Here's the open letter the OSC sent to the club on September 26th(which they have had a favourable response to, apparently)...
Dear Hull City AFC
I have been asked by the Hull City Official Supporters Club (HCOSC) Board of Directors, Officers and Members to write to you expressing our concerns at recent developments involving Hull City and the supporters.
However I also need to point out that it is not all bad. Everyone is delighted with the performance of the team, the entertaining football being played and the general optimism for the future.
The HCOSC will be 9 years old in December and it has made gradual progress during this time and become an accepted and valuable part of the Hull City scene. Twelve months ago we reached a new peak with nearly 2400 members, a home in the Supporters Bar, a nice range of benefits, a full programme of player visits planned and above all a healthy atmosphere throughout the membership.
We believe that City fans join our organisation to feel nearer the football club, be part of the Tigernation, obtain benefits (discount in Tigerleisure, entry to the Sports Bar free of charge, entitlement to meet players and officials at HCOSC events, gain free entry to Player of the Year awards and Fans Forum), keep in touch with other supporters and be able to demonstrate their support to people they meet by showing them the very attractive membership card.
Since May we feel that the benefits have been eroded and many feel that there is no point in joining or even having a Supporters Club. Over the past 3 months many fans have contacted us to express their displeasure in what has happened at the football club that has affected the HCOSC. Also there is feeling amongst the majority of fans that supporting the Tigers has become too expensive. So much so that it has prompted the writing of this letter. Membership has fallen considerably and the renewals are not being received on an ongoing basis, giving us a reason to be concerned. Plus, the fact that the overall pricing at Hull City has been reflected in a drop in attendances. This may not only be a Hull City problem as attendances appear to be lower throughout the Division, however, we are concerned about the Tigers and feel that the general economic position of Hull and East Yorkshire needs to be taken into account when the club decides its pricing policies.
The match day experience should be available to as many fans as possible, especially when we have a team playing such attractive football as the current side is.
May I first list the down side. I will not go into detail as you will understand what the items are and we can hopefully discuss them in more detail at a later date.
HCOSC Related
There has not been a Fans Forum for 3 years. (Separate e mail sent to the owners and George Hudson).
Loss of 5% discount in Tigerleisure for OSC members.
Loss of free entry for HCOSC members into the Sports Bar.
Increased cost of drinks in the Sports Bar. Money will be spent by fans in local pubs and clubs who charge a lot less.
The number of fans using the Sports Bar has dropped considerably in comparison to last season.
Decision not to send an HCOSC membership form with the Season Ticket pack led to a decrease in members renewing.
Loss of being able to purchase football shirts and Tigerleisure items at cost/very reasonable prices for HCOSC events and competition prizes.
No Open Day held in 2012
HCOSC gave many good ideas and took part in talks on Family Stand, flags and pre match music only to be ignored in the consultation process. We were prepared to help with improving the atmosphere by producing a âTigers Song Bookâ but received little encouragement to publish.
A request to introduce some sponsorship for the Tiger Travel in order for HCOSC members to receive a discount has been rejected.
Some HCOSC members are also members of Senior Tigers and are unhappy with room fee and value for money in the tea and coffee charge leading to an increase in the annual subscription fee.
Other items received from members and fans in recent weeks
Overall increase in Season Card prices and individual ticket prices. (Hard for many fans given the economic climate in Hull and East Yorkshire)
Change in disabled ticket prices too hard for some, would have accepted a phased change.
Increased cost of drink and food on the concourses. (It is noticeable that there are not many queues, so income must have decreased)
Loss of discount in Tigerleisure for season card holders. (We appreciate the new points system but fans preferred to have the saving in their pocket as they are unsure how much has to be spent before enough points earned to obtain something useful)
Increase in senior citizen qualifying age to 65.
Loss of 1904 magazine.
The cancellation of the Tigers Lottery, which must have resulted in a loss of income. Fans want to feel part of the club and being a member of the Lottery contributed to this and also gave them a chance of winning prizes.
PA system too loud in some parts of the stadium and not clear in others.
Change of pre match music has not been welcomed by all. (Loss of âCanât help falling in love with youâ song being missed. Many feel club doesnât recognise adopted fans song)
A large number of fans miss the introduction to each stand before kick off.
Some feel that the PR between the club and fans could be improved. Many fans feel more distant from the club than they have for many years.
Many find the new web site not as easy to navigate as the old one.
It has been said that the club lacks a âFaceâ, someone who relates the news, speaks on behalf of the club, is quick to comment and can relate to the fans. Adam Pearson did this job in the past along with the help of Danny Pratt. Everyone knew them and was aware that when they spoke on the radio or in the press there was something interesting happening. It was also good PR and we seem to lack this at present.
The recent delay with Tiger Travel on the Charlton trip has lead to requests for confirmation that coaches will be better informed of traffic conditions in future.
Members of âAway Directâ feel that their seats at away grounds are not always the best and deserve better because of their loyalty.
We have received some criticism regarding the lateness of the issuing of ticket prices and of season cards this season. Whilst appreciating the complex system changes undertaken by the club it is felt that the wait along with the increases contributed to the lower sales. It is recommended that the arrangements for 2013/14 are advertised in February to allow fans time to plan their budgets and paying arrangements.
I refer to pages 78 and 79 0f the Millwall programme and note that only 50% of the clubs 30 strong playing staff have sponsors. In the past the HCOSC has requested the club also run a kit sponsorship for individual fans, families, groups of fans, clubs, pubs, small firms, HCOSC branches, etc. We ask again that this be considered. The items could be broken down into shirts, socks, training tops, etc. Again it would give fans a feeling of contributing to the business, a chance of belonging and being part of the club. It would also be good PR.
UNFORTUNATELY FINANCE IS GOING TO PLAY A BIG PART IN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT THE FANS CAN GIVE THE CLUB. EVERYTHING POSSIBLE MUST BE DONE TO HELP THE SUPPORTERS AFFORD THE CHANCE TO WATCH THE TEAM. THIS IS ESPECIALLY SO IF WE ARE GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL. AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN AND ENJOY THE MATCH DAY EXPERIENCE.
In contrast we have heard about some good points.
OSC Related
Continuation of player visits to the OSC branches in 2012/13.
Owners are prepared to meet with OSC Chairman and colleagues.
A good working relationship with Club officials (George Hudson and Ann Holland) continues.
General Items
The Allam family continue to service the debt and give financial support.
The restructuring that will hopefully lead to a financially stable future.
The owners showing ambition and giving the funds to the manager to strengthen the playing squad.
The decision to appoint an experienced manager with a Premier League back ground.
A team playing quick, fluent, entertaining, skilful football and scoring goals.
New style programme is a good read and the HCOSC appreciates the chance to have some space on a regular basis.
The discounted ticket arrangement for the Peterborough and Blackpool games is seen as a positive move.
In closing it is evident that many of the fans complaints are financially related or are PR based. It should always be remembered that every football club has two sides. One, the administration management and football. Secondly, the fans. Only one side is constant. Owners change, Directors change, Managers change, players change and staff change but the fans are there for life. Once hooked on a team they should be nurtured and looked after.
As always we at the HCOSC will be pleased to discuss the contents of this letter and other remarks made in the press and on local radio, in order to make Hull City AFC the best and the fans proud to be part of the Tigernation.
Yours sincerely
Tony Conway
HCOSC Chairman
http://www.hullcityosc.com/news/letter-of-concern/
Dear Hull City AFC
I have been asked by the Hull City Official Supporters Club (HCOSC) Board of Directors, Officers and Members to write to you expressing our concerns at recent developments involving Hull City and the supporters.
However I also need to point out that it is not all bad. Everyone is delighted with the performance of the team, the entertaining football being played and the general optimism for the future.
The HCOSC will be 9 years old in December and it has made gradual progress during this time and become an accepted and valuable part of the Hull City scene. Twelve months ago we reached a new peak with nearly 2400 members, a home in the Supporters Bar, a nice range of benefits, a full programme of player visits planned and above all a healthy atmosphere throughout the membership.
We believe that City fans join our organisation to feel nearer the football club, be part of the Tigernation, obtain benefits (discount in Tigerleisure, entry to the Sports Bar free of charge, entitlement to meet players and officials at HCOSC events, gain free entry to Player of the Year awards and Fans Forum), keep in touch with other supporters and be able to demonstrate their support to people they meet by showing them the very attractive membership card.
Since May we feel that the benefits have been eroded and many feel that there is no point in joining or even having a Supporters Club. Over the past 3 months many fans have contacted us to express their displeasure in what has happened at the football club that has affected the HCOSC. Also there is feeling amongst the majority of fans that supporting the Tigers has become too expensive. So much so that it has prompted the writing of this letter. Membership has fallen considerably and the renewals are not being received on an ongoing basis, giving us a reason to be concerned. Plus, the fact that the overall pricing at Hull City has been reflected in a drop in attendances. This may not only be a Hull City problem as attendances appear to be lower throughout the Division, however, we are concerned about the Tigers and feel that the general economic position of Hull and East Yorkshire needs to be taken into account when the club decides its pricing policies.
The match day experience should be available to as many fans as possible, especially when we have a team playing such attractive football as the current side is.
May I first list the down side. I will not go into detail as you will understand what the items are and we can hopefully discuss them in more detail at a later date.
HCOSC Related
There has not been a Fans Forum for 3 years. (Separate e mail sent to the owners and George Hudson).
Loss of 5% discount in Tigerleisure for OSC members.
Loss of free entry for HCOSC members into the Sports Bar.
Increased cost of drinks in the Sports Bar. Money will be spent by fans in local pubs and clubs who charge a lot less.
The number of fans using the Sports Bar has dropped considerably in comparison to last season.
Decision not to send an HCOSC membership form with the Season Ticket pack led to a decrease in members renewing.
Loss of being able to purchase football shirts and Tigerleisure items at cost/very reasonable prices for HCOSC events and competition prizes.
No Open Day held in 2012
HCOSC gave many good ideas and took part in talks on Family Stand, flags and pre match music only to be ignored in the consultation process. We were prepared to help with improving the atmosphere by producing a âTigers Song Bookâ but received little encouragement to publish.
A request to introduce some sponsorship for the Tiger Travel in order for HCOSC members to receive a discount has been rejected.
Some HCOSC members are also members of Senior Tigers and are unhappy with room fee and value for money in the tea and coffee charge leading to an increase in the annual subscription fee.
Other items received from members and fans in recent weeks
Overall increase in Season Card prices and individual ticket prices. (Hard for many fans given the economic climate in Hull and East Yorkshire)
Change in disabled ticket prices too hard for some, would have accepted a phased change.
Increased cost of drink and food on the concourses. (It is noticeable that there are not many queues, so income must have decreased)
Loss of discount in Tigerleisure for season card holders. (We appreciate the new points system but fans preferred to have the saving in their pocket as they are unsure how much has to be spent before enough points earned to obtain something useful)
Increase in senior citizen qualifying age to 65.
Loss of 1904 magazine.
The cancellation of the Tigers Lottery, which must have resulted in a loss of income. Fans want to feel part of the club and being a member of the Lottery contributed to this and also gave them a chance of winning prizes.
PA system too loud in some parts of the stadium and not clear in others.
Change of pre match music has not been welcomed by all. (Loss of âCanât help falling in love with youâ song being missed. Many feel club doesnât recognise adopted fans song)
A large number of fans miss the introduction to each stand before kick off.
Some feel that the PR between the club and fans could be improved. Many fans feel more distant from the club than they have for many years.
Many find the new web site not as easy to navigate as the old one.
It has been said that the club lacks a âFaceâ, someone who relates the news, speaks on behalf of the club, is quick to comment and can relate to the fans. Adam Pearson did this job in the past along with the help of Danny Pratt. Everyone knew them and was aware that when they spoke on the radio or in the press there was something interesting happening. It was also good PR and we seem to lack this at present.
The recent delay with Tiger Travel on the Charlton trip has lead to requests for confirmation that coaches will be better informed of traffic conditions in future.
Members of âAway Directâ feel that their seats at away grounds are not always the best and deserve better because of their loyalty.
We have received some criticism regarding the lateness of the issuing of ticket prices and of season cards this season. Whilst appreciating the complex system changes undertaken by the club it is felt that the wait along with the increases contributed to the lower sales. It is recommended that the arrangements for 2013/14 are advertised in February to allow fans time to plan their budgets and paying arrangements.
I refer to pages 78 and 79 0f the Millwall programme and note that only 50% of the clubs 30 strong playing staff have sponsors. In the past the HCOSC has requested the club also run a kit sponsorship for individual fans, families, groups of fans, clubs, pubs, small firms, HCOSC branches, etc. We ask again that this be considered. The items could be broken down into shirts, socks, training tops, etc. Again it would give fans a feeling of contributing to the business, a chance of belonging and being part of the club. It would also be good PR.
UNFORTUNATELY FINANCE IS GOING TO PLAY A BIG PART IN DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT THE FANS CAN GIVE THE CLUB. EVERYTHING POSSIBLE MUST BE DONE TO HELP THE SUPPORTERS AFFORD THE CHANCE TO WATCH THE TEAM. THIS IS ESPECIALLY SO IF WE ARE GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL. AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN AND ENJOY THE MATCH DAY EXPERIENCE.
In contrast we have heard about some good points.
OSC Related
Continuation of player visits to the OSC branches in 2012/13.
Owners are prepared to meet with OSC Chairman and colleagues.
A good working relationship with Club officials (George Hudson and Ann Holland) continues.
General Items
The Allam family continue to service the debt and give financial support.
The restructuring that will hopefully lead to a financially stable future.
The owners showing ambition and giving the funds to the manager to strengthen the playing squad.
The decision to appoint an experienced manager with a Premier League back ground.
A team playing quick, fluent, entertaining, skilful football and scoring goals.
New style programme is a good read and the HCOSC appreciates the chance to have some space on a regular basis.
The discounted ticket arrangement for the Peterborough and Blackpool games is seen as a positive move.
In closing it is evident that many of the fans complaints are financially related or are PR based. It should always be remembered that every football club has two sides. One, the administration management and football. Secondly, the fans. Only one side is constant. Owners change, Directors change, Managers change, players change and staff change but the fans are there for life. Once hooked on a team they should be nurtured and looked after.
As always we at the HCOSC will be pleased to discuss the contents of this letter and other remarks made in the press and on local radio, in order to make Hull City AFC the best and the fans proud to be part of the Tigernation.
Yours sincerely
Tony Conway
HCOSC Chairman
http://www.hullcityosc.com/news/letter-of-concern/
