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25% => The Boardroom => Topic started by: Kinky Tom on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:31:25



Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Kinky Tom on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:31:25
Quote
You can Bank on us says Trust

THE Swindon Town supporters Trust could launch an ambitious bid to take over the running of the Stratton Bank.

The initiative was raised by a member at a Trust meeting last night. It would see the fans group take charge of the uncovered and scarcely used stand in an attempt to entice new supporters with promotional activity.

The notion was inspired by a similar ‘Target 10,000’ scheme used at Charlton Athletic during their leaner times outside football’s top flight to bring attendances up to the five-figure mark.

TrustSTFC spokesman Paul Davis said: “The position of the club is serious and the purpose of the meeting is to pull together some ideas.

“The one clear thing to come out of the night is the possibility of the Target 10,000 campaign and the Stratton Bank situation.

“That is a very definite steer for us to look into further.”

The more traditional subjects of fans representation on the board and ticket prices were raised during the meeting at the GW Bar.

Among those brainstorming was Rob Tuck ­ the man who came up with the Loud & Proud campaign backed by the Advertiser.

Fans responded brilliantly against Port Vale on Saturday and Tuck is looking to maintain the party atmosphere at future County Ground fixtures.

He said: “It was great looking at the pictures in the Adver on Monday, to see that sea of red.

“If there was no mention of the result, somebody reading might have thought we’d just made the play-offs.

“We’re looking to put something together again for the game against Scunthorpe and continue for the next few home games after that, until the campaign builds its own momentum and fans are doing it every week.”


We only said a couple of weeks ago that something should be done with the stand.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: unclemark on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:35:03
I would definetely sit on the bank if it was open.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: janaage on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:40:23
I used to love the stratton bank, but not sure I'd want to sit down if I went there, especially during the winter, it's cold enough standing up.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:43:54
In principle very good idea, should do it for the city match!!! But won't this just mean that half the people in teh town end go on the bank an half stay put, however cheap they make it people will bleat on about the view etc, the non attenders claiming it's the price want cheap main stand seats, because when you offer them the town end they complain about the view and facilities.  I really hope it works but some people expect a leather padded seat on the half wasy line for a tenner


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: janaage on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:45:30
It's a non starter for matches like the City game because the club will lose money from away fans who'd have sat in (and filled) that end.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: fatbury on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 09:48:32
Lovely when its not raining .. trouble is you never know so you have to leave it late to decide ! :mrgreen:


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Elsterap on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:20:12
Quote from: "janaage"
It's a non starter for matches like the City game because the club will lose money from away fans who'd have sat in (and filled) that end.

It's obvious in which games the Stratton Bank willl have fans in it.  Solution: We just let home supporters use that end on games where it wouldn't be filled :roll:


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:25:01
Or maybe split it like it used to be for games when travellign clubs bring a few more fans.  Mind you city aside I can't see anyone but Swansea bringing many, we've already had forest and Yeovil.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Arriba on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:33:36
open it up £13 adults kids £4 would be good value.nothing to lose is there


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:34:26
Quote from: "fatbury"
Lovely when its not raining .. trouble is you never know so you have to leave it late to decide ! :mrgreen:


 This was always the beauty of the Bank....early season when the sun was out you might think....yeah and go and stand on the Bank.

  Maybe similarly in spring you might fancy a few rays after the winter...the hardcore Bankite who would stand there on a Tuesday night when it lashed down armed with no more than a cycling cape....always fascinated me as all they had to do was walk round to Shrivenham Road for a roof, but loads never bothered.

 I reckon we should have a TEF hospitality area....which would consist of a Glasto type shanty built to incorporate Mongolian yurts.....these could be strung along the back by the scoreboard ....to make it look a bit like Lord's.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: le god cuervo on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:34:29
they should do something like adults £10 and kid-a-quid on the bank. better than leaving it empty.

i bet the club will moan about the cost of getting stewards on there though.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:38:05
As I said won't this just take the non-season ticket townender and put them on the bank, bringing in less atmosphere and splitting the singers up?


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: janaage on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 10:52:34
I would love a season back on the bank!!  

Like Reg says Shrivvie Road was just round the corner yet people on the Bank were used to standing there, getting soaked in the rain, getting burnt in the sun.  It's these people that need to be attracted back.  I think I'd change my Arkells season ticket to get back on there for a season.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:02:05
I reckon the last time I stood on the Bank was for the game v Liverpool in the Prem.

  The following season when the Intel was opened, I got a season ticket for the half way line which was my usual slot in the old Shrivenham Road......


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:04:21
I only ever did one game on the bank v Birmingham in 92/3 as it was sold out elsewhwere, me and my dad had won tickets in the adver, but they got lost in the post and turned up about 2 weeks after the game, it was 0-0


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: pauld on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:13:57
The idea as discussed last night was not to open it up for general use as such, but as a promotional thing to get school parties etc in but at minimal cost to the club (ie by fans doing the stewarding). As mattboyslim pointed out, if you open it up generally, you run the risk of diluting the Town End or just getting people from other areas of the ground rather than bringing new people in which would be the idea. But as an idea it's very much at its early stages - the club are already looking at a scheme along these lines so hopefully we can work with them to see if something like this would be feasible (and help make it feasible)


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:17:34
That makes a lot more sense, try and use it as a breeding ground for future fans like the temporary stand at bournemouth.  As discussed at the forum a roof of sorts could be useful, as you can image a big school pary on there when it pissed down would be too clever.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:21:16
I'm up for turning the Bank into a breeding ground for new fans.....Birdy welcome to my yurt.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:25:10
Quote from: "mattboyslim"
That makes a lot more sense, try and use it as a breeding ground for future fans like the temporary stand at bournemouth.  As discussed at the forum a roof of sorts could be useful, as you can image a big school pary on there when it pissed down would be too clever.


That was discussed, the roof that is.  The early suggestions were for a stand run by the fans, so the fans takeover the running of th stand (get qualified stewards etc) and use it for targetted promotional activity.  The aim being to add to the current gates, bring a small amount of income in but essentially help promote the club and bring in a new generation of Nationwide/Town End/Arkells users.

People were not blind to the obstacles, but they are all passable, which would simply leave the club to nod or shake.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: pauld on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:31:49
Quote from: "mattboyslim"
use it as a breeding ground for future fans

I know it's childish but I couldn't help giggling at the mental image this gave me  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: We'd certainly get a lot more volunteers to help out tho!


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: mattboyslim on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:33:54
Well Paul it looks like you and reg, quite a pairing! :mrgreen:


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 11:37:47
Quote from: "mattboyslim"
Well Paul it looks like you and reg, quite a pairing! :mrgreen:


  Only if my lawyers draw up a pre nuptial contract.....


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: pauld on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 12:04:28
Quote from: "mattboyslim"
Well Paul it looks like you and reg, quite a pairing! :mrgreen:

I don't think anyone wants to see that - in fact we may be able to raise money for the club by getting people to pay for us not to do it. So how about it reggie-baby? I'm game!


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Melksham Red on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 13:19:49
I like the idea of splitting the bank into two. The half nearest the North stand can be used every match for away fans at a reduced price. This would hopefully bring in more away support. The other half for home fans. I think this might generate a bit of much needed atmosphere with both sets of supporters that close together. A bit more noise in the ground might help entice a few back. It would certainly make it more exciting for the kids. They don't want to sit down bored shitless all game. I know when I was young the atmosphere probably enticed me more than the actual football did. The CG is just too depressing of late. People need to feel excited about going even when we're shit.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: janaage on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 13:22:14
I agree MR, I'm sure that some of the Hoddle games were poor, but the quality atmosphere being near the away fans in the Shrivvie Road more than made up for it!!!


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: larwood on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 14:49:51
Quote

I reckon we should have a TEF hospitality area....which would consist of a Glasto type shanty built to incorporate Mongolian yurts.....these could be strung along the back by the scoreboard ....to make it look a bit like Lord's.

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:  8)
Opening it up has got to be a good idea,the place is next to useless at the moment.The only time i've been in the Stratton Bank was when we played blackburn in the league cup in 95/96.When we went two nil up we stood on the chairs going ape :) .


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Nils on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:01:31
I thought that we werent allowed a roof cos of those houses at the back. And it would only be another worthless expense if that stand were to be pulled down in say 2 years time if we got the go ahead to re develop the ground.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: larwood on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:11:22
Quote

I thought that we werent allowed a roof cos of those houses at the back

I think thats true,if you want to stand on the stratton bank i think you are going to have to expect to get wet :) .Thus it will only be an option for the real hardcore i.e spencer, and the nostalgic i.e Reg :) .


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Kinky Tom on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:12:42
I'd go on the Bank!


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: larwood on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:21:34
Quote

I'd go on the Bank!

Of course, it is always an option for the cheap-skate as well  :wink:  :)


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Kinky Tom on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:23:38
Watch it, else I'll come up in the Nationwide with DV and smoke you out! :wink:   You'll no longer be annonymous, how will you cope? :twisted:


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: janaage on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:26:10
That Birmingham match, Mattboyslim was talking about, was the day of my grandad's funeral :(   The game was the most boring match ever.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: larwood on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:36:01
Quote

else I'll come up in the Nationwide with DV and smoke you out!

 :D
I'll see you coming first :) ,aren't you  a consumptive Louis Theroux look-a-likey? :wink:


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Kinky Tom on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 15:41:50
Not at all, I look a little like this:

http://www.robotfrank.com/gary3.jpg

 :-))(


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Tails on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 16:16:29
Kinky Tom is really easy to spot...Mainly because he's so tall..

I said when this came up yesterday it would be a bloody good idea.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Spencer_White on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 17:10:58
Sitting in the open has to be the worst football experience of the lot. I hate it to be honest.

The club should have made the bank smaller at the back in order to put a roof on it (as was suggested in the fans forum), but of course you can get more money by leaving it a larger overspill stand.

In the lower leagues the tendency has been to create massive segregation areas out of the thousands of empty seats. This has meant less confrontation between fans and less trouble but also much duller games.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: reeves4england on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 17:20:51
I think it would be a great idea to open the bank, especially for schools and so on. I would even put up with it being FULL of school kids for one game. Atleast they would support the team, and many, (well, some) would want to go back.

Sell 3,000 to school kids in and around swindon at £3 and you have made a fair sum that you otherwise wouldn't. Obviously charge the teachers the full £23!!!
Or £15 anyway


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Iffy's Onion Bhaji on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 17:56:21
i think it is a good idea! more fans will come in and there will be better support for the lads.


Title: Stratton Bank
Post by: Bedford Red on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 20:12:42
Quote from: "Reg Smeeton"
I reckon the last time I stood on the Bank was for the game v Liverpool in the Prem.

  The following season when the Intel was opened, I got a season ticket for the half way line which was my usual slot in the old Shrivenham Road......


My last time on there was against Villa in the Premiership.

I always used to stand around the half way line on the Shrivenham road as well, right at the front normally.