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

[halfcenturyup]

In danger of losing a generation of young local fans all because of greed.

If only Soriano understood the "pitch" he is playing on .....

 

[Marvin.]

Quite bizarre for you to throw out comments linking a fan group to trump/Maga whilst in the same breath making an entirely falsified and fabricated comment somehow blaming the 115 fan incident on 1894.

Isn’t that the crux of the issue with trump and the whole Maga campaign without caring or wanting to go into US politics further…

It's not bizarre because I felt 1894 were promoting the old traditional City support base against other groups who are now following City. I accept that was a false impression, because I have just been told that, nevertheless I thought that that was 1894's outlook.

 

[wearethesouthstand]

When there's a vote in your local council chamber, or in the House of Commons, do your elected representatives contact you and ask how you feel about the issues, and which way they should vote?

Who elected you, or anyone else involved in the 1894 Group to speak on behalf of City fans? The truth is that you're a self-appointed, unaccountable group who have set themselves up as the 'authentic' voice of City fans. Do you speak top all your members (a group that includes me) before making statements?

I deliberately didn't participate in the survey as it seemed to me, and as someone else pointed out, it was very slanted towards getting the answers you wanted. I refuse to complete any of the surveys we get asked to do, officially or unofficially, if I don't feel they're designed to achieve a particular outcome. I was particularly horrified that far more people thought a few 'tourists' (an emotive word that you and others have weaponised) in home sections was a more important issue than pricing, which impacts all of us who regularly attend games.

Also your constant demonisation of City Matters & OSC, both of which have a clear mandate and documented constitution or rules, is becoming very McCarthyite and quite worrying. Basically I feel 1894 is turning into something like the MAGA movement, using populism and a few slogans to whip up emotions while taking no responsibility for outcomes.

I've said to the group and Dante that you are the ideal base for a Supporters Trust but you won't take that step. I think I realise why now. If you did, you'd have to behave responsibly and take accountability, and you don't want that. You'd rather stand on the sidelines and throw mud at elected groups and individuals.

Hi Col, Dante from 1894. This post is making you come across like a very bitter old man.. which of course you are not !!!

Over the last few years you've swung from praising 1894 to spreading misinformation and back again. So we're not sure you have any actual real strong beliefs on anything in particular however...

Some facts to respond to your hyberbole.

Who elected you - Our members did. A vote now happens every year. Next one will be the end of May. A digital vote. Anyone can join at anytime. 2,600 members. Not a show of hands and bussing friends in to swing a vote but a real vote. Our rules & regulations have gone to members over the years. Anyone can come through and put themselves forward but they understand they need to be someone who is involved with creating displays, helping to fund displays, can negotiate with the club and articulate through the media. So it's likely any potential successor would come from within based on the way we work.

Do you speak to all your members - yes through monthly mailers and we reply to all private messages through email, twitter, facebook and instagram. So actually that means we are acting on behalf of fans' wishes not just doing what we want. We'd outlined before when seeking a mandate that we ask for their trust to represent them on policy, that's why they elect us and members have the choice to fill in or not fill in a survey. Members understand that when a quick reaction is needed, we have that mandate already. We've literally conducted a survey on behalf of supporters to pass onto Citymatters and the club. I can't actually see the problem with that given no-one else can be bothered doing one? The OSC doesn't speak to all it's members as last night proved, Citymatters doesn't speak to everyone who elected them individually about each issue but there is a leadership team of 15 - which we are hoping to grow to 20 by the summer. They are elected and key decisions are decided there.

You've decided not to fill in the survey - Don't think anyone will lose any sleep over that. The questions were an extension of the position we came to in the start of the season when we commented on the club's North Stand plans - ie we wanted the club to confirm prices and to confirm that full season tickets would be offered - at the same rate we have in the stadium now ie circa 72%. The club last week finally gave an update on the number of season ticket holders. This allowed us to ask the question specifically on whether fans wanted to see more, less or the same number of season ticket holders - following feedback that non-City fans in the stadium is now making the stadium unsafe. It's not rocket science to understand the line of questions. Citymatters will have a meeting with the club - hopefully - they asked on the record in october that season cards be re-introduced and it's to give them a further mandate to say nothing has changed, fans want this and do not want to see a reduction in season ticket holders to below 60% - which is what will happen if the capacity increases by 8,000 without any new season ticket cards being made available. Not sure what is difficult to understand about that.

Constant Demonisation of OSC and Citymatters - We're actually on a teams call with Citymatters tonight including Kev from the OSC. at 7pm. maybe someone needs to tell them they are being demonised. We have never slagged off the OSC publicly, however we have had criticism from some of their branch leaders over the community shield boycott and other issues ie displays they didn't like. We don't believe City fans like to see supporters groups arguing, certainly not in public. We've just done a mini-tour of branches and speak to OSC branch leaders all over the UK and indeed the world. Most of us in 1894 have been/ are part of branches anyway and recognise the benefits that organisation has provided over the years. A lot of our members are members of OSC branches also. We remember Alan Potter and Frank Horrocks and understand what OSC can and can’t say or do at times.

Citymatters was set up by the club because they had to set it up no because they want to. Looking at the guidance in the new football supporters bill the current set up does not meet the requirements of a Fan Advisory board and the club has been told this. The chair of citymatters actually pushed for reform from within. The current chair of citymatters reached out to us a couple of years ago to see if we can support them, help to make public statements as they were getting nowhere privately a lot of the time. We are happy to do so. We encourage them and ask fans to contact them direct prior to meetings so they have a full understanding of what fans want, so they are not caught out. We have offered advice on PR and on how to be more transparent and visible including making sure the club's version of minutes are challenged. We think in the last couple of years the overall impression of Citymatters has improved. Of course the perception that it is not working comes from root causes. The club's own attitude towards the group, blindsiding them and ignoring their decisions such as last march, the fact someone received thousands of votes right at the first election in 2018 (and that person was then not allowed onto the citymatters board) - you were involved on the board at that time and no doubt kept quiet about democracy being thrown in the bin. Ciymatters members themselves have tripped themselves up ie not signing letters or statements when a majority has voted in favour. OSC members from all over he world shared and responded to our survey, from America, Japan, India, Poland, Greece, Ireland, Belgium and more. You are just talking rubbish. Fans trust us because we have been transparent and consistent over the years and turned to us because they saw no one else doing it and felt many of the citymatters meetings with the club were shrouded in secrecy.

Really only 2 or 3 from Citymatters do any public commenting. 32k in the OSC and everything left to Kev, surely others there can give him a hand? We have 8 or 9 that regularly go on podcasts, youtube channels and do all sorts of media, tv, radio etc , we don't chase the media they chase us and ask for a comment. We are all for getting some power - and putting that power in the hands of fans - not having power for our own benefit.

The protest at the Arsenal game last year went ahead with the backing of these other bodies. There's constant communication going on behind the scenes. Unlike in your era, there are far fewer leaks.

You may have noticed that we are quite busy organising displays ! You may well look very silly in due course with your ramblings that's all I will say...

Stand on the sidelines and throw mud - Just grow up Col. It's a shame you ballsed up the trust last time and also the amount of calls and messages I got from members of Citymatters who felt you were a loose cannon whilst you were on the panel - perhaps I can understand why now. Who can forget you slagging off 1894 one day back in 2021 and the very next day asking for a job on the committee after you were challenged as to whether you and others on Citymatters panel were prepared to resign over the super league, i'm sorry you have to work your way up first mate, we can't provide vehicles for egos just because they are big.

 

[HelloCity]

The debate is becoming politics-like.

The people fighting amongst themselves whilst those making the decisions and causing the issues stay safe in the shadows.

Regardless of our views on how things should be handled, let’s not lose track of the real issues, which are being caused by excessive ticket prices and poor communication from the club. The frustration then shouldn’t be directed at each other but those making us feel this way in the first place.

 

[wearethesouthstand]

Why don’t you tell us through how the discussion went. I don’t know myself

OSC business is OSC business Tim but some people have contacted us saying their branch wasn't present last night and does anyone know how many branches were actually present - given there are 350 branches in total. We've said we don't know, not our business but could you confirm which branches did attend the EC meeting and vote ?

 

[CoventryBlue]

The debate is becoming politics-like.

The people fighting amongst themselves whilst those making the decisions and causing the issues stay safe in the shadows.

Regardless of our views on how things should be handled, let’s not lose track of the real issues, which are being caused by excessive ticket prices and poor communication from the club. The frustration then shouldn’t be directed at each other but those making us feel this way in the first place.

It is politics though. Not government but it's still a form of politics.

Anyone not boycotting is enabling the club to do what it wants. They need calling out

 

[M18CTID]

Thank you for clarifying. I was not sure.

No probs mate

 

[jrb]

The debate is becoming politics-like.

The people fighting amongst themselves whilst those making the decisions and causing the issues stay safe in the shadows.

Regardless of our views on how things should be handled, let’s not lose track of the real issues, which are being caused by excessive ticket prices and poor communication from the club. The frustration then shouldn’t be directed at each other but those making us feel this way in the first place.

Exactly.

We're not to blame, as in the fans, the Directors are to blame.

But whilst we fight and squabble amongst ourselves the Directors are laughing behind our backs and planning their next deceitful move against the fans.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

We've come a long way since Noel Bayley and Dave Wallace would stand on concourses calling each other Wankers but in reality not much seems to have changed.

 

[CoventryBlue]

We've come a long way since Noel Bayley and Dave Wallace would stand on concourses calling each other Wankers but in reality not much seems to have changed.

Haven't you got a hooligan forum you can go and cos-play in if you want to talk about the good old days. Yonner

 

[M18CTID]

Haven't you got a hooligan forum you can go and cos-play in if you want to talk about the good old days. Yonner

What was your username on In The Know mate? ;)

 

[Dubciteh]

I will buy your season ticket for the next 2 years if their is not a season ticket under £700.
Their will probably be a small increase as they always like to do but you need to stop chatting shite

You dont think the club are looking at everton with their prices thinking they can charge the same? I am talking non concession adult tickets. Maybe 700 is a push but if the scousers can sell out at 640 being the cheapest, why shouldnt city charge at least that(in the eyes of our owners/financial guys)?

https://www.evertonfc.com/season-25-26/season-tickets/pricing-grid

 

[Dubciteh]

There is absolutely no way that SS3 season tickets costing £425 this season will rise to £700+ next season. Even City won’t be stupid enough to raise the price by >50%.

When the equivalent at Everton to watch Moyesy ball is £640 why wouldnt they? If you dont want it someone else will. The actions of the club in recent years suggest they dont really care about the fans for these things. Maybe 700 was a push but they will and should be asking the question about why we are cheaper than everton(new stadium or not its still a load of borderline championship players they have).

https://www.evertonfc.com/season-25-26/season-tickets/pricing-grid

 

[M18CTID]

You dont think the club are looking at everton with their prices thinking they can charge the same? I am talking non concession adult tickets. Maybe 700 is a push but if the scousers can sell out at 640 being the cheapest, why shouldnt city charge at least that(in the eyes of our owners/financial guys)?

https://www.evertonfc.com/season-25-26/season-tickets/pricing-grid

City charge more than £640 for the vast majority of adult season tickets already. What SHB was saying is that he can't see the club adding around 50% to the price of the current cheapest season tickets and making them £640 or £700

 

[GrumpyLegacyFan]

Really sad to have just read the last week of posts. Just at the time when we need to be together and speak with one voice, its like the Judean People's Front v The People's Front of Judea from Monty Python.

Personally, as someone involved in the first effort, twenty years ago to set up a Supporters Trust, @Prestwich_Blue worked his arse off in trying to make it happen, as I am sure he did on City Matters (as @Alex - City Matters does now).

I also support the fantastic effort, creativity and campaigning from 1894. I can't really comment on the OSC as I am not a member and have always felt there was a conflict of interests, but accept they have a different role.

But all this fan division simply plays into the hands of the Club when we should be fighting for the rights of every fan.

So, it has to be time, especially with the new Football Governance regulation to rapidly all work together to try and create a democratic, inclusive and fully representative Supporters Trust, as things are only going to worse?

 

[Halfpenny]

Really sad to have just read the last week of posts. Just at the time when we need to be together and speak with one voice, its like the Judean People's Front v The People's Front of Judea from Monty Python.

Personally, as someone involved in the first effort, twenty years ago to set up a Supporters Trust, @Prestwich_Blue worked his arse off in trying to make it happen, as I am sure he did on City Matters (as @Alex - City Matters does now).

I also support the fantastic effort, creativity and campaigning from 1894. I can't really comment on the OSC as I am not a member and have always felt there was a conflict of interests, but accept they have a different role.

But all this fan division simply plays into the hands of the Club when we should be fighting for the rights of every fan.

So, it has to be time, especially with the new Football Governance regulation to rapidly all work together to try and create a democratic, inclusive and fully representative Supporters Trust, as things are only going to worse?

Could not agree more that a fully organised and democratic Supporters Trust is the way forward - I've been banging the drum on this (albeit mainly on Twitter) for a number of years - the time feels right, and we are an outlier as a club in terms of not having one.

 

[Manchester33]

Really sad to have just read the last week of posts. Just at the time when we need to be together and speak with one voice, its like the Judean People's Front v The People's Front of Judea from Monty Python.

Personally, as someone involved in the first effort, twenty years ago to set up a Supporters Trust, @Prestwich_Blue worked his arse off in trying to make it happen, as I am sure he did on City Matters (as @Alex - City Matters does now).

I also support the fantastic effort, creativity and campaigning from 1894. I can't really comment on the OSC as I am not a member and have always felt there was a conflict of interests, but accept they have a different role.

But all this fan division simply plays into the hands of the Club when we should be fighting for the rights of every fan.

So, it has to be time, especially with the new Football Governance regulation to rapidly all work together to try and create a democratic, inclusive and fully representative Supporters Trust, as things are only going to worse?

All I'll say to this mate is that the various fan groups you mention are, in the main, working brilliantly together. Other than a few random posters on here slinging mud, there isn't much division at all.

Look at the original post on this page... 7 different groups signing off a letter together.

The fanbase as a whole is very aligned (as displayed by 1894's survey of over 5k blues). Things are heading in the right direction. People get passionate on here. I think that's a good thing. It shows that people care!

 

[jrb]

Really sad to have just read the last week of posts. Just at the time when we need to be together and speak with one voice, its like the Judean People's Front v The People's Front of Judea from Monty Python.

Personally, as someone involved in the first effort, twenty years ago to set up a Supporters Trust, @Prestwich_Blue worked his arse off in trying to make it happen, as I am sure he did on City Matters (as @Alex - City Matters does now).

I also support the fantastic effort, creativity and campaigning from 1894. I can't really comment on the OSC as I am not a member and have always felt there was a conflict of interests, but accept they have a different role.

But all this fan division simply plays into the hands of the Club when we should be fighting for the rights of every fan.

So, it has to be time, especially with the new Football Governance regulation to rapidly all work together to try and create a democratic, inclusive and fully representative Supporters Trust, as things are only going to worse?

The Directors, I've stopped blaming the club, won't acknowledge or work with elected supporter trust representatives.

The Directors will double down saying the elected City Matters representatives are the official voice of the fans.

If anyone thinks the Directors would treat elected supporter trust representatives any different to how they treat City Matters representatives, you are going to be very disappointed.

 

[TheGhost]

I think we need a group hug.

 

[MAG]