I will probably be banned yet again for this, but here goes.
I don't think our SC's are too expensive, I think they are realistically priced.
I also see a justification for an inflationary increase.
HOWEVER.
The EB communication and shameful drawn out responses since the initial communication in bald stark email are what has left an awful taste in my mouth.
If the club had come out and thanked SC holders for their support, expressed understanding of the economic climate, the inflationary pressures they faced, the regrettable need to increase price to keep the club competitive; together with outlining their ambitions/intentions, then they would have barely created a wave.
Had they offered the 4 month payment plan, they would have committed most people, they would then have got the money before their financial year ended and in time for the opening of the summer window.
So the pitiful communication and high handed arrogance really rankled with me.
But my objection extends to Match Day pricing, where the figures demanded are extortionate. The price of a family to randomly attend a match at The Riverside is now scandalous.
My frustration extends beyond pricing, to so very many aspects of the club's interaction with fans.
The shameful retail strategy and operation; the woeful concourse offering and service; the amateur communication and PR from the club and the attitude to any form of criticism.
The initial extension of the deadline by 2 weeks was greeted by Rob as some kind of minor miracle - such a wonderful concession...
Then RF managed to get the U18 SC for EB reduced.
They got it through threatening to protest and good on them; let's not forget, like me they were highlighting the injustice - and financial lunacy - of Gibson's initial plan.
The season has been awful and our squad is a million miles from a top 6 squad. So much fan disgruntlement can be diffused by the football on the pitch and the club status.
The Club a year ago felt so much better. A real connection between Manager, players and fans. Big away support; crowds rising towards sell outs; exciting players pulling on the shirt, playing some of the best football for years and flying towards second spot. We fell short, but there was so much goodwill and willingess to support the surely inevitable ambition about to be shown in the summer window.
A year later, the players are significantly inferior, the performances a dire contrast and that connection strained.
What a time to assumptively reach the hand out for more money, even earlier, without thanks or reason to believe.
There are 7 of us as SC holders in the West Upper.
I sat by myself against Norwich, for the third time this season. I couldn't blame the others for not coming.
Around me there were loads of missing SC holders.
There is disgruntlement and a disconnect.
Many will renew as it is ritual, routine, in our blood.
4 of the 7 of us will, but 3 of 7 won't. If that is replicated through the SC base then the number would drop from c22k to c13k, with 2k of those being free kids in the white elephant but above criticism GRFZ.
I hope that ratio doesn't happen as I don't want to sit in those 2012-14 crowds again.
Meanwhile the constant circling of the wagons around the club whatever it does is mind numbing.
There are a couple of hundred Uriah Heeps who seem wedded to being ever so 'umble.
