I cannot work out how about 10,000 of our so called fans have gone missing this year, there have been approx 13,000 city fans that have turned up for each home match so far this season, which is paltry. I did take note however, when driving home the traffic Q's to go home were only slightly lighter than when we were in the PL, on listening to BBC Wales on the way home it was interesting to note that the vast majority of callers and texters were from outside the City walls. So what can you conclude from that. My theory is thus, there are to many of our supporters being influenced by the usual suspects, to quote one of the more vociferous facebook feeds, 'when we return to blue we will pack the stadium out' only to be followed by once we were back in blue 'we are not coming back until Slade is sacked'. We have made a very decent start to the season and apart from saturday the football has been ok to watch, i was expecting to see a crowd of 17 or 18,000, no excuses such as we were on the TV for the Terriers game, so where are they, and why are they staying away. There are 10,000 ST holders which basically means there are only 3,000 walk ups on a match day at the moment. If we are lucky enough to get promoted this year then the plastics will no doubt return in force.
tis worrying. must be the lowest crowds since we came into the championship under Lennie. If it was a gradual decline you'd look at the economy, lack of youngsters joining the following army or if we were sliding down the leagues. Last year was the worst finishing position for 6-7 years (bottom of the premier league is still a higher position on paper than top of the Championship) and we're off to a decent start. The sudden drop in attendances takes some explaining.
Some of the crowds last season were lower that they were announced, just the season tickets holders were counted even if they didn't turn up. Can anyone be surprised? I would struggle to go if I was a floater, as I wouldn't rush to watch that sort of "entertainment." I'd cherry pick my games, and Huddersfield at home would not be one. Wolves was on tv, and Fulham was a midday kick off bang in the middle of the holidays. If the football was more high tempo, fast and free flowing then more people would come so IMO, Slade's influence is making people not bother. Take Saturday, it took the late introduction of Ameobi to win the game. City could have been out of sight had he and/or Noone started. Pace is a most vital ingredient in a football team. Slade is too cautious, and whilst some would rather win 1-0, I'd like for once to see some attacking football. Dave Jones had it right in that regard, his downfall was just he couldn't sort out his defence. Slade needs to win over the missing fans. Or Tan needs to replace him. Whether the re-brand and presence of Tan, has had an effect is less easy to prove. Certainly several thousand have disappeared and once you start not going, it's difficult to get back into the routine.
It's dubious which has a greater effect on attendances - a winning team or entertaining football. If you can get both in balance then you've got it made. Slade turned out some turgid stuff last season and the die was cast. A downward spiral in attendances was barely halted with the much vaunted change back to blue that many said would be the answer. We didn't believe in Slade (and still have serious reservations) but at least we've made a decent start this season that many including me didn't think was on the cards. Winning football doesn't always mean entertaining football. Some will return purely because of league position, others will wait until the "flowing football" starts - the trouble is there's a big doubt that Slade can deliver that crucial element.
I've got a theory on this one. Whilst there's no doubt Slade, entertainment, Tan are all major factors I think some might of lost the thrill of the chase. For years we were balancing, tantalisingly on the edge of promotion. That was very exciting (if ultimately very disappointing most seasons), people looked at the table and thought here we go, this time. Now kind of like chasing a girl you've fancied for ages, we've had her, we've had what we were after and it was a MASSIVE anti climax. We woken up the next morning with the realisation getting there wasn't that great and there's no real desire to repeat the 'achievement' any time soon. Now admitting you only really supported City for last however many years because you wanted to watch a PL team makes you sound like a plastic of the highest order. It's much easier to blame the shirts, Tan, or Slade. Now everyone is entitled to their own opinion and you shouldn't have to justify what you choose to spend you hard earned on to anyone (except perhaps the Mrs...). I just think a large part of the support is/was based on the assumption we're a PL club in waiting. We obviously are not and being in the PL was a pretty **** experience with a few matches being notable exceptions. The 13-15k that are left is probably a much truer reflection of the actual number of 'die hard' fans we currently have. Now I'm sure if things got worse rather than better a number of those would have their loyalty tested too. I'm not sure if I'd renew in L1 (I probably would), I'm almost certain that L2 would see me find a better way to spend my time and money. I will add I do believe a few of the users of 'other forums' who claim to have supported all their lives and have been left disillusioned. The " I'd rather us go bust and start in conference playing in the local park/athletic stadium fans" they just probably account for about 200-500 fans maximum and that might be hugely over estimating the number tbh.
Tomorrow will be interesting. We are second in the division, it is an evening game when, traditionally, there is more of an atmosphere under lights and we are playing a team perceived to be one of the better in the division. I anticipated about 14k for Saturday and wasn't far wrong. However, some of the floaters should start to come back if we can maintain out position. Also, despite the distance and a Tuesday night game Hull should bring a few more fans than Huddersfield. I'm guessing about 16k tomorrow provided the weather is better than today. On the field it will be a test with Hull potentially being the strongest side we will have played so far and we all remember what they did to us last time at CCS. At least Jelavic has gone and Livermore is not likely to be back yet. Still a strong team though. Nice to see Brucie having a whinge about playing Brighton and us away over 4 days: - "I'm not making excuses but it's ridiculous to go to Cardiff on Tuesday when there are at least six other teams that we could play." Aw, bless!!!!
I am not so sure it was an anti climax. I agree to a point in that theory but for me watching Palace and Leicester and even Watford, it makes me scream that we had that opportunity and just blew it due to naivety, personal issues, poor management, re-branding etc etc. if we could re-create how they learnt to survive and prosper in the PL, I am sure if we do ever get back there, City will make a much better fist of it and learn from the likes of aforesaid clubs. Another theory is that like it or not, City's fan base is not as big as we thought; there seem to be a lot of casual fans. A danger is that City may be in danger of losing another generation of fans like they did in the dark days pre Hamman.
"A danger is that City may be in danger of losing another generation of fans like they did in the dark days pre Hamman." Good point Nin. That's where we need some entertainment and excitement on the pitch to bring fans back. Some performances where we go away saying "Wow, what a game, that was brilliant stuff" rather than just seeing the same old, same old and having no real expectations. The question is, can Slade deliver that? Ameobi certainly created some daylight on Saturday but he can't be expected to do it all the time and on his own. I would like to think we are still a work in progress and if we can hold a top 6 position until January then the next window could see us bringing in players of higher skill and potential.
You must of had a better time with her than I did I agree completely with the next bit. First season will always be a massive challenge in the PL but I agree I'd expect a better strategy next time around. Also not saying the anti climatic thing is how I feel, I think we're on a better path and despite the debt I think the future looks pretty positive. No doubt smashing goals in for fun would help get a few of the floating fans back in but there aren't many sides who manage that in this division. I'll take the progress I'm seeing and hopefully the fans will return when they get bored of following the Mrs around John Lewis on a Saturday.
I think it will be next summer before we see any signings of note. The work Slade has done in trimming the squad will take until then to become embedded. A number of contracts will expire, we could sell one or two which will create additional headroom for recruits. Each window we need to move one or two from the bottom of the squad and add one or two towards the top, but the marque signings will only come with a balanced squad, a vision of the future to sell to potential signings and improvements in league standing (not the short term 2nd place but a mid-season / end of season top 6 finish) to demonstrate progress. Slade has been under stating the promotion prospects. He's said we are looking for a promotion push but without any real conviction. I take that as being what he is hoping for rather than what he expects, or its what he thinks he is expected to say. Not sure he's convince himself. Tan is obviously comfortable with that as there doesn't seem any great push from him or friction between the two. Not sure what we should read into that. Has Tan lost interest or has he accepted that this is going to be a slow process?
A post script to the above, we had the lowest attendance in the Championship at the weekend. Bolton, Charlton, Preston and Fulham all had more than us. Ah well, from the bottom the only way is up!!!!
I believe it is the people from the near vicinity to the ground have stopped showing up, the actual people from Cardiff, therefore there must be a reason why they are not there, trouble is with night matches if you cannot get a lift to the ground, then the public transport to get people home, aka Rhondda, Sirhowy, Bridgend etc etc is not that good. So i expect tomorrows crowd to be much the same as saturday, long way to journey on a tuesday for the Hull fans, and not being dis respectful but a very expensive journey to make also.
I did not renew my season ticket this year, there is a few reasons for that, last year I missed 7 home games through ill health and night games so a season ticket is no longer financially viable. The fact I lost my driving licence because of health issues did not help. As Ronnie said not to easy to get back to the Rhondda after a night game. I am beginning to regret that because now paying game by game its too easy to not bother.
The lower season ticket sales this year are probably due to a number of factors and the official attendances posted by the club would obviously be hugely affected by those who have not renewed. In Dai's case the reason is clear and we should all be able to sympathise with those who find themselves in that position - best of luck Dai, hope things improve for you. For some it's the sheer frustration of our situation, and for others who bought the previous season, it's probalbly the end of their "plastic" dream. The hope was that many of those who didn't commit this season would roll up anyway on the day, but you need to give them a reason for making the effort assuming the logistics aren't a problem. After the arrival of Slade and the subsequent crap being served up on the pitch, it takes time to convince many that it would be worthwhile. There are relatively few in the greater scheme of things who would show up if they hadn't already paid for their seat given the lack of close season transfer activity at the club combined with the memories of last year. However, if we stay within striking distance of the top toward Christmas, there could be a big upswing in the half season ticket sales at the time as well as greater walk up on the day purchases.
well on my part its down 2 money these days but added 2 that I find the game is boring and most of all repulsive(money waste)(what tan did with the kit fkd me off mind) >>>but its not just the city....but all football in general.....its lost its soul for me and tbh I cant see me coming back down again. not sure what everyone else`s excuse is tho........................but thats mine and im fking sticking 2 it
If we did make anything this season, you would see them all flooding back! .. Support the club no matter what! Most of us have been supporting City, seeing them battle through the basement, with an awful atmosphere and 5,000 fans and less!
I think they call them glory hunting cu.nts jay.......myself ive watched all the lower division stuff and then got bombed out when we got top flight.....tiz a twat if you haven't got enough money 2 buy a season ticket anymore I tell thee..........and giving my lack of wanting a better paid job im pretty much sure ive seen my last city game. by the way I know loads who don't bother anymore>>>>all for various reasons....sad but true
Understand what you say Aber, but a bit of success on the field may make a few change their views. Football fans are like the tide, always coming and going out and coming in and going out etc..........
Definitely understand your point Aber mate, but agree with BFB. Completely understand that money is an issue to a lot of people and I heard people saying they are paying £35 a ticket!? That is ridiculous and they should lower the prices rather than complain about the lack of support. However, I have spoken to people who say they aren't coming back until Tan and Slade leave.. Ridiculous.. It's almost as if Tan has kept us in Red and Slade has got us relegated! Some people really narc me off when they can't admit they were wrong.. I slated hell out of Slade last season, and now admit I was wrong. Either way, I still renewed my season ticket to support the club I adore. These "fans" need to understand that managers come and go all the time. Players are almost as fickle as fans and will leave for a better offer if it comes knocking.. However, the club we all love and fought to get our colours back will always be there, no matter what league or financial situation, manager or owner. We will always be Cardiff!
bfb its a guarantee they will start coming back......from what I was reading about last years football I didn't expect people flocking back tbh....I also didn't expect so many missing either mind.......lets hope people do start coming back now we seem 2 have kind of quite at boardroom level and with the lads doing bloody marvellous so far this season with a new found team spirit.....im hoping maybe just maybe most of the bad eggs players wise and supporter wise have gone on 2 pasture on some fkr elses grass. jay 35 is shocking especially when I`d have my lad in toe(many others would say the same)....I cut my hours and hourly rate 2get my life back and couldn't justify spending half of what measly wages I get just for an hour and a half of what may turn out 2 be a good game(rare these days)..........when it comes 2 tan yep he fkd up but he was man enough 2 admit it and you cant ask no more than that in a person.......the slade reason yep on last years games very justified but from what im hearing and seeing results wise I think he may have found himself a little team on the quite................but like you say fans are more fickle than a ficklers fukle flute ...............they will come back if results keep us sticking around the top six that's for sure.
