After creating my latest thread [[ we weren't rubbish ]], I could forgive anyone of you if you responded by asking ; " Why do you bother ? " (( with going to Gills matches )). That question has to be answered from the Heart - rather than the Head ( or stomach ). I suppose that - by the time I have finished my long journey home from Home matches, and with the elapse of time going into the next game, my senses have eased enough to allow my stupid loyalty to be subjected to more torture. In some way, I almost wish that I could 'let go.' I wish that I could just stay away for a Home game -unfortunately, I have more money than sense. (( sadly, it appears that many more fans are 'coming' to their senses )).................. at least I can enter a plea of 'insanity.'
That's a good question always, there have probably been less than 10 seasons that most would consider as good, and that's after more than 62 years of going to priestfield. I guess that puts me in the MAD camp.
62 Years !! - Albert Speer only got 20 years jail --- and he was a Nazi War criminal - responsible for thousands of murders. ps - I'm not as mad as you** ( but more insane than brb ) pps ** please do not reply "Yet"
I guess that I'm fortunate not to live near enough to Priestfield to have to make a decision over buying a season ticket, and therefore committing myself to going to games. I can pick and choose the games I go to, based on proximity to my home, and also the general attractiveness of the fixture. It is no secret that I was not in favour of Evans' appointment, a decision based not on his perceived management / coaching abilities, but on just about everything else that is known about him that is in the public record. But I was prepared to give him a chance. After all it's the team that we're supporting. Nevertheless I admit that my enthusiasm to actually get out and watch games at the start of the season was at a pretty low point, but having missed a few getable-to games, Accrington really was too close to find an excuse for, and the enjoyment of meeting up with familiar faces again was ultimately more important than the uninspiring performance and a very lucky win. So provisional plans were investigated to go to Sunderland next week - a much longer haul than games I'd already avoided, but the trip there last year was a very positive experience. Then there was Saturday, and once again rational thought returned. Despite the VERY low entry price (I think the lowest that Sunderland are allowed to charge under Cup rules, but I'll defer to better knowledge than that if provided) and the prospect of a couple of convivial beverages (I'd be driving, so limit myself to 2 before the game) would it really be worth a day of my life and over half a tank of fuel to watch probably another inept performance and very probable defeat? Answer - no. Will I be missed - probably not as an individual, but how many other people are making similar decisions, not only for long distance away games, but for shorter distance away games, and home games? Much has been made about the camaraderie that goes with the games, that it is arguably more important than the game, and particularly so when the offering on the pitch is so poor. But that camaraderie can sometimes be enjoyed more if the meetings are occasional, so for the time being I'll continue to pick and choose my games based on convenience for me. Does that make me less mad than some? Arguably so, and also arguably a less loyal supporter. I can't claim the 62 years that grumpy can, but it's more than 55, and over the years you do begin to see a different side to football, one where, actually, if you're parting with good money you should be able to expect to be entertained. At the end of the month I'm going to see Graham Parker at the wonderful Bury Met. Overall (ticket, travel, refreshments etc.) it'll cost me about the same as a 'standard' gettable to Gills game, probably even a bit less, for probably roughly the same time of performance. For Graham Parker, substitute your own, if faded still wonderful live performer, or indeed theatre performance, or even cinema visit. Does the cost to entertainment ratio stack up against the cost of going to watch Gills? Does it matter? But that's the judgement I'm making at the moment.
Tim The cost of Live football has exploded from the days of Jimmy Hill and 'maximum' wages. The proportions that it has now reached, does not engender loyalty. If you have kids, it can be a very expensive day out when you factor in tickets, travel, catering, ( and occasional merchandise ) -- it certainly was dear to take my sons to matches ( not everyone has /had the same money at my disposal --- it's a pity I didn't have their sense )...... So - what we have more of today is people attending selected games ( even when they live locally ). The ( fairly cheap ) availability of several Sky Sports channels, BT, ifollow etc - with access to a whole bunch of sports - from the comfort of your armchair -- for a month, at the same price - or less cost of a ticket to ONE GFC game, makes it very easy for people to NOT bother with all the hassle of going Priestfield ( or wherever )..... and without any 'blind' loyalty that existed when people wore flat hats, it is little wonder that attendances - especially in L1 and L2 are falling. Football is ( as brb will tell you ), nothing but a business. We are customers -- and just like an other retailer - if the goods are rubbish, we'll stop shopping at Mr.Scally's emporium, and go to a different supplier -- and if we live too far away, we'll have the product delivered down a copper cable.
