Corporate hospitality - JHL

Duffer_ · Post by **Duffer_** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:14 pm

I know a fair bit was written on other threads about ST holders being displaced to accommodate the extended corporate hospitality in the JHL. I haven't seen so much about the impact on us that now form the last line of the cheap seats.

I mentioned Leeds fans in there the other week. Yesterday there were two low key Norwich fans sat behind me. I understand those that say there will always be some away fans in the home end but it seems highly likely that I will have to put up with it on a regular basis. Add that to the constant movement in and out of the section behind glass, the generally less engaged corporate punter, and it is beginning to feel like a neutral area.

A few questions:

1) What was it like before? Did the suits watch the game from behind glass?

2) What is the club's policy on corporate seats in the JHL being taken up by away fans?

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:28 pm

I think Chris Wilder was in there yesterday. He was pictured with yellow brick under the window anyhow.

Makes a change from the freebies going in the Bob Lord stand.

elwaclaret · Post by **elwaclaret** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:35 pm

Very rarely have the seats that were outside the hospitality ever been used, corporate groups are their for a day out, the races, the turf it’s an excuse to indulge, only a couple will be fans as we understand fans.

Andreshotboots · Post by **Andreshotboots** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:52 pm

I was lucky enough to be in there yesterday as a guest of the match sponsor. The tables all seemed full to me and when the game kicked off there were very few people behind the glass. Probably a few more second half as the game wasn’t the greatest, but everybody was certainly watching the game.

My table was made up of around 90% Burnley supporters, and judging by the comments and reactions of others around me, lots of the corporate regulars are very much Clarets fans..

Mondsley · Post by **Mondsley** » Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:18 pm

I have sat on the back row of JHL right on the half way line for the last 20 seasons, immediately in front of the box sponsored by James Hargreaves. Every season (up to now)when we play a team from within a 100 mile radius of Burnley there has been a decent number of away fans in that box. Truth be told it has only ever kicked off with Leeds and Rovers fans. This season however the number of away fans seen so far has been minimal including the Leeds game. Barry Kilby and his wife now sit in there which I find a little strange. Given what Barry has done for the club I would gave thought he should have a seat in the Director's box for life!

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:19 am

Is the managers lounge still being ‘managed’ by a Bastards fan? Bumped into him at Manny Rd after one game and was surprised to learn that that the bloke who’d looked after us all day was one of them and hated us. He was very good at his job and got us to Dyche after the game. Nevertheless - had a frank exchange. Should have reported him.

claptrappers_union · Post by **claptrappers_union** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:45 am

Bop wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:19 am
He was very good at his job and got us to Dyche after the game.

Then what’s the problem?

Damo · Post by **Damo** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 4:08 am

Bop wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:19 am
Is the managers lounge still being ‘managed’ by a Bastards fan? Bumped into him at Manny Rd after one game and was surprised to learn that that the bloke who’d looked after us all day was one of them and hated us. He was very good at his job and got us to Dyche after the game. Nevertheless - had a frank exchange. Should have reported him.

He looked after you all day, and was very good at his job and you had a go at him and think you should have reported him for supporting a rival team?
I'm not entirely sure how that would work, but its one of the most bizarre things I've read on here, and that says an awful lot

Jamesy · Post by **Jamesy** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:27 am

Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:28 pm
I think Chris Wilder was in there yesterday. He was pictured with yellow brick under the window anyhow.

Makes a change from the freebies going in the Bob Lord stand.

Who are the freebies going in the Bob Lord Stand? Do you mean ex players/managers of other clubs or players wives and family?

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:02 am

Jamesy wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:27 am
Who are the freebies going in the Bob Lord Stand? Do you mean ex players/managers of other clubs or players wives and family?

The players have a box for wives and kids, the first one nearest the CF.

Just the general football culture of freebies. No specifics.

MACCA · Post by **MACCA** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:09 am

Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:28 pm
I think Chris Wilder was in there yesterday. He was pictured with yellow brick under the window anyhow.

Makes a change from the freebies going in the Bob Lord stand.

He was, he turned up in his Range Rover at 14:45 and had to be escorted by stewards through the crowds behind the Jimmy Mac stand and allowed to park his vehicle just there... not in a actual parking bay, Just on the end next to another car.

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:27 am

Mondsley wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:18 pm
This season however the number of away fans seen so far has been minimal including the Leeds game. Barry Kilby and his wife now sit in there which I find a little strange. Given what Barry has done for the club I would gave thought he should have a seat in the Director's box for life!

I read somewhere that the former Directors have been banned from the Directors box. Not sure if that is true, but maybe the improvements in the hospitality in the Longside now means they prefer that offering to the BL? I've only ever seen the pictures, but I know where I'd rather be!

Jamesy · Post by **Jamesy** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:46 am

Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:02 am
The players have a box for wives and kids, the first one nearest the CF.

Just the general football culture of freebies. No specifics.

TBH I don’t think there are as many freebies in there as there used to be. We do go through main doors of BL to our seats and we do see people at reception collecting “free/complementary” tickets but they are generally people associated with football.
Haven’t got a clue what Mr Paces stance is on tickets for ex directors or where they are seated in the stand, I didn’t look closely on Saturday.

NewClaret · Post by **NewClaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:49 am

Andreshotboots wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:52 pm
I was lucky enough to be in there yesterday as a guest of the match sponsor. The tables all seemed full to me and when the game kicked off there were very few people behind the glass. Probably a few more second half as the game wasn’t the greatest, but everybody was certainly watching the game.

My table was made up of around 90% Burnley supporters, and judging by the comments and reactions of others around me, lots of the corporate regulars are very much Clarets fans..

Out of interest, what was it like? Was the menu like? Food good? Decent drinks? Service?

Asking because I have recently been invited to a few CL hospitality events. I'd been to boxes at various grounds before, but never the lounges. Thought they were really good and spent all evening wondering what ours were like by comparison.

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:55 am

Mondsley wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:18 pm
Barry Kilby and his wife now sit in there which I find a little strange. Given what Barry has done for the club I would gave thought he should have a seat in the Director's box for life!

Absolutely!

COBBLE · Post by **COBBLE** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:01 am

I suspect Barry Kilby would not want to be seen trying to cling onto power. He will have more dignity and cash to want to or need to do that.

Burnley Ace · Post by **Burnley Ace** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:36 am

COBBLE wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:01 am
I suspect Barry Kilby would not want to be seen trying to cling onto power. He will have more dignity and cash to want to or need to do that.

Last season they had seats in the Directors Box and a table in their room. I don’t think anyone perceives he’s trying to cling onto power.

Burnley Ace · Post by **Burnley Ace** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:43 am

Duffer_ wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:14 pm

2) What is the club's policy on corporate seats in the JHL being taken up by away fans?

I think the idea is that the businesses that pay thousands for these boxes can invite who they want, which may include supporters of the away team. In return if you are invited by a corporate client to a match were you support the away team there is an expectation that you will behave in an appropriate manner so that you don’t embarrass yourself or your host.

Is it only football where the mere presence of an away fan in the home stand causes such offence?

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:16 pm

Damo wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 4:08 am
He looked after you all day, and was very good at his job and you had a go at him and think you should have reported him for supporting a rival team?
I'm not entirely sure how that would work, but its one of the most bizarre things I've read on here, and that says an awful lot

I should have made it clearer. He was very abusive and derogatory about his employer. A very bitter man who hid his allegiances well during the game.

Andreshotboots · Post by **Andreshotboots** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:23 pm

NewClaret wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 9:49 am
Out of interest, what was it like? Was the menu like? Food good? Decent drinks? Service?

Asking because I have recently been invited to a few CL hospitality events. I'd been to boxes at various grounds before, but never the lounges. Thought they were really good and spent all evening wondering what ours were like by comparison.

To be honest it was virtually faultless. The service was spot on from the bar staff, drinks brought quickly to your table.

The meal was self service but a good choice and the beef that I had was superb for the main course.

The only slight grumble was Mr buy one get one free as the MC. You could hardly tell what he was saying and I just don’t think people find him funny in that type of environment.

My day, off the pitch was certainly 9.5 out of 10…

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:40 pm

Bop wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 12:19 am
Is the managers lounge still being ‘managed’ by a Bastards fan? Bumped into him at Manny Rd after one game and was surprised to learn that that the bloke who’d looked after us all day was one of them and hated us. He was very good at his job and got us to Dyche after the game. Nevertheless - had a frank exchange. Should have reported him.

Reported for being a Blackburn fan?

I mean, I know it wasn't a good game, but isn't that a little bit over the top?

It is just a game, while this is his job, which you've said he's good at!

Perspective please!

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:43 pm

Bop wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:16 pm
I should have made it clearer. He was very abusive and derogatory about his employer. A very bitter man who hid his allegiances well during the game.

But you didn't say this at the start?

And yet he choose, to a completely stranger, to be abusive and derogatory about Burnley FC, his employer?

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

If you say so mate

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:49 pm

We were guests in the managers lounge in the CFS. Great meal, hospitality, and good company. He looked after us all day and took us into the CFS hospitality room to meet Dyche. We had a drink and made our way back to the train station. We bumped into him waiting, thanked him for looking after us. Then the tirade started. A very strange job to hold given the way he expressed his hatred for Burnley.

Mate.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:50 pm

Mondsley wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 11:18 pm
Barry Kilby and his wife now sit in there which I find a little strange. Given what Barry has done for the club I would gave thought he should have a seat in the Director's box for life!

He's had to buy seats in there

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:51 pm

Burnley Ace wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 10:36 am
Last season they had seats in the Directors Box and a table in their room. I don’t think anyone perceives he’s trying to cling onto power.

He had seats in the directors box last season while he was a director. I don't think the departing directors were allowed to attend games following the takeover while they were still behind closed doors games.

claretonthecoast1882 · Post by **claretonthecoast1882** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:56 pm

If you are somebody involved in the running of the club and you find yourself making a decision that ends up with Barry Kilby having to pay, then it is probably wise to ask the same question again until you come up with a different answer.

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:56 pm

Edit. “We were guests in the managers lounge in the JHL”

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:57 pm

On the subject of a Blackburn fan working in there. It's not that long since the club shop manager and head groundsman were Blackburn fans. A very good friend of mine, a committed Claret, worked for Blackburn just a few years ago. I've never seen it as a problem and if we are doing well it always gives me someone to wind up. It's not that long since the three lads working in the ticket office supported Blackburn, Leeds and Manchester United. All good lads too.

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:00 pm

Agreed Tony - shouldn’t be an issue. This bloke was over top though. It was against Man City two seasons ago. He may no longer be there. A bizarre situation.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:02 pm

Bop wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:49 pm
We were guests in the managers lounge in the CFS. Great meal, hospitality, and good company. He looked after us all day and took us into the CFS hospitality room to meet Dyche. We had a drink and made our way back to the train station. We bumped into him waiting, thanked him for looking after us. Then the tirade started. A very strange job to hold given the way he expressed his hatred for Burnley.

Mate.

So he wasn't actually working then?

Thats a slightly different context don't you think?

Mate

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:08 pm

On the subject of away fans in corporate - I did it at Ipswich in 2003 with Herts_Clarets and bedfords - I'm sure it was Herts who organised it.

It was different in that it is all small rooms at Ipswich and we had to watch through the glass. The big problem was the TV on the wall behind us that was showing the game and replays of any goals. We lost 6-1 and the Ipswich fans in the seats in front were turning to watch the goal replays and soon noticed that we weren't celebrating the goals. We sorted them out, we switched the TV off.

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:12 pm

Listen. I expressed my opinions last night in one post. I responded to your post as you challenged me - and I understand why, as I skirted around his behaviour. Whether it’s in context or not - I’m not getting into a long winded debate. That was my observations and take on the situation. That’s all. Folks.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:12 pm

Man City away at Maine Road when we drew 2-2

Corporate above the City fans when we went 2-1 up, coins, pies, raining down on the windows

Done it at Spurs as well when we lost 5-0, and being able to drink surrounded by Spurs fans shouting "thats the Spurs way" was a bit of a surreal experience

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:15 pm

Bop wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:12 pm
Listen. I expressed my opinions last night in one post. I responded to your post as you challenged me - and I understand why, as I skirted around his behaviour. Whether it’s in context or not - I’m not getting into a long winded debate. That was my observations and take on the situation. That’s all. Folks.

Fine

If he'd be doing it at work, then I think that is wrong and I'd be very surprised to see it anywhere

Doing at the train station when not at work?

That is perfectly okay, and if you think it isn't then, well, up to you, but I think you are wrong

But at least we've got to the bottom of the story, and that is the main thing, otherwise it sounds like something it wasn't

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:17 pm

In a strange twist I was also in those corporate suites at Maine Rd with my late father that game!

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:19 pm

I was a lot younger then, and it was a bunch of twenty somethings using a City friends box

We were all very drunk, and perhaps not as careful as we should have been when Cookey scored

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:29 pm

Oh, and apologies for being grumpy and a bit confrontational Bop

One thing that is very noticeable about Rovers fans these days is that they tend to be very keen on slagging us off at every opportunity, but without getting into specifics as they haven't got a leg to stand on. The ones where I live told my youngest (in his Burnley shirt) that it was good that small teams are in the prem, without even a hint of irony!

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:35 pm

No apology needed. We disagreed - that’s all!

Burnley Ace · Post by **Burnley Ace** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 4:27 pm

Lancasterclaret wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 3:12 pm
Man City away at Maine Road when we drew 2-2

Corporate above the City fans when we went 2-1 up, coins, pies, raining down on the windows

Done it at Spurs as well when we lost 5-0, and being able to drink surrounded by Spurs fans shouting "thats the Spurs way" was a bit of a surreal experience

I was there as well, Oct 98. Didn’t they have to switch the lift off to stop City fans trying to get in? You would think that they would have let us have our brief moment to celebrate - since then it’s W1 D3 L18.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 5:32 pm

To be honest I don't remember

I think Winston White was in the box next to us though!

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 5:44 pm

Andreshotboots wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 2:23 pm
To be honest it was virtually faultless. The service was spot on from the bar staff, drinks brought quickly to your table.

The meal was self service but a good choice and the beef that I had was superb for the main course.

The only slight grumble was Mr buy one get one free as the MC. You could hardly tell what he was saying and I just don’t think people find him funny in that type of environment.

My day, off the pitch was certainly 9.5 out of 10…

I thought we'd moved on from employing idiots like that. I would refuse to go, if invited, if he was the entertainment... Just off personal experience of him.

Andreshotboots · Post by **Andreshotboots** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:11 pm

Grumps wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 04, 2021 5:44 pm
I thought we'd moved on from employing idiots like that. I would refuse to go, if invited, if he was the entertainment... Just off personal experience of him.

The only amusing part from him was when he wasn't actually trying to be funny!!

He really struggled reading the names of some of the Norwich lads pre kick off. It was like that Nigerian news reader doing the football results..

If you've not seen that Google it, it's hilarious..

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:34 pm

Duffer_ wrote: ↑
Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:14 pm

A few questions:

1) What was it like before? Did the suits watch the game from behind glass?

2) What is the club's policy on corporate seats in the JHL being taken up by away fans?

Years ago, I won a PFA comp to present John McGreal with his player of the month award.

My wife and I sat, with the PFA folk, in the end box nearest CFS. Started behind glass. That lasted 5 mins. Appalling.
Went and sat outside. Crap position at the end, so not enjoyable other than meal and drinks!