|
|
Post by netherfieldlion on Oct 10, 2023 7:24:24 GMT 1
This season in particular numbers on the Supporters Club coach to away games have been disappointing putting serious pressure on the Supporters Club finances.
In truth this isn’t sustainable.
The Committee are determined to explore all avenues to improve this situation and ensure that away travel continues. If it were to stop it would be difficult to start up again.
So the question is if you follow Guiseley and don’t regularly travel to away games what might persuade you to do so?
All feedback is welcome.
|
|
|
|
Post by troll on Oct 10, 2023 7:46:23 GMT 1
The main thing for me is the departure time. Warrington and Ilkeston are both less than 2 hour's journey, so why the early start? Just to get to a pub? I've got better things to be doing, so I'd rather spend another 90 minutes at home then drive.
For those who need to drink why not use the bar at the ground (or at least in walking distance),like in the pre National League days? At least then there are alternative options for the non drinkers.
It seems at present that the coach is for those who go more for a day out rather than the football.
And if you could improve the standard of the football that might help.
|
|
|
|
Post by rawdonlion on Oct 10, 2023 8:24:02 GMT 1
I think we ought to on occasions consider does a bus have to run. An example was Marine FA cup replay away. Late notice due to the draw on the Saturday, leaves at 4.15pm, the cost to travel and gain entry plus we weren’t playing well as a team so less likely to attract supporters.
I know it’s a ‘supporters’ bus but if it’s going to make a big loss is it one we should say we can’t run a bus to rather than say we will and haemorrhage money.
I suppose the big one is if we get a decent team on the park and winning people will always be attracted. Sadly that’s just a fact of life.
|
|
|
|
Post by rallyman on Oct 10, 2023 9:01:12 GMT 1
The main thing for me is the departure time. Warrington and Ilkeston are both less than 2 hour's journey, so why the early start? Just to get to a pub? I've got better things to be doing, so I'd rather spend another 90 minutes at home then drive. For those who need to drink why not use the bar at the ground (or at least in walking distance),like in the pre National League days? At least then there are alternative options for the non drinkers. It seems at present that the coach is for those who go more for a day out rather than the football. And if you could improve the standard of the football that might help. Have to agree with the start times for Sat games. Circa 5 hours to get to Ilkeston on Sat v 3.5 hours to get to Worksop on a Tues night (having to allow extra time for getting through Leeds rush hour traffic). Just my thoughts. Rallyman |
|
|
|
Post by guiseleyguile on Oct 11, 2023 17:57:01 GMT 1
Gauge numbers booked and use mini buses if necessary.Remember going to Oxford City a few seasons ago in what seemed like a converted ambulance !!
|
|
|
|
Post by ivor on Oct 11, 2023 18:47:53 GMT 1
I noticed that Atherton used an 18 seater minibus last night, but when we looked at costs it seemed more expensive than a coach? And, yes, I think we do need to look at departure times
|
|
|
|
Post by rawdonlion on Oct 12, 2023 13:14:17 GMT 1
I thought this post might have had more comments tbh. I would certainly miss having the away bus if it was to stop. I’ve made new friends and enjoyed banter on the away days.
I suppose we’d really need more responses to know if it is the timing of the departure or other factors such as cost etc. We might need to reach out to other multi media platforms and ask the same question to get a better understanding of where it’s failing but ultimately having a winning team will certainly add numbers imo.
I’m always intrigued by those who say they’ll use the bus if it’s later as to whether they would change their habits for away days.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nik on Oct 12, 2023 14:12:18 GMT 1
I fall into that camp - I would never consider the coach rather than driving because it leaves so early, but I don’t go to enough away games anyway for my feedback to be worth counting to help make any decisions.
|
|
|
|
Post by tugger18 on Oct 12, 2023 17:18:52 GMT 1
How many more fans would we get on the bus if it set off later?
How many more fans would we lose if the bus set off later?
Personally I don’t mind the time the coach sets off. I’ve been to some nice pubs had a good time with the rest of the supporters for me it’s part of the day out.
Onwards and upwards.
|
|
|
|
Post by ivor on Oct 12, 2023 18:06:42 GMT 1
Very good point tugger. Perhaps we need to experiment a couple of times and find out
|
|
|
|
Post by eboracuman on Oct 12, 2023 18:13:50 GMT 1
Like Tugger and others, and as a regular away traveller, I don't have a problem setting off later so as to get to the ground at say 2pm rather than a pub at 12.30pm. And if this would prove attractive to more people, then let's give it a go! Must share the sentiment about the hostelries visited though. However, we really need to hear from more fans who don't travel on the coach at the moment. What is putting you off? Is it cost? Set off time? Preference to go by own transport/ car share? Perhaps no toilet sometimes on the coach  ? Anything else off-putting for you? Let's hear it, as without a coach going to away games, is there any point in having a Supporters Club? |
|
|
|
Post by rallyman on Oct 13, 2023 11:02:06 GMT 1
For me who has an "other half" not interested in football, the idea of going out Sat morning for a couple of hours & being dropped off at the ground to catch a noon coach to an away fixture (obviously those up 2 hours away) would become a possibility whereas at present, Ilkeston is a 10.15am leave time, this cannot be done.
As a season ticket holder I go to the home games & hence usually have alternative weekend's with wifey.
Rallyman
|
|
|
|
Post by leftwinger on Oct 13, 2023 12:14:27 GMT 1
As a younger person, I followed a team around the country in the supporters’ bus and had a season ticket. But then later with a wife and children, I chose to show my support by attending home games only of my main team and a few other local games on other Saturdays, meaning I wasn’t away too long. Now I am pushing 70, have arthritis and grandchildren, so a lot of others to consider when it comes to my time and sitting for too long on transport isn’t good for me. I now have a Guiseley season ticket, attend most home games, buy club merchandise/programmes and have supported the ‘Raise The Roof’ campaign in my own way. I now no longer ‘drink’ and don’t gamble so don’t buy into 50-50 tickets or any other gambling schemes. I live locally-15 mins from ground- so have no need for food or drink provided at matches as I bring my own, if I think I’ll want it. But, I do believe I support the club as best I can in my own circumstances (emphasis on MY circumstances). Other people must make their own decisions, choices and arrangements based on what is right for them. But, I will say, when you are younger football can seem the most important thing in the world, but as you get older you discover… it isn’t! I certainly wouldn’t want to be without football in my life, but sometimes there are other priorities.
A ‘sorry’ to those who give of their time in what is a worthwhile exercise Ie providing the chance for fans to see/support their team play away from home, but it isn’t for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by latecomer on Oct 13, 2023 14:30:56 GMT 1
Ive been on the coach trips for a few games and would in the future for an important game but Id say Dont allow alcohol on the coach its never a good idea .
|
|
|
|
Post by plasticman on Oct 13, 2023 15:31:13 GMT 1
What is the legal standpoint on drinking alcohol on supporter coaches? I thought it had been made illegal several years ago. Has the law changed, or is it like alcohol being consumed in view of the pitch i.e. not permitted at level 5 and above, but allowed at level 6 and below?
|
|
?
