Author:
Bruce
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Date Posted: 12:16:52 04/09/03 Wed
I guess I could be called a lapsed supporter, in that I dont go to Coundon road nearly as often as I used to. I still check the websites and the Telegraph regularly though, so I clearly still have an affection for the team. I therefore wonder from time to time, why I dont go.. my observations could help commercialy, to get me and others back in the ground. I realise that some of them may be deemed old fashioned, or idealistic, but so what..
Advertising - I live near the ground, and have always been amazed at the lack of advertising of forthcoming games. I know there have been sporadic usage of Evening Telegraph flyers etc, but I think a proper board that is consistantly updated with next match details, and gave some of the household names that can be seen in that ground, could bring in a fair few. I drive past Chinnor rugby club in Thame from time to time, and they always have a board up, which I always check, and even if the next match is Chinnor 3rds versus Dunstable 4ths, it makes me feel like going..
Lack of 2nd team etc. For a variety of reasons its difficult for me to get to away games, but that was no matter, if I went to Coundon Road at 3pm on a Saturday, there would always be a competitive game of rugby, be it Extras, Wanderers or Colts. With the low number of games at Coundon Road now, people simply get out of the habit and routine of going. The last few "nighhawks" games I have attended have been meaningless with so many strangers and team changes.
The Bar - I have lived in a few places and been to a few rugby clubs (albeit junior to Coventry). Yet Coventry is the only one I have been involved with, where the ground is often empty by about 6pm.. This was not the case before. Even small clubs have dances etc every Saturday, just to keep the tills rolling. However clearly the issue is linked to the previous item - with only one team, and many of them travelling its a low starting point. If you have 3 teams and their wives/girlfriends then you have an automatic party.
My recent experience is that even the players cannot wait to get out to the Coundon etc.
The queue to get drinks at full time also sends a few across to the Coundon. Why not have 50 bitters and 50 lagers ready poured at full time, to cut down waiting time.
Meet the players - One of the great things about Rugby versus other professional sports is the accessibility of the players. I think more could be made of this. Make sure the kids know that if they hang round for 45 minutes while Dad has a pint, then they can get as many autographs as they like.(And for the benefit of all, why not have name badges - some people look very different out of their scrum caps.)
The Shop - The last match I attended, I was despatched with a pocket full of money to get the new shirts as presents for the boys. I was staggered to find that within 5 minutes of the final whistle the shop was shut.. the pocketfull of money went elsewhere..
Lots of people like spending money, they just need the oppertunity.
Hope these help.
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