st marys to expand?

[Frank's cousin]

Exactly. So what would it cost us to build a 40/50k out of town ground? Not saying it'll never happen, but it'd be a massive undertaking.

 

Reckon for 40-50k upwards of 150-200 mil + the club would need to pay for link roads to the trunk roads etc say another 50mil minimum....so dont se ethis a viable ooptio until 2022/23 season when we have won the 3rd of our Champions league titles.

 

Seriously expansion to 38-42k seems most feasilble/likely optio if required and even that is going to cost around 30-40 mil in todays terms

[GenevaSaint]

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/Images/CCMP%20public%20consultation%20version_tcm46-314213.pdf

 

Itchen riverside redevelopment- P134

 

Very very long way off and quite aspirational.

[buctootim]

You are completely right of course (in your own little patronising way), however, if we want to be one of the big clubs then hopefully you will be just fine with the likes of Fiona Phillips renewing her faith in her hometown club, a faith in which she had back in the old PL days. Of course when we went down, she went to Chelsea. Thats my 'proper fan' argument.

Listen, I will be along for the CL ride if it happens and no doubt there could be 40/50K in SMS with me, but there is a part of me that wishes I was still watching Barry Horne equalise from Under The East Stand.

As for Eastleigh, never supported them, born in the town but always gone to Saints, thats the way it was back then, stupid argument really, you could sub regionalise any of us to a more local team.

 

I know what you mean - I miss the Dell's atmosphere and the cracking pre matches in the local pubs. I dont miss rarely being able to get a ticket or being able to take visitng friends and family. As long as the new thousands are at least notionally new Saints fans, or even just footie fans I'd be happy. There are always bound to be a few ****s sat in Saints seats who are just there to see Man U - but hopefully not too many near me.

[The Kraken]

I know what you mean - I miss the Dell's atmosphere and the cracking pre matches in the local pubs. I dont miss rarely being able to get a ticket or being able to take visitng friends and family. As long as the new thousands are at least notionally new Saints fans, or even just footie fans I'd be happy. There are always bound to be a few ****s sat in Saints seats who are just there to see Man U - but hopefully not too many near me.

 

This is a point I've seen discussed before, and why I think the notion of a "JCL fan" is a bit ridiculous. Attendances typically go up the more successful a team is. Not because the club just suddenly attracts brand new customers (although this is true to a small extent). But the bulk o fthe increased attendance will come from those who are already fans, who have probably been to watch games before, but are now attracted to attend on a more regular basis.

 

That's how we need to increase attendance; by encouraging fans to attend more often. Talk of increasing the catchment area etc just miss the point IMO.

[dubai_phil]

Nobody should ever plan to grow.

You can never unseat the undisputed Kings of a market.

 

Tell that to Nokia, RIM, hell even Motorola.

 

Samsung & HTC, where did they come from all of a sudden, mobiles have been around for decades it would cost them zillions to break into the new market and earn any return.

 

They can't have planned it. Must have all been luck

[Frank's cousin]

This is a point I've seen discussed before, and why I think the notion of a "JCL fan" is a bit ridiculous. Attendances typically go up the more successful a team is. Not because the club just suddenly attracts brand new customers (although this is true to a small extent). But the bulk o fthe increased attendance will come from those who are already fans, who have probably been to watch games before, but are now attracted to attend on a more regular basis.

 

That's how we need to increase attendance; by encouraging fans to attend more often. Talk of increasing the catchment area etc just miss the point IMO.

 

Very true... would be interesting to know the total number on the database - plenty on there who have probably only been to or 3 games in 10 years... get them to go to 3 or 4 a season and its a start.... but the best thing a bit of success brings is that the local kids support the club, rather than following whoever are teh current champions

[Danbert]

This is a point I've seen discussed before, and why I think the notion of a "JCL fan" is a bit ridiculous. Attendances typically go up the more successful a team is. Not because the club just suddenly attracts brand new customers (although this is true to a small extent). But the bulk o fthe increased attendance will come from those who are already fans, who have probably been to watch games before, but are now attracted to attend on a more regular basis.

 

That's how we need to increase attendance; by encouraging fans to attend more often. Talk of increasing the catchment area etc just miss the point IMO.

 

I've seen a number of people on here mention the fact that they will be going to fewer games next season as prices are likely to become prohibitively expensive. I would have thought that this effect would outweigh the tendency for existing fans to attend more games because the club is successful. The net result? Johnny come lately glory hunter prawn munchers taking the place of the real fan.

 

Generally speaking, the larger the crowds and the more successful the club the greater the proportion of that club's fan base is made up of people with no real affiliation to the club and who are merely attracted to it because of its success. Hence Pompey's support next season will be reduced to the hardcore nut element, whilst Old Trafford is a soulless quiet stadium.

[The Kraken]

I've seen a number of people on here mention the fact that they will be going to fewer games next season as prices are likely to become prohibitively expensive. I would have thought that this effect would outweigh the tendency for existing fans to attend more games because the club is successful. The net result? Johnny come lately glory hunter prawn munchers taking the place of the real fan.

 

Generally speaking, the larger the crowds and the more successful the club the greater the proportion of that club's fan base is made up of people with no real affiliation to the club and who are merely attracted to it because of its success. Hence Pompey's support next season will be reduced to the hardcore nut element, whilst Old Trafford is a soulless quiet stadium.

 

I'd suggest you've over-exaggerated how many will go to less games. There will be many more, even on here, who will attend more (and there's a good deal of threads that confirm this). There will also be many more parents who will take their kids to watch games against the bigger sides, and like it or not, many more people who will choose to go and watch Saints just because they're playing against the likes of Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs etc etc.

 

The whole notion of the "prawn sandwich munching" elite taking the place of "real fans" is a bit absurd.

[dubai_phil]

I'd suggest you've over-exaggerated how many will go to less games. There will be many more, even on here, who will attend more (and there's a good deal of threads that confirm this). There will also be many more parents who will take their kids to watch games against the bigger sides, and like it or not, many more people who will choose to go and watch Saints just because they're playing against the likes of Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs etc etc.

 

The whole notion of the "prawn sandwich munching" elite taking the place of "real fans" is a bit absurd.

 

Agree with this.

 

Won't affect the uberfans of course (Mind you I bet there was a time when the uberfans were JCL's, don't recall seeing some of our yoof under West Stand Terraces waving their standing ST's around)

 

Bloody hard (take my example) to take the mental time and effort to arrange some Business Trips in UK to co-incide with Doncaster Rovers on a Tuesday night.

 

But a Top 6 team at home on a Sunday Lunchtime? Hell not only would I be blagging meetings but FMDP would be taking a sickie and airmiles to come with me.

 

Suddenly (as it used to be 7 years ago) my trips would be based around where Saints were playing.

 

That's an extreme example but I'll bet the number of Weddings, Stag Weekends, Family visits, hell even trips to IKEA etc due to be booked up in our "catchment area" after August will have one eye on the fixture lists for the first time in a long while

[Saint Fan CaM]

There are many key factors to consider. Dune puts up a very good case, as does Dubai_Phil. One key aspect alluded to is access out of the Stadium. Not so much of a problem getting in as travel times are staggered, however getting out of the SMS is always a complete nightmare. Just count how many traffic lights exist between SMS and the M271 westwards and the M27 J5/7/8 eastwards and this will tell you all you need to know about why St.Mary's location was a bad choice in the 1st place, let alone with an extra circa 10k+ trying to get in/out. If there was a way to marshall traffic out to the M27 easily, then SMS expansion would make more sense.

 

IF the council had the balls and was highly forward thinking then perhaps out of town parking with a monorail link to SMS and the town centre might be a fantastic idea that would also attract general tourist trade and promote good environmental management. But no, that would be too much to hope for (other than West Quay I am struggling to think of something really exciting the Council has done to promote the City in the last 30 years).

 

If the Council do not play ball with Cortese (in terms of obtaining land around SMS and improving road infrastructure) I can see us relocating - possibly Stoneham, because that has the best overall options in terms of development to take advantage of road/rail/air links. I heard that a £300m development fund had been provided by Markus to use when Saints reached the Prem - probably way off the mark - but who knows? £15m on a revamped training facility tends to suggest there's money to spend on big projects. Being stuck in a vehicle for 30-60 minutes trying get out of the City is not going to appeal to many and will potentially turn prospective fans away. If we want Saints to compete at the top then we have to welcome all-comers to the party and the next step with the Stadium will be an important one for the clubs future.

[Saint86]

I have an interesting take on this as a structual engineer.

 

Firstly the ground can be expanded and there are not limitations with respect to space. For example, if you fully expanded that stadium on all four sides you would be looking at an old trafford sized ground as opposed to an emirates bowl of 60k. They would look to go up and back as far as they can producing the st James' effect. We could do that one one stand and we would achieve 45k.

 

Issues would come with the brownfield status of the adjacent land and waste management/disposal during construction.

 

And there is always the issue of capcity with respect southampton's infastructure. This is the only limitation in my oppinion.

 

I personally do not feel that the ground is in a great place. If it is to be expanded it needs to be a city wide project. They flat out need to improve transport to the venue and to various "population sources" - you would be looking at a proper shuttle service to the stations run at say £1. They should utilize the adjacent rail tracks and redevelop them to allow for station access. I think they should also look at park and ride for the city tbh. certainly on the M3 side and provide and associtated link to the ground. Alternatively a mass transport system to the highstreet is badly needed to the centre, perhaps a tramline. The issue is that this is clearly beyond the scope of the club. It is the city that needs to develop becuase frankly for all the nice greenery and parks and a decent highstreet, the city lacks culture, resturants and a real buzz. Now we are premier league they need to work on this together. Link the club and the parks and the highstreet, link the stations, and link in oxford street. It would be good for the city and good for the club. People would come down and visit for a weekend with that set up. The ground area also needs more facilities and proper redevelopment that was hinted at when they club was provided with the land at St Mary's. Because aside from building a few apartments they have done F ALL.

 

It is a big project that will take the best part of 10 years. But the club is the biggest consumer attraction in that city. It needs to be more involved with the highstreet, the bars, the resturants and transport. Without it, and with Nicola's ambitions, I honestly think the club will move and we will develop a landmark ground out of town. To me, whilst that would be fantastic, it would also be gutting because I think it is a missed opportunity for the city to really progress.

[Vershinin]

You have contradicted yourself mate. SMS is souless, compared to The Dell at least anyway, dont see what effect of moving a stadium like SMS anywhere would have on its soul, that was left behind in Archers Road.

 

Understand where you're coming from, but i actually think that St Mary's over the last few years now has a real vibe about it, driven ultimately by Markus/Nicola and the last few years, the spirit of the club of old has come back.

 

I get you're point about The Dell being slightly more special given its nature, but the harsh reality is that new football grounds are always going to lack the same 'spirit' as respective clubs old grounds as the history/memories have to be built in a new stadium. I can't think of one modern ground that immediately brings the spirit of the club's old ground. As TCM mentioned, us, Cov, Leicester, Colchester, even City, Arsenal, the new Wembley, once you have moved away from all that history, people will always say that.

 

My point is that SFC's ground should be bang in the middle of town, as per St Mary's. Pubs, stations, houses are all within walking distance. It would be a disgrace to move to a souless, dullard area like your Reading's or your Brighton's when we can increase St Mary's.

[GenevaSaint]

I personally do not feel that the ground is in a great place. If it is to be expanded it needs to be a city wide project. They flat out need to improve transport to the venue and to various "population sources" - you would be looking at a proper shuttle service to the stations run at say £1. They should utilize the adjacent rail tracks and redevelop them to allow for station access. I think they should also look at park and ride for the city tbh. certainly on the M3 side and provide and associtated link to the ground. Alternatively a mass transport system to the highstreet is badly needed to the centre, perhaps a tramline. The issue is that this is clearly beyond the scope of the club. It is the city that needs to develop becuase frankly for all the nice greenery and parks and a decent highstreet, the city lacks culture, resturants and a real buzz. Now we are premier league they need to work on this together. Link the club and the parks and the highstreet, link the stations, and link in oxford street. It would be good for the city and good for the club. People would come down and visit for a weekend with that set up. The ground area also needs more facilities and proper redevelopment that was hinted at when they club was provided with the land at St Mary's. Because aside from building a few apartments they have done F ALL.

 

It is a big project that will take the best part of 10 years. But the club is the biggest consumer attraction in that city. It needs to be more involved with the highstreet, the bars, the resturants and transport. Without it, and with Nicola's ambitions, I honestly think the club will move and we will develop a landmark ground out of town. To me, whilst that would be fantastic, it would also be gutting because I think it is a missed opportunity for the city to really progress.

 

Please see above link ;-) All aspirational goals highlighted in the new city plan. Problem is the St Marys/riverside piece of work is 20 years off from what I read.

[This Charming Man]

I have an interesting take on this as a structual engineer.

 

Firstly the ground can be expanded and there are not limitations with respect to space. For example, if you fully expanded that stadium on all four sides you would be looking at an old trafford sized ground as opposed to an emirates bowl of 60k. They would look to go up and back as far as they can producing the st James' effect. We could do that one one stand and we would achieve 45k.

 

Issues would come with the brownfield status of the adjacent land and waste management/disposal during construction.

 

And there is always the issue of capcity with respect southampton's infastructure. This is the only limitation in my oppinion.

 

I personally do not feel that the ground is in a great place. If it is to be expanded it needs to be a city wide project. They flat out need to improve transport to the venue and to various "population sources" - you would be looking at a proper shuttle service to the stations run at say £1. They should utilize the adjacent rail tracks and redevelop them to allow for station access. I think they should also look at park and ride for the city tbh. certainly on the M3 side and provide and associtated link to the ground. Alternatively a mass transport system to the highstreet is badly needed to the centre, perhaps a tramline. The issue is that this is clearly beyond the scope of the club. It is the city that needs to develop becuase frankly for all the nice greenery and parks and a decent highstreet, the city lacks culture, resturants and a real buzz. Now we are premier league they need to work on this together. Link the club and the parks and the highstreet, link the stations, and link in oxford street. It would be good for the city and good for the club. People would come down and visit for a weekend with that set up. The ground area also needs more facilities and proper redevelopment that was hinted at when they club was provided with the land at St Mary's. Because aside from building a few apartments they have done F ALL.

 

It is a big project that will take the best part of 10 years. But the club is the biggest consumer attraction in that city. It needs to be more involved with the highstreet, the bars, the resturants and transport. Without it, and with Nicola's ambitions, I honestly think the club will move and we will develop a landmark ground out of town. To me, whilst that would be fantastic, it would also be gutting because I think it is a missed opportunity for the city to really progress.

 

Surely building a tramline to connect SMS to town would be a bit pointless? It's a 10/15min walk into town. Something like a tramline or train station at the ground would only serve to increase congestion within the immediate vicinity, as people would have to queue, where at the moment people are able to filter off in 4 different directions and the area around the ground does clear quite quickly.

[buctootim]

at the moment people are able to filter off in 4 different directions and the area around the ground does clear quite quickly.

 

Agree. I don't think the congestion is at all bad. Currently I park about 250m from the ground. Takes no more than 15mins to get away from car park and on to the Itchen bridge - and from there its a free run.

[Danbert]

 

The whole notion of the "prawn sandwich munching" elite taking the place of "real fans" is a bit absurd.

 

It's just a question of economics - the more it costs the wealthier fans need to be, hence a greater proportion of middle class pawn sandwich muncher bring the kids types. I don't really see how you can get around that.

[Saint86]

Agree. I don't think the congestion is at all bad. Currently I park about 250m from the ground. Takes no more than 15mins to get away from car park and on to the Itchen bridge - and from there its a free run.

 

This is not the case trying to go our trhough millbrook, which after a 25min to car then takes an additional 45min of parking in traffic. Also, the transport links would take people into different directions so would not lead to congestion - only those using that direction would queue for it. In truth it would reduce congestion crossing the railway bridge and the action of road closures heading up to Jury's inn etc. Although I do take you point about having all transport links in the excat same portion of the ground. I simply indicate that all rail links should come in along the existing track if possible. Busses could remain where they are for example.

 

I also imagine that the Avenue gets jammed rock solid before and after games which is why I suggest park and ride schemes for the M3 and possibly even for the M271. At present the level of traffic is beyond on saturdays and this could only benifit this issue. If this was run with busses to the bargate for example it would serve both the highstreet and the ground.

[100%Red&White]

People moan about JCLs but the fact is every club will rediscover fans the higher up the leagues they go, at least we were capable of pulling in 30k+ in League One. And the probability that we could (if capacity allowed) add 8-10k to the attendances we'll now regularly get in the Premier League is the reason Liebherr/Cortese saw 'potential' in the first place.

 

Any expansion will no doubt have to go hand-in-hand with improved infrastructure, continuing development of the Town Depot and Ocean Village areas may see a growing need and viable plan to reinstate the railway down to there incorporating a station of sorts to benefit the stadium.

 

What they could do immediately is rebuild the bridge they knocked down over the track in front of Albion Towers which would considerably lessen crowds bunching up on the bridge taking everyone out on to Northam Road and causing issues with the busy traffic, especially with 32,000 most games next season.

[dune]

It's just a question of economics - the more it costs the wealthier fans need to be, hence a greater proportion of middle class pawn sandwich muncher bring the kids types. I don't really see how you can get around that.

 

It's not a case of replacing the loyal fans - they can be taken for granted (yeh that's bad, but it's the reality). For us to grow we need new fans. And to widen our scope we need to be out of town with easy access. By reducing travel times you effectively expand our catchment area and encourage those who are currently put off by sitting in traffic for 30 mins PLUS after a match.

[dubai_phil]

It's not a case of replacing the loyal fans - they can be taken for granted (yeh that's bad, but it's the reality). For us to grow we need new fans. And to widen our scope we need to be out of town with easy access. By reducing travel times you effectively expand our catchment area and encourage those who are currently put off by sitting in traffic for 30 mins PLUS after a match.

 

Which is why a new mini city around Jacksons Farm using the stupid new Planning regs comes into the equation.

 

Develop Commercial & Residential cuts down the cost of building the stadium, think SMS has been up long enough for the land it is on to have the contaminated land regs eased as well.

 

Not saying for one moment that it could happen, but I am sure that at least a 20 minute conversation with Consultants/Architects/Experts/Banks/Councils will take place over a cup of espresso in the coming year(s)

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

It's not a case of replacing the loyal fans - they can be taken for granted (yeh that's bad, but it's the reality). For us to grow we need new fans. And to widen our scope we need to be out of town with easy access. By reducing travel times you effectively expand our catchment area and encourage those who are currently put off by sitting in traffic for 30 mins PLUS after a match.

 

Not sure the out of town idea always works. The Reebok for example is in the middle of nowhere with few local facilities (pubs etc) and it can take an age for people to get away from the ground because of bottle necks. The Rosebowl or whatever its called these days is right next to the M27 but still had loads of problems with congestion before and after big events.

[stev2001]

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/Images/CCMP%20public%20consultation%20version_tcm46-314213.pdf

 

Itchen riverside redevelopment- P134

 

Very very long way off and quite aspirational.

 

I've seen someting about the master plan before but in a different format. The only real surprise was the industrial estate next to SMS. I always thought it was the long term plan to turn this into housing or something else.

 

Great post thanks

[stev2001]

Not sure the out of town idea always works. The Reebok for example is in the middle of nowhere with few local facilities (pubs etc) and it can take an age for people to get away from the ground because of bottle necks. The Rosebowl or whatever its called these days is right next to the M27 but still had loads of problems with congestion before and after big events.

 

I think SMS is a great location especially when you look at the long term forecast plans for the city. Those plans might be a few years off but any expansion might take a while too. Some waterfront bars with a promenade to ocean village (see link in the above post, pg134) would be awesome before and after the game.

[Sour Mash]

I think SMS is a great location especially when you look at the long term forecast plans for the city. Those plans might be a few years off but any expansion might take a while too. Some waterfront bars with a promenade to ocean village (see link in the above post, pg134) would be awesome before and after the game.

You'll be hard pressed to find a better location. How many grounds outside of London have three/four train stations within walking distance. Probably 50-100 pubs within walking distance as well.

[stev2001]

I'm not sure when people talk about a stadium move it is just about getting a better location. I think it has been said on here before NC is not happy with SMS as a stadium and if he had built if from scratch he would have planned it differently. Maybe this is to take advantage of commercial revenue streams more ( such as shops, office space, better conference facilities or something else completely different). Though it looks good, make no bones about it SMS is a cheaply built stadium but fit for purpose at he time ( we didnt have lots of money then). Whether it makes sense for us to build one of these uber stadiums with all the extras only NC knows. IMO I think we are better off keeping what we have in a good location and if things go well this season maybe look to add a new tier and maybe a few extras with it. 38000 seats for me feels about right for us in the prem at the moment.

[Turkish]

I am in Madrid at the moment with work and i can confirm that there are litterally thousands of plastic Real Madrid and Barcelona fans out here who are delighted to see Saints back in the premier league as they are really keen to come here and see us play Premier league football. With flights to Heathrow less than 2 hours they can litteraly be at SMS within 3 hours, the time it would take us to drive to the midlands. yet more evidence of our MASSIVE catchment area and the need to expand SMS ASAP. BUILD IT BUILD IT BUILD IT.

[JPTCount]

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/Images/CCMP%20public%20consultation%20version_tcm46-314213.pdf

 

Itchen riverside redevelopment- P134

 

Very very long way off and quite aspirational.

 

good find, will make the stadium look much better without being adjacent to a massive pile of stones

 

I wonder who the appointed 'prefered developer' is? ;-)

[Joesaint]

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/Images/CCMP%20public%20consultation%20version_tcm46-314213.pdf

 

Itchen riverside redevelopment- P134

 

Very very long way off and quite aspirational.

 

 

WOW, I love it. I really hope this happens!

[dune]

I am in Madrid at the moment with work and i can confirm that there are litterally thousands of plastic Real Madrid and Barcelona fans out here who are delighted to see Saints back in the premier league as they are really keen to come here and see us play Premier league football. With flights to Heathrow less than 2 hours they can litteraly be at SMS within 3 hours, the time it would take us to drive to the midlands. yet more evidence of our MASSIVE catchment area and the need to expand SMS ASAP. BUILD IT BUILD IT BUILD IT.

 

Play them this and tell them Dune sends his regards.

 

[video=youtube;Ma6Gz3l-NZw]

[JPTCount]

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/Images/CCMP%20public%20consultation%20version_tcm46-314213.pdf

 

Itchen riverside redevelopment- P134

 

Very very long way off and quite aspirational.

 

on reflection this is very interesting, the stadium and the gas towers seem to be left out because the council couldn't put a time frame on us being promoted and our stadium expansion, and the fact that it won't be ready till 2020 suggests it won't be done until a new stadium is announced, maybe do it all together or the waterfront soon after.

 

wud be great to have a saints village like other some other grounds. I'm a firm believer that stadiums dont create real jobs unless there's a large full time business attached to it.

[SaintsAhoy]

Some really annoying posts on the forum lately. I'm not sure what entertainment value you condescending little scamps gain from finding fault in practically every opinion. I fear it will only get worse until the season starts unfortunately and that's a long way away. 'This Charming Man' was picked for the irony, I presume?

 

I suspect if we stay up next season we will expand one or two of the stands. Attendance next season will play a part in any decision, but I do not believe we will have a problem there. SMS should sell-out most weeks.

[scotty]

Attendances typically go up the more successful a team is.

 

Thats a point right there, what happened to our attendances when we plummeted to L1? It would be interesting to compare the actual attendance figures from the L1/champ seasons as compared to when we were getting slaughtered every week in the prem. Perhaps MLG could provide some stats.

[This Charming Man]

Some really annoying posts on the forum lately. I'm not sure what entertainment value you condescending little scamps gain from finding fault in practically every opinion. I fear it will only get worse until the season starts unfortunately and that's a long way away. 'This Charming Man' was picked for the irony, I presume?

 

I suspect if we stay up next season we will expand one or two of the stands. Attendance next season will play a part in any decision, but I do not believe we will have a problem there. SMS should sell-out most weeks.

 

Sorry, sir. Wasn't aware everyone on here had to agree on every subject. I thought this was a forum where you could express your views and engage in debate. I'll consider changing my ways to appease you from now on.

 

Maybe you could post a thread on here containing all your personal opinions on Saints? That way we could all learn them off by heart and then we'd all get along just swimmingly.

[Saint-Fred]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17977841

 

Thought this was a good article.

 

Is the fan base there to support a larger stadium? maybe not if you are stuck in your old perceptions but for those who realise new potential customers are wider spread than 13-18 year old boys "the yoof"..then perhaps, with the right facilites, why wouldn't an extra 5-10k be possible?

As has been stated before it's quite a wealthy area...perhaps those are the customers we will look for in future?

[ART]

With every match on TV in the Premiership, we'd do well to wait and see how many turn up at St Mary's. Certainly amongst the majority who post on here, I can't see many paying to go to the matches. I hope I'm wrong and would be over the moon if we expand and pull in the crowds week after week.

[alehouseboys]

With every match on TV in the Premiership, we'd do well to wait and see how many turn up at St Mary's. Certainly amongst the majority who post on here, I can't see many paying to go to the matches. I hope I'm wrong and would be over the moon if we expand and pull in the crowds week after week.

 

They'll be more televised games in a couple of years so crowds could be further affected. And even less matches on a Saturday.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17950726

[SaintsAhoy]

Sorry, sir. Wasn't aware everyone on here had to agree on every subject. I thought this was a forum where you could express your views and engage in debate. I'll consider changing my ways to appease you from now on.

 

Maybe you could post a thread on here containing all your personal opinions on Saints? That way we could all learn them off by heart and then we'd all get along just swimmingly.

 

Was probably harsh singling you out, but sometimes Turkish, Dune and your fine self are a bit too much for a sensitive soul such as me. Do you all drink together?

[Dig Dig]

With every match on TV in the Premiership, we'd do well to wait and see how many turn up at St Mary's. Certainly amongst the majority who post on here, I can't see many paying to go to the matches. I hope I'm wrong and would be over the moon if we expand and pull in the crowds week after week.

 

Every match on TV? Don't think so.

 

And besides, we regularly sold out when last in the prem, why would it change this time around?

[This Charming Man]

We should do what the Yanks do with NFL. A game can't be shown live until it sells out.

 

That way we wouldn't have to watch Wigan ever again.

[dune]

I would love it if every saints game was televised and you could purchase a season ticket to watch them all.

[Turkish]

Nobody should ever plan to grow.

You can never unseat the undisputed Kings of a market.

 

Tell that to Nokia, RIM, hell even Motorola.

 

Samsung & HTC, where did they come from all of a sudden, mobiles have been around for decades it would cost them zillions to break into the new market and earn any return.

 

They can't have planned it. Must have all been luck

 

I agree supporting a football club is just like buying a mobile phone.

[Sour Mash]

They'll be more televised games in a couple of years so crowds could be further affected. And even less matches on a Saturday.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17950726

Or just ensures that ticket prices are kept low, one of the factors that helps on Germany, so many of their games are on the box.

[Matthew Le God]

I would love it if every saints game was televised and you could purchase a season ticket to watch them all.

 

They will be all on http://www.firstrowsports.eu pretty much, including all the 3pm Saturday kickoffs. Nothing beats being at the stadium though.

[JPTCount]

all the premium games are televised, somewhere in the world. and if it's being broadcast somewhere u can get a stream online. the last 6 or 7 if our games were all televised.

[The Kraken]

Every match on TV? Don't think so.

 

And besides, we regularly sold out when last in the prem, why would it change this time around?

 

To be fair, previous history is no guarantee we will sell out this time round. I tend to think that we will, but basing attendances solely on historical data from 10 years ago is not 100% reliable.

 

I say that because the Premier League has changed a fair bit even since 2005. TV coverage of games has increased, and there are less and less Saturday 3pm kick-offs with the advent of the Europa League. Also, bid invites are going out for season 2013 onwards where the amount of televised games will increase further still, which could impact upon actual attendance figures.

 

You only have to look at Everton (who will show an average attendance figure of around 33K for this season) for evidence that some clubs are experiencing a downturn in the attraction of a matchday ticket.

[dune]

I agree supporting a football club is just like buying a mobile phone.

 

Owning a season ticket is also like playing a round of golf. 18 games/18 holes.

[alehouseboys]

Or just ensures that ticket prices are kept low, one of the factors that helps on Germany, so many of their games are on the box.

 

Nice to think so but unless crowds dropped dramatically then not a hope. Even then they'd never get anywhere near prices in Germany which are a fraction of ticket costs over here.

[This Charming Man]

Nice to think so but unless crowds dropped dramatically then not a hope. Even then they'd never get anywhere near prices in Germany which are a fraction of ticket costs over here.

 

English clubs could do a lot worse than follow the German model when it comes to giving the fans what they want. Packed grounds over there, cheap tickets and a decent standard on the pitch. Standing and you can watch the game with a beer without facing a banning order.

[Sour Mash]

Nice to think so but unless crowds dropped dramatically then not a hope. Even then they'd never get anywhere near prices in Germany which are a fraction of ticket costs over here.

It'd make a difference though. Look at our support at Boro, being on TV make a difference when people are asked to shell out big money. Not all German tickets are cheap, but yes they do have some very, very low prices, particularly on the terracing.

[Sour Mash]

English clubs could do a lot worse than follow the German model when it comes to giving the fans what they want.

Lots of good quality sausages and beer........