Open Letter on Season Tickets and Pricing | Club announce price freeze on "general admission season tickets & PL match tickets" for next season (p163)

[CatMan]

How bad would our club's refusal to listen to its supporters need to get, before we reached the point of forming an alternative football club? And, incidentally, that is a serious question! And daft as it may sound, ask yourself this; what is the point of claiming to support a team that you can no longer afford to see play? How many of us on here would be City, or even football fans at all, if it wasn't for the fact we could catch affordable buses to Maine Road, and pay with pocket money levels of cash to get through a turnstile?

 

[Damocles]

pay with pocket money levels of cash to get through a turnstile?

Ah yes, "pay" through the turnstile. ;)

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Do we need to start posting our membership cards on here now aswell? A lot of us are members, myself included, and that's the reason some of us are fuming, a decision by the group representing us that we pay to be members of, was made without any consultation or chance to vote on the matter.

Whether I agree with the decision or not I understand why the OSC would want to keep channels open between them and the club. Personally (and I've said this to Kevin) I see a difference between his role as OSC GenSec and as the OSC representative on City Matters. I wouldn't have an issue with him holding regular meetings with the club on OSC matters (which he needs to do) but not attending CM meetings.

The attitude of the OSC is well-established and has been for years. It will help its members but will not get involved in club politics, which led to the split between them and the Centenary Group during the Swales Out years. But a few people fuming on a forum is not a mass Tiananmen Square-type protest. Should the OSC be more vocal in representing its members? You'd get a variety of views on that I suspect but any representative group, like the OSC or CM, has to take balanced decisions where there are pros and cons. There are mechanisms for raising issues to the OSC Executive I believe and that's the only way you'll get anything meaningful done.

As I said earlier, I'm getting increasingly disturbed by unelected groups like 1894 whipping things up from the sidelines.

 

[Damocles]

The attitude of the OSC is well-established and has been for years. It will help its members but will not get involved in club politics,

What is the purpose of an OSC that refuses to fight the club on issues the fans care about?

As I said earlier, I'm getting increasingly disturbed by unelected groups like 1894 whipping things up from the sidelines.

I'm not, I think they're great because they're the only people who are actually putting these issues front and centre. The OSC "doesn't do politics" as you say and City Matters up until now have been completely toothless and therefore pointless. This is the second thing they've ever done that actually had an impact, after the disabled parking fraca.

Let's be clear, City don't give a FUCK what we think, what 1894 thinks, what OSC thinks and what CM thinks. They'll gladhand and put bit part executives in meetings where everyone gets to feel special and then go away and ignore basically everything. Alex once listed the City Matters achievements and one of them was legitimately "we almost made them not do this thing that they did".

If any of these groups and their tactics actually worked then we wouldn't be in the position that we're in now and this would have been stopped in about 2015. The fact is, they aren't working. So something new is required and if that means strikes and groups like 1894 then good. I'm not interested. I dont care about the whys. I care about the results.

EDIT:

And again, I want to point out that last year City could have charged £0 for every ticket, every corporate box, every executive seat, for every single game at the Etihad and they still would have made a yearly profit. Their excuses on revenue are horseshit. You yourself came up with the maths years back that showed that yearly ticket price increases to non-corporate sections make up less over the course of a whole year collectively than we'd be paying a Nico O'Reilly type player

 

[Mcfc1.9.8.0]

It's not the Soviet Politburo you tool. Reps are elected to represent their members in the best way they see fit. Some feel that boycotting meetings is the right thing and some don't.

And anyone who uses the 'They're only in it for what they can get out of it' is a complete fucking turd.

Why do you always resort to personal insults not big and not right just have a debate with out the personal insults

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

It would be nore helpful to everyone if the OSC provided some sort of explanation.

The club have consistently fucked about on this issue, including their mandated fan liaisons. City Matters refusing to meet with them on topics that City decide they want to talk about before the one the fans want to talk about seems a strong message and sensible strategy.

What argument in the face of Citys belligerence could the OSC have against this? Especially when it appears to undermine City Matters position. Why would anybody wish to do that? How does that help the fans? And you can see how a unanimous vote over such an emotive issue where the will seems so clear, would lead people to believe that there has to be ulterior motives here.

We have basically all the City fan groups aligned here. In fact we have a coalition of groups that are not City groups from other fanbases all fighting on the same issue.

The OSC decided to break that solidarity. And they did it with 100% unanimous vote. I think people are well within their rights to ask for an answer to why that is.

Number of things here Damo.

I attend my branch meetings pretty regularly and our OSC Exec representative reports back to us at those meetings, where there has been an executive meeting to report on. And we can discuss anything we want to discuss.

I do agree the club have create this situation but people really need to remember that the OSC and City Matters are two completely different bodies, each with different responsibilities. Of course there's an overlap between OSC members and the groups represented by CM.

In my days setting up a Supporters Trust pre-2008, I met with the OSC Executive as they were worried about what we were doing and wanted to understand more. We made it clear we had no wish to rep on their toes, or take over some of the things they did. They accepted that the two groups could live side-by-side and may have differing objectives. It's the same with the OSC & CM. The OSC continuing to do their job does not undermine CM, but it's put Kevin in a dilemma (which I don't think really exists, but that's my personal opinion).

By carrying on their normal dialogue with the club, the OSC aren't saying they agree with everything the club does, or their refusal to set a date for a meeting or explain why they can't do that. I don't see their actions as disloyal or breaking solidarity.

 

[NJMCFC184]

Ah yes, "pay" through the turnstile. ;)

Yep crowd of 32k and Peter Swales crowd of 23, 873 would always raise a laugh on the kippax

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Why do you always resort to personal insults not big and not right just have a debate with out the personal insults

I struggle to debate with people who have ridiculous views that bear no relation to the facts on the ground. You know what they say about never arguing with idiots as they'll just drag you down to their level.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Therein lies the issue. It's the OSC's job to tell us.

Speaking as an OSC member, I am disappointed by the stance taken - mainly because as far as I am aware there was no opportunity for my views to be taken into account on this issue.

It is incumbent on the OSC exec to urgently clarify:

1. Who was canavassed for their opinions on how the OSC should respond
2. If individual branches were asked for opinions, how these fed into the process
3. Who was allowed a vote on the matter.

It's all well and good them saying it's a unanimous decision, however I could realistically claim that I have unanimously taken a vote involving only myself and I have decided that I unanimously disagree with their stance. Democracy is as much about transparency of process as it is the actual act of taking a vote. The former is in extremely short supply here.

Hi Halfpenny

Your Branch Sec might welcome you attending a
Meeting orntwo for your Branch. I know that would be welcome in the Branch I run but volunteers are a rare commodity. Anyway, if your Branch Sec was at last night’s meeting they may be able to answer your questions.

Anyway, hot off the press from Sir Kevin

You may be aware that some of the City Matters Reps have decided to boycott any more sub group meetings until the Club confirm a date for the agreed meeting on Season Tickets for next season



A date for this was promised within 7 days of 20th Feb 2025 but has not yet been confirmed



Speaking to Danny Wilson yesterday he advised the following



The club are 100% committed to have the extraordinary meeting, however at this time, they don't have all of the details to bring to a meeting. As soon as they feel they have enough information to give to us, and make the meeting as constructive as possible, they will send out some dates for us to choose from. They are hoping this will be very soon.




After a lengthy discussion at last nights EC meeting The OSC voted unanimously to NOT join the boycott but to continue to press the Club for a date - but also agreed this meeting should only take place when the Club has all the information required



Should there be any City Matters meetings before the date of the meeting is confirmed we will attend

 

[BringBackSwales]

Whether I agree with the decision or not I understand why the OSC would want to keep channels open between them and the club. Personally (and I've said this to Kevin) I see a difference between his role as OSC GenSec and as the OSC representative on City Matters. I wouldn't have an issue with him holding regular meetings with the club on OSC matters (which he needs to do) but not attending CM meetings.

The attitude of the OSC is well-established and has been for years. It will help its members but will not get involved in club politics, which led to the split between them and the Centenary Group during the Swales Out years. But a few people fuming on a forum is not a mass Tiananmen Square-type protest. Should the OSC be more vocal in representing its members? You'd get a variety of views on that I suspect but any representative group, like the OSC or CM, has to take balanced decisions where there are pros and cons. There are mechanisms for raising issues to the OSC Executive I believe and that's the only way you'll get anything meaningful done.

As I said earlier, I'm getting increasingly disturbed by unelected groups like 1894 whipping things up from the sidelines.

Absolute bollocks concerning 1894. The only group who do and say anything positive and constructive about trying to take the club and its supporters forward. I would add Alex from City Matters to that. 1894 “whipping things up from the surely” lol, at least they are prepared to whip things up. Unlike the OSC and the rest of City (doesn’t) Matter(s). 1894 come far closer to representing me as a rank and file City fan than any other body

 

[meeesh]

When are renewal prices due out?

 

[M18CTID]

When are renewal prices due out?

Was late March last year. I have wondered if the club are going to wait until they know if we're in the CL or not next year before announcing them, in which case it could be May before we hear something. That's just me surmising though.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

It’s as I suggested. The OSC received assuranced from Danny Wilson that there would be a meaningful meeting on ticket pricing and voted to continue to attend City Matters and its sub groups.

Hopefully, all the posters who said Danny Wilson rocks earlier in the week can understand why the OSC accepted his assurances.

 

[meeesh]

Was late March last year. I have wondered if the club are going to wait until they know if we're in the CL or not next year before announcing them, in which case it could be May before we hear something. That's just me surmising though.

Yea thought it would be back end of March time normally, first few week April maybe

 

[Damocles]

The club are 100% committed to have the extraordinary meeting, however at this time, they don't have all of the details to bring to a meeting. As soon as they feel they have enough information to give to us, and make the meeting as constructive as possible, they will send out some dates for us to choose from. They are hoping this will be very soon.

This doesn't MEAN anything. How can intelligent people who have been in the business world look at this and take it as face value? This is literally a "dont call us, we'll call you" response. Has Kevin Parker never done sales?!

Manchester City has a military like precision. They move potentially 60+ people with masses of equipment around the continent at a moments notice. They have to ability to tell you the percentage of passes received to a 14 year old right back in the Argentianian youth league on his left foot, in around 20 minutes from asking. They can have a full media and communication strategy of a huge story ready and waiting to go within about half a day of the command coming down. They do not need to "wait for further information" for weeks then give an indeterminate amount of time. They just don't give a shit.

Alex. Email Danny Wilson. Ask him for specifics. Ask him exactly WHAT information he's waiting on specifically, ask him why such information doesn't have a date predicted to be received, ask him whether this information is absolutely vital to this meeting and will potentially change outcomes. Ask him why if this information is so vital then it has taken weeks to collate and gather, and what systems are in place to ensure it doesn't take months again.

These people are taking the piss out of you. Why are so many so afraid to deal with them like you would anyone else who is doing that?

"Oh if I'm competent and forceful now then they might not listen to us next time"

They already don't listen to you. What difference does it make? City are a PR club and the fans can potentially make things very difficult for them. And the more they lie down, the closer to the £2500 season tickets we're going to get.

 

[M18CTID]

It’s as I suggested. The OSC received assuranced from Danny Wilson that there would be a meaningful meeting on ticket pricing and voted to continue to attend City Matters and its sub groups.

Hopefully, all the posters who said Danny Wilson rocks earlier in the week can understand why the OSC accepted his assurances.

I think it would've been helpful if that had been communicated in last night's tweet as, even if people agreed or disagreed with the vote, at least it would've put some meat on the bones as to why they voted the way they did

Let's see on the meeting. I'm sceptical that they (the club) are acting wholly in good faith but happy to be proven wrong

 

[Damocles]

It’s as I suggested. The OSC received assuranced from Danny Wilson that there would be a meaningful meeting on ticket pricing and voted to continue to attend City Matters and its sub groups.

Hopefully, all the posters who said Danny Wilson rocks earlier in the week can understand why the OSC accepted his assurances.

So they broke rank because they got an email. An email that actually promises nothing, offers no timetable nor any explanation. Fascinating.

 

[Alex - Not City Matters]

Hi Halfpenny

Your Branch Sec might welcome you attending a
Meeting orntwo for your Branch. I know that would be welcome in the Branch I run but volunteers are a rare commodity. Anyway, if your Branch Sec was at last night’s meeting they may be able to answer your questions.

Anyway, hot off the press from Sir Kevin

You may be aware that some of the City Matters Reps have decided to boycott any more sub group meetings until the Club confirm a date for the agreed meeting on Season Tickets for next season



A date for this was promised within 7 days of 20th Feb 2025 but has not yet been confirmed



Speaking to Danny Wilson yesterday he advised the following



The club are 100% committed to have the extraordinary meeting, however at this time, they don't have all of the details to bring to a meeting. As soon as they feel they have enough information to give to us, and make the meeting as constructive as possible, they will send out some dates for us to choose from. They are hoping this will be very soon.




After a lengthy discussion at last nights EC meeting The OSC voted unanimously to NOT join the boycott but to continue to press the Club for a date - but also agreed this meeting should only take place when the Club has all the information required



Should there be any City Matters meetings before the date of the meeting is confirmed we will attend

It’s as I suggested. The OSC received assuranced from Danny Wilson that there would be a meaningful meeting on ticket pricing and voted to continue to attend City Matters and its sub groups.

Hopefully, all the posters who said Danny Wilson rocks earlier in the week can understand why the OSC accepted his assurances.

Just to add further context to this, here is what Danny told me on 27th February.

Hi Alex, thanks for your message. In summary, I called in response to your email in relation to the meeting about Season Tickets. I informed you that we wouldn’t be in a position to confirm a date for the meeting this week as we needed more time internally. I reiterated our commitment to the meeting and that we would be in touch as soon as we were in a position to share a date with you for you to check availability of the wider group. I also said that we would leave time between the meeting and any announcement in relation to 25/26 Season Tickets in case a follow up meeting was needed or requested.

So, I don’t take much faith from the update shared yesterday given it is practically identical. I practically shared as much in the update City Matters posted a week ago.

 

[I'm not really here]

I struggle to debate with people who have ridiculous views that bear no relation to the facts on the ground. You know what they say about never arguing with idiots as they'll just drag you down to their level.

I wasn't arguing, and you already started with the personal insults so I don't know what level you're at. I also said "it screams of" I didn't say that's what they were doing, it's just how it seems to come across from my view.

 

[117 M34]

Yea thought it would be back end of March time normally, first few week April maybe

Maybe they are waiting to see which division we will be in :)