I have never been a ST holder as I've worked shifts much of my life and in my younger days played football as much as I could. Having said that, I used to go to as many games as I could, both home and away. In recent years I've only been to a few games as much of my life revolves around family, none of whom are into football in any way. This is the primary reason why I seldom, if ever, make comments about individual games, as I believe I am not in a position to do so!!
Mrs R&W and I used to be members, but haven't been to the Gate since the last game vs Fulham before COVID stopped football attendance (I used to average about 6 home games and 2 away before). There are various reasons for this - obviously COVID - but then I became disillusioned during the Deano debacle (particularly due to the manner in which he was appointed, rather than the man himself) and early NP times - and I was upset that there was no concession for wasted/lost membership when the ST holders all got refunds - we members simply lost our money - ok only £15 each, but the principle is the same. I did use the £10 Player option to watch games whilst we were allowed to, but that has now ended, so they are now missing out on my £10 - their choice. I've also spent a lot of time abroad over the past 2 years sorting my flat out in Gibraltar and I'm also busy doing up my house ready to sell - plus have various other weekend commitments which make a Season Ticket unviable. A trip to Ashton Gate for me and Mrs R&W costs about £25 (return) for the train, £70 for the football tickets - plus food and drink. We are looking at around £150 for a Saturday afternoon, watching seriously well-paid individuals commit the same old mistakes time after time. I HAD planned to go to the QPR game - but the train strike put an end to that. If I drive then (a) it costs about £30 in fuel, (b) Traffic and parking is a nightmare and (c) I can't have a few beers. In hindsight I'm quite pleased - the train strike saved me £150 watching what was a pile of ****e - judging by many of the comments on here. I don't care if this makes me 'fickle' in some people's opinion - I bought this year's City shirts for myself and my son - and I do still intend on going to a couple of games - my son is keen to go to the Reading away game, so I feel no guilt; I've spent plenty of money watching City over the years and I will continue to do so in the future - but I do have other things going on too and have to choose carefully - especially nowadays with costs going up.
You don't need to justify your lifestyle to anyone as Wings already commented, your reasons are totally your own, just like mine I hastily add, you are bang on mate, enjoy your life.
I think RR is a great bloke to have on your forum - strong opinions even if they change with each result...... I can understand the resentment though when someone appears to criticise fellow forum members for expressing their opinions even if they can't attend games. Could be for a variety of reasons - could be health issues, travel problems or even just plain cash allocations to more important aspects of their lives. We had one of those on our forum - you may remember a certain John Hughes who ripped into everyone for not attending, especially for not travelling away from home to follow the side. When it was politley explained to him on the forum that family issues, work committments, health and just plain cash shortages affected many supporters, he got even more aggressive. Sadly he had to go in the interests of others, many of whom he'd upset to the extent that they left the forum. What RR has said was in no way like that guy but nevertheless can upset some. Sorry for butting in guys, but RR pal - I'd retract that post of yours even if your intentions were not intended to offend - everybody has a right to an opinion even if they view from an armchair rather than a stadium seat.
Not being controversial but I have got to say I agree RR is a great contributor to this forun and a proven, solid Bristol City fan, he has a complete right to express his opinions and observations on this forum, this subject is one where I disagree with him amongst many points he makes I do agree with his comments, it's just a discussion on matchday. Keep them coming RR, we enjoy the banter and conversations, many ingredients make a nice cake, I for one welcome your contributions, as said I don't always agree but enjoy your participation.
Whether some fans go or sit at a screen is neither here or there. The most ardent critics of Pearson on here are those who were admirers of Lee Johnson. His tenure still rankles with those that defended him and those who never thought he warranted the position. His appointment split the fanbase then, and still does.
I don’t think there’s a need to take offence, RR expressed an opinion, others disagree and made their points. End of the matter as far as I’m concerned. On reflection RR may think he wasn’t as diplomatic as he might have been. We’ve all done it. At the end of the day we are all City fans. COYR
It's like Marmite, you either like or dislike, I feel the same about LJ as I do Marmite... Uhhhh.....
No intentions of calling my fellows fans fake-just a simple observation that many that contribute on her don't go to home games and i have never even mentioned away games. For me i work 5.5 days a week Saturday morning included and still make time to watch home games -my choice i have been doing it for 20+ years and yes it affects other things in my hectic lifestyle but i want to get down the gate and watch my team. I'm fortunate that funds don't come into the equation we have a meal before the game and drinks every home game.
I know where my vote goes LJ had the crown jewels given to him -NP has been given the wooden spoon so far. Here is hoping for some funds next year.
OS have to disagree with withdrawing it ... freedom of speech and expession and all that ! HUMAN RESPONSE is a fickle thing ... you can tell a lot by the way people answer! Different levels of aggression often measure in some incidences are only to be expected. Really I had no reason to respond but as has been mentioned circumstances are multi faceted . I could probably forgo family duties and go 10 times a season .. but that would cause strife to other member[ s ] of family so I dont ... I would however if I was RR DELETE THE "ON HERE" ... AS most have stated at sometime when or why they attend or not! ........
I just look at the football. If we're doing well, winning games and gaining points I'm happy - with the team and the manager who organises them If we're doing badly, repeating mistakes, failing to learn and adapt, losing games and dropping points, I'm not happy - with the team and the manager who organises them. I don't get into who earned more money, who is good in front of the press, stature, who worked for who's dad, who uses annoying buzzwords etc etc - I leave that to others. It's all about what happens on the pitch and reflected in the league table for me.
Yes, must admit JGF the "withdrawing it " bit of my post to RR was a bit OTT - maybe just acknowledging that it was not intentional to offend other posters would have been better. Freedom of speech and acceptance of different opinions must be sacrosanct on the forums. Like I said, from afar I think RR is an excellent member of this forum who generates much interest on here and with whom I've had many a conversation over the years. No offence intended RR.
Bristol City predicted team vs Preston North End: Timm Klose returns and WSM is reformed Nigel Pearson's Bristol City host Preston North End at Ashton Gate needing to stop their spiralling run of results https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-predicted-team-preston-7695103 Bristol City (3-4-1-2): Dan Bentley; Zak Vyner, Timm Klose, Rob Atkinson; George Tanner, Alex Scott, Joe Williams, Jay Dasilva; Andi Weimann; Antoine Semenyo, Chris Martin