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Season Ticket Refunds

Discussion in 'Gillingham' started by alwaysright, Apr 20, 2020.

  1. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    I'm reading that clubs like Liverpool and Man Utd are to offer refunds to STH, on a pro rata basis - IF ( when ) the remaining games for 2019 /20 are played without fans in the stadium......... it's got me thinking.............

    As far as I am concerned, I support GFC - not any one person in the Club.

    Forum members will know that I am unimpressed with various aspects of non-playing protocol - and have voiced my displeasure about the apparent 'contempt' with which STH seem to be treated ---BUT -----

    -- whilst it grieves me when somebody has profited at my expense, I personally would forego any refund that may be due if Gills play their remaining games behind closed doors, if that helps to keep the club from going broke....... I'd be interested in the thoughts of other STH.
     
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  2. Lord Sondes Clock

    Lord Sondes Clock Active Member

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    Agreed, 100%. That said, we individually should have the option to make that gesture based on a refund being available. It wouldn’t surprise me if that doesn’t happen.
     
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  3. brb

    brb CR250

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    Here, here, I agree. I'm not a season ticket holder but I did purchase a ticket for the cancelled Fleetwood game, I'm happy to forego that money. Over to you Mr Chairman.
     
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  4. grumpygit

    grumpygit les misérable

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    I would except losing the money, it would however be a nice gesture if matches behind closed doors were shown on ifollow free to STH.
     
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  5. gioblues

    gioblues Well-Known Member

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    Would not expect refund for rest of season but if games are streamed then would like season ticket holders to be able to see it free or at least half price. If not that then possibly early cup games free next season.
     
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  6. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    Well done, Wimbledon
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52728013

    This is what all Clubs should be saying --- especially those in the Premier League. The Country's economy is going down the toilet - but - somehow - Football still has an 'expectation ' of cash from fans......I make this accusation not because I do not sympathise with the predicament of football clubs ( along with thousands of other businesses ), but because Clubs ( most especially in the EPL ), have remained silent regarding their intention on this matter.

    Their fans would (probably), be more financially challenged than anything in the EPL, and the fans might need to rely on a refund to be able to afford to eat - let alone ever again go to a football match, but Clubs are treating fans with 'silent contempt.'

    Perhaps a fairer comment by me would be to propose that the FA should reimburse Clubs if they give refunds to STHs - IF the FA compel Clubs to play their remaining fixtures without fans, then these Clubs, along with ( so far ), Clubs in League 2 and below, should be given their costs in relation to ST refunds - let alone the loss of other 'expected ' revenue on matchday.
     
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  7. brb

    brb CR250

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    It's a very good and quite refreshing to see, I've always admired AFC Wimbledon and their approach to supporters. Nothing like a bit of upfront honesty <applause>
     
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  8. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    That's not what you said when the steward tried to move us from our 'vantage' point in their 'away' end ( we weren't sheep that day !
     
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  9. brb

    brb CR250

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    I'd forgotten about him <laugh>
     
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  10. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    Over to you, Mr.Scally.
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53096688

    In my opening post, I stated my 'position.'.......... but -- there will be fans who are not in the same 'position' as me - and will need to have a refund - otherwise their children may not get a meal over the school holidays.

    ..... for the sake of these children, I urge Mr. Scally to at least let the fans know his intentions.
     
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  11. gioblues

    gioblues Well-Known Member

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    I see Scally did open letter yesterday but no mention about season tickets. Also mentions possibly supporters taken a bond
     
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  12. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    Here's an idea.................... and I won't apologise for it being 'selfish'

    We have had no mention of refunds for STH from Mr. Scally --- I have gone on record to say that I will waive any refund (if ) offered ( for the 2019/20 season ).

    We also have had no information regarding 'closed doors' games for next season. This issue, along with the start date ( thought to be mid September ), is yet to be decided. I read that the number of fans may be limited -- IF that is enforced,--- here's a thought ;

    It would seem only fair and appropriate that STH would be given priority - perhaps with having to obtain a 'free' ticket to secure their seat - before it is allowed to be on general sale.

    Some non STH may disagree with me - and would say that the Club would not only not get any extra income ( from the sale of tickets to non STH ), but would incur additional expense in the adminin process of providing 'free' tickets for STH to secure their seats --- well -- you can think what you like. Whilst I don't doubt that non STH may love the Club just as much as STH, it is undoubtedly a fact that the Club relies heavily on season ticket revenue in April / May of each year, to fund itself until each August. I expect that the same situation, this year, has prevented Gills ( thus far ), from following Wigan into administration.

    I don't expect that any fan (( STH or otherwise )), would have paid for 5 Home games that they were not going to attend -- and then let the Club keep the money --- So -- I don't think that I am being selfish with my idea - if we have to have numbers restricted for ( some) games next season- loyalty works 'both ' ways ! ...................the rest of you can go and have a game on Bournemouth beach.
     
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  13. grumpygit

    grumpygit les misérable

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    As a STH in 2019/20 I have missed 5 games (6 if you include Bury)
    I have also paid for the next 2 years of games, some of which could be behind closed doors.
    I would feel somewhat cheated if supporters were allowed in and I was not, like always I don't expect a refund, I do expect a little consideration when fans can return.
     
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  14. Sharpe*

    Sharpe* Senior Member

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  15. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    Sharpe
    In this forum everyone is allowed to agree with me - but it is not compulsory ! Also, we can have some strong disagreements - then, eventually, everyone realises that I am alwaysright.....
    ..... Seriously - tell us what you think -- I doubt that a 'full stop' is the sum total of the contents of your head. Don't be afraid to call me stupid - Following The Gills, I have had plenty of practise -- which makes me wonder why people are surprised and upset when I ( occasionally ), act like an idiot. ..........as I keep telling Mrs. Alwaysright, when she calls me stupid '' And I wasn't the fool that said 'Yes' when I asked for marriage. ''
     
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  16. Sharpe*

    Sharpe* Senior Member

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    Its a difficult one.

    I think most people would want their money back if they're not going to be able to see the games.

    Some of the most loyal and those who can afford to may just let it go if it helps the club continue.

    I think most would demand their money back though.

    PS. I went to post on the Portsmouth board but ended up here. God know how <laugh>
     
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  17. brb

    brb CR250

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    alwaysright / grumpygit

    Just to let you both know my thoughts on selective attendance to football games. My personal opinion is STH's should get first shout on seats. Now I know a lot of supporters jumped on the discounted season tickets, mainly within the Rainham End. My opinion if you wanted to implement a rule of fairness, would be to say, selection applies to anyone that has held an STH since 2018 - I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a two season PAST holding.

    To add to this, it could be decided amoung all clubs, to ban away supporters. This would lower the financial resources, required to manage those games, while giving all supporters at least the possibility of some game time. Lessor supported clubs or bigger grounds, could relax the away support condition, subject to strictly controlled numbers. Again regular away supporters by an official coach, could get first shout of tickets.

    The clubs could make up the lost match day ticket revenue, by screening the games and applying a £10 fee per game. Another thing clubs could do it collection buckets, if you don't ask, you don't get.

    I hasten to add this was all quickly wrote off the top of my head, so might require some tinkering dependent on other supporters suggestions and feelings.
     
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  18. alwaysright

    alwaysright @ Very Angry Camel

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    Good Post - I agree with a lot - but not so sure that '' most'' ( your word ) people would want their money back --- this is football - where normal rules do not apply (( especially regarding handball )). Fans do not really follow their team to expect a 'return' for their money -- perhaps other than 100% effort. I am 'happy' to waste a lot of my money on the club I love - but don't ask me to buy into one of Scally's bonds - I may be crazy - but not stupid.
     
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  19. Sharpe*

    Sharpe* Senior Member

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    You might be right - especially teams down the leagues where those that go really care and want to be there.

    Its the same at Pompey. There are a few that obviously turn up when the form is really good/ cup final or do something else when on a bad run.

    There are not many hangers on or tourists though!

    I do think money talks though for a good few at least - especially for people on the bread line.

    I've been told by a mate that West Ham that they're taking the value of the outstanding game and deducting it off next year season ticket which seemed fair to me.
     
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  20. gioblues

    gioblues Well-Known Member

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    Pretty obvious season ticket holders will get first shout if matches played with some supporters. Season should not start without any supporters though.
    I would not be against wearing masks if it means we can watch games either.
    If you can sit on aeroplane for 4 hours plus why can't you sit on a seat for 2 hours outside
     
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