Taking fans for granted

[halfcenturyup]

No. Whatever problems he had with players or execs, Mancini built a brilliant rapport with the fans. And Cook was genuinely interested in the fans. I went to a do at The Etihad (which was privately arranged) to raise money for a charity Paul Lake was involved with and Cook was there. At Euro aways he'd wander round the bars the fans were in and often buy the drinks. There were lots of fans forums and consultations and he was a very visible presence (which didn't always end well mind you).

Yes, I am aware that Mancini built a good relationship, but did he actually engage or was it just sideline antics (I was going to say and by the fact that he showed he actually had a pulse, but that would be unfair). And what abut the players? Are they treated differently now and do they treat fans differently? And is the current aloofness (from the fanbase and the real world, if you like) a symptom of a Spanish management style or is it prevalent in the PL as well?

I just can't get my head round why players and management can't see that a good relationship with the fanbase (in the UK sense, or even a City sense) is valuable, especially in the less good times ....

 

[Tim of the Oak]

Yes, I am aware that Mancini built a good relationship, but did he actually engage or was it just sideline antics (I was going to say and by the fact that he showed he actually had a pulse, but that would be unfair). And what abut the players? Are they treated differently now and do they treat fans differently? And is the current aloofness (from the fanbase and the real world, if you like) a symptom of a Spanish management style or is it prevalent in the PL as well?

I just can't get my head round why players and management can't see that a good relationship with the fanbase (in the UK sense, or even a City sense) is valuable, especially in the less good times ....

Mancini' will long be remembers for destroying Fergie's mind games. It was one of the great achievements of the Premier League era.

Turning to the players, I think many were used to playing in front of more passionate crowds and struggle to react to a half empty stadium with ten minutes to go.

I do think some of the players let themselves down a bit by not doing more to acknowledge our away following!

 

[hilts]

It seems city's PR department are at least doing a good job looking at some of the opinions on here, fans taking city for granted quality

 

[paulchapo]

Mancini' will long be remembers for destroying Fergie's mind games. It was one of the great achievements of the Premier League era.

Turning to the players, I think many were used to playing in front of more passionate crowds and struggle to react to a half empty stadium with ten minutes to go.

I do think some of the players let themselves down a bit by not doing more to acknowledge our away following!

The job Mancini did for this club has kind of been played down. We had come into the money and bought some decent players but were a little disorganised and playing like a bunch of individuals instead of a well drilled team.He got them organised and fighting for each other and as you say cracked Fergie up to the point he lost it on the touchline at the derby,wonderful to see.In fact where we are now is almost where we were when Mancini arrived,a team of talented individuals with no real game plan or organisation.

Some of the players just seem to not give a shit about the fans,I feel they just go out to play,get showered and fuck off home.We sometimes seem to be an irritant to them instead of part of them,the togetherness has been lost. David Silva a wonderful player but watch him when he comes to take a corner,especially at home.The fans rise as one to applaud him and he totally blanks us,not a smile or a wave,nothing.Is that too much to ask?

As for the club I don't think they are taking the fans for granted,the problem is probably the opposite if that makes sense? They have gone into a kind of overkill,with surveys and appointing a load of whizz kids trotting out cliches and coming up with mad ideas of what they THINK the fans want,which might work in other entertainment industries but falls flat at football. Walking around the ground pre game now is like suddenly being transported into some kind of mad hatters theme park,it is horrendous. The only good thing is the interviews with ex players and some of the bands are decent,but often the weather kills even this dead.

In truth we have had a bit of a wobble which is probably down to having to keep Pellegrini while we waited for Pepe. In reality if he wasn't coming he would have been dismissed after last season.

If we secure 4th spot tomorrow we will all calm down and probably reflect that it hasn't been too bad a season.a trophy,a semi final of the champions league,top 4 and one of the worlds best managers coming.

 

[BrianW]

A lot of it is just the way the modern game is.

Being an old git, I remember people like Mike Summerbee who would have a laugh and a joke with the crowd. That wouldn't be encouraged now, in fact it would probably get the player into big trouble. But I can't imagine any current first-team player even wanting to do it.

Pellegrini seems a decent sort. I don't hate or despise him, or anything like that. But there's no sense of connection with crowd, the fans. Mancini had his faults, but he had that in spades. And he pissed old Whisky Nose off big time. So to be quite blunt, I'll remember Mancini long after I've forgotten Pellegrini, just as I'll remember Mike Summerbee long after I've forgotten most of this current team.

If I was an executive at City I think one of my priorities would be to build the link between the fans and the club. Because it's something that's clearly lacking - or at least defective - at the moment, and it's a real issue. Bad for the image, apart from anything else. How you do it is another matter. It isn't simple, but listening and genuinely responding would be a start. Even if part of the response is 'Well, sorry lads, but we can't do that, because of X, Y and Z.' At present you just get the impression: 'Here's the product. Enjoy. If you don't enjoy, fuck off. We don't care. Not unless you can afford a box for £60k a year. Then we might care. A bit.'

 

[Tim of the Oak]

The job Mancini did for this club has kind of been played down. We had come into the money and bought some decent players but were a little disorganised and playing like a bunch of individuals instead of a well drilled team.He got them organised and fighting for each other and as you say cracked Fergie up to the point he lost it on the touchline at the derby,wonderful to see.In fact where we are now is almost where we were when Mancini arrived,a team of talented individuals with no real game plan or organisation.

Some of the players just seem to not give a shit about the fans,I feel they just go out to play,get showered and fuck off home.We sometimes seem to be an irritant to them instead of part of them,the togetherness has been lost. David Silva a wonderful player but watch him when he comes to take a corner,especially at home.The fans rise as one to applaud him and he totally blanks us,not a smile or a wave,nothing.Is that too much to ask?

As for the club I don't think they are taking the fans for granted,the problem is probably the opposite if that makes sense? They have gone into a kind of overkill,with surveys and appointing a load of whizz kids trotting out cliches and coming up with mad ideas of what they THINK the fans want,which might work in other entertainment industries but falls flat at football. Walking around the ground pre game now is like suddenly being transported into some kind of mad hatters theme park,it is horrendous. The only good thing is the interviews with ex players and some of the bands are decent,but often the weather kills even this dead.

In truth we have had a bit of a wobble which is probably down to having to keep Pellegrini while we waited for Pepe. In reality if he wasn't coming he would have been dismissed after last season.

If we secure 4th spot tomorrow we will all calm down and probably reflect that it hasn't been too bad a season.a trophy,a semi final of the champions league,top 4 and one of the worlds best managers coming.

Top post Paul

 

[paulchapo]

Top post Paul

Cheers Tim as I said if we cement that fourth place,even better if Villa pull a miracle off and win at Arsenal and it is third we will all mellow out.

 

[JGL07]

Maybe the whiners on this thread can suggest who they would prefer as club owners?

How about the Glazers? Mike Ashley? Randy Learner? Bill Kenwright? Roman Abramovich, Stan Kroenke? Delia Smith? Fenway Sport Group? Ken Bates? Norman Bates?

Just asking like!

 

[moomba]

Maybe the whiners on this thread can suggest who they would prefer as club owners?

How about the Glazers? Mike Ashley? Randy Learner? Bill Kenwright? Roman Abramovich, Stan Kroenke? Delia Smith? Fenway Sport Group? Ken Bates? Norman Bates?

Just asking like!

Who is suggesting they want a change in owner?

 

[Keeper!]

The games has changed whether we like it or not.

It's a global business and the local fans are no longer the No1 priority for the clubs.

This club has supporters all over the world, and living in Asia I can tell you the Premiership is big business and Manchester City is becoming very prominent in this part of the world.

If we like it or not the club will listen to fans in Asia, America, Africa and all, and the wishes of the fans back around Manchester are no greater than the fans in the far of places.

Is that good?...no so sure.

 

[billymumphrey]

So how do you think the walk-out last Sunday will have been taken in Abu Dhabi?

Do you think they will be saying "I have invested millions into a college and leisure centre. I used majority Mancunian labour on the stadium expansion and Campus build, many of which were former offenders. I built City into a European football force after languishing in the mid to lower table, put money into every part of the club and community, have my lads wearing City shirts on my Instagram and screaming in the stands when they're not. I brought them the Stoke FA Cup, Aguero 93:20 and 2 League Cups. Personally I couldn't give a shit if we never do a sycophantic meeting once a month for self-important fans ever again."

Or do you think he will be saying " There is something not right in the relationship with the fanbase if they can't stay behind for an hour after the last home match to show appreciation, and we should be looking to put it right?"

I would imagine it's the latter.

I would say that those actions say far more about the sense of entitlement so many of those fans have, then the owner not doing a good job...

 

[Tb1981]

I would say that those actions say far more about the sense of entitlement so many of those fans have, then the owner not doing a good job...

Id say they think what a pathetic group of fans
They have made Everything and anything possible and still people moan.
do bayern real barca have this connection with Fans....no do they fuck.
they will own run and finance the club and all they expect back is support
I hope the sheik isn't an easily offended man. Cos last week was pathetic

 

[Dubai Blue]

The games has changed whether we like it or not.

It's a global business and the local fans are no longer the No1 priority for the clubs.

This club has supporters all over the world, and living in Asia I can tell you the Premiership is big business and Manchester City is becoming very prominent in this part of the world.

If we like it or not the club will listen to fans in Asia, America, Africa and all, and the wishes of the fans back around Manchester are no greater than the fans in the far of places.

Is that good?...no so sure.

Of course it's not good. The primary focus of any football club should always be the regular match-going supporters as they're the lifeblood of the club, and there's absolutely no reason why that has to change with success/globalism. There seems to be a blind acceptance by many that because the rags chose to go down this particular route it must be the inevitable consequence of success. But the voices of the people who pay hundreds/thousands of pounds following their team each week should always be heard much more loudly than people sat watching it on TV in Asia, America, and Africa (and I include myself in that latter group). Without the passion of the supporters in the stands, the Premier League is nothing. Owners of all clubs would do well to remember that and stop taking the piss with their ticket prices.

 

[Keeper!]

Of course it's not good. The primary focus of any football club should always be the regular match-going supporters as they're the lifeblood of the club, and there's absolutely no reason why that has to change with success/globalism. There seems to be a blind acceptance by many that because the rags chose to go down this particular route it must be the inevitable consequence of success. But the voices of the people who pay hundreds/thousands of pounds following their team each week should always be heard much more loudly than people sat watching it on TV in Asia, America, and Africa (and I include myself in that latter group). Without the passion of the supporters in the stands, the Premier League is nothing. Owners of all clubs would do well to remember that and stop taking the piss with their ticket prices.

I totally agree with you, but I am sorry to say, I am not sure our present CEO agrees.

 

[Dubai Blue]

I totally agree with you, but I am sorry to say, I am not sure our present CEO agrees.

It does seem that he's the root of much of this discontent.

 

[Keeper!]

It does seem that he's the root of much of this discontent.

He is a upmarket accountant.

Just watch the Documentary about his time at Barcelona....spreadsheets and figures...that's what he is about.

I looked at his face after the Arsenal match, the guy was in total shock at the sight of an empty stadium at the end of the game....he did not see that coming.

Hopefully for the good of City it was a wake up call, and I am sure Khaldoun will remind him of it at every opportunity

 

[Deleted member 58678]

The games has changed whether we like it or not.

It's a global business and the local fans are no longer the No1 priority for the clubs.

This club has supporters all over the world, and living in Asia I can tell you the Premiership is big business and Manchester City is becoming very prominent in this part of the world.

If we like it or not the club will listen to fans in Asia, America, Africa and all, and the wishes of the fans back around Manchester are no greater than the fans in the far of places.

Is that good?...no so sure.

It's not good at all. We used to be seen as Manchester's club for Mancunians (of course we've had fans from all over the country for decades). "Manchester City, The Mancunian Way" was the slogan on the stadium when we first moved in 2003, then these:

and of course:

Now every thing is about the fucking Moon. It's about half'n'hakf scarf wearing selfie stick tourists. It's about welcoming some competition winning daytrippers from Malaysia on the pitch and Kompany saying "welcome to our fans from Indonesia" on the screen. There's a real lack of "Manchester" about Manchester City Football Club.

It's not like that at Barcelona. Their Catalan identity has always been at the forefront so I don't understand why it's not like that with City.

One way I'm pleased is that we have the name "Manchester" back on the new badge. A good start but I think we need to get our Mancunian identity back to the forefront again.

 

[peoffrey]

He is a upmarket accountant.

That's disrespectful to a fantastic business mind who has made City a profitable club against the odds.

 

[Keeper!]

That's disrespectful to a fantastic business mind who has made City a profitable club against the odds.

The people at Spainair may disagree.

I though his appointment was an outstanding one, but in my opinion he has brought little to the table of Manchester City Football Club, the CFG ,maybe, but my only interest and passion is MCFC.

We keep hearing about big increases in turnover, but where has it come from? TV in the main, our sponsorship has not risen to any significant amounts, especially if you take away the Abu Dhabi based deals. Our kit deal is simply pathetic, 12m a year.....We know the rag deal is 75m and Spurs are on the verge of signing for Nike at 25m year. Add on the discord of the vast majority of match day fans I would say Mr Soriano has a case to answer.

Also in regards to profits. The CFG group has been used in a very clever way to shift a lot of expenses from the books of MCFC. I have no problem with this, but there is an argument about the validation of our real profits.

I believe that he would make a excellent CEO of the CFG, but it's time that Manchester City Football Club had a CEO based full time in Manchester who is answerable to the fans and employees of Man City alone.

 

[Keeper!]

It's not good at all. We used to be seen as Manchester's club for Mancunians (of course we've had fans from all over the country for decades). "Manchester City, The Mancunian Way" was the slogan on the stadium when we first moved in 2003, then these:

and of course:

Now every thing is about the fucking Moon. It's about half'n'hakf scarf wearing selfie stick tourists. It's about welcoming some competition winning daytrippers from Malaysia on the pitch and Kompany saying "welcome to our fans from Indonesia" on the screen. There's a real lack of "Manchester" about Manchester City Football Club.

It's not like that at Barcelona. Their Catalan identity has always been at the forefront so I don't understand why it's not like that with City.

One way I'm pleased is that we have the name "Manchester" back on the new badge. A good start but I think we need to get our Mancunian identity back to the forefront again.

The promotions/ advertising you show was simply brilliant, they brought worldwide attention to what we were doing, the Tevez poster was magnificent. That alone shook a certain Glaswegian to the core.

I totally agree in that we are loosing our Mancunian identity, and it's unacceptable,