Season Ticket Sales

[StuRomseySaint]

I dont agree, for once the club and I it seems shares the view that i have held for a long time that what goes on on the pitch is more important than anything else. More important than burgers, pies, beer, radio stations, half time entertainment and pandering to the whim of every one that will always find something to moan about. Decent players, playing decent football and actually showing abit of ambition and try to win something, if we have to pay a bit more for a bit of quality then i am all for it, thats why i buy my clothes at Sakks and not primark.

 

I don't think I have once said that I think the tickets are too expensive ( although I have stated the match tickets and season tickets are not only one of/the most expensive tickets in the league, and well in the top half of the Championship, even more expensive than a large number of Premiership clubs ) , I have no problem with the cost, which is acceptable.

 

The issue is the way the club is deliberately trying to make the purchasing of season tickets as restrictive and awkward as possible to ensure minimal takeup... that is wrong in my opinion, shows a complete lack of care for the customer and infact shows a contempt for the customer.

 

I have no problem paying for success. What I do have a problem with is being treated like a complete mug by the club. If the club is not taken to task with regards to this then it will only get worse.

 

Like you, I couldn't give a toss about the new kit, beers, pies or any other crap like that, but I do take issue with the club exploiting and ripping off fans.

Edited 17 June, 2010 by StuRomseySaint

[Colinjb]

Is there a voucher booklet in the back of the season tickets? I seem to remember a few seasons ago there was a tenner off a home shirt?

Was wondering if their was a similar offer to ST holders for the new shirt this season?

Cheers

 

Couldn't say. The tickets are being sent out mid way through July. We will know then.

[John Smith]

Have to agree that this appears to be a massive OG by the club. I seriously expected us to sell 20k STs this season; despite watching Saints for near on 40 years I have never ever had a ST due to a combination of finanance/family/location. Last year I attended 10 home and 10 aways and was this season seriously considering that Iwas in a position to buy what would have been my first ever STs for both my self and my son. Despite the combination of the distance to travel and the fact that I could only probably make 15 home games I would have considered 300 'reasonable' for a cheap seat to watch 3rd division football, to 'belong to the family', to guarantee tickets for cup games etc. And if I'd bought those tickets this year, I would in all probability have renewed them on into the future. Considering the add-ons of travel/food/beer/parking are probably anything up to 75 quid a game for the two of us it would also have been considerably easier to get it past my financial manager (Mrs Sandwich) on a 6 month interest free payment scheme rather than ripping north of 600 quid out of my family budget right in the middle of holiday/MOT/car insurance renewal time.

 

Needless to say I won't be buying one on 'principle'; the club have treated their existing STs absolutely abysmally since the end of the season, no information released, very limited window to buy at discount, no reminders and virtually no publicity, and very limited incentive for 'new' STs to join - all covering up increased prices (for what is essentially the same product).

 

 

What other firms are hiking their prices 10%-20% in a recession and alienating a proportion of their existing customer base?

 

Have to say Mr Cortese is either very brave or very foolish - this has the potential to really come back and bite him.

 

FROM 3 months ago looking forward to getting my first ever pair of ST's and turning my 10 homes and 10 aways into 15 homes and 5 aways, I'm now in a position where I am quite likely to do 5 homes and 15 aways!

 

Can we fit the sylables of 'Nicola Cortese - customer service genius' into the the Paul Wotton chant?

 

So, leaving the match by match based scenario and just looking at this ST argument, I think you've just come across as a little bit strange. Let me explain. You are not currently a season ticket holder and NEVER have been, and yet you are up in arms about this price hike and freezing true supporters out of owning a ST. Well, where were you when Crouch did his March Madness, where were you complaining when Lowe kept the ST prices at the same level when we got relegate to the CCC? When the ST's were released last year at such a low cost, especially for concessions, why didn;t you get one, installments and all? If it was money, location, life etc, how were the club to know?

 

Look, if all of those price cuts couldn;t convince you to commit for the last 40 years, and you didn;t complain about them when we got relegated, or the prices when we moved to SMS, why should you bombard us all with this argument, when you've NEVER had a ST, and I only have your word that you were going to get one this year? By all accounts and the evidence of the last 40 years, you weren't going to get one this year either, not slating you, just the facts are stacked against you. Then, you take it upon yourself to complain on my behalf? I'm sorry, but I'm happy to pay my money this season, it should be one of the best!

 

lastly, let me fill you in. I followed Saints as a kid when I could. I couldn;t afford, or rather my parents couldn;t afford to take me to games. I used to go once a year between the ages of 7 and 14, and this was my birthday present. After I got a milk round at14, I could afford to go to a few more games, then at 15, I got a cleaning job, which paid quite well for my age, and I went to every home game and most away games. Even through my GCSE's, I continued my job in the evenings, so I could watch Saints at the week end. Into college and University, I worked for B&Q in order to fund my support and my social life! In all those years, I never dreamed of getting a season ticket, I NEVER had the money in my pocket. When I stopped playing football, I had agreed with my father that we'd get season tickets and so, for a year after retiring, he and I saved for the year and bought our first ST's the next year. The installments thing is a good idea, but it isn;t the be all and end all. If, like me, you expect to pay up fron for an expensive one time purchase, this season is no different than most of mine and your life.

 

it is a shame you can't get a ST with your child(ren), but save up, or, wait till their old enough to buy their own, it's what most of us poor people do. So please, don;t represent me on this board, these are your views, not mine. I am a regular ST holder and continue to be so. Saving up is what I was taught to do from a young age, particularly for the things you truly desire. Maybe would be a benefit to your kids if you taught them the same. You can;t always get what you want in this life, but if you really want something and it is within reasonable reach, save for it, like holidays, cars (particularly your first), and ST's!

[aintforever]

The way the club has treated ST holders is a disgrace IMO. I guess Cortese thinks by forcing people to pay on a match by match he can make more money but I for one will just cherry pick the games I want to go to, and that's not many because most of the teams we play are just generic League 1 ****e. I can easily afford a ST but wont get one out of principle.

 

June 2009 - Please throw your money in the bucket to keep me in a job.

 

June 2010 - Give us £400 in 20 days time or lose the seat you have had since SMS was built.

 

Bunch of arrogant tossers.

[StuRomseySaint]

So, leaving the match by match based scenario and just looking at this ST argument, I think you've just come across as a little bit strange. Let me explain. You are not currently a season ticket holder and NEVER have been, and yet you are up in arms about this price hike and freezing true supporters out of owning a ST. Well, where were you when Crouch did his March Madness, where were you complaining when Lowe kept the ST prices at the same level when we got relegate to the CCC? When the ST's were released last year at such a low cost, especially for concessions, why didn;t you get one, installments and all? If it was money, location, life etc, how were the club to know?

 

Look, if all of those price cuts couldn;t convince you to commit for the last 40 years, and you didn;t complain about them when we got relegated, or the prices when we moved to SMS, why should you bombard us all with this argument, when you've NEVER had a ST, and I only have your word that you were going to get one this year? By all accounts and the evidence of the last 40 years, you weren't going to get one this year either, not slating you, just the facts are stacked against you. Then, you take it upon yourself to complain on my behalf? I'm sorry, but I'm happy to pay my money this season, it should be one of the best!

 

lastly, let me fill you in. I followed Saints as a kid when I could. I couldn;t afford, or rather my parents couldn;t afford to take me to games. I used to go once a year between the ages of 7 and 14, and this was my birthday present. After I got a milk round at14, I could afford to go to a few more games, then at 15, I got a cleaning job, which paid quite well for my age, and I went to every home game and most away games. Even through my GCSE's, I continued my job in the evenings, so I could watch Saints at the week end. Into college and University, I worked for B&Q in order to fund my support and my social life! In all those years, I never dreamed of getting a season ticket, I NEVER had the money in my pocket. When I stopped playing football, I had agreed with my father that we'd get season tickets and so, for a year after retiring, he and I saved for the year and bought our first ST's the next year. The installments thing is a good idea, but it isn;t the be all and end all. If, like me, you expect to pay up fron for an expensive one time purchase, this season is no different than most of mine and your life.

 

it is a shame you can't get a ST with your child(ren), but save up, or, wait till their old enough to buy their own, it's what most of us poor people do. So please, don;t represent me on this board, these are your views, not mine. I am a regular ST holder and continue to be so. Saving up is what I was taught to do from a young age, particularly for the things you truly desire. Maybe would be a benefit to your kids if you taught them the same. You can;t always get what you want in this life, but if you really want something and it is within reasonable reach, save for it, like holidays, cars (particularly your first), and ST's!

 

My f*cking god. We even have people giving out family planning advice on this forum as well.

 

You also completely missed the point that he was (quite rightly) expecting to be able to afford a 6 month payment plan and had budgeted his money for this.

 

And before the " you should never assume " cr@p you will no doubt respond with... We have had an installment plan for the last 8 or so years, the club did not tell us any different and it is NORMAL practice around the country to have an installment plan. Every single Championship club has one apart from Doncaster. Every single Premier League team with demand has one. Many many League 1 teams with smaller support than ours have one. Everyone who was relying on an installment plan is fully justified in expecting one.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

Cortese is seriously deluded if he thinks that people who can't afford to pay for a season ticket all in one go are going to then pay separately and still go to every home game, which is what I think he thinks.

[StuRomseySaint]

Cortese is seriously deluded if he thinks that people who can't afford to pay for a season ticket all in one go are going to then pay separately and still go to every home game' date=' which is what I think he thinks.[/quote']

 

I know that, you know that, and I have no doubt that David Luker knows that. The average person will not pay to go to 14 home games, which is their break even point. Not a chance.

[View From The Top]

it is a shame you can't get a ST with your child(ren), but save up, or, wait till their old enough to buy their own, it's what most of us poor people do. So please, don;t represent me on this board, these are your views, not mine. I am a regular ST holder and continue to be so. Saving up is what I was taught to do from a young age, particularly for the things you truly desire. Maybe would be a benefit to your kids if you taught them the same. You can;t always get what you want in this life, but if you really want something and it is within reasonable reach, save for it, like holidays, cars (particularly your first), and ST's!

 

You pompus @rse.

 

Having used an installment plan previously it is reasonable to expect it to continue unless it is indictaed otherwise and when it is removed, to suddenly find that you need to pay ££ upfront, for families especially, it is a big issue.

 

Most of us pay our council tax monthly and would be screwed in they turned around in April and with no warning told us we had to pay upfront. No doubt, being an uber saver, you've that tucked away just in case as you're brill'.

[View From The Top]

It will depend on how well we are doing. Anything less than fantastic and his plan falls apart.

[Whitey Grandad]

It will depend on how well we are doing. Anything less than fantastic and his plan falls apart.

 

Yes, it would appear to confirm my impression that Cortese knows nothing about the commercial aspects of running a footblall club.

[StuRomseySaint]

You pompus @rse.

 

Having used an installment plan previously it is reasonable to expect it to continue unless it is indictaed otherwise and when it is removed, to suddenly find that you need to pay ££ upfront, for families especially, it is a big issue.

 

Most of us pay our council tax monthly and would be screwed in they turned around in April and with no warning told us we had to pay upfront. No doubt, being an uber saver, you've that tucked away just in case as you're brill'.

 

Spot on.

 

I use the installment plan and always have relied on it, because it's the way I budget my money. My 2 sons birthdays are in March, I budget to spend 6 months from April paying for my season ticket, and the following 6 months I spend on their birthdays. Doesn't make me a pikey... people budget in different ways, the installment plan fitted in perfectly for me. 6 months saving for football, 6 months saving for the kids birthdays.

 

Apparantly though if I rely on an installment plan it means I am not budgeting my money and too poor for a season ticket.

 

On a last note, the club are slowly closing the doors on any form of communication with Saints fans, I note the facebook page has now been pulled, as have the links to it on the OS.

 

This is just the start...

[View From The Top]

Yes, it would appear to confirm my impression that Cortese knows nothing about the commercial aspects of running a footblall club.

 

A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush I'd suggest.

[sandwichsaint]

So, leaving the match by match based scenario and just looking at this ST argument, I think you've just come across as a little bit strange. Let me explain. You are not currently a season ticket holder and NEVER have been, and yet you are up in arms about this price hike and freezing true supporters out of owning a ST. Well, where were you when Crouch did his March Madness, where were you complaining when Lowe kept the ST prices at the same level when we got relegate to the CCC? When the ST's were released last year at such a low cost, especially for concessions, why didn;t you get one, installments and all? If it was money, location, life etc, how were the club to know?

 

Look, if all of those price cuts couldn;t convince you to commit for the last 40 years, and you didn;t complain about them when we got relegated, or the prices when we moved to SMS, why should you bombard us all with this argument, when you've NEVER had a ST, and I only have your word that you were going to get one this year? By all accounts and the evidence of the last 40 years, you weren't going to get one this year either, not slating you, just the facts are stacked against you. Then, you take it upon yourself to complain on my behalf? I'm sorry, but I'm happy to pay my money this season, it should be one of the best!

 

lastly, let me fill you in. I followed Saints as a kid when I could. I couldn;t afford, or rather my parents couldn;t afford to take me to games. I used to go once a year between the ages of 7 and 14, and this was my birthday present. After I got a milk round at14, I could afford to go to a few more games, then at 15, I got a cleaning job, which paid quite well for my age, and I went to every home game and most away games. Even through my GCSE's, I continued my job in the evenings, so I could watch Saints at the week end. Into college and University, I worked for B&Q in order to fund my support and my social life! In all those years, I never dreamed of getting a season ticket, I NEVER had the money in my pocket. When I stopped playing football, I had agreed with my father that we'd get season tickets and so, for a year after retiring, he and I saved for the year and bought our first ST's the next year. The installments thing is a good idea, but it isn;t the be all and end all. If, like me, you expect to pay up fron for an expensive one time purchase, this season is no different than most of mine and your life.

 

it is a shame you can't get a ST with your child(ren), but save up, or, wait till their old enough to buy their own, it's what most of us poor people do. So please, don;t represent me on this board, these are your views, not mine. I am a regular ST holder and continue to be so. Saving up is what I was taught to do from a young age, particularly for the things you truly desire. Maybe would be a benefit to your kids if you taught them the same. You can;t always get what you want in this life, but if you really want something and it is within reasonable reach, save for it, like holidays, cars (particularly your first), and ST's!

 

Good come back and good to see lots of your life has been like much of my life but I'm not sure that's a totally correct interpretation of what I posted?

 

Getting a ST probably falls into one of three catergories:

 

number 1 - pay-up! Simples, for many fans (10,OOO maybe?) an ST is one of their annual expenses, pay cash (save up!), pay on instalments, beg, steal or borrow, a ST is what they do and they will 'always' get one. Absolutely fair play to them - they can afford it, it's their money, etc. etc. These customers are the least resistant to price changes and within reason will pay what the club asks.

 

number 3 - can't afford it, don't have one, don't want one, don't need one. These fans for whatever reason do not buy season tickets, they may well want to, but at 'any price' they will effectively be out of their orbit. Fair play to them, they are still fans, they still like to go to as many games as possible etc. etc.

 

which leaves number 2 - somewhere in between, shall we call them 'potential ST holders' (10,000 maybe?). These fans, for any number of reasons, have held STs on and off, or even, God forbid, have NEVER had a season ticket ever (much like yourself in your example and myself in my post). Where people's propensity to buy is marginal it could be affected by many factors of which 'price' is only one; distance to travel, ease of travel, time available, potential number of games available for, etc. all need to be factored into the equation, and no doubt for some fans 'winning' and 'success' are also a big draw. For myself, I loved last season, I like spending the time with my son, I am at a stage of life where I can afford it, I enjoy the vibe around the club, and most importantly I have free-ed up a lot of my Saturday afternoons that were previously spoken for (whisper it, the h-word, hockey). If I put all that in the mix my own personal price-point/VFM index comes out at somewhere around the 300 mark, my own choice, my own price point, and one that is totally unique to me; equally the club are fully entitled to ask 400. Result is I walk away and both of us are in theory 'happy' at that outcome (I suspect both of us are actually 'unhappy' at that outcome).

 

The thrust of my post was 'what was the club doing to attract these 10000 potential/marginal ST holders?'; fans that Leeds, Charlton and Norwich attract and keep? My subjective answer and from my own point of view is 'very little', you may not agree, you may not be particualry bothered, either way that's your choice.

 

I don't have a problen with any of the above, or your counter arguements, my only issue is where you assume I was speaking for you or for anybody else! Nowhere in my post did I express anything other than my own personal opinion.

 

My personal opinion was, and remains, that existing STs (of whom I have never been one and don't profess to speak for) were treated very shabbily by the club between March and June, they are not being actively encouraged to renew, and the club is not actively persuing a strategy to build on last year's feelgood factor and move to an established fan base of 20k ST holders (which I feel is eminently possible from the position we are in).

 

Hope that clears it up a bit, I've always enjoyed reading your posts and have often agreed with you (and vice-verca IIRC) during the Lowe times - agree this season 'should be one of the best', enjoy it , I will.

[Turkish]

I don't think I have once said that I think the tickets are too expensive ( although I have stated the match tickets and season tickets are not only one of/the most expensive tickets in the league, and well in the top half of the Championship, even more expensive than a large number of Premiership clubs ) , I have no problem with the cost, which is acceptable.

 

The issue is the way the club is deliberately trying to make the purchasing of season tickets as restrictive and awkward as possible to ensure minimal takeup... that is wrong in my opinion, shows a complete lack of care for the customer and infact shows a contempt for the customer.

 

I have no problem paying for success. What I do have a problem with is being treated like a complete mug by the club. If the club is not taken to task with regards to this then it will only get worse.

 

Like you, I couldn't give a toss about the new kit, beers, pies or any other crap like that, but I do take issue with the club exploiting and ripping off fans.

 

You get too worked up Stu, i was going to get a season ticket this season, as there is no installment plan i'm not, i'll just buy per game, as i have done for the last few years, makes no odds to me either way, i'll still go to games. In some ways it better not to have a season ticket, you can sit where you want, if you cant be arsed to go then you do feel obliged you go because you have allready shelled out for a season ticket. I think people seem to think there is some sort of status associated with having a season ticket, that it in someway makes you a better fan and they have to have one, like they have to have a new kit not only that but have to have it on the day it comes out, then announce it to the world on here, that they queued from 6.30, did this that and the other. How often when you ask someone if they are a Saints fan do they reply 'yeah, season ticket holder' when a simple 'yes' would do? You have a choice to go to games or not, if it doesn't suit you or think you are being fleeced, dont go. Its not like fukcing council tax which IS a rip off but you've got no choice but to pay it.

[derry]

I don't use the instalment plan but I can see why it's termination is a problem for those that wish to buy the ticket that way. It would have been easier to justify if notice of the withdrawal had been given at the end of the season or even better before the end of the season. Having said that, I, along with friends who pay up front have no problem with the withdrawal.

 

I personally think that by the first match there will be at least the same number of tickets as last year. As far as I know about 10% buy on instalment but I think many of those will pay up front, some by borrowing elsewhere. I think there will be many more supporters buying tickets for the first time this year on the promise of a successful season and it is by a long way the cheapest way to watch home games.

 

Contrary to the views of some on here, I just don't think the club see it as a major issue. Bearing in mind the numbers involved, 50k at Wembley. 21k average last season, 14k STs, the fact that only a proportion won't renew and will probably be replaced by new applicants, the club will probably feel getting rid of the costs of running the scheme is worthwhile. If they find that it doesn't work then at some point the instalment plan will be reinstated.

[Whitey Grandad]

A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush I'd suggest.

 

Oh, every time!

[St_Tel49]

how can you forget to renew a ST, out of interest?

Quite easily as it happens if you have loads of work and home things to think about. The postal prompt is a useful reminder that time is passing and you need to get on with it. I haven't renewed yet and just realised that the deadline is not too far away..

[StuRomseySaint]

You get too worked up Stu, i was going to get a season ticket this season, as there is no installment plan i'm not, i'll just buy per game, as i have done for the last few years, makes no odds to me either way, i'll still go to games. In some ways it better not to have a season ticket, you can sit where you want, if you cant be arsed to go then you do feel obliged you go because you have allready shelled out for a season ticket. I think people seem to think there is some sort of status associated with having a season ticket, that it in someway makes you a better fan and they have to have one, like they have to have a new kit not only that but have to have it on the day it comes out, then announce it to the world on here, that they queued from 6.30, did this that and the other. How often when you ask someone if they are a Saints fan do they reply 'yeah, season ticket holder' when a simple 'yes' would do? You have a choice to go to games or not, if it doesn't suit you or think you are being fleeced, dont go. Its not like fukcing council tax which IS a rip off but you've got no choice but to pay it.

 

I don't like a season ticket because I think it is a status symbol. I have a season ticket because I am a lazy arse and can't be bothered to get tickets for individual games, also because my group of mates all had season tickets, there is around 20 of us, all mates who sit in the same area of the Northam, this is only possible because of season tickets, that number has been more than halved because of the lack of installment plan. Lastly it's because I want priority to away games.

 

What are my top 3 away games which I would like to do this season?

 

Bournemouth

Brentford

Brighton.

 

Because I have been forced out of being able to get my season ticket this season, what are my chances of qualifying for a ticket for these games?

 

Absolutely zero.

 

It's not the status, it's not kudos or anything else, it's qualifying for away games and potential Wembley tickets etc.

 

As it happens, I will now do most, if not all away games and do a couple of big home games. Away games are a much better day than home ones and there is absolutely no motive for me to do lots of home games.

 

Then again... I am sure Cortese has that one covered by the time memberships come out.

Edited 17 June, 2010 by StuRomseySaint

[Georgie]

I don't like a season ticket because I think it is a status symbol. I have a season ticket because I am a lazy arse and can't be bothered to get tickets for individual games, also because my group of mates all had season tickets, there is around 20 of us, all mates who sit in the same area of the Northam, this is only possible because of season tickets, that number has been more than halved because of the lack of installment plan. Lastly it's because I want priority to away games.

 

What are my top 3 away games which I would like to do this season?

 

Bournemouth

Brentford

Brighton.

 

Because I have been forced out of being able to get my season ticket this season, what are my chances of qualifying for a ticket for these games?

 

Absolutely zero.

 

It's ok I won't be going to those away games so you can use my season ticket to get tickets for those! ;-)

[View From The Top]

I don't use the instalment plan but I can see why it's termination is a problem for those that wish to buy the ticket that way. It would have been easier to justify if notice of the withdrawal had been given at the end of the season or even better before the end of the season. Having said that, I, along with friends who pay up front have no problem with the withdrawal.

 

If they'd told us that they were going to remove it we could have planned ahead and that's what annoys.

 

Thankfully I'm in a position to pay for my nippers and my ticket upfront but plenty of families aren't fortunate enough to be in that position.

[saintwarwick]

I agree that we had the potential to sell up to 20,000 season tickets this season with a realistic pricing structure and a customer focused buying experience. There will not be 12k season tickets this year. The club is not even advertising them on their website anymore, let alone in the local press/media. Everything they have done is to ensure as minimal takeup of season ticket holders as possible. We could/would have had between 17 and 20k season ticket holders if they had priced accordingly.

 

Do you not agree that the club has treated their customers shocking? Do you not agree that season ticket holders deserved at least a renewal pack?

Stu, I don't agree or disagree with what you are saying, it didn't take me long to work out what to do though. 17-20k is an over estimation imo but who knows? Yes some things could of been better and dealt with better but these people are new to this I would of thought, let them do it their way and maybe learn from it. Btw I was always in agreement with the payment plan because it helped those who could not pay up front but I don't think it will affect attendances that much. Some good points though.

[NickG]

The way the club has treated ST holders is a disgrace IMO. I guess Cortese thinks by forcing people to pay on a match by match he can make more money but I for one will just cherry pick the games I want to go to, and that's not many because most of the teams we play are just generic League 1 ****e. I can easily afford a ST but wont get one out of principle.

 

June 2009 - Please throw your money in the bucket to keep me in a job.

 

June 2010 - Give us £400 in 20 days time or lose the seat you have had since SMS was built.

 

Bunch of arrogant tossers.

 

it wasn't the club who wanted or needed money in buckets, it was a foolish idea to start with.

 

The season ticket prices are reasonable.

 

They should have kept the installment plan or at least informed people of its demise - I think its a genuine shame if anyone who honestly would have bought can now not afford it because the installment plan.

 

What I can't understand is all the childish sulking and throwing teddies our prams because they haven't been personally written to and begged to renew. Its a good price, buy a season ticket if you want but ffs its hardly a matter of personal insult and the need for evaluating your principals!

[StuRomseySaint]

it wasn't the club who wanted or needed money in buckets, it was a foolish idea to start with.

 

The season ticket prices are reasonable.

 

They should have kept the installment plan or at least informed people of its demise - I think its a genuine shame if anyone who honestly would have bought can now not afford it because the installment plan.

 

What I can't understand is all the childish sulking and throwing teddies our prams because they haven't been personally written to and begged to renew. Its a good price, buy a season ticket if you want but ffs its hardly a matter of personal insult and the need for evaluating your principals!

 

What point are you trying to make? I sent the club 3 emails, of which I am expecting a response today. I am not sulking, nor am I throwing any teddies out... I have collated information and complained in the most constructive way possible, not just having a moan but offering viable solutions.

 

The club have so far taken 16 days to respond, which is yet another disregard to their very own Supporters Charter which they published only 6 months ago.

 

This particular issue might not affect you, but I have no doubt there will be many more things that come from the club over the next few months which show exactly how they feel about the supporters which pay the wages. Rest assured I will be keeping an eye on your posts if/when the club do something to get your back up that does affect you.

[NickG]

Where did I say it was you??!!

 

The installment plan did effect me.

 

What some seem to forget that this is not politics - its paying to watch football

[StuRomseySaint]

Stu, I don't agree or disagree with what you are saying, it didn't take me long to work out what to do though. 17-20k is an over estimation imo but who knows? Yes some things could of been better and dealt with better but these people are new to this I would of thought, let them do it their way and maybe learn from it. Btw I was always in agreement with the payment plan because it helped those who could not pay up front but I don't think it will affect attendances that much. Some good points though.

 

It might not have taken you long to work out what to do. The point is that it's clear as crystal that they don't want season ticket holders next season, personally I think that is wrong of the club, it shows contempt towards the fans and it will come back to bite them in the balls. I definately don't think that attendances will be comparible if we are in a similar league position to last year. We had 13,000 STH's on -10 with a very short renewal window with little or no expectation to get promoted. I would be almost certain that we would add at least 4,000 new season ticket holders to that... and would have almost 100% retention of existing season ticket holders. I certainly hadn't met one person last season towards the end who wasn't going to renew, but plenty of people who were 'coming back' so to speak.

 

The story is alot different now, none of the people I know who were going to buy a new season ticket are now, and lots of people are not renewing now. Obviously that's just my/my friends opinion, but I will be almost certain that there will be a significantly less amount of STH's next season... and that is a massive shame.

[StuRomseySaint]

Where did I say it was you??!!

 

The installment plan did effect me.

 

What some seem to forget that this is not politics - its paying to watch football

 

Didn't you say that you either a) Made other arrangements or b) Are not really bothered so you will PAYG

 

You are a tedious little trolling c*nt. Back on ignore you go.

 

Every single thread about season tickets etc you come on and try and shout down anyone who thinks they have been dealt a harsh hand by the club. You obviously don't, but what is it with your martyr position with regards to SFC, you have made other arrangements or whatever... f*ck off on another thread and start talking about the new season then.

Edited 17 June, 2010 by StuRomseySaint

[saintwarwick]

I don't use the instalment plan but I can see why it's termination is a problem for those that wish to buy the ticket that way. It would have been easier to justify if notice of the withdrawal had been given at the end of the season or even better before the end of the season. Having said that, I, along with friends who pay up front have no problem with the withdrawal.

 

I personally think that by the first match there will be at least the same number of tickets as last year. As far as I know about 10% buy on instalment but I think many of those will pay up front, some by borrowing elsewhere. I think there will be many more supporters buying tickets for the first time this year on the promise of a successful season and it is by a long way the cheapest way to watch home games.

 

Contrary to the views of some on here, I just don't think the club see it as a major issue. Bearing in mind the numbers involved, 50k at Wembley. 21k average last season, 14k STs, the fact that only a proportion won't renew and will probably be replaced by new applicants, the club will probably feel getting rid of the costs of running the scheme is worthwhile. If they find that it doesn't work then at some point the instalment plan will be reinstated.

 

The voice of reason

[aintforever]

it wasn't the club who wanted or needed money in buckets, it was a foolish idea to start with.

 

The season ticket prices are reasonable.

 

They should have kept the installment plan or at least informed people of its demise - I think its a genuine shame if anyone who honestly would have bought can now not afford it because the installment plan.

 

What I can't understand is all the childish sulking and throwing teddies our prams because they haven't been personally written to and begged to renew. Its a good price, buy a season ticket if you want but ffs its hardly a matter of personal insult and the need for evaluating your principals!

 

I'm not sulking, just going to football games less often.

 

To be honest, last year I only went to many games because I had a ST and it was already paid for. I will probably just go to the Bournemouth games plus Charlton and Wednesday, then go to the last game and join in the promotion celebrations and get a ST next year in the Championship.

[OldNick]

I agree that not sending renewals through the post is a cost saving that could back fire.

NC is a very clever businessman and must have good reason for not doing so.

I suspect there might be a sudden rush of forms going out if the take up is low. Perhaps its all part of the plan to move the Northam. Knowing those S/t holders are most likely to be more militant and of the 'Im not renewing because....' mindset.The takeup will be lower and so easier to move those that are there. I myself would be happy to do so if it means a proper Kop end.

[Turkish]

Didn't you say that you either a) Made other arrangements or b) Are not really bothered so you will PAYG

 

You are a tedious little trolling c*nt. Back on ignore you go.

 

Every single thread about season tickets etc you come on and try and shout down anyone who thinks they have been dealt a harsh hand by the club. You obviously don't, but what is it with your martyr position with regards to SFC, you have made other arrangements or whatever... f*ck off on another thread and start talking about the new season then.

 

cry baby.

[StuRomseySaint]

The voice of reason

 

Not really when I have provided FACTS 100000 times that there is NO COSTS TO THE CLUB in having an installment plan.

 

Once again we are going round in circles because some of you complete retards can't read simple English. The club is deploying tactics deliberately designed to prevent fans from qualifying for a discounted prices and forcing them to have to pay the full, premium, most expensive in League 1 and one of the most expensive in Championship prices.

 

Every other football club in England that have the deman, gives them the option to pay on intallments, some cover the cost themselves, some pass the costs on to customers. But ALL do it.

 

We have the worst fan communication in the country, the club are closing routes of communication almost daily. As recently as a couple of hours ago they have withdrawn the Official Saints Facebook page, for no apparant reason other than awkward ( but polite ) questions to the club about what is happening. The Supporters Charter has been ripped up and disregarded. Their policy of dealing with complaints has been thrown out of the window.

 

And the most important thing of all... the club are LIEING to Saints fans when justifying their actions ( and if you are reading this Mr Cortese, feel free to put me into the same law suit pile as the others, there is no law against stating FACTS ) .

 

I will stop posting until I have got the reply from the club, post it up then not comment on it at all. One thing I would say though, is count the actual usernames who keep cropping up giving the impression that the majority are happy with the way things are being communicated with the club, no doubt trolling, I am sure the number of complaints recieved ( which I believe between the Echo and Saints official site is well into 3 figures ) shows the general feeling towards how fans have been treated.

[StuRomseySaint]

I agree that not sending renewals through the post is a cost saving that could back fire.

NC is a very clever businessman and must have good reason for not doing so.

I suspect there might be a sudden rush of forms going out if the take up is low. Perhaps its all part of the plan to move the Northam. Knowing those S/t holders are most likely to be more militant and of the 'Im not renewing because....' mindset.The takeup will be lower and so easier to move those that are there. I myself would be happy to do so if it means a proper Kop end.

 

Nick, one more thing before I finish. It's got nothing to do with moving the Northam as the Chapel is still a family centre and season tickets being sold in there. The club are not going to lose any sleep if they only get 5,000 renewals - that's exactly what they want.

 

If they were actually bothered about how many people bought a season ticket, don't you think they might have conducted a bit of advertising and marketing? Maybe sent out renewal notices? Maybe even put a link on the homepage on their website? Released a couple of news stories about it? Do you think he would have given a 30 day window to renew if he wanted lotsof season ticket holders?

 

Or do you think that Cortese is a smart football businessman and thinks he will sell more season tickets if he doesn't conduct any advertising and/or send out renewal packs?

 

Anyway. That's all folks.

[for_heaven's_Saint]

The club have made two mistakes:

 

1.Take away the installment plan in order to disuade people from buying one because they think they can make more money on single game ticket sales.

2. Lie about it and more or less insult fans by blaming 'administrative fees'.

 

IMO the second point is just as bad as the first. If they want to make more money out of us why not come out and say it? If they must insist on putting PR spin on everything why not make the point that if we want to buy better players we need more money?

[NickG]

I'm not sulking, just going to football games less often.

 

 

apologies if I used your post wrongly. I hope you enjoy games you can

[NickG]

Didn't you say that you either a) Made other arrangements or b) Are not really bothered so you will PAYG

 

You are a tedious little trolling c*nt. Back on ignore you go.

 

Every single thread about season tickets etc you come on and try and shout down anyone who thinks they have been dealt a harsh hand by the club. You obviously don't, but what is it with your martyr position with regards to SFC, you have made other arrangements or whatever... f*ck off on another thread and start talking about the new season then.

 

think those teddies may even reach Fratton Park!

 

if you upset me I will scream and scream and put you on ignore!

 

grow up ffs be a man.

[OldNick]

Nick, one more thing before I finish. It's got nothing to do with moving the Northam as the Chapel is still a family centre and season tickets being sold in there. The club are not going to lose any sleep if they only get 5,000 renewals - that's exactly what they want.

 

If they were actually bothered about how many people bought a season ticket, don't you think they might have conducted a bit of advertising and marketing? Maybe sent out renewal notices? Maybe even put a link on the homepage on their website? Released a couple of news stories about it? Do you think he would have given a 30 day window to renew if he wanted lotsof season ticket holders?

 

Or do you think that Cortese is a smart football businessman and thinks he will sell more season tickets if he doesn't conduct any advertising and/or send out renewal packs?

 

Anyway. That's all folks.

 

Stu I was surprised that the club did not send out renewal forms and feel sorry for fans who dont have access to a computer/or unable to use one. Every ticket unsold due t this means it is a false economy. I get the impression that the club speak as one voice...................and 1 voice only, i dont think anybody else dares speak up against it. IMO RL was never as singleminded as NC and only in time will we see if that is good or bad.

Iam still for the club and he route it is taking, there will be casualties on the way but the big picture is all important

[sandwichsaint]

Quite extraordinary that it's come to this!

 

Last season was by common consent one of the best we have enjoyed for many years, we have almost certainly the strongest hand of any team in our league and there are probably only a handfull in the league above who could currently hold their own with us in terms of squad/manager/facilities/support; we have just won a trophy at Wembley in front of nearly 50k fans, we are in a great position to win our first league title for 50 years.

 

Only Saints could mess up with that sort of poker hand!

[stmusicdude]

Originally Posted by StuRomseySaint

Didn't you say that you either a) Made other arrangements or b) Are not really bothered so you will PAYG

 

You are a tedious little trolling c*nt. Back on ignore you go.

 

Every single thread about season tickets etc you come on and try and shout down anyone who thinks they have been dealt a harsh hand by the club. You obviously don't, but what is it with your martyr position with regards to SFC, you have made other arrangements or whatever... f*ck off on another thread and start talking about the new season then.

think those teddies may even reach Fratton Park!

 

if you upset me I will scream and scream and put you on ignore!

 

grow up ffs be a man.

 

I dont agree with everything he (stu) said & posts. I do think he has a good point here though.

I mean OK i understand those it doesn’t bother, I can understand some are unable to see the route being followed & the implications it may have. I accept all that. I even accept some of the points about it's pretty much hard luck.. yep it is .. BUT my question is, why is it bothering you that those who the no installment plan, no half season tickets & the added surcharge for booking want to express that? & want to state why it's an issue, what they think is happening? WHY join a forum if people who disagree with you you have to try shout down on every post/thread/message

are you frightened they might actually have a point & someone might agree?

If you don’t agree great but at least agree to let them express the opinion without bit**ing like a girl that they have

Edited 17 June, 2010 by stmusicdude

[derry]

Not really when I have provided FACTS 100000 times that there is NO COSTS TO THE CLUB in having an installment plan.

 

Once again we are going round in circles because some of you complete retards can't read simple English. The club is deploying tactics deliberately designed to prevent fans from qualifying for a discounted prices and forcing them to have to pay the full, premium, most expensive in League 1 and one of the most expensive in Championship prices.

 

Every other football club in England that have the deman, gives them the option to pay on intallments, some cover the cost themselves, some pass the costs on to customers. But ALL do it.

 

We have the worst fan communication in the country, the club are closing routes of communication almost daily. As recently as a couple of hours ago they have withdrawn the Official Saints Facebook page, for no apparant reason other than awkward ( but polite ) questions to the club about what is happening. The Supporters Charter has been ripped up and disregarded. Their policy of dealing with complaints has been thrown out of the window.

 

And the most important thing of all... the club are LIEING to Saints fans when justifying their actions ( and if you are reading this Mr Cortese, feel free to put me into the same law suit pile as the others, there is no law against stating FACTS ) .

 

I will stop posting until I have got the reply from the club, post it up then not comment on it at all. One thing I would say though, is count the actual usernames who keep cropping up giving the impression that the majority are happy with the way things are being communicated with the club, no doubt trolling, I am sure the number of complaints recieved ( which I believe between the Echo and Saints official site is well into 3 figures ) shows the general feeling towards how fans have been treated.

 

You may have made a case for a company to do this but it still entails an administrative function from the club, administering the information, forms/details/individual amounts. Clearly the club don't wish to do this.

 

Unless they find that it is costing them money, bearing in mind the way the club is run, I can't see a U turn.

[hypochondriac]

Law suits you say Stu. That sounds remarkably similar to my hypothetical scenario thread. Strange.

[trousers]

I pondered in one of the other season ticket threads whether Cortese was adopting a more continental attitude to season tickets next season. My theory being that perhaps this is the way it works in Italy, Germany etc. i.e. Perhaps the season ticket culture is fairly unique to Britain?

 

Pure guesswork on my part as I can't find any stats on the web to back up this theory.

 

That said, even if I am warm, I agree that the transition from a season ticket business model to a PAYG model could/should have been communicated better.

[brmbrm]

I'm not renewing on principle. The principle is that I anm overseas most of the year.

 

Call me plastic, i dont care.

[StuRomseySaint]

I pondered in one of the other season ticket threads whether Cortese was adopting a more continental attitude to season tickets next season. My theory being that perhaps this is the way it works in Italy, Germany etc. i.e. Perhaps the season ticket culture is fairly unique to Britain?

 

Pure guesswork on my part as I can't find any stats on the web to back up this theory.

 

That said, even if I am warm, I agree that the transition from a season ticket business model to a PAYG model could/should have been communicated better.

 

Someone posted to the contrary that if anything, season tickets are more in use on the continent. I can't be @rsed to find it, but someone posted links. If Big Brother is sh!t when I watch it on +1 at 10pm I might find the link.

[StuRomseySaint]

Law suits you say Stu. That sounds remarkably similar to my hypothetical scenario thread. Strange.

 

Yes, although I am sure that no Saints fans will have been threatened with law suits.

 

If they do want to take me to court for stating facts, then so be it, let them have their day.

 

My promised response today never turned up... well here's hoping for a 23:15 statement on the OS eh?

[Whitey Grandad]

I pondered in one of the other season ticket threads whether Cortese was adopting a more continental attitude to season tickets next season. My theory being that perhaps this is the way it works in Italy, Germany etc. i.e. Perhaps the season ticket culture is fairly unique to Britain?

 

Pure guesswork on my part as I can't find any stats on the web to back up this theory.

 

That said, even if I am warm, I agree that the transition from a season ticket business model to a PAYG model could/should have been communicated better.

 

From what I've found out through talking to continental supporters, their season tickets (abonnements, abbonamenti, abonos, etc.) are much cheaper than ours. A few years ago one at Borussia Dortmund was about £130, I believe.

[NickG]

perhaps he has you on ignore?

[teamsaint]

if the club really don't care that much about a high take up of ST's, (and that is certainly the way it looks) they are in a tiny minority of clubs,, and IMO taking a big risk.I really can't see why NC would be right and all the other clubs are wrong...........but time will tell.

 

Even if we are top of the league, we will do exceptionally well to get 25000 in week after week. In our playoff season we averaged 23500.

 

There are lots of small signs being sent out by the club, and what I read into these signs is that the club is interested only in the PL big bucks for SKY and the fans who only turn out when you are in the PL.

not good business in my opinion, and its a LONG way back to the PL. If and when we get out of the L1, we are going to compete with some serious money. If we get promoted this season, next season we could easily have to compete with, for example, Bolton, WBA and Blackpool all coming down with £16m guranteed for 2 years,not to mention a stack of teams like Leeds Forest Sheff Utd , many of whom will be prepared to gamble for the ever bigger prize of 1 season in the PL.

NC may need his loyal core fans longer than he thinks.

[StuRomseySaint]

if the club really don't care that much about a high take up of ST's, (and that is certainly the way it looks) they are in a tiny minority of clubs,, and IMO taking a big risk.I really can't see why NC would be right and all the other clubs are wrong...........but time will tell.

 

Even if we are top of the league, we will do exceptionally well to get 25000 in week after week. In our playoff season we averaged 23500.

 

There are lots of small signs being sent out by the club, and what I read into these signs is that the club is interested only in the PL big bucks for SKY and the fans who only turn out when you are in the PL.

not good business in my opinion, and its a LONG way back to the PL. If and when we get out of the L1, we are going to compete with some serious money. If we get promoted this season, next season we could easily have to compete with, for example, Bolton, WBA and Blackpool all coming down with £16m guranteed for 2 years,not to mention a stack of teams like Leeds Forest Sheff Utd , many of whom will be prepared to gamble for the ever bigger prize of 1 season in the PL.

NC may need his loyal core fans longer than he thinks.

 

A good post.

 

I posted on another thread that every Championship club had installment plans, whether they be through Zebra Finance, Premium Credit or ran internally at the club. I do not believe the problem with defaulters is an issue. If this was the case then it would be fair to say that every club in the country nearly, would not use them.

 

The difference between us and other clubs is that this season we can pretty much guarantee success. We are red hot favourites to win the league and certainly it would be a massive surprise if we didn't come in the top 6. With success comes crowds. Cortese will have picked up on the fact we had a couple of 30k crowds last season, and probably believes we would have regular 30k crowds every game if we were top.

 

Me, you and everyone else know that this is complete rubbish and that's not how it works. The last 3 or 4 home games of the season the crowds will rise, but Dagenham and Redbridge on a cold November night? 30,000? Half that and then maybe take off some more. I would estimate between 13 and 15k at the most. Crowds may be slightly up come the end of next season, and so they should be, but with sensible ticketing, they should have been significantly higher and Cortese would have been alot closer to his dream of seeing 30,000 average gates.

 

As for the Championship, the installment plan and half season tickets will be back for that, you can guarantee that... because the club cannot guarantee success so they need to get people to commit in advance.

[Saint Fan CaM]

I dont agree, for once the club and I it seems shares the view that i have held for a long time that what goes on on the pitch is more important than anything else. More important than burgers, pies, beer, radio stations, half time entertainment and pandering to the whim of every one that will always find something to moan about. Decent players, playing decent football and actually showing abit of ambition and try to win something, if we have to pay a bit more for a bit of quality then i am all for it, thats why i buy my clothes at Sakks and not primark.

 

Absolutely this - fantastic post and right to the point. Some people just want to see fewer tickets sold and to bleat about it just to further their own expectations. I suspect that when all is said and done we'll be selling close to 12k ST's. Once all the JCL's figure out that we're having a decent season and promotion is on the cards, the walk-up figures will push gates to the mid 20k's.

[SaintRichmond]

I pondered in one of the other season ticket threads whether Cortese was adopting a more continental attitude to season tickets next season. My theory being that perhaps this is the way it works in Italy, Germany etc. i.e. Perhaps the season ticket culture is fairly unique to Britain?

 

Pure guesswork on my part as I can't find any stats on the web to back up this theory.

 

That said, even if I am warm, I agree that the transition from a season ticket business model to a PAYG model could/should have been communicated better.

 

If Cortese is aiming to go down the "Europe" way of doing things, then IMHO, he has a lot to learn about us British

In the UK, if you have a Season Ticket, then that more or less commits you to going, even if it's a Krap opponent, or it' raining etc

BUT, if their are NO Season Tickets, then that gives you a straight choice of Paying Full whack on a Match by Match basis, OR, not going (due to weather, Krap opponents, bad home form etc etc )

People in the UK will not "blindly" go. If Cortese IS planning to ditch Season Tickets, then he will get the compleste opposite result to the one he thinks.Bleeding Loyal Saints Fans dry is NOT good PR, nor will it automatically swell the Cortese Coffers