Shocking from our club

[Jim Smith 2,610]

22 minutes ago, ncfcstar said:

No, but my understanding is that the club were told by the SAG that they needed to do the away end otherwise no home areas would be allowed to be made safe standing at all. 

Yes I get that but they will not have put extra safe standing seats/rains in the home end to reflect the away end. It will have been the other way around. They will have installed an amount in the away end that reflects the areas they wanted to cover in the home end. To decide on that they will have looked at where fans stand, I’m sure. Where the rails end in the snake pit is pretty much exactly the point where the groups that stand for most of the game starts as you move towards the Barclay from the half way line.

[Faded Jaded Semi Plastic SOB 1,220]

29 minutes ago, Jim Smith said:

Yes I get that but they will not have put extra safe standing seats/rains in the home end to reflect the away end. It will have been the other way around. They will have installed an amount in the away end that reflects the areas they wanted to cover in the home end. To decide on that they will have looked at where fans stand, I’m sure. Where the rails end in the snake pit is pretty much exactly the point where the groups that stand for most of the game starts as you move towards the Barclay from the half way line.

I think it is more to do with the fact those seats are classed as "Thorpe Corner", based on the seat price, even though they are not actually in the corner................

[essex canary 622]

21 hours ago, Feedthewolf said:

Why does there need to be an 'obvious escalation procedure'? The panel itself has always taken the temperature of fan feeling, and escalated those issues which affect the greatest number of people or are receiving the most vituperative criticism.

You yourself have said that the panel process seems to be working better now – maybe just wait and see how the issue is approached and dealt with by the club through the various feedback mechanisms that exist? It might offer an opportunity to offer more positive feedback down the line – you get a lot more credibility when you're prepared to do that as well as just complain about things.

There are some positive things about the Club's responses in the latest SP minutes. They have probably emerged from Elliot's enthusiasm.

Nonetheless when the issue arises about spending a brass farthing on fans, Elliot will almost certainly be told to wear his hard hat or as @TIL 1010 implies, his MI5 one.

Just look at Tuesday's match. 800 under capacity at grade A prices so they made sure there were no buy backs for the many distant ST holders who struggle to attend midweek matches whilst pricing locals out with the consequent impact upon atmosphere. 

Elliot may have come up with an excellent idea about memorials but some fans experience in that situation has been the offer of a full extortionately priced commercial seat unsuitable for their needs  (or even Keir Starmer's preference) when a differently structured investment would still have delivered an ordinary seat for them anyway.

Any old money grab is OK with them. Doubtless the Socio-Economic assessment of how much fans money is to be re-directed to pay Interest to American multi-millionaires or paid to the Webbers will either be omitted or redacted from that UEA report.

[wcorkcanary 4,783]

3 minutes ago, essex canary said:

There are some positive things about the Club's responses in the latest SP minutes. They have probably emerged from Elliot's enthusiasm.

Nonetheless when the issue arises about spending a brass farthing on fans, Elliot will almost certainly be told to wear his hard hat or as @TIL 1010 implies, his MI5 one.

Just look at Tuesday's match. 800 under capacity at grade A prices so they made sure there were no buy backs for the many distant ST holders who struggle to attend midweek matches whilst pricing locals out with the consequent impact upon atmosphere. 

Elliot may have come up with an excellent idea about memorials but some fans experience in that situation has been the offer of a full extortionately priced commercial seat unsuitable for their needs  (or even Keir Starmer's preference) when a differently structured investment would still have delivered an ordinary seat for them anyway.

Any old money grab is OK with them. Doubtless the Socio-Economic assessment of how much fans money is to be re-directed to pay Interest to American multi-millionaires or paid to the Webbers will either be omitted or redacted from that UEA report.

Do you suspect something?  This is not like you .Do give us more information,  I'm intrigued,  you're normally so positive about all things Naaarich.  Strange days indeed.

[GMF 1,010]

On 02/10/2024 at 11:27, Google Bot said:

The resulting action of ticket holders being told their seat is changing to standing is what I imagine a supporters panel would have at least questioned.  I'm not asking anyone to go down a rabbits hole, i'm just genuinely surprised.

And yes, i'm also surprised that the initial install wasn't questioned either.  But that's a more subjective topic, as it appears some of us were expecting a more professional installation that provides more leg movement than the 'cost-effective' one.

As Wolfy mentioned above, the release of the SP minutes and this thread is unfortunate timing and we're all experts in hindsight when viewing the images as above, as we are when reading the OP's perspective too.  So if you're a part of the SP please don't think i'm taking aim here, as I sense that you're being very defensive on the subject.

If I had a suggestion it would be for someone from the SP to create a thread here or via social media asking for fans feedback in that area so you can relay it back to the club in a future meeting.  As I think that would make an excellent vehicle for this to be brought back to the table and questions asked retrospectively.

It also enforces the fact the SP exists for any of us to tap on their door should we have genuine issues, because I doubt the majority are even aware.

Apologies for not responding sooner.

I wasn’t being defensive at all, but you have to appreciate that the minutes are a high level summary of the meeting. They were never intended to be a full transcript of all discussions, as much as some might like them to be, not least because there are elements of confidentiality on certain subjects.

Some of the points you mentioned in your previous response to me were discussed, so some of your ‘surprise’ is misplaced, and, as much as I’d to clarify them, sadly I can’t for the reason just given.

The issues regarding advance notice of meeting dates, details of agenda items, together with interactions with the wider fan base are topics to be reviewed. No promises given, but this will require the agreement of all parties.

Specific personal issues should all be directed to the Club’s customer services, not least because they are recorded and monitored internally. I would always recommend that to anyone, even if I’m also approached via personal messages on here regarding something, which, in most instances, I’ll happily respond to, if possible.

[Fosterslager88 20]

So are the club contacting all those affected? 

[Google Bot 3,929]

7 hours ago, essex canary said:

Just look at Tuesday's match. 800 under capacity at grade A prices so they made sure there were no buy backs for the many distant ST holders who struggle to attend midweek matches whilst pricing locals out with the consequent impact upon atmosphere. 

If they processed them as buy backs does that mean they can't record the original seat as attendance for the match unless it sells again?

If that was the case, Another element in this could be that they want attendances to maintain a certain percentage throughout the season, many businesses live and die by their KPI's and I don't doubt football clubs are any different from an operational perspective.

Edited October 3 by Google Bot

[Google Bot 3,929]

17 minutes ago, GMF said:

Specific personal issues should all be directed to the Club’s customer services, not least because they are recorded and monitored internally. I would always recommend that to anyone, even if I’m also approached via personal messages on here regarding something, which, in most instances, I’ll happily respond to, if possible.

So what's the general purpose of the SP then? Is it entirely club driven so that they can tick the 'engagement' box?

I presumed this was something that has come from supporters on the basis of previous groups such as NCISA etc. and therefore a genuine voice for supporters, but I'm quite confused on it if i'm honest.  Looking through the history it seems much more club controlled to me.

[Mello Yello 2,572]

I think the 'safe standing' ironwork looks a bit 'Bodgeit an' Scarper'....and the curved ends are a recipe for an incident....

[Nik Vawn 344]

It appears the club has given no thought whatsoever to those who bought seats at the beginning of the season and who now against their wishes will be having safe seating thrust upon them, no contemplation of how they can help, the view seems to be......well we have to do it so hard luck, take the other seats, ie at the back of the Wensum that have been offered or suck it up. When asked why they finished the safe standing area in the middle of the stand the response was that it was as a result of information from the ticket office about the likely numbers who might want to stand, shame they gave that such high priority whilst disregarded the safety issue, in the same way that they are now disregarding the concerns of those affected.

[essex canary 622]

14 hours ago, Google Bot said:

So what's the general purpose of the SP then? Is it entirely club driven so that they can tick the 'engagement' box?

I presumed this was something that has come from supporters on the basis of previous groups such as NCISA etc. and therefore a genuine voice for supporters, but I'm quite confused on it if i'm honest.  Looking through the history it seems much more club controlled to me.

Excellent point. NCFC comes across as being far more defensive in the operation of this Group than it's own history suggests is appropriate and compared to the current practice of numerous other Clubs. 

The division of this and 'specific personal issues' is spurious because even if a fan experiences something which is clearly limited in impact it doesn't mean that there is certainty that other fans aren't similarly impacted. The pigeon **** issue being a clear case in point. The fact that the TOR's as drafted apparently facilitate fans to ask questions but in reality do not reinforces the point.

It is pleasing to see the TOR's being reviewed but begs the question as to why they weren't more thorough at the outset both in terms of drafting and application?

There should also be a "between meeting' emergency process to deal with issues such as the primary concern here.

 

 

[Fosterslager88 20]

So how are the club dealing with this? Are all affected being contacted as we speak or is it being done as a staggered process?
Seems some have already been told and others not 

[Fosterslager88 20]

I have still heard nothing regarding this, has anyone else in the Thorpe area heard anything?

one way or another the club need to address it.

[wcorkcanary 4,783]

On 04/10/2024 at 09:45, essex canary said:

Excellent point. NCFC comes across as being far more defensive in the operation of this Group than it's own history suggests is appropriate and compared to the current practice of numerous other Clubs. 

The division of this and 'specific personal issues' is spurious because even if a fan experiences something which is clearly limited in impact it doesn't mean that there is certainty that other fans aren't similarly impacted. The pigeon **** issue being a clear case in point. The fact that the TOR's as drafted apparently facilitate fans to ask questions but in reality do not reinforces the point.

It is pleasing to see the TOR's being reviewed but begs the question as to why they weren't more thorough at the outset both in terms of drafting and application?

There should also be a "between meeting' emergency process to deal with issues such as the primary concern here.

 

 

There should be, why don't they, how come they didn't, we should in future, why wasn't I consulted? .....because you ask so many stupid questions which you then try to solve with even stupider suggestions..

.that's why!!!

 

[Corbs1 167]

This does look like a serious hazard. Mind you over the years I’ve lost count of times I’ve been celebrating a goal and been bruised  / burnt by the hazard of plastic seating. 

[Fosterslager88 20]

Just hoping not to show for game this Sunday and find they have done the whole section without telling anyone! 

[Nik Vawn 344]

Turned up yesterday fully expecting to see a big yellow bar across the front of our row, but nothing as yet!

[Fosterslager88 20]

They surely needs to be some notice if they are still planning on doing it.

hopefully sense prevails and they won’t be.

[Bristol Canary 152]

12 hours ago, Fosterslager88 said:

They surely needs to be some notice if they are still planning on doing it.

hopefully sense prevails and they won’t be.

I would assume if you haven't been contacted then your section won't be part of the works. The OP was emailed a month ago saying his seat was being changed to safe standing. Unless you have missed the email you're probably safe to assume you wont be affected, maybe check your junk/contact the club to check they have the correct details?

In any case, the OP's email suggests you'll find out at the next home game. 

“On review of this, and during initial inspections of these areas by the SGSA and the SAG, it has been identified that for safety reasons further Safe Standing rails are required to be installed in the remainder of the Thorpe Area and this installation will include your seat.

The installation of these additional rails is currently due to begin during week commencing October 28, following our home fixture against Middlesbrough and should all be completed before the visit of Bristol City on November 9.”

[Fosterslager88 20]

4 hours ago, Bristol Canary said:

I would assume if you haven't been contacted then your section won't be part of the works. The OP was emailed a month ago saying his seat was being changed to safe standing. Unless you have missed the email you're probably safe to assume you wont be affected, maybe check your junk/contact the club to check they have the correct details?

In any case, the OP's email suggests you'll find out at the next home game. 

“On review of this, and during initial inspections of these areas by the SGSA and the SAG, it has been identified that for safety reasons further Safe Standing rails are required to be installed in the remainder of the Thorpe Area and this installation will include your seat.

The installation of these additional rails is currently due to begin during week commencing October 28, following our home fixture against Middlesbrough and should all be completed before the visit of Bristol City on November 9.”

Yep checked my emails and junk, nothing there. But if this is correct then all of the Thorpe area will be done like below, which just includes my seat.

[Bristol Canary 152]

50 minutes ago, Fosterslager88 said:

Yep checked my emails and junk, nothing there. But if this is correct then all of the Thorpe area will be done like below, which just includes my seat.

My guess, if you haven't received any communication, is that your part of the Thorpe Area isn't affected. My suspicion is that it is a slightly poorly worded email and that only people which have received them will be affected. 

Like a few posters have suggested it is likely that the rest of the rail seating will be installed to the gangway to finish off the run and make safe. But perhaps that wont be the case and you'll find out at the Bristol game!

If you ring the customer service number (I get that you shouldn't really be having to) with your seat, row number etc they will be able to tell you if you seat is affected. Help put your mind at rest!

[Fosterslager88 20]

So called club this morning and they confirmed my seat won’t be affected which is a relief. 

Seems it’s just being done to fill the rest of the existing block it’s currently in.

Edited October 30 by Fosterslager88

[Bristol Canary 152]

17 minutes ago, Fosterslager88 said:

So called club this morning and they confirmed my seat won’t be affected which is a relief. 

Seems it’s just being to fill the rest of the existing block it’s currently in.

Common sense prevails! Well done for getting to the bottom of it Fosterslager88!

[Robert N. LiM 6,276]

19 minutes ago, Bristol Canary said:

Common sense prevails! Well done for getting to the bottom of it Fosterslager88!

Anyone who can get to the bottom of a Foster's Lager deserves a lot of respect

[Lazza 62]

10 minutes ago, Robert N. LiM said:

Anyone who can get to the bottom of a Foster's Lager deserves a lot of respect

Or more likely, a stomach pump 😉

[Nik Vawn 344]

Well the bars were there on Saturday, later than threatened but there all the same, quite a few older folks who had people standing in front of them missed parts of the game, in the circumstances that was probably a blessing!

[shefcanary 2,950]

On 30/10/2024 at 10:13, Robert N. LiM said:

Anyone who can get to the bottom of a Foster's Lager deserves a lot of respect

Just seen that 'spoons are stopping serving San Miguel in favour of the cheaper Porretti!

[Capt. Pants 5,008]

15 hours ago, Nik Vawn said:

Well the bars were there on Saturday, later than threatened but there all the same, quite a few older folks who had people standing in front of them missed parts of the game, in the circumstances that was probably a blessing!

Yes I noticed the bars, although most seemed to be sitting. There weren't many left in the Thorpe Area either when the final whistle went.