StuRomseySaint Posted 5 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 5 February, 2009 Not knocking the sentiments behind the march, but there is some irony in marching from one place that sells a over priced sub standard shoddy product run by greedy bastards to a pub that does exactly the same. Northam club is a different matter. The Square has a capacity of 1000, two seperate areas, one of which can be given to families. If you know anyone there then crack on and get it sorted! Do they have the staff to cope with hundreds of fans coming in at the same time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alehouseboys Posted 5 February, 2009 Share Posted 5 February, 2009 Not knocking the sentiments behind the march, but there is some irony in marching from one place that sells a over priced sub standard shoddy product run by greedy bastards to a pub that does exactly the same. Northam club is a different matter. ...not much of a march tho! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La BoIS Saint Posted 6 February, 2009 Share Posted 6 February, 2009 Does this Square place serve real ale? Or any decent bottled beer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted 6 February, 2009 Share Posted 6 February, 2009 May be a bit late in the day to suggest this,but here goes. How about the square or wherever offer a 50p off a pint on production of the flyers? Or even on production of our season tickets? Also, I think that the main march will start to disperse at the top of Brittannia Road, so some will head for watering holes along their normal route home. Red Lion, Prince of Wales, Farmhouse and Northam Club will be the first port of call for many i reckon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 6 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 6 February, 2009 Yates confirmed provisionally for a venue for us to head up to, capacity of 840 and have arranged with the Manager that children will be welcome for the duration of the protest. He can't promise me to put Sky Sports News or Radio on as Man U are playing so can work this out, might be able to find a way round it. If anyone knows the capacity of Northam Club or any of the managers there then please have a word on my part. Square does not open during the day now, they would want a deposit from me to cover all staff.... I have agreed to pay for 8 extra staff at Yates, which I will get back if the numbers turn up but cant stretch to more than that to open Square! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Right sider Posted 6 February, 2009 Share Posted 6 February, 2009 Could do with a few people with ghettoblasters for a radio commentary while marching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 6 February, 2009 Share Posted 6 February, 2009 Stu will you be liasing with Hampshire Constabulary? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 7 February, 2009 Share Posted 7 February, 2009 Stu I think you could do with another thread mate. Ask mods to make it a sticky with the website address in the first post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denzil Posted 7 February, 2009 Share Posted 7 February, 2009 Stu will you be liasing with Hampshire Constabulary? lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calvin Posted 7 February, 2009 Share Posted 7 February, 2009 I will be attending the next home game. I think a protest would be another pointless demo. Nothing will change. Lowe realises what is happening to the club and how much fans hate him, yet he won't resign. I hate Rupert with a passion but i feel a little protest demo won't scare him off. Only Leon Crouch can save us now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 7 February, 2009 Share Posted 7 February, 2009 I will be attending the next home game. I think a protest would be another pointless demo. Nothing will change. Lowe realises what is happening to the club and how much fans hate him, yet he won't resign. I hate Rupert with a passion but i feel a little protest demo won't scare him off. Only Leon Crouch can save us now! I take your point, but, if Barclays Bank see that Lowes very presence is costing them money, they'll through him out. As will the other major shareholders (we hope). Don't forget Lowe only holds 6% of shares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 8 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 8 February, 2009 I will be attending the next home game. I think a protest would be another pointless demo. Nothing will change. Lowe realises what is happening to the club and how much fans hate him, yet he won't resign. I hate Rupert with a passion but i feel a little protest demo won't scare him off. Only Leon Crouch can save us now! Marching to the ground is never likely to have enough of an impact to change anything, although it is a good way for people to make their feelings known though. Marching AWAY from the ground however is a differet story...it hits them in the pocket, all of a sudden Barclays and other shareholders will be putting pressure on Lowe to step down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 8 February, 2009 Share Posted 8 February, 2009 Marching to the ground is never likely to have enough of an impact to change anything, although it is a good way for people to make their feelings known though. Marching AWAY from the ground however is a differet story...it hits them in the pocket, all of a sudden Barclays and other shareholders will be putting pressure on Lowe to step down. Stu, there may be 100 with you, there may be 1,000 but it will be noticed, they may choose to ignore the protest but they WILL be fully aware of the protests. To coin a phrase "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". The 'marching out' is an escalation. If it is the last one then people really do deserve what they get. There is no pressure for people to join in, it is feasible that we are n the minority maybe Rupert was correct in labelling us the 'Lunatic Fringe'. However, I do believe that the next protest will be bigger, maybe not in numbers but in impact, many fans are really itching to get on that pitch again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeg Posted 8 February, 2009 Share Posted 8 February, 2009 I will be attending the next home game. I think a protest would be another pointless demo. Nothing will change. Lowe realises what is happening to the club and how much fans hate him, yet he won't resign. I hate Rupert with a passion but i feel a little protest demo won't scare him off. Only Leon Crouch can save us now! Calvin - the last protest march was a great success despite the few gloom merchants predictions beforehand - whether there were 1000, 1200 or 1500 is irrelevant - the fact is hundreds of Saints fans took to the street and started the fightback the next march will be bl**dy huge - lets have double or triple the numbers - nobody is suggesting that lowe will be videoing the march for his family album but a march of this size will not and cannot be ignored by him and perhaps more importantly by others around him obviously Stu is suggesting add ons i.e.to walk away from St Marys which are all worth considering and are a useful step up in our fight for the club we love Calvin I'm not telling you to do anything merely asking that you along with any fans you know that have simply had enough to take a different route to St Marys on the 21st February and march - its not about changing the world - it is about standing tall and making a huge statement with your fellow fans - its up to us to get as many fans on this march - to make it so bl**ody huge that everyone will have to sit up and take notice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 8 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 8 February, 2009 Stu, there may be 100 with you, there may be 1,000 but it will be noticed, they may choose to ignore the protest but they WILL be fully aware of the protests. To coin a phrase "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". The 'marching out' is an escalation. If it is the last one then people really do deserve what they get. There is no pressure for people to join in, it is feasible that we are n the minority maybe Rupert was correct in labelling us the 'Lunatic Fringe'. However, I do believe that the next protest will be bigger, maybe not in numbers but in impact, many fans are really itching to get on that pitch again. I am not knocking the march, don't get me wrong, any protest is useful, my point is that it will not be effective on it's own and things need to be escalated. One more thing, I have come up with the plan, done the website, confirmed a venue etc. I really don't have time to do all of the publicity and don't have the want to do all the interviews etc... if anyone is passionate about this protest and wants to take the 'customer facing' role then please let me know by PM on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 9 February, 2009 Share Posted 9 February, 2009 A campaign such as this needs a 'voice' someone to stand up front and be a spokesman. One of the people who was always ready to take on that role was Richard Chorley, alas he is a bit divisive in his own right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 9 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 9 February, 2009 A campaign such as this needs a 'voice' someone to stand up front and be a spokesman. One of the people who was always ready to take on that role was Richard Chorley, alas he is a bit divisive in his own right. Exactly, I am not that person, but am willing to pass this all on to someone who is. For personal reasons, I really can't put myself in a 'controversial' position in the local media over the next few weeks. So anyone who has any ideas on who can be this 'voice' or indeed if they want to volunteer themselves then please put yourselves forward. One thing I will suggest, is that maybe the boycott should be from the start and people shouldn't enter the stadium in the first place. With some of the 'superfans' we have, I can see the people leaving being drowned out with abuse, which in effect will make the protest null and void.... it is a great idea but should be left for another game when we step the protests up further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_bert Posted 9 February, 2009 Share Posted 9 February, 2009 Exactly, I am not that person, but am willing to pass this all on to someone who is. For personal reasons, I really can't put myself in a 'controversial' position in the local media over the next few weeks. So anyone who has any ideas on who can be this 'voice' or indeed if they want to volunteer themselves then please put yourselves forward. One thing I will suggest, is that maybe the boycott should be from the start and people shouldn't enter the stadium in the first place. With some of the 'superfans' we have, I can see the people leaving being drowned out with abuse, which in effect will make the protest null and void.... it is a great idea but should be left for another game when we step the protests up further. I have to agree with the not going in part Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La BoIS Saint Posted 9 February, 2009 Share Posted 9 February, 2009 I have to agree with the not going in part Stu. Agree, people likely to change their minds and stay inside. I liked the idea of writing messages to Rupert on the season ticket stubs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 9 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 9 February, 2009 Agree, people likely to change their minds and stay inside. I liked the idea of writing messages to Rupert on the season ticket stubs. I think that is what has sprung to light, there are many people who are prepared to boycott.... it could go completely tits up if we score in the first 5 minutes.... even if we don't, I can imagine that some of the 'superfans' will boo those leaving, which will give Lowe reason to write the protest off... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jam Posted 9 February, 2009 Share Posted 9 February, 2009 Exactly, I am not that person, but am willing to pass this all on to someone who is. For personal reasons, I really can't put myself in a 'controversial' position in the local media over the next few weeks. So anyone who has any ideas on who can be this 'voice' or indeed if they want to volunteer themselves then please put yourselves forward. One thing I will suggest, is that maybe the boycott should be from the start and people shouldn't enter the stadium in the first place. With some of the 'superfans' we have, I can see the people leaving being drowned out with abuse, which in effect will make the protest null and void.... it is a great idea but should be left for another game when we step the protests up further. Just some thoughts on this, for what they're worth... Personally, I believe that if you want to make an impact then you need to go into the stadium and walk out as per your plan. If you just go to the ground and not enter then people can say it never happened. IF there are a significant amount of people - and off the top of my head I'd say at least a thousand, then I think it'd be pretty hard to write off that sort of spectacle. Especially if there are TV cameras in the ground to record it. And if there is booing by fans that want to stay? Well, that's not going to send a message of harmony and happy customers anybody, is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 9 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 9 February, 2009 I think it is a case of 'testing the waters' so to speak.... everything has gone quiet for the while, I need the 'spokespersons' over the next couple of days to come forward and do all the TV/Radio stuff. I am sure that a walk away from the ground will be well publicised..... and although it wouldn't be as big of a spectacle, it would be 'risk-free' in comparison to walking out... which could well go tits up and completely demean the protest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintrich Posted 9 February, 2009 Share Posted 9 February, 2009 Personally, I like the walking out the stadium bit... If people choose not to go in, it won't look as good. For example, we must average about 15k on a Saturday and at the last home game we had about 13k... so even if we get 2000 people not to go in, it will still just look like the attendance of the previous game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 Paying your money to go in and then walking out may look good, but the whole point of a boycott is that the Lowe/Askham/Wilde axis only understand cold hard cash, or the lack of it, as do Barclays who are the ones who could pull the carpet out from uder Lowes feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 Personally, I like the walking out the stadium bit... If people choose not to go in, it won't look as good. For example, we must average about 15k on a Saturday and at the last home game we had about 13k... so even if we get 2000 people not to go in, it will still just look like the attendance of the previous game.[/QUOte] Paying your money to go in and then walking out may look good, but the whole point of a boycott is that the Lowe/Askham/Wilde axis only understand cold hard cash, or the lack of it, as do Barclays who are the ones who could pull the carpet out from uder Lowes feet. I think that docker-p is totally correct in this, but there might be a way to assuage both camps, in much the same way that the march to the stadium can be combined with the march away from the stadium just before the match begins. Firstly, the ST holders have already paid their money and because of the farcical way that the club assesses attendances, are deemed to be there at the stadium even if they did not attend. There must be a fair few ST holders who are equally fed up with the way that the club is going downhill fast under Lowe and the Quisling, yet because they coughed up for their STs before they arrived, feel that they ought to attend having paid for their tickets. And yet these ST holders could play a valuable part in the protest in return for the little personal sacrifice that many other fans are making. They are the ones who could enter the stadium having already paid for their tickets and then as soon as the whistle blows to start the game they can file out of the stadium. I'm wondering whether another possibility would be that instead of marching away from the stadium, those who have marched there, plus those who are boycotting the match and who would have marched away, all remain outside the stadium during the match. Supposing we made it a bit of an event, had some form of entertainment out there, ex-players, food and drink laid on and a live radio feed of the match. Imagine that the chanting and cheers/jeers came from outside the stadium and was captured on national television as a football version of Henman's Hill outside Wimbledon. How effective would that look, especially if the TV people made a visual comparison between the crowded areas outside in contrast to the wide spaces inside. Another benefit of making a lot of noise outside, would be that if the match was being lost, we could all chant "come and join us" and might therefore attract additional numbers to leave the stadium and support the protest. Additionally we would be visible to the board members before the match, at half-time and at the end of the match. Depending on how the match went, many might join the protest outside if it goes badly, as there would already be a good crowd outside to begin with. It wouldn't matter whether the club disallowed the Northam to leave through the car park as they did the last game; they would hear the protest after the final whistle and come and join us. If we march away from the stadium, that might look good initially, but human nature being what it is, many won't even make it as far as the City Centre and the visual impact would be gone fairly quickly. If we all stayed outside the stadium during the match, the cameraderie and unity allied to something interesting to entertain us would maintain the visual impact throughout. Your thoughts, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 I will be leaving the ground when the whistle blows at 3pm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Monkey Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 I think that docker-p is totally correct in this, but there might be a way to assuage both camps, in much the same way that the march to the stadium can be combined with the march away from the stadium just before the match begins. Firstly, the ST holders have already paid their money and because of the farcical way that the club assesses attendances, are deemed to be there at the stadium even if they did not attend. There must be a fair few ST holders who are equally fed up with the way that the club is going downhill fast under Lowe and the Quisling, yet because they coughed up for their STs before they arrived, feel that they ought to attend having paid for their tickets. And yet these ST holders could play a valuable part in the protest in return for the little personal sacrifice that many other fans are making. They are the ones who could enter the stadium having already paid for their tickets and then as soon as the whistle blows to start the game they can file out of the stadium. I'm wondering whether another possibility would be that instead of marching away from the stadium, those who have marched there, plus those who are boycotting the match and who would have marched away, all remain outside the stadium during the match. Supposing we made it a bit of an event, had some form of entertainment out there, ex-players, food and drink laid on and a live radio feed of the match. Imagine that the chanting and cheers/jeers came from outside the stadium and was captured on national television as a football version of Henman's Hill outside Wimbledon. How effective would that look, especially if the TV people made a visual comparison between the crowded areas outside in contrast to the wide spaces inside. Another benefit of making a lot of noise outside, would be that if the match was being lost, we could all chant "come and join us" and might therefore attract additional numbers to leave the stadium and support the protest. Additionally we would be visible to the board members before the match, at half-time and at the end of the match. Depending on how the match went, many might join the protest outside if it goes badly, as there would already be a good crowd outside to begin with. It wouldn't matter whether the club disallowed the Northam to leave through the car park as they did the last game; they would hear the protest after the final whistle and come and join us. If we march away from the stadium, that might look good initially, but human nature being what it is, many won't even make it as far as the City Centre and the visual impact would be gone fairly quickly. If we all stayed outside the stadium during the match, the cameraderie and unity allied to something interesting to entertain us would maintain the visual impact throughout. Your thoughts, please. I like the idea, but would take some organising to get ex players involved. Also, would the club even allow fans to stand outside if they had no intention of entering the stadium? Would you still be stood on the premises I mean? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nexstar Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 I will be leaving the ground when the whistle blows at 3pm. Having gone inside? Meaning that it will be recorded as you having sat throughout the 90 minutes of the match. People might leave during the match in protest and there may be a few more empty seats but rupert will just see an average attendance to the previous league games. Something which I think Stu is trying to avoid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 I like the idea, but would take some organising to get ex players involved. Also, would the club even allow fans to stand outside if they had no intention of entering the stadium? Would you still be stood on the premises I mean? What could they do to prevent it? All of the stewards would be tied up with the match. They have no jurisdiction over the road outside or the pavement that runs alongside the stadium. That road is closed before, during and for a short while after the game. The Police might actually prefer us to be out there all in one place than causing disruption by marching back towards the town. I'm a shareholder, though admittedly only a small one. What are my rights under those circumstances? Most others have been or are paying customers of the business. Surely they have a right to be on club premises as customers. As for the ex-players, might not Lawrie Mc hold some sway in that direction if he agreed to it? Anybody out there with player contacts to sound them out about the idea? Any celebrity fans willing to take part? According to the famous fans site, we have Roger Black, Craig David, David Gower, Fiona Phillips and that gorgeous model, whatever her name is. Also I seem to recall some well known pop group supports us. How about a mini concert by them or Craig David outside to entertain us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 Having gone inside? Meaning that it will be recorded as you having sat throughout the 90 minutes of the match. People might leave during the match in protest and there may be a few more empty seats but rupert will just see an average attendance to the previous league games. Something which I think Stu is trying to avoid. Yes, having gone inside. I don't really care waht attendance is recorded to be honest. Just to ensure that the board understand that I am not just nipping out for a pee, I will wave them farewell, thus: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new_zealand_saint Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 just had a thought, i am in full favour of the walkout and will be doing it, but, the gates to go out of the ground don;t usually open until 70mins, so we won't be able to leave unless i am very much mistaken? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint hawk Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 You can open the doors yourself mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new_zealand_saint Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 You can open the doors yourself mate ok no that's alright then, i just didn't know bring on the march! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wild-saint Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 IVe got a great idea. We put back the march until after the game maybe 4.50pm. Then all the fans that want to see the game (circa 14k) and the 1000 or so protesters can all march away from the stadium at the same time. We will then have 15,000 protesters. Genius Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Right sider Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 IVe got a great idea. We put back the march until after the game maybe 4.50pm. Then all the fans that want to see the game (circa 14k) and the 1000 or so protesters can all march away from the stadium at the same time. We will then have 15,000 protesters. Genius That so isn't the point! Think the idea of marching to the stadium, laying flowers with messages about the death of the club at the front door, then the symbolic march away, or around the stadium to combine Wes Tenders idea could be good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint boggy Posted 10 February, 2009 Share Posted 10 February, 2009 just had a thought, i am in full favour of the walkout and will be doing it, but, the gates to go out of the ground don;t usually open until 70mins, so we won't be able to leave unless i am very much mistaken? there are always stewards manning the exit gates. no-one is FORCED to stay in the ground, you're just not allowed to come back into it after you've left..just ask to go, they can't say no (i'm a bloody poet,me!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wes Tender Posted 11 February, 2009 Share Posted 11 February, 2009 That so isn't the point! Think the idea of marching to the stadium, laying flowers with messages about the death of the club at the front door, then the symbolic march away, or around the stadium to combine Wes Tenders idea could be good. One that likes my idea. Anybody else out there think that it might have legs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londonsaint1604 Posted 11 February, 2009 Share Posted 11 February, 2009 That so isn't the point! Think the idea of marching to the stadium, laying flowers with messages about the death of the club at the front door, then the symbolic march away, or around the stadium to combine Wes Tenders idea could be good. I think that would be a bit melodramatic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponty Posted 11 February, 2009 Share Posted 11 February, 2009 Topic locked at Stu's request. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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