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.....

 

[Tanzeylee]

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!!

That is about the be all and end all of it.
I've never given the slightest of fucks about our attendances, we have the best fans in the world and as you say even if we became shit again we would still have a brilliant hardcore of fans in our 10s of thousands, all the rest is just filling granted its a very tasty filling these days,
I go for the love of Manchester City I go wild when we score and win and Im pissed off when we conceded and lose, what ever the reason for people missing games I don't care that's their own business, we get excellent attendances and anyone who is s bothered about it is just falling into the rag/media bullshit, the fucktards seem to think because our owners are minted then all the fans should be so everyone can easily afford to go all the time.
Fuck the arse holes that try to belittle us over this, and for our own fans, why are you even bothered.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

That is about the be all and end all of it.
I've never given the slightest of fucks about our attendances, we have the best fans in the world and as you say even if we became shit again we would still have a brilliant hardcore of fans in our 10s of thousands, all the rest is just filling granted its a very tasty filling these days,
I go for the love of Manchester City I go wild when we score and win and Im pissed off when we conceded and lose, what ever the reason for people missing games I don't care that's their own business, we get excellent attendances and anyone who is s bothered about it is just falling into the rag/media bullshit, the fucktards seem to think because our owners are minted then all the fans should be so everyone can easily afford to go all the time.
Fuck the arse holes that try to belittle us over this, and for our own fans, why are you even bothered.

^ this ^ all day long , would rather have 30-40 thousands blues , than 659m plastic/armchair/sky subscribers ,because most of us were there when we were shit , and it wasnt all bad to be fair ,i certainly had more laughs at Maine Road , gallows humour and all that , (and the hope of a good cup run !) .But our main worry used to be 40pts , now we are supposed to worry about there being 40 or 4000 empty seats , so some sad rag ,spotty journo can make use of his felt tip pen.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

The attendance last night was just under 42,000. 12,000 below our PL average.

Into that 42,000 you have to factor in 3000 official away fans, and at least, being generous, you have to factor in another 500-1000 away fans spread throughout the stadium.

Most of the time the away end is only half full or less with away fans for PL matches, and those other seats are normally bought by other city fans. Let's say 1000.

So, if my maths are correct.

12,000 below our PL average.
500-1000 German fans in our end.
1000 City fans who normally by away seats for a PL match, if the away team don't sell there away allocation.

Rightly or wrongly, I'm sure I will be corrected, there were between 14,000 to 14,500 PL match going City fans missing last night.

Regardless of the reasons, and my post is not about that, don't you think that is pretty alarming, given the ticket prices, which were fair, the importance of the match, as it turned out, etc.

I appreciate there will always be X amount of City fans who don't want to watch a CL match for whatever reason, but 14,000-14,500 missing City fans is.......?

You get a lot missing just purely because it's midweek night match.

 

[M18CTID]

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)

Thanks. Had it in my head that capacity was nearer 30,000. Either way, 19,998 for the self-styled world's biggest supported club in a European tie is a fucking piss poor effort. Norwich took something like 10,000 fans to Inter Milan the following season for a match that was played on a fucking Wednesday afternoon.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

I get all that mate, and I'm not having a pop at anyone who cannot afford to go. It stretches me, but my fuels paid for, so £20 for a CL match means one less takeaway, that's the way I see it. I also understand your comment about non-regulars, my block in 116 against MGB had literally no familiar faces in it (plenty of Germans), and it deffo affects the "matchday experience". For those like you, who have made a conscious decision to not do Chumps Leaguer fair enough, but plenty of SC holders around me at the Southampton game said "see you at the Gladbach game" but just didn't turn up, so couldn't be arsed. I know full well, draw Barca in the quarters, and they'll be all over it..

Sometimes you just can't get there. I'm in CL scheme and have been to one. Work got in the way of one and my daughters nativity play the other. Whilst it's admirable putting City at the top of your priority list, as I'm sure some others do too, it's not the be all and end all to everyone.

 

[Ban-jani]

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!!

Excellent post.

Everyone seems to forget that when the likes of Sunderland and City don't sell out and get 40k+ the attendances are still the size of Anfield or Stamford Bridge.

And we're getting 53k for league games and Sunderland have been poor for a while (no offence) and still get over 40k at least.

People see a few empty seats and go mad about it, without actually comparing how big the attendances are compared to the rest of Europe.

 

[Bilboblue]

We collected E-Mail addresses for all 650+ people and we contact them on a regular basis.

I've never received a single email from you.

 

[worsleyweb]

Going for 51,456 tomorrow

 

[bod the blue1969]

I know this pal but it was never down to 31000 that I do know!! But also look at the seasons before this and you'll get some gaping gaps in attendances.. What I'm trying to say is 20 years of sustained success and properganda have now brought them 70000 plus numpties for most games, but it wasnt always the case. Our crowds over the last few seasons have been far superior to theirs in the early years of their success. And please my mate, never ever defend them horrible fucking bastards!! They would never defend us!!! CTWD

 

[WNRH]

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!!

You averaged 17k in Division Three and TV hasn't affected your attendances, from 1970 - 1992 you averaged 13k - 30k.