Post by mgjscfc on Aug 16, 2006 9:45:01 GMT -1
Stanley aim to attract bigger crowds
ACCRINGTON Stanley are set to launch a marketing campaign in an effort to attract more fans to the Fraser Eagle Stadium.
Officials admit they have been shocked by the low number of fans turning out to watch the League Two newcomers.
Saturday's gate of 1,639 against Barnet was the lowest in the Football League at the weekend.
continued...
But staff are determined to make every effort to make the club even more appealing to fans and neutrals who want to witness the Reds' historic return to League football.
"We've been disappointed with the numbers coming through the turnstiles, but at the same time we don't want to keep going on about it," said chief executive Rob Heys.
"The supporters that do come are absolutely fantastic, but there's probably a combination of reasons as to why not many people have been so far.
"It's still the holiday period, plus Saturday was our third game in eight days. Quite a lot travelled to Chester for the first game and then attended the first home game against Darlington in midweek.
"Prices have gone up and people have only got so much money, so we've talked about ways we can make it more affordable."
Heys admitted that Stanley may have become victims of their own success.
With three promotions in seven seasons, admission prices have increased accordingly to be able to sustain the club at a higher level of football.
But, as a result, that has impacted on the crowds.
"The price increases are perhaps more noticeable because we've moved up so quickly, but we've always charged among the lowest prices in whatever league we've been in," Heys said.
"I think people are getting used to playing these higher prices. But maybe we've reached a level.
"Five or six yeas ago we used to get 400 on a Saturday and say it wasa good gate.
"Personally, I think it (the growth in attendances) is something that we have to give time.
"It's up to us to market the club more to children and go into schools. It's a bit of a cliche but they are the fans of the future. They are the ones who, in 10 years' time, will be buying season tickets and shirts.
"It's up to us to make the club more attractive rather than put the onus on why people aren't coming."
Heys added that plans were being drafted for a leaflet drop in the town and possible voucher scheme.
He stressed that the Reds could survive if attendances didn't improve, however he said more fans were needed to allow the club to grow.
"We want to improve and to do that we need money," he said.
"Our biggest source of income is through the gates."
Source Lancashire Evening Telegraph
ACCRINGTON Stanley are set to launch a marketing campaign in an effort to attract more fans to the Fraser Eagle Stadium.
Officials admit they have been shocked by the low number of fans turning out to watch the League Two newcomers.
Saturday's gate of 1,639 against Barnet was the lowest in the Football League at the weekend.
continued...
But staff are determined to make every effort to make the club even more appealing to fans and neutrals who want to witness the Reds' historic return to League football.
"We've been disappointed with the numbers coming through the turnstiles, but at the same time we don't want to keep going on about it," said chief executive Rob Heys.
"The supporters that do come are absolutely fantastic, but there's probably a combination of reasons as to why not many people have been so far.
"It's still the holiday period, plus Saturday was our third game in eight days. Quite a lot travelled to Chester for the first game and then attended the first home game against Darlington in midweek.
"Prices have gone up and people have only got so much money, so we've talked about ways we can make it more affordable."
Heys admitted that Stanley may have become victims of their own success.
With three promotions in seven seasons, admission prices have increased accordingly to be able to sustain the club at a higher level of football.
But, as a result, that has impacted on the crowds.
"The price increases are perhaps more noticeable because we've moved up so quickly, but we've always charged among the lowest prices in whatever league we've been in," Heys said.
"I think people are getting used to playing these higher prices. But maybe we've reached a level.
"Five or six yeas ago we used to get 400 on a Saturday and say it wasa good gate.
"Personally, I think it (the growth in attendances) is something that we have to give time.
"It's up to us to market the club more to children and go into schools. It's a bit of a cliche but they are the fans of the future. They are the ones who, in 10 years' time, will be buying season tickets and shirts.
"It's up to us to make the club more attractive rather than put the onus on why people aren't coming."
Heys added that plans were being drafted for a leaflet drop in the town and possible voucher scheme.
He stressed that the Reds could survive if attendances didn't improve, however he said more fans were needed to allow the club to grow.
"We want to improve and to do that we need money," he said.
"Our biggest source of income is through the gates."
Source Lancashire Evening Telegraph