I recognize completely that this was kind of inevitable, if we became successful. I also recognize that it's just the first game of the season, other games may not be this expensive.
However, I do feel that they club has made a mistake in classing this as a category A game, if not in terms of the level of opponent then it was a poor piece of PR - the press will jump on this, and as we have seen fans get upset and overreact with worry about their beloved City. And making those poor sods pay £52 just to get in? I didn't like it when Chelsea did it to us, I can't support us doing it to others.
But the bigger issue for me is that I already seeing others moving away, accepting that they won't be watching City live anymore because it's too expensive a commitment. And that's a real shame. Because their kids won't grown up City fans, most likely.
Of the group of 6 of us that are now all blue card members, who also paid for priority tickets, I think we all pretty much feel that was £25 each down the drain now. Three of us are even taking about watching live footy elsewhere, lower league stuff. Of course, we'll always be City through and though, always. But as football fans if we can't afford to see our beloved City a few times a season, which for us is usually a day's socializing too, then I can see us doing it elsewhere, for the beer and footy.
So, yes, I hate it. I hate what we're becoming. Most likely I''ll be sat in a pub telling people about how great city are, how I used to go but don't any more but I have the new top so that means I'm still a fan, how I watch another team every now and then to get a live footy thrill. Sound familiar? If i sprout a cockney accent and start classing my sky card as my season ticket, then just put me down.
I hope I'm wrong. i hope it's an overreaction. I hope that when we're drawn at home to Cheltenham in the FA Cup tickets are reduced to £15 to sell seats, as that I can go and use my blue membership.
It's a business, I understand that. Whoever is prepared and able to pay the asking price, they get the seat, they get the experience. I just completely hate the idea that the club, by doing this, is suggesting to me that I am not the kind of supporter they want or need anymore. Twenty five bloody years of my life, pissed wet through at Gigg Lane, just plain pissed at Bloomfield Road, crying in to my dad's shoulder at relegation in 96, and 98, screaming like a loon at Wembley. Putting off holidays, even my bloody wedding, so that I could see the blues play. Remember City, true fans are not bought.
Maybe City are right. Maybe it is better for the club to have fans who will pay and follow at all costs, regardless. It's sensible business acumen - push the price up and discover your most loyal fans. If loyalty means readiness to spend, that is. Rather than me, who needs to pick and choose his games nowadays - can I afford t this month, and am I free that day plus the two days either side, just in case Sky move it again?
The solution? Hopefully it's just an alarmed reaction to having a Cat A game first game of the season, against plainly Cat C opponents. But football costs nowadays, and watching the top teams live is something only reasonably an option for those with the disposable income, or those who truly are prepared to sacrifice other things in order to have the match day experience. Me, I have a young family to think of now and far too many bills. My dad has just received his notice of redundancy. Seeing City live at least a few times a years is important to us, but nowhere near as important as it used to be. And for £51-56 for Southampton, well, we'll just end up watching it is some pub, spending half that amount on beer and a meal with the family. I just regret that I will find it so much harder to bring my kids into the City fold, then my Dad did with me.
At the end of the day, I guess it's my problem, having to come to terms with watching on telly or in a pub, not actually being there. Can't blame a guy for not liking the idea of that.
*edit* I've just heard, 2 of the other 5 in our group are all going to ask to be refunded for their blue member cards + priority option. Not sure if I will yet, bit of an overreaction imo, and anyway T&Cs seem to say it's not possible.
