The simplistic view of "just Bates" is truly too simplistic, as you point out. The amalgamation of the policies of Bates - especially the financial fleecing of us fans at a time when wages were stagnanat (ie going down in real terms) and all other costs were also going up - made it impossible for me to continue going to LUFC.
Unfortunately, the scenario has continued - costs rising everywhere while wages remain stagnant, and the remaining high prices of LUFC still prevent me from going while I have child costs going through the roof. As a single parent with two lads to support and mortgage, finances are squezed and choices have to be made. Plus my youngest lad is not that interested in football - certainly not in watching it. He's more important than LUFC and I won't compromise the time at weekends that I do get to spend time with him.
So yes, Bates and his policies were the catalyst, but right now even if prices were £100 for a season ticket, it is very unlikely I would be going to matches at the moment as I have other commitments I cannot, and am not willing to, compromise.
But I am grateful to the LUST bandwagon in helping to get rid of Bates, focusing supporter's ire against him, and also to GFH in steadying the ship. I would like the ship to remain steady and on course, in iceberg-free waters.
Onwards and upwards, and I will be back at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later. In the meantime, I will fervently support my team from my living room
rather than support the opinions of people who claim superiority because they have good-enough circumstances (at the moment - life can be changed quickly) to be able to attend matches in person
