season to encourage more in, especially youngsters - not good.......
Jackirius Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Its hard for a lot of people who live outside of Leicester. I mean it costs me and my dad when we go about £120 just for petrol and tickets. Then there are programmes, food, drink etc...
dave the caveman Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Its hard for a lot of people who live outside of Leicester. I mean it costs me and my dad when we go about £120 just for petrol and tickets. Then there are programmes, food, drink etc... Indeed. I think maybe 10% or 15% of my Leicester supporting friends from college still live in or around Leicester. Much of the young demographic that supports Leicester is the same demographic that is most likely to leave the city once they reach 18 - 21, and unfortunately Leicester itself isn't often seen as a great place to come back to.
Guy Posted 31 October 2010 Author Posted 31 October 2010 Indeed. I think maybe 10% or 15% of my Leicester supporting friends from college still live in or around Leicester. Much of the young demographic that supports Leicester is the same demographic that is most likely to leave the city once they reach 18 - 21, and unfortunately Leicester itself isn't often seen as a great place to come back to. Granted re the student outlook on attending games. That must have some bearing on attendances from season to season as well - like you're alluding to - as many would probably only go back to Leicester for special occasions once they'd moved away to seek justifiable work to match their quals. and after studies, special occasions to them are probably not just to watch City in their eyes! It is a rather different scenario for me than it is for some who have to travel from afar re getting to Leicester these days. Although I live in Plymouth these days, I still get to about 7-8 games at the Walkers and about 2 away from home per season so I like to think I'm pretty loyal still, given the logistics of everything! However my folks still live in Northamptonshire so it makes the whole thing easier for me - plus as I have a flexible work situation, then I haven't necessarily just got to travel separately up to Leic. and return back home on the same day (or perhaps on the next day latest) like I'm sure many have to who live 100+ miles away from Leicester and get very little time off from their routines in distant places away from there. It cannot be easy. Even so to me that doesn't explain an average of 4000-5000 less in attendances in an outright sense in the same division, a year later....!
CosbehFox Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Easy to explain.... Prices and fans treated like they are thick. The most important of all....success! I suggest you look at attendances overall...down throughout
Mack Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Tigers and Foxes fans are one and the same ?? Bit of a sweeping statement there. I'm a City fan that wouldn't be seen dead at Welford Road (apart from the cemetery). I don't think that I'm the only one. I'm with you, I detest egg chasing but there are plenty that go to both. And there will be those that will choose the rugger over us. The club need to do more to get floating fans to show up, and help us who cant afford to get there at this time of year to do so.
Guy Posted 31 October 2010 Author Posted 31 October 2010 Easy to explain.... Prices and fans treated like they are thick. The most important of all....success! I suggest you look at attendances overall...down throughout Attendances at the Walkers so far this season against the so called better sides - QPR, Middlesbrough (now debatable of course!), Cardiff - have been about the same as they were against the lesser sides last season though such as Plymouth, Scunny, Barnsley, Preston! - unless you simply meant that football overall has suffered with it's attendances this season to date? While the idyllic saying is support your team, even if they're struggling (as that's when they need you most!), I guess when tickets are between £23-£30 on average there now then it's very much easier said than done........! More price deals are needed as I said to attract the floaters back, what happened to the "categorised" game system, were they scrapped after last season?
CosbehFox Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Yes I mean attendances throughout the country. Ticket prices are going up, families are squashing their spending and the target audience of 18 to 30 with your jobs is becoming smaller. Bar promoted or successful sides, crowds down. Look at Man United v Wolves in the week. The categorised system is still there. M'boro was more expensive. I believe it's the three local rivals, Leeds and Ipswich in the higher category.
Guy Posted 31 October 2010 Author Posted 31 October 2010 Yes I mean attendances throughout the country. Ticket prices are going up, families are squashing their spending and the target audience of 18 to 30 with your jobs is becoming smaller. Bar promoted or successful sides, crowds down. Look at Man United v Wolves in the week. The categorised system is still there. M'boro was more expensive. I believe it's the three local rivals, Leeds and Ipswich in the higher category. Tnanks mate, I was a bit out of touch with the pricing strategies this season but thought there must still be one in place. Like you said though, even the cheaper catergory games this season are probably the same as last season's premium ones - Gold/Platinum?! or whatever they called the biggie games....!
ozleicester Posted 31 October 2010 Posted 31 October 2010 Derby are a bigger club ?? They give away free season tickets with mobile phone contracts costing about 30 squid a month. http://www.buymobilephones.net/free-gifts/FREE-DCFC-Adult-Season-Ticket Bang!... if city did stuff like this.. id be a season ticket holder right now!
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