Matchday experience .. maybe for A CANDY?

[BayGull]

Can anybody tell me what the ‘Plainmoor Matchday Experience’ actually consists of these days?

I have been able to attend a couple of Conference League games during the last week and I have to say that there was a genuine link between the Clubs and the fans at both games.
Before the kickoff we went into the very well stocked bar, which was pretty well full of both sets of fans + children alike, for a swift half of real ale and a pie – but then after the game things were totally different.
Having just bought a pint and sat down, both sets of players then started to arrive in the bar for a drink, closely followed by plates of sandwiches and other food for them. The away team’s manager and physio came in along with their Chairman and Directors - and then the home team’s Chairman and Manager came in. Even the match Officials came in for a sandwich and a half!

The players were all interacting and joking, they posed for photographs with many of the youngsters and it was great to hear a young lad say to his Dad “so the bloke over there in the tracksuit is their number 10 who scored a goal, wow! I must get a photo of him!” and that he did, the number 10 was more than obliged and somewhat amused to be this lad’s hero for a few minutes.

The point I am making is that the fans, players and officials were all as one in the bar - no animosity or snobbishness at all and they were only too keen to talk to fans.

Does this happen anywhere after the matches at Plainmoor or does everyone just skulk off home?
Players, Managers and Directors should all socialise with their fans and answer any questions posed to them, not hide away in the boardroom on their own thinking they are above talking to lowly fans. I appreciate there may be matches when feelings run high – but this should not be allowed to boil over after the game. Look at the top class rugby matches where players get battered to hell for 80 minutes but are the best of friends on the final whistle.

Just wondered if and where this happens at Plainmoor, if at all?

[nickbrod]

Used to be just like you describe during the Bateson era and Cedric. Players mingled with fans after the game and either Mike or Sue Bateson were around to talk to.
It doesn't feel quite the same nowadays. As I've posted elsewhere recently I think the Club has lost its family atmosphere.

[Gullscorer]

Austrian Andy's new 'Community' thread is also pertinent here. I would only add that it's up to the supporters as much as to the club to get together and make things happen, rather than to whinge and complain and expect everything to be done for us.

In other words, the relationship between the club and the supporters has to be a two-way process, starting with better communication on both sides.

A basic starting point, it seems to me, is a proper traditional supporters club. Do we still have one? If so, what is it doing and why do we never hear anything of it?

[BayGull]

Austrian Andy's new 'Community' thread is also pertinent here. I would only add that it's up to the supporters as much as to the club to get together and make things happen, rather than to whinge and complain and expect everything to be done for us.

I am surprised you see my question as me 'whingeing' or 'complaining' - I was merely asking a simple question which basically requires a simple answer.

Obviously you don't do simple!

[withawhy]

BayGull has hit the nail right on the head!
The atmosphere and attendance in the Gulls Nest after matches is now very poor and there are good reasons for that.
A few of us regulars persevere but, so often, there is not even a good presence to welcome the "Man of the Match" (if he appears). The sponsors often do not bother to hang around.
I seem to recall Chris Hargreaves saying at a fans forum that he and the players would be regular visitors.
I saw Alan Knill there more than him and, apart from Aaron Downes and Martin Rice (all credit to them), very few players now bother.
The directors seem to enjoy their own "party" in their lounge far too much to join us - with the notable exception of Brian Palk.
If you are quick, you can just see their backsides as they make a hurried exit if the reception entrance/exit is already closed - although Thea does occassionally talk to a few of us (all credit to her)
It should be an ideal place for all to interact - we surely all want the best and are supporters of our Club - so what are they afraid of!?
Nick is right and the so called match experience is one of the worst that I can recall - have the management and players forgotten that we are in the 5th league of so called professional football and that just maybe they should make an effort to mingle with the people paying them and still bothering and prepared to pay extra in the bar after watching what is usually very average football!

[Gullscorer]

I am surprised you see my question as me 'whingeing' or 'complaining' - I was merely asking a simple question which basically requires a simple answer.
Obviously you don't do simple!

Baygull, I'm surprised you thought my comment regarding whingeing and complaining was directed at you. It wasn't. It was referring to the far-too-many 'supporters' who whinge and complain and criticise. I actually thought your opening post was a good one. I'm sorry I didn't make that clear.

[Dave]

To be honest, I don't think the matchday experience makes a blind bit of difference, and personally there have been times when I wouldn't blame either board members or players mixing with fans after a game, heard plenty of abuse shouted , after a poor performance.

The matchday experience is what the individual makes it. For me it's about meeting friends having a drink, chat and a laugh before the games, and trying figure where it all went wrong afterwards. Personally more bothered about results than whether players come and say hello afterwards.

[BayGull]

Baygull, I'm surprised you thought my comment regarding whingeing and complaining was directed at you. It wasn't. It was referring to the far-too-many 'supporters' who whinge and complain and criticise. I actually thought your opening post was a good one. I'm sorry I didn't make that clear.

Thanks - my mistake then, all clear now!

To be honest, I don't think the matchday experience makes a blind bit of difference, and personally there have been times when I wouldn't blame either board members or players mixing with fans after a game, heard plenty of abuse shouted , after a poor performance.
The matchday experience is what the individual makes it. For me it's about meeting friends having a drink, chat and a laugh before the games, and trying figure where it all went wrong afterwards. Personally more bothered about results than whether players come and say hello afterwards.

That is your personal feeling - but I think that as the Club are trying to attract the 'younger' element of fan to games, interaction with the players is a vital part of the experience for kids. With the birth of these mobile phones and social media sites, kids love to see themselves with a 'hero of the day' and the Club could be doing a lot more to encourage this in my eyes. Autograph collecting as well - signed programmes by the man of the match.
Certainly I find it 'sad' that the majority of Directors bar Mr Palk see fit not to mix with the fans before and after a game, they are, after all, no different than anyone else but just put money into the club in a different way and a larger amount!!

[Dave]

Get where you're coming from Baygull. The club have this base already covered in part with the excellent in the community coaching scheme, they go into schools run holiday clubs for kids as well, the players do attend these clubs when they can, they, also give out prizes at the end, including free match tickets, then you have the future gulls which I think is run by the TUST.

Gilbert the gull when he's not trying pick a fight with the yoff is there for the purpose of connecting with the young fans. For me I took my lad along when he was 8 he's now 17 and Torquay for life, the other problem the club has is 'parents' the child wants to go to the game, does with his free ticket, wants go back when it will cost £7 and dad say's no, because he's either MAN.U glory hunter or hasn't got enough for the pub, and believe this happens. However, again the best to attract the next generation to TUFC, is have a successful football team, to the point our club is capable of, and do not see why our club can not be at least near the top of League 2, we have the set up here to dip into League 1, a long term stay in the conference, will be the thing that will screw the club and it's chances of winning new fans.

[BayGull]

Somewhat surprised that A Candy has not replied or addressed this - then again!!

[BayGull]

Somewhat surprised that A Candy has not replied or addressed this - then again!!

..... or not!

[SuperNickyWroe]

..... or not!

it may have escaped your attention, but he also has a job to do within the club.

may I suggest that you email him direct.

[taxilady]

Andrew does read the forum posts ;in another thread recently, he posted that in most cases, it is inappropriate for him to comment :but he is taking note. I think you will find that quite a few staff at TUFC are multi-tasking. As SNW puts it...e-mail for personal attention !

[A Candy]

Sorry that I have not formally replied but I have been very busy at the moment. As Taxilady correctly points out, I cannot always reply to a number of issues but I do take note of what is posted and will try and take action where appropriate. This is one of those occasions. We are looking at aspects of the match day experience and hope to introduce some minor changes soon.
Best regards,
Andrew

[Gullscorer]