Attendances

[gordondaviesmoustache]

League match BEFORE Torpedo Moscow? QPR. 33,278
League match AFTER Torpedo Moscow? Liverpool 33,243
(Torpedo Moscow. Gary Neville's European debut to boot)

I've got a feeling that Twitter account is going to provide some amusement during the knockout phases of the Europa League.

 

[blueparrot]

@worsleyweb you said Swansea would be lowest of season? Could you guess how much?

Do you or anyone else know how much Swansea are bringing? City have got all of level 3 IIRC?

Just had a quick look I reckon 53-54000

 

[CheethamHillBlue]

I've got a feeling that Twitter account is going to provide some amusement during the knockout phases of the Europa League.

I do hope you meant MUCH amusement mate. Let's hope it's not short term. ;-)

 

[Manchester33]

Why give weight to this argument? Because it's true. It's not an argument. Believe it or not, just like many on here I desperately wanted the new singing section to succeed. I moved from 111. I gave up a great seat and a great view. I also had some great times in there. Singing, banter, etc. I moved because I hoped the new singing section would be better. Is it? The jury is still out on that one as far as I'm concerned.

I'll give you an honest and unbiased view of the new singing section, in my opinion.

For a start I don't buy into the fact that the new 3rd tier claimed a large percentage of fans who originally decided to relocate to the new singing section. Fans who wanted to stand and sing would have still relocated to the new singing section, regardless of the new 3rd tier. We were led to believe there was as many as 400-500 fans relocating to the new singing section from other parts of the ground. In all honesty, is there even 50-100 singing fans grouped together in 114 or 115? Probably more like 20-30?(grouped together)

What we've got is very similar to blocks 111, 110 and 109. A mixture of fans who want to sing all the time, part of the time, or not at all. Those 3 groups of fans are completely mixed up and spread out in blocks 115 and 114. As it stands there isn't a large group of singers massed together in 114 or 115.

Let me make this clear. What l'm about to write is not a criticism of 1894. I've supported them and helped them right from the start. I also know some of the lads personally and I'm on speaking terms with them. TBH I consider them to be friends. What they've achieved at City and on the terraces has been great. And because of them we're heading in the right direction. However, there are a few things I've noticed that I think need looking at, which could make a difference, and could have a positive impact on the singing and atmosphere in blocks 114 and 115?

1. As far as I know, and I could be wrong, 1894 are reluctant to grow their numbers? They want to keep everything in-house. They have a tight knit bunch of lads. That's not to say they don't welcome more fans joining in singing on the concourse and on the terraces.

2. When I stand with them I see the same faces most of the time. I appreciate they know each other and they are mates. But unless you actively invite new fans into that close knit group, you will never increase the numbers, and increase the number of singers grouped together.

3. As I've already stated, many of the singers are spread throughout both blocks. From what I've seen there seems to be 2 groups of singers. The 1894 group at the back of 115, under the overhang, and another group to left of them. Don't know who they are. That aside, and in my opinion, if you've got 10-15 lads stood under the concrete overhang at the back of 115 that isn't going to help the songs and the noise to travel. The concrete overhang acts like a buffer, a dampener, and muffles the chants and any noise created. Whether by choice or by accident 1894 have decided to stand there during the games. From a personal point of view, and seeing where Palace and other Ultras stand, it would make more sense to stand near the bottom or in the middle of the block/s, so the chants and the noise can either travel up the blocks, or up and down the blocks. That being said, most of those seats have now probably been allocated to other season ticket holders.

Being honest, the new singing section has made the atmosphere better at the Etihad, but with more organisation, and ultimately more singers grouped together, and in a better location on the terraces, the support and atmosphere could and would be so much better.

That's my take on it, rightly or wrongly. :-)

As part of 1894 group I'm happy to take any criticisms, positive or negative. All advice is taken on board and discussed to help improve the 'group'.

Firstly, you mention you were led to believe as many as 4/500 fans were relocating to the new section. That is correct, we initially got around 650 requests to relocate (this was after the initial subscription period where fans had the chance to submit their interest in a new singing section). These were names that we passed onto the club, before the end of last season to be relocated into 115/4 for this season. Obviously yours was included in that.

After hours of painstakingly attempted to fit everyone into their preferred area of the block we ended up having to use 114 as well as the demand for the back and middle rows were so high. A few core 1894 'organizers' even changed their preference to the front of the block to allow more fans their preference. This was the last part of the relocation process as far as we could influence it. We collected E-Mail addresses for all 650+ people and we contact them on a regular basis. During the summer, the club kept in touch and informed us a number of the supporters had relocated in the relocation window 'after the cheaper tickets became available in L3'. So that's where we are with that. The empty spaces have been filled with certain people who, like you said, don't get involved as much as we'd liked, but it's a start.

We're hoping that people from around the ground have seen 115 getting it going and will decide to relocate after seeing it this season. Next season, if we get another 50 singers in there I think it will be problem solved, but we'll have to wait and see if people decide to move or not.

I'd like to clarify that the core members of 1894 do not stand at the back of the block. We did as a trial earlier on the season to see if we could get it going, it did help, but after a number of complaints from other fans, the stewards in the southstand warned us they would be clamping down on it moving forward - something they're yet to start doing (if you're one of the people who congregate at the back of the block please bare this in mind moving forward). We are going to try a few different things and will continue to treat this season as what it is, a pilot study!

1894 group are actively trying to grow their core numbers, we've asked several people who've shown a partial interest in the group roles to get them more involved. Obviously the people we ask have to be willing to spend a lot of time on 1894 - something most fans are reluctant to do. We've tried 'recruiting' more people over the past few days, it's harder than you'd think to find people willing to help!

I think you'll agree that the actual singing is the final hurdle. I personally think the flags and displays we've done so far add something to 'the match day experience', we've learned a lot, made good contacts inside the club and with other atmosphere groups across Europe. We've stuck up for our fans and acted in their interests on numerous fronts. All we ask for back is that everyone in the singing sections get involved as much as possible!

I enjoy the games more now I'm in 115, I've made some friends I'm sure I'll be in touch with for years to come and seen a different side to 'going and watching City', if anyone wants to get involved, the offer is there, you just need to be committed!

 

[Tim of the Oak]

I've got a feeling that Twitter account is going to provide some amusement during the knockout phases of the Europa League.

The rags don't like the empties being pointed out to them. Also, I've used that photo in Twitter banter and has some rag from Scunthorpe calling me a racist. I think some of the guys are family of a mates from Bradford.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Is that any away ticket, or just Europa away tickets?

The second seems reasonable to me - those that turn up to the home games should have priority for away games

Edit:
I've found a scanned version of the email on SportBible. Assuming it's legit, it says "can't apply for domestic away games", which may include cup finals.
Ouch.

Great approach from "The Pride of all Europe"!

 

[FrankSwift1]

League match BEFORE Torpedo Moscow? QPR. 33,278
League match AFTER Torpedo Moscow? Liverpool 33,243
(Torpedo Moscow. Gary Neville's European debut to boot)

I was actually at that game so only 19997 'Utd' fans. My mate signed for them as an apprentice and got two free tickets for each game. Come to think of it he's a blue as well. If I remember correctly it was a rubbish game with no atmosphere and ended 0-0

 

[Tanzeylee]

Last night was probably the most enjoyable CL game for me in the full 5 seasons we've played in it. A lot have been miserable nights. I've been to all the home games in that time but none of the away matches. I thought both teams played excellent football and it turned out not to be a dead rubber after all with Juve losing. Fair does to everybody who went but no problems either with those who couldn't make it for whatever reason but were there in spirit. It's worth pointing out that we've already played 5 "cup games" this season. Total attendances are 216,618 with an average of 43,324 (LC + CL) and a PL average of close on 54,000. That is tremendous support whatever way you cut it. Most season tickets aren't cheap. cup ties are additional cost and night games are sometimes impossible for people who live a distance away. Our support is growing all the time. People should stop worrying about a few empty seats. We had loads of empty seats at Maine Road during the Mercer-Allison era and no one cared. In the New Year the semi against Everton and the last 16 CL game will push total attendances for cup games to over 300,000!

Excellent post.

 

[Stockport mackem]

I may be slightly off topic here...so my tin hat has been donned.
There seems to be a paranoia amongst fans, that if there is not a sellout for a home game, it is deemed a disappointment.
This happens irrespective of league position...my lot argue it to death...we average 40k (OK, so there is 8k left at the final whistle before you say it) and we don't exactly grace the top flight with attractive football, yet there are still fans who criticise this attendance.
I've found it similar of this thread.
Yes, you are more successful ....but if it is your team...how relevant is that?
Tv has affected attendances massively....MOTD with highlights of 2/3 games, and a live FA Cup final was all it used to be....yet I live 150 miles from my hometown, and can see every ball kicked.
Then there is the cost...not cheap, especially if kids are in tow...but back to my main point....
What is true of Yourselves, and Sunderland fans....is that there is undying passion, and loyalty to our teams....and they are our teams!!!
Why?
We supported them when we were shit...yep 3rd tier (I actually see my present teams plight as good..10yrs in the prem)...and we will support them come what may.
If City turn shit tomorrow, you will still be there next season, just like my lot...it's called loyalty...not glory seeking.
We averaged 30k at Roker Park in Div 3, and you were similar at Maine Road.
It is harder these days with cost.....but whatever number turns up on match day.....you will always have a loyal and solid fan base....and to me, that is more important than propoganda fuelled with paranoia around a number printed in the Sunday papers!!

 

[LadislavMplmx]

I may be slightly off topic here...so my tin hat has been donned.
There seems to be a paranoia amongst fans, that if there is not a sellout for a home game, it is deemed a disappointment.
This happens irrespective of league position...my lot argue it to death...we average 40k (OK, so there is 8k left at the final whistle before you say it) and we don't exactly grace the top flight with attractive football, yet there are still fans who criticise this attendance.
I've found it similar of this thread.
Yes, you are more successful ....but if it is your team...how relevant is that?
Tv has affected attendances massively....MOTD with highlights of 2/3 games, and a live FA Cup final was all it used to be....yet I live 150 miles from my hometown, and can see every ball kicked.
Then there is the cost...not cheap, especially if kids are in tow...but back to my main point....
What is true of Yourselves, and Sunderland fans....is that there is undying passion, and loyalty to our teams....and they are our teams!!!
Why?
We supported them when we were shit...yep 3rd tier (I actually see my pleasant teams plight as good..10yrs in the prem)...and we will support them come what may.
If City turn shit tomorrow, you will still be there next season, just like my lot...it's called loyalty...not glory seeking.
We averaged 30k at Roker Park in Div 3, and you were similar at Maine Road.
It is harder these days with cost.....but whatever number turns up on match day.....you will always have a loyal and solid fan base....and to me, that is more important than a propoganda fuelled with paranoia around a number printed in the Sunday papers!!

good post.......some people are more interested in the attendance than the fuckin game.....