It seems we all have different opinions on this and having read the comments, I have to say I don't know much about this NI character, but he seems quite controversial. The article, I thought was over the top but I wondered if it was me that was missing the point? It seems not!
To try to turn the attendance for this game into a personal snub by the fans against Marcus is pure mischief making.
Im ready to be shot down...... forget thos genuine fans who couldnt make it as there are plenty out there...... But had this been a friendly against pompey for example..... sellout without doubt and more! I was actually disgraced by the low turnout given everything the club put on New tournament feature, 3 exciting games, 2 new kits, free funfair, unveiling the tribute flag and all at a cheap price! A great day and all i will say is those who didnt go missed out and Marcus deserved better COYRs!!!!!
It was a good day. Those who didnt go missed out, but dont make it out that people stayed away because they didnt respect Markus or NA. They just couldnt make it. I took four kids and I think the price was good and showed great value. Those who think everything should be free dont live in the real world. Also NI writes with a massive chip on his shoulder and is blinkered somewhat. I very rarely see a balanced piece on his website. This debate = mountain out of mole hill.
I didn't go because i just got back off holiday.For someone to suggest that the people who didn't go don't respect Markus is ridiculous,me and my girlfriend have just spent around a thousand quid on 2 season tickets and a new shirt for my nephew so we couldn't afford another 32 quid really and that isn't an excuse it's the reality of life unless you're lucky enough to earn good money to do everything.Also don't forget that in the space of three weeks people have had to find money for season tickets,kits and maybe holidays so perhaps people shouldn't be too naive about peoples circumstances.
I am not stating people didnt go to show lack of respect.... i am simply stating that 10,000 is very low given the occassion (IN MY OPINION) Surely not everyone was on holiday or couldnt afford it. As i said, had it been pompey for example...... many people wouldnt have been able to even get a look in. I expected better from our fans. Not a sell out no way, but approx 15-20k???
this has been made into a mountain from a molehill so can we all just leave it? no need for people to get on a high horse or say that others 'disgrace markus' at the end of the day it was just a friendly. season starts in 2 weeks - sure attendances will be up at that one.
OK guys and gals....lets perhaps take a step back...and take a breather. It is obvious that the initial thread struck a cord with most people. Whether you agree or disagree people should be and indeed are allowed to express their views. That includes threads that will be taken as controversial and disagreeable. However I am sure I do not have to remind people that this a discussion forum. Everyone that has an opinion is likely to want to air them in what ever way they deem appropriate. It has clearly upset some people about the numbers that didn't go, as it has upset some at the inference that somehow it should be deemed as a smirch on the memory of Marcus memory for non attendance. Let us all agree to disagree on this particular point and not point fingers at people that disagree with your point of view. If we have a point of view lets express it and discuss it without the accusations of wrong doing.
Well, I guess I am a little surprised that there wasn't a bit higher turnout, but I figure it this way. Was the price/offer good? Yes. Would Saints fan want to show their respects to Markus? Absolutely. Was the timing unusual and is there a shortage of money about? Yes. So basically, those who could go, went. Those who couldn't, didn't. No conspiracy theory needed. Was I there? No. But then my Father-in-law only has one 80th birthday. Still a good turnout for a friendly, and I thunk that is all you can say.
fatletiss........they are mounting up....by the time I have drunk all the pints I have been promised I will be to p***ed to go to the match
Too all those who went ... Fair play! Will see you u on match day is more the bloody answer I wanna know! I will be chanting Markus name for the next 10 months!
Just a thought, I know stewarding may have been difficult, but had the whole stadium been open for the fans to spread out, it may not have seemed so bad, big tracts of the seats empty emphasised the shortful. If NC had pushed out his video a wee while before, in other media, there may have been a few more conciences pricked! Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I wish I had made more effort, as do, I suspect, a number of others. I have to content myself in the fact that I did have a good day out at a different event and was chuffed to see a lot of people wearing the new red and white stripes there. No one deliberately would have snubbed Markus, we all have far too much respect, however, things have been going so well, there is a danger of taking things for granted.
I wanted to pay some respect to the late Dean Richards at a home match but was'nt given the chance. Not going Saturday does'nt mean i'm not greatfull to Markus, i just had to work to pay for 3 season tickets and 2 kids new shirts. As for Illingsworth and his idiot mates at the UIS they a worms and it's about time someone trod on the slimey little bas"*%s.....
I felt really bad about it. I felt very strongly that we let Nicola & Markus' family down. We had 50,000 at wembley so I was struggling to understand why barely 10,000 could make this but having read all of this and reading replys from people who didn't go (including alot of people on here that I actually have alot of respect for thier opinion), I'm climbing down from my high horse (before I even get started) and just about accepting that I'm fortunate enough to be a single bloke with no responsibilities and a reasonable amount of disposable income. I don't know what it's like to have find an another £16.00 when I already have, debts, mortgages, kids etc. so I'm lucky and it's easy to lose sight that everybody isn't in the same situation. Basically, what I'm waffleing on about is this... In reflection, I think we can all agree that we would all of hoped and expected that it was a big crowd, even those that weren't able to, or didn't want to attend. Unfortunately it wasn't but I urge you all next year to try and put the money aside because if nothing else it was a fun concept and a great day out (I'm already looking forward to it).
The attendance was a little disappointing....I was at a Wedding so couldn't make it, but would have loved to have gone as I found the format intriguing and from the highlights and reaction I think the event itself was a success. So I hope they repeat it next year. Still a crowd of 10,000 is not to be sniffed at and represents half of our average gate and when you consider it's the start of the summer holidays and all the things that come with this time of year I don't think the club can be too disheartened. As for the writer of the article....The guy has always been a complete c### and why he has to be the face & voice of this football clubs supporters is beyond me....but I guess he suits the nothing good to say attitude of our local paper.
I've just forked out £465 on a new season ticket, and, for me, it was either Saturday or the West Brom friendly. I chose Saturday because it was on a Saturday afternoon (much more convenient) and something a bit different. Many people will have chosen Wednesday night over Saturday as it's a proper 90 minute game. Next season for the Memorial Cup, let's have two day tournament with 2 proper games on each day like Arsenal are doing with the Emirates Cup.
I wont go into detail as to why i did not attend saturday as Beddys post covers my reasons to the letter though i am able to attend for wba .However myself and my two boys are regulars at st marys and have watched enough ****e in recent times and still come back for more to consider ourselves loyal and supportive.What pisses me off more than saturdays turnout is people who never watch us yet make it to wembley ,manure at home in the cup and our last day on the pitch promotion party some of whom have ridiculed us and then get tickets whenits something special or the big boys are in town .
