Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
Why the low home attendances?
38 Comments: This season, our home attendances have been the lowest I can remember during Moyes and his time here. Just last season, we had good attendances, just as we have had before.
The state of Goodison Park is one possible reason, but I think the product served to fans is the main reason. Bad starts to the season are starting to take effect. While big profile players such as Arteta leaving is another.
This team lacks big names, huge fan favourites. We used to have at least one player in the team that caught the eye of people. I remember Gravesen being one, Rooney another. Arteta was our last jewel to sell shirts and keep people coming.
The overly defensive style by David Moyes is also a putdown that does not help. Some might say we had a new jewel coming up from the youth ranks, but Barkley was soon forgotten because Moyes decided to "protect" him. Yet, even as our bad first half of the season has turned around, some of the fans has stayed away.
On top of the £5 million loss we have each year, we now have a bigger loss due to falling attendances which is going to have an effect on whether we can buy Pienaar. I think that Moyes's decision to not play Barkley has had a negative effect on attendances, as he was the only real crowd magnet we had or still have.
Barkley is a local player and there was much excitement around him. Jelavic has done well but in terms of being a crowd magnet, he is still not quite there; for that to happen, he needs to have a whole season with us and he will need to score around 20 goals. In times where money is tight it is even more important to have a "jewel" who sells shirts and attracts fans.
This season has been a testing one. Losing Arteta has had an effect on people, fans are staying away from Goodison until another jewel enters the field. Can Kenwright and Moyes succeed in bringing the fans back? Pienaar needs to be signed and Barkley needs to play a much bigger part than what he has done this season.
I know that Cahill cannot fill the shoes of the "jewel" and I think Moyes needs to realise that if he plans to keep the attendances from dropping further.
J A Hansen, Posted 04/05/2012 at 00:28:25
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I think a lot of people are fed up with the board and have voted with their feet!!
Michael (#613), I think Blackpool also brought a lot of fans with them for that game, that could easily have skewed the attendance.
Clubs are not allowed to charge differential pricing in home and away ends in the Premier League, and I'm sure it would be the same in the FA Cup.
They've been running offers all season. Before Christmas, if you bought a ticket for Norwich, you got Swansea at half price. All these deals must eat into the incentive to take out a Season Ticket, and rather just go to "most" games, and give a couple of the category C games a miss.
I'd be interested to see how many half season tickets are sold each year, given the perennial shit start syndrome.
Clubs are not allowed to charge differential pricing in home and away ends in the Premier League, and I'm sure it would be the same in the FA Cup.
They've been running offers all season. Before Christmas, if you bought a ticket for Norwich, you got Swansea at half price. All these deals must eat into the incentive to take out a Season Ticket, and rather just go to "most" games, and give a couple of the category C games a miss.
I'd be interested to see how many half season tickets are sold each year, given the perennial shit start syndrome.
I've just paid £548 for my ST, and that was the so-called 'early bird' offer.
I think another factor to be taken into account are all those stupid start times, Sunday games, etc. A lot of people aren't self-employed, and now either have fixed work patterns, or work this milleniums sci-fi like work-planet oddball shift patterns, where the weekend becomes part of the working week.
Then, you add the rest of the non-transfer / no youth breakthrough / sell apologist /baleful part in Corrie / cant-sell, wont-sell / 'weld the old guard in cum what may' bollocks......
I think another factor to be taken into account are all those stupid start times, Sunday games, etc. A lot of people aren't self-employed, and now either have fixed work patterns, or work this milleniums sci-fi like work-planet oddball shift patterns, where the weekend becomes part of the working week.
Then, you add the rest of the non-transfer / no youth breakthrough / sell apologist /baleful part in Corrie / cant-sell, wont-sell / 'weld the old guard in cum what may' bollocks......
The 'jewel' that was Arteta lost its shine for us about two years ago with his loss of form and injury. Accordingly I think the effect of him leaving was minimal.
We have another 'jewel' now in Jelavic (and Pienaar if we can keep him) and the effect of that needs to be seen next season.
I tend to believe the 'economic' explanation. In tough times people have to make choices about their budgets and while a successful club might retain a higher level of priority for supporters, a trophyless one, trundling down the middle of the premiership, may not hold the same attraction.
It will be interesting to see how the season- ticket sales have performed this year. We have to remember that working families have had their finances decimated by this government and we don't have enough supporters who are rich enough to have had their taxes reduced to make up the difference.
Liverpool's gate against Fulham on Tuesday was low by their standards and this was in spite of a forthcoming Wembley final which usually raises enthusiasm. This may be just another indication that the football supporter's pockets are not bottomless any more. The unemployed have already been virtually priced out of attending football matches.
We have another 'jewel' now in Jelavic (and Pienaar if we can keep him) and the effect of that needs to be seen next season.
I tend to believe the 'economic' explanation. In tough times people have to make choices about their budgets and while a successful club might retain a higher level of priority for supporters, a trophyless one, trundling down the middle of the premiership, may not hold the same attraction.
It will be interesting to see how the season- ticket sales have performed this year. We have to remember that working families have had their finances decimated by this government and we don't have enough supporters who are rich enough to have had their taxes reduced to make up the difference.
Liverpool's gate against Fulham on Tuesday was low by their standards and this was in spite of a forthcoming Wembley final which usually raises enthusiasm. This may be just another indication that the football supporter's pockets are not bottomless any more. The unemployed have already been virtually priced out of attending football matches.
Once you lose a fan it's harder to get them back.
Blackpool pricing has validity but its not the only reason, they also brought a load for the day out.
Rare for me to say it but, on pricing, i think the club deserve credit for some of their initiatives.
Theres numerous reasons gates are down. If you give people a reason to feel passionate and enthusiastic about their club Evertonians will show.
The demonstrable progress of the Moyes years stalled around 08/09 and the football has been getting incresingly "percentage" and outright boring with big players leaving. I think everything bottomed out autumn to winter this year.
Then there is dissaffection with the board, the outright contempt with which they treat the fanbase, Kirkby, economic factors, obstructed views and terrible facilities.
You have also got to give people a reason to show, you cant just keep slapping your fans in the face and expect them to attend unconditionally.
The way the club has treated us over the last 15-20 years, with arrogant contempt, I think gates have held reasonably well considering.
Rare for me to say it but, on pricing, i think the club deserve credit for some of their initiatives.
Theres numerous reasons gates are down. If you give people a reason to feel passionate and enthusiastic about their club Evertonians will show.
The demonstrable progress of the Moyes years stalled around 08/09 and the football has been getting incresingly "percentage" and outright boring with big players leaving. I think everything bottomed out autumn to winter this year.
Then there is dissaffection with the board, the outright contempt with which they treat the fanbase, Kirkby, economic factors, obstructed views and terrible facilities.
You have also got to give people a reason to show, you cant just keep slapping your fans in the face and expect them to attend unconditionally.
The way the club has treated us over the last 15-20 years, with arrogant contempt, I think gates have held reasonably well considering.
1. Kenwright and the board.
2. Moyes and his tactics.
Those are the 2 main reasons I've been hearing on this forum, number 1 from before the season started and number 2 since the start and there was no change from last seasons bad start.
2. Moyes and his tactics.
Those are the 2 main reasons I've been hearing on this forum, number 1 from before the season started and number 2 since the start and there was no change from last seasons bad start.
I'm not saying the recession has nothing to do with it, but the country has been hit hard for the last few years now, but its only this season that we have seen falling attendances.
The rise of the internet streas could also be a factor. A few years ago you could only get one grainy Iraq goals stream in a different language, now there are loads to choose form which may, in combination with the tough economic times keep more fans at home or in the pub.
1) Shit football
2) Shit chairman and board
2) Shit chairman and board
Its a combination of 3 factors :-
1. Evertonians dont do marches like the scoundrels across the park. traditionally they vote with their feet. I said at the start of the season that the lack of investment by our board and the associated dissatisfaction of our fans had already led to circa 5,000 fans walking away and that this trend would continue if investment in the team was not forthcoming until we were down to about 25,000.
2. The absolutely dire and negative football produced by David Moyes in the first half of this season. Whilst 2012 has been a massive improvement personally I still remember the awfull fare provided up to mid January - an absolute insult to the traditions of Everton and nothing to do with a lack of finance.
3. The current recession.
One final comment however, despite the currentv recession, should we somehow find investment in the summer, retain our current big hitters, re-sign Pienaar and make a couple of other prudent signings (Donavan and a second striker ?) then I believe gates would be back up. evertonians have lost hope at the moment, thats why so many aren't going, but if that hope can be restored then I believe many would return.
Make it happen BB or piss off !!
1. Evertonians dont do marches like the scoundrels across the park. traditionally they vote with their feet. I said at the start of the season that the lack of investment by our board and the associated dissatisfaction of our fans had already led to circa 5,000 fans walking away and that this trend would continue if investment in the team was not forthcoming until we were down to about 25,000.
2. The absolutely dire and negative football produced by David Moyes in the first half of this season. Whilst 2012 has been a massive improvement personally I still remember the awfull fare provided up to mid January - an absolute insult to the traditions of Everton and nothing to do with a lack of finance.
3. The current recession.
One final comment however, despite the currentv recession, should we somehow find investment in the summer, retain our current big hitters, re-sign Pienaar and make a couple of other prudent signings (Donavan and a second striker ?) then I believe gates would be back up. evertonians have lost hope at the moment, thats why so many aren't going, but if that hope can be restored then I believe many would return.
Make it happen BB or piss off !!
When Moyes says he is trying to "protect" Barkley, what he really means is Barkley is not good enough to play at this level yet. And he's worried that if he exposes him too early he may lose confidence in himself, and the fans might get on his (Barkley's) back.
He did the same thing with Gueye. He broght him on a couple of times last season and he clearly wasn't good enough, so he has let him progress and now he looks a lot more like a premier league player.
I've watched Barkley play for the first team and the reserves and he doesn't look good enough to me yet. I'm sure Moyes will introduce him when he's ready.
He did the same thing with Gueye. He broght him on a couple of times last season and he clearly wasn't good enough, so he has let him progress and now he looks a lot more like a premier league player.
I've watched Barkley play for the first team and the reserves and he doesn't look good enough to me yet. I'm sure Moyes will introduce him when he's ready.
I am lucky enough to have been inside Goodison when we have had 75,000 fans inside the ground. Sadly those days are long gone, and there has been a gradual decline in numbers during the last 50 years.
I think the reasons are many and varied, also there are other attractions for young people these days, and I think it is still true that you need to get fans as young children.
Obviously our lack of success has had an effect, especially as younger fans want to be associated with teams winning trophies. I think our regular match going fanbase is about 30,000 tops. Also our lack of investment doesnt help as all fans like to see new players each year.
I dont know if we will ever get back to winning leagues again, maybe not in my lifetime. So it is likely that our fanbase will erode still further over the coming years unless investment can be found. But I think that might be easier said than done.
But as fans all we can do is keep buying our season tickets and getting behind our team. Irrispective of who is manager or chairman. My love for my club is completely unconditional.
I think the reasons are many and varied, also there are other attractions for young people these days, and I think it is still true that you need to get fans as young children.
Obviously our lack of success has had an effect, especially as younger fans want to be associated with teams winning trophies. I think our regular match going fanbase is about 30,000 tops. Also our lack of investment doesnt help as all fans like to see new players each year.
I dont know if we will ever get back to winning leagues again, maybe not in my lifetime. So it is likely that our fanbase will erode still further over the coming years unless investment can be found. But I think that might be easier said than done.
But as fans all we can do is keep buying our season tickets and getting behind our team. Irrispective of who is manager or chairman. My love for my club is completely unconditional.
Brian
It's true that the economy has been in freefall for 3/4 years but the effect of that and government policies with respect to benefits and tax credits (and accordingly income) is only taking real effect now or very recently. Additionally, public sector employers have only been shedding staff significantly for about a year now and Liverpool and the local area (where 99% of Everton supporters live....unlike our neighbours!) is affected more by that than any other city in the country.
Remember too that for every decimated household income it may well mean that it is not only a case of one person who can no longer afford to attend games, but maybe involves a partner and a couple of kids too.
I'm not suggesting the recession is the only reason for lower attendances but where in ancient Rome it was 'bread AND circuses', now it is often 'bread OR circuses' I'm afraid.
It's true that the economy has been in freefall for 3/4 years but the effect of that and government policies with respect to benefits and tax credits (and accordingly income) is only taking real effect now or very recently. Additionally, public sector employers have only been shedding staff significantly for about a year now and Liverpool and the local area (where 99% of Everton supporters live....unlike our neighbours!) is affected more by that than any other city in the country.
Remember too that for every decimated household income it may well mean that it is not only a case of one person who can no longer afford to attend games, but maybe involves a partner and a couple of kids too.
I'm not suggesting the recession is the only reason for lower attendances but where in ancient Rome it was 'bread AND circuses', now it is often 'bread OR circuses' I'm afraid.
It's because historically Everton are not a non competitive club playing percentage football.
There are only so many times you can accept surrendering games and being lied to by club officials.
Loyalty accepts honest mistakes but the dawning that the piss is being taken tends to remove enjoyment.
In a nutshell watching Everton is not enjoyable regardless of how many web wallahs keep saying "top 10 finishes".
There are only so many times you can accept surrendering games and being lied to by club officials.
Loyalty accepts honest mistakes but the dawning that the piss is being taken tends to remove enjoyment.
In a nutshell watching Everton is not enjoyable regardless of how many web wallahs keep saying "top 10 finishes".
Offers are easy for the cup games, but they have to watch their step for league games because of season ticket holders. Buying a season ticket equates to 1 or 2 games 'free' if averaged out on what it would cost to buy a ticket for each game, so if the club ofen comes up with incentives to non season ticket holders, like the buy one get one half price, then it wouldnt take too long before it is just cheaper to buy individual tickets.
Oh....and playing crap football and selling our best players.
Oh....and playing crap football and selling our best players.
Too expensive
Generally poor negative tactics and football
shit views - £35 for a 'non restricted view' in the top balcony yet i can't see the 18 yrd box at the Gwladys End...fucking joke
Generally poor negative tactics and football
shit views - £35 for a 'non restricted view' in the top balcony yet i can't see the 18 yrd box at the Gwladys End...fucking joke
Barry, agreed.
When some people are likening the relationship between Everton and its fans to that of an abusive partner, it says alot about theway Everton have treated its support.
When some people are likening the relationship between Everton and its fans to that of an abusive partner, it says alot about theway Everton have treated its support.
Kev I think you're being a bit harsh on the club, when they say 'non restricted view' they mean if you can still see all the pitch leaning over the next three seats either way and/or standing on someone else's shoulders then that's good enough!
I have had a season ticket for the past 10 years, but did not bother this year. I thought I would really miss it... but, to be honest, have not missed it one bit. I now much prefer watching my son play for his Under-7 team than watch Everton. Also helps with so many pubs showing the match. Find the right Pub and Everton are on every week ? might as well go and have a few pints, watch the match and save myself 30 quid!!!!!
Simple reason why I stopped going.
£35 for a terrible view. £10 parking. Few refreshments £5.
Total of £50 not reasonable when game can be watched at home with a can on the interweb.
£35 for a terrible view. £10 parking. Few refreshments £5.
Total of £50 not reasonable when game can be watched at home with a can on the interweb.
There will be different reasons for different people why their staying away.
If i've had the money i've always bought a season ticket and that was the only decision I had to make.This year I thought about not getting one because i'm fed up with Moyes,his teams and tactics but in the end renewed it because my love of Everton will always trump any feeling I have about any manager.
If i've had the money i've always bought a season ticket and that was the only decision I had to make.This year I thought about not getting one because i'm fed up with Moyes,his teams and tactics but in the end renewed it because my love of Everton will always trump any feeling I have about any manager.
Mr Hansen
Did you see how the team played Aug - Dec? Watching was more a duty and a chore than in hope of entertainment. Take away the occasional "up-and-at-em" odds-defying performance and it was bloody awful. There are few obstructed views in the Lower Gwladys (apart from Fellaini wigs) but plenty of empty seats.
Conditions? I've watched Everton in the 60s and 80s; travelled in railway cattle-trucks, stood on cinder terracing at Elland Rd, lost shoes in 60,000 plus crowds, been unable to move in the Gwladys St crush and been soaked in the open ends, home and away, but didn't care one jot about the conditions ? it was a joy to watch Everton then.
Did you see how the team played Aug - Dec? Watching was more a duty and a chore than in hope of entertainment. Take away the occasional "up-and-at-em" odds-defying performance and it was bloody awful. There are few obstructed views in the Lower Gwladys (apart from Fellaini wigs) but plenty of empty seats.
Conditions? I've watched Everton in the 60s and 80s; travelled in railway cattle-trucks, stood on cinder terracing at Elland Rd, lost shoes in 60,000 plus crowds, been unable to move in the Gwladys St crush and been soaked in the open ends, home and away, but didn't care one jot about the conditions ? it was a joy to watch Everton then.
What Kev and Gavin said,
Its ludicrously expensive when you total it all up to watch what is generally (although not so much recently) awful, negative non-entertaining football. On top of that, shit views and poor quality food. There's more unemployed people than there has been for a while - at the same time when footballers are earning more than ever. Sky TV and the mass media in general - the people who effectively control money in football - are mostly corrupt and generally quite sinister in their motives. The rich get richer the poor get poorer. Then you're asked to pay £40-50 quid to sit behind a pillar, eat a cold sausage roll, drink a warm pint and watch us play one up front at home to Swansea.
Footballers, Sky, Agents and many others involved in the game are literally hoarding away ridiculous sums of money - all at the expense of the common fan. A football ticket should cost more like £5-10.
Its ludicrously expensive when you total it all up to watch what is generally (although not so much recently) awful, negative non-entertaining football. On top of that, shit views and poor quality food. There's more unemployed people than there has been for a while - at the same time when footballers are earning more than ever. Sky TV and the mass media in general - the people who effectively control money in football - are mostly corrupt and generally quite sinister in their motives. The rich get richer the poor get poorer. Then you're asked to pay £40-50 quid to sit behind a pillar, eat a cold sausage roll, drink a warm pint and watch us play one up front at home to Swansea.
Footballers, Sky, Agents and many others involved in the game are literally hoarding away ridiculous sums of money - all at the expense of the common fan. A football ticket should cost more like £5-10.
For me it's a couple of factors, I don't like the way the team played at the start of the season, and with money tight, I didn't feel it was worth it. I went the Stoke game, as it was a cheaper ticket and I came away shocked how poor they actually were live and then I walked past the players car park and saw all the posh cars and thought why am I paying them for this? I've not been back since. I've actually been to watch my local club Chester a few times, it's only £10 and I can walk to the ground. Standards obviously lower, but, I just feel its better value.
For the last 7 years (since I moved to Sheffield) been to exactly 12 games a season plus all the games in Europe and a couple of away games. I was made redundant in December and so can't afford to go as much and so this season have only been to 8 (enough for a semi final ticket at least), I'll be lucky if I make that next year.
I get Evertonia each year and so can choose my seat but if I didn't then I would rather watch it in the pub (my local in Sheffield plays every Everton game for the 7 - 10 blues that drink there) than pay £35 to watch from behind a set of posts and not seeing more than 6ft in height due to the roof in the Bullens or the back of the Gwladys. We need a stadium without obstructed views desperately.
Also, I'm not anti Moyes and there were mitigating circumstances but the football we played at the start of the season was enough to put you off for life.
I think I cover all three catagories as to why people might stop coming. Staying away from the game because you don't like Kenwright is just choking the club.
I get Evertonia each year and so can choose my seat but if I didn't then I would rather watch it in the pub (my local in Sheffield plays every Everton game for the 7 - 10 blues that drink there) than pay £35 to watch from behind a set of posts and not seeing more than 6ft in height due to the roof in the Bullens or the back of the Gwladys. We need a stadium without obstructed views desperately.
Also, I'm not anti Moyes and there were mitigating circumstances but the football we played at the start of the season was enough to put you off for life.
I think I cover all three catagories as to why people might stop coming. Staying away from the game because you don't like Kenwright is just choking the club.
Richard Jones (614) - Summed it up best.
Also, it's simply easier to sit home and watch. Nothing replaces a live atmosphere, but if I have to watch my budget, I can still watch the team for every game. Just at home.
Also, it's simply easier to sit home and watch. Nothing replaces a live atmosphere, but if I have to watch my budget, I can still watch the team for every game. Just at home.
True James. Every game (well, accept early round league cup) is available to view. Wasn't so long ago MOTD showed about 4 match highlights and just the goals for the other games.
I wonder if Paul Rideout would have been my favourite had I been able to get the same access to matches back in the 90s.
By all accounts he was a bit pants, but I thought he was great.
I wonder if Paul Rideout would have been my favourite had I been able to get the same access to matches back in the 90s.
By all accounts he was a bit pants, but I thought he was great.
I'm quite surprised we didn't see an upsurge of half season tickets seeing as we seem to be doing well in the second half of the season. Economic factors play a significant part in the downfall of attendances, not just at Goodison but all over the country. No job is now safe and any disposable income that households do have is saved for precautionary measures; attending football matches is a luxury and for many it simply isn't a priority with the current cutbacks the government are enforcing and something which will only get worse in the forseeable future.
That said, Evertonians know all too well what to expect from Everton during the summer periods and when the season starts ? players sold, shit start in the first half of the season, and a reasonably good finish to the second ? an all too familiar pattern and for many perhaps that's just boredom. We're not looking like winning anything and a top-half finish doesn't really represent value for money for those, I suspect. So a season ticket as well as, for many, the associated costs travelling to the ground plus food/beers and matchday programmes is too much of a hit to the pockets.
That said, Evertonians know all too well what to expect from Everton during the summer periods and when the season starts ? players sold, shit start in the first half of the season, and a reasonably good finish to the second ? an all too familiar pattern and for many perhaps that's just boredom. We're not looking like winning anything and a top-half finish doesn't really represent value for money for those, I suspect. So a season ticket as well as, for many, the associated costs travelling to the ground plus food/beers and matchday programmes is too much of a hit to the pockets.
I have been wanting to goto the match this season but simply can't afford it. £35 is not justifiable as a luxury. expense. I know it will never be cheap to watch football as it was in the past when i used to goto every home game but surely £35 is way too much to ask. £20 would seem a lot more reasonable, if only.
Undoubtedly we were poor in the first half of the season, and great in the second, but the ticket prices are a tad unreasonable and travel is much worth. With travel expenses and a ticket, I'm looking at approaching £75 for a match. Compared to television/pub, the difference is remarkable (if not comparable in experience). In Germany, you can go and watch Dortmund for little over £10 (Average price £13). Was great to see some of the initiatives by some of the smaller clubs to get numbers in. We need to sort out travel costs in this country imo, as trains are getting beyond a joke, and would be nice to see clubs using profits etc to keep prices consistent for a few seasons, or lower them slightly. But with tight finances, and the need to spend money on players and insane wages, I doubt it will happen until it makes sense economically for the clubs
Interesting article on English and Football Germany a while back in the Guardian, definitely worth a read re. prices:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/apr/11/bundesliga-premier-league
Interesting article on English and Football Germany a while back in the Guardian, definitely worth a read re. prices:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/apr/11/bundesliga-premier-league
I stopped buying a season ticket for two reasons.
1) Kenwright.
2) Moyes.
That simple.
1) Kenwright.
2) Moyes.
That simple.
Richard Jones.................nail...head......!
Eugene, what would it take to get you to buy one again? Would Kenwright and Moyes BOTH have to go, one of them (if so which one is most important?) or could they stay in place, do something different (perhaps play three creative players in the same team) and you would be interested again?
I think despite your assertion of simplicity, the reasons you stop doing something so habitual and emotional as going to Goodison are probably a little more complicated. I suspect you are in a similar position to the other 3000 or so who also no longer go, and I'm not surprised, as there is a complete lack of any kind of 'feel-good' factor. We effectively get told every summer that we won't improve the team, then we don't, so people just aren't excited about something that is supposed to be exciting.
Imagine by the end of June we've snapped up Pienaar, and Kenwright has somehow given Moyes the funds to sign Dempsey and also another pacy winger (let's say Scott Sinclair for arguments sake). Would you be excited enough to come back? Do you think other people you know would? If not, what would it take, or do you think you've had it for good? (By the way was this season your first without a season ticket and how has that felt?)
I think despite your assertion of simplicity, the reasons you stop doing something so habitual and emotional as going to Goodison are probably a little more complicated. I suspect you are in a similar position to the other 3000 or so who also no longer go, and I'm not surprised, as there is a complete lack of any kind of 'feel-good' factor. We effectively get told every summer that we won't improve the team, then we don't, so people just aren't excited about something that is supposed to be exciting.
Imagine by the end of June we've snapped up Pienaar, and Kenwright has somehow given Moyes the funds to sign Dempsey and also another pacy winger (let's say Scott Sinclair for arguments sake). Would you be excited enough to come back? Do you think other people you know would? If not, what would it take, or do you think you've had it for good? (By the way was this season your first without a season ticket and how has that felt?)
I think Rob Elstone was wrong when he raised the ticket prices, we were stable then, but we are not now.
To be quite honest, I feel sad that ticket prices are so high -? £35 is overpriced. In Germany and Norway ticket prices are very similar. Lower the prices is one solution.
We had players which excited fans; we do not any more. It is too early to tell if Jelavic will be the big hit, and Pienaar will most likely go back to Spurs because we cannot afford the transfer fee.
Not having a "jewel", like Rooney who we did have, it makes the team less attractive. If we got Raul from Schalke 04 and Pienaar then I suppose gates would go up to a more normal number.
Fact is, Fellaini is most likely gone, our only other to get exited about is Barkley, since he is local and has earned all that praise since the start of the season. His performance against QPR was promising.
Kenwright and Moyes are to blame, for allowing players to stay beyond their selling date. Moyes's first half of the season syndrome is getting old and too familiar. Just like our tactics with one upfront at all times, things can get too predictable, also for our fans.
Even after the second half surge up the table, fans are staying away. If ever there was a message to learn something from, then this is it.
Where is the BU? Have they been silenced? They could press for reduced ticket prices: £25 maximum per game... something needs to change.
To be quite honest, I feel sad that ticket prices are so high -? £35 is overpriced. In Germany and Norway ticket prices are very similar. Lower the prices is one solution.
We had players which excited fans; we do not any more. It is too early to tell if Jelavic will be the big hit, and Pienaar will most likely go back to Spurs because we cannot afford the transfer fee.
Not having a "jewel", like Rooney who we did have, it makes the team less attractive. If we got Raul from Schalke 04 and Pienaar then I suppose gates would go up to a more normal number.
Fact is, Fellaini is most likely gone, our only other to get exited about is Barkley, since he is local and has earned all that praise since the start of the season. His performance against QPR was promising.
Kenwright and Moyes are to blame, for allowing players to stay beyond their selling date. Moyes's first half of the season syndrome is getting old and too familiar. Just like our tactics with one upfront at all times, things can get too predictable, also for our fans.
Even after the second half surge up the table, fans are staying away. If ever there was a message to learn something from, then this is it.
Where is the BU? Have they been silenced? They could press for reduced ticket prices: £25 maximum per game... something needs to change.
Hahaa
I've been a season ticket holder for many years, followed everton away abroad and even flew from the other side of the world for the semi final and I won't be going again.........
The one and only reason i wont be going again is shithouse moyes and his negative dour shite
The one and only reason i wont be going again is shithouse moyes and his negative dour shite
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613 Posted 04/05/2012 at 07:29:26
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Man City : 29,856
Chelsea : 33,924
Blackpool: 38,347
I know the Man City game was on a Tuesday night, but the high attendance for the Blackpool game may well have had something to do with a ticket price of £25?It's a period of recession and it's really time that all football clubs ( not just Everton) started to realise that and were a bit more considerate to the fans. The Premier League is ceratinly at the top of the league when it comes to ticket prices compared to other leagues in Europe.