Club update following supporter feedback

[ClaretTony]

I think it also shows that fan groups / committees etc have had their day, in the modern world the club can communicate direct with fans and get a wider range of views.

I think you need to check the Premier League requirements on this which our club are completely ignoring.

[Vegas Claret]

I think you need to check the Premier League requirements on this which our club are completely ignoring.

genuine question, what are they ignoring ?

[Bordeauxclaret]

As I'm seeing this - they've asked a question. They've got some feedback. They've listened. They've responded.

Exactly what I'd hope they be doing.

I’m not really seeing the issue either.

[ClaretTony]

genuine question, what are they ignoring ?

They have ended all communication with supporters groups. I attended a meeting last December and to be honest I thought we were treated appallingly and were told this would be the last meeting. Unlike other clubs, where advisory boards have been elected, our club selected people to join which is hugely disappointing.

[StayingDown4Ever]

They have ended all communication with supporters groups. I attended a meeting last December and to be honest I thought we were treated appallingly and were told this would be the last meeting. Unlike other clubs, where advisory boards have been elected, our club selected people to join which is hugely disappointing.

Because you weren’t selected?

[ClaretTony]

Because you weren’t selected?

Not at all. I've been involved in this for years, nearly 40 years, and believe I've represented our fans really well over that time, but at my age it was definitely time for younger people to get involved and so I wouldn't have even put myself forward.

But I thought someone would choose to have a go at me and think it was my selfishness. You win that award.

[Vegas Claret]

They have ended all communication with supporters groups. I attended a meeting last December and to be honest I thought we were treated appallingly and were told this would be the last meeting. Unlike other clubs, where advisory boards have been elected, our club selected people to join which is hugely disappointing.

Ah ok, do they have to engage with supporters groups per Premier League rules or does this FAB thing not fulfill that obligation ?

[Vegas Claret]

Because you weren’t selected?

what a tin pot comment. Try being constructive once in a while, you might enjoy it

[ClaretTony]

Ah ok, do they have to engage with supporters groups per Premier League rules or does this FAB thing not fulfill that obligation ?

The FAB, if set up correctly, is a great idea and one we were trying to implement with Dave Baldwin not long before he left us. But there is still a requirement to engage with supporters groups according to the Premier League Fan Engagement Standard and we were told that would not happen at Burnley.

[Vegas Claret]

The FAB, if set up correctly, is a great idea and one we were trying to implement with Dave Baldwin not long before he left us. But there is still a requirement to engage with supporters groups according to the Premier League Fan Engagement Standard and we were told that would not happen at Burnley.

If it's a requirement how are they getting away with not engaging, lumping it all in on the FAB i guess ?

edit: I would have assumed that members of supporters groups would have been on the FAB

[jdrobbo]

I think you've misunderstood my original post
I was saying they've involved the supporters by emailing them, not just involving the fans club, perhaps not worded the best way, but not sure it deserves the laughing faces

Apologies if that caused offence. Back to the point then, you seem to be suggesting that the the supporters groups had a direct line into the club. What do you know that I don’t?

[ksrclaret]

Because you weren’t selected?

So didn’t even want to be selected. How humiliating for you

[JMU81]

Hopefully they stop playing loud music right up to ko time, which doesn't allow fans to create any pre-match noise/atmosphere.

Agree with this, and say it to my mates as its happening all the time.

[StayingDown4Ever]

So didn’t even want to be selected. How humiliating for you

Didn’t want to be selected - the scorned attitude suggests the complete opposite

[ClaretTony]

Didn’t want to be selected - the scorned attitude suggests the complete opposite

Believe what you want to believe. I’ve told you that you are wrong, 100% wrong. Shame you can’t accept someone’s word.

[NewClaret]

what a tin pot comment. Try being constructive once in a while, you might enjoy it

I doubt it vegas

[Bosscat]

Didn’t want to be selected - the scorned attitude suggests the complete opposite

And you accuse me of ruining threads wow

[JMU81]

We were told that this was being addressed…it’s as bad as it’s been for well over a decade. It’s the simple things that are missing…

The player boards outside the ground not restored

Reasonably priced refreshments served quickly and to a good standard.

Being trusted to behave like an adult rather than being told either by screen or microphone, 20-30 times during a game what we are not allowed to do.

Having an MC who respectfully calls out the opposition names rather than deliberately mumbles.

It’s these things that create a foundation for a better matchday experience and atmosphere….assuming that the team are also doing their bit too.

None of the above points you have mentioned would help to create a better atmosphere. They're just things that you would like to be changed. You just stick to your flask and prawn sandwiches......

[Taffy on the wing]

Hopefully they stop playing loud music right up to ko time, which doesn't allow fans to create any pre-match noise/atmosphere.

Loud music is everywhere these days.......Shopping, dining out...even the racetrack.
Can't think straight for it!

[GetIntoEm]

All season ticket holders got an email didn't they? Certainly all we did and everyone we know

[wilks_bfc]

All season ticket holders got an email didn't they? Certainly all we did and everyone we know

No they didn’t

None of our group received one

[IanMcL]

Will it include "Dance with the devil" by Cosy Powell on the Drums
Or "Let there be drums" Sandy Nelson

If drums arrive, the play from the fans will be Jim Reeves, "I hear the sound of Distant Drums".

[Lowbankclaret]

Just a thought, try winning a football game. That might work.

[CrosspoolClarets]

There is no doubt that it isn’t perfect governance of a football club for supporter liaison members to be hand picked by the club itself. It obviously leads to accusations of window dressing whilst all the decisions remain a closed shop. The FAB membership seems lightweight overall to me but does include the Royal Dyche landlady, Joe Skinner who did a great turn on the podcast this morning, and Clarets Trust representation. So there are some well known reps who connect with a lot of fans, it does feel that it also needs a couple from supporters clubs though.

Despite that not being 100% ideal, the engagement over this current issue remains very welcome after the initial balls up with the drum (somebody who is now hopefully learning that he has a lot to learn about Northern fans like us). There have been mis-steps but it feels like they want to give fans what they want with the aim of making loads of money as a by-product. I see nothing wrong with that, and good moves like that can exist simultaneously with the sub-optimal governance of the FAB (which, despite those concerns, may still end up working very well).

[Vegas Claret]

And you accuse me of ruining threads wow

it's so tiresome, he's like one of those comedians who spends an entire set 'trying' to take the **** out of the front row because he can't offer anything else.

[SalisburyClaret]

There’s a lot of hard work by many involved in supporter’s groups, however they lost all credibility amongst fellow fans after their involvement in the “dodgy” allocation of tickets.
Emailing season ticket holders is the only way forward

[Spike]

Given they haven’t had a FAB meeting since early last month and given the safety advisory group meeting is next week, I wouldn’t read too much into that piece from the club. Do they really understand is the question I keep asking given last week’s patronising email and now this.

Who is on the Safety Advisory group?

[Spike]

There’s a lot of hard work by many involved in supporter’s groups, however they lost all credibility amongst fellow fans after their involvement in the “dodgy” allocation of tickets.
Emailing season ticket holders is the only way forward

The club allowed the allocations you can’t blame the Supporters clubs . It was easier to sell en block than individual

[ClaretTony]

There’s a lot of hard work by many involved in supporter’s groups, however they lost all credibility amongst fellow fans after their involvement in the “dodgy” allocation of tickets.
Emailing season ticket holders is the only way forward

Sorry but I am not aware of any supporters group having any involvement in dodgy allocation of tickets - I'd be very careful if I were you making those accusations.

[ClaretTony]

Who is on the Safety Advisory group?

Police, ambulance service, local council, county council, football club, supporter rep. There is one at every club.

[dsr]

How much difference is safe standing going to make? It’ll probably be in the cricket field stand….where everyone already stands. Pointless.

And generally they stand with their mates and not in their allocated seat which then makes that section of the ground look half full.

Would be better having the whole cricket field end for home fans and shove away fans down the side near the tunnel or having safe standing in one or both of the lower tiers.

Can't be done because it blocks the view of the people in the lounges, at least some of whom are there because they aren't fit enough to sit anywhere else in the ground, and of course even the ones that can stand for 90+ minutes wouldn't necessarily think it's the best use of their money. They aren't going to allow 3,000 people to stand if it means that 500 people who pay a lot more can't watch the game.

[CoolClaret]

I'm not an expert on safe standing - would it allow for an increase in capacity you think? Maybe cheaper ticket prices as well?

[Vegas Claret]

When the Helmond lads come over they all stand together and sing a lot - might be easier to either just get them over or get a group of 40-50 people who all want to sing to stand together and have at it - people would join in for sure. Hard to get things going when it's only a handful of people but 50 would have it bouncing I reckon

[Sheedyclaret]

I'm not an expert on safe standing - would it allow for an increase in capacity you think? Maybe cheaper ticket prices as well?

I’d imagine the safe standing would be just the cricket field which the majority do anyway..

My reply to the club was to take the whole cricket field back and move the away fans would make a huge difference to the atmosphere especially if it was made as safe standing

[CoolClaret]

I’d imagine the safe standing would be just the cricket field which the majority do anyway..

My reply to the club was to take the whole cricket field back and move the away fans would make a huge difference to the atmosphere especially if it was made as safe standing

I agree with this - I'd have the entire cricket field safe standing if it was up to me, with reduced price tickets.

I watched a video on the safe standing at Signal Iduna Park/Westfalenstadion -Borussia Dortmund's ground and apparently it's two standing for every 'seat', so I imagine it is indeed an increased capacity.

I think this is our best option at getting a proper atmosphere - cheaper walk on /season tickets for a standing section, IMO

[RicardoMontalban]

I agree with this - I'd have the entire cricket field safe standing if it was up to me, with reduced price tickets.

I watched a video on the safe standing at Signal Iduna Park/Westfalenstadion -Borussia Dortmund's ground and apparently it's two standing for every 'seat', so I imagine it is indeed an increased capacity.

I think this is our best option at getting a proper atmosphere - cheaper walk on /season tickets for a standing section, IMO

Isn’t one of the complaints about the CFS that the facilities underneath are already insufficient? Increasing capacity, even just by a bit may not be straightforward or feasible without some fairly major work to the concourse etc.

[AGENT_CLARET]

Isn’t one of the complaints about the CFS that the facilities underneath are already insufficient? Increasing capacity, even just by a bit may not be straightforward or feasible without some fairly major work to the concourse etc.

You could possibly take away the current turnstiles and move the new one's further out towards the path that comes along the cricket ground path, put a roof on between these and the ground and put a new concourse area extension underneath that.

[Nori1958]

Apologies if that caused offence. Back to the point then, you seem to be suggesting that the the supporters groups had a direct line into the club. What do you know that I don’t?

Those who attended the meetings at the club certainly did, which are the fan groups i was referring to, and at times the club only seemed to take on board views put forward in those meetings. Now the club are approaching the wider fan base for their views on certain matters,and it seems, taking those views on board

[RicardoMontalban]

You could possibly take away the current turnstiles and move the new one's further out towards the path that comes along the cricket ground path, put a roof on between these and the ground and put a new concourse area extension underneath that.

That sounds more straightforward than I suspect it is. Isn’t that the area with the player’s entrance and where all the broadcast trucks currently sit. They would have to move elsewhere and it’s not as if we’re blessed with an abundance of unused space behind the JH stand. I’ve not been in the CFS since it was closed to home fans in the 90’s but I expect there’s more than just extra floor space needed, like you say the concessions and toilet facilities would need a massive upgrade (possibly already do) if we’re talking about adding any noticeable capacity increase as was suggested.

Of course safe standing may not increase capacity in any meaningful way so this may all be a moot point, but I think future redevelopment of the ground along these lines will be a finely balance and complicated endeavour.

[Jakubs Tash]

Can't be done because it blocks the view of the people in the lounges, at least some of whom are there because they aren't fit enough to sit anywhere else in the ground, and of course even the ones that can stand for 90+ minutes wouldn't necessarily think it's the best use of their money. They aren't going to allow 3,000 people to stand if it means that 500 people who pay a lot more can't watch the game.

Yes, I fully acknowledge that would be an issue and therefore probably wouldn’t happen.

But my point is that safe standing won’t make a bit of difference unless they do something different rather than just put it in the home half of the cricket field stand (where they already stand up).

[jdrobbo]

Those who attended the meetings at the club certainly did, which are the fan groups i was referring to, and at times the club only seemed to take on board views put forward in those meetings. Now the club are approaching the wider fan base for their views on certain matters,and it seems, taking those views on board

Cheers for the clarification. If this did happen, it must have happened pre-pandemic and pre-new chairman, because I joined BFCSG a few years ago and this simply didn’t happen. Not once.

[Leisure]

When the Helmond lads come over they all stand together and sing a lot - might be easier to either just get them over or get a group of 40-50 people who all want to sing to stand together and have at it - people would join in for sure. Hard to get things going when it's only a handful of people but 50 would have it bouncing I reckon

Accy Clarets have 28 Spanish lads coming over this weekend for the Palace game. They'll all be sat(stood) together in the Longside Lower, close to the tunnel Maybe they can help get the atmosphere going!

[Leisure]

There’s a lot of hard work by many involved in supporter’s groups, however they lost all credibility amongst fellow fans after their involvement in the “dodgy” allocation of tickets.
Emailing season ticket holders is the only way forward

Care to clarify the 'dodgy' allocation comment?

[SalisburyClaret]

Care to clarify the 'dodgy' allocation comment?

Discussed at length on this board. If a group of supporters claim tickets for that group for a game that requires x number of points, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in that group, not to mention their children, mates etc will all have that number of points.

[jdrobbo]

Discussed at length on this board. If a group of supporters claim tickets for that group for a game that requires x number of points, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in that group, not to mention their children, mates etc will all have that number of points.

Yes, fair enough… I’m not aware of it happening, EVER and if it did, it wasn’t under Alan Pace’s tenure, so it’s completely wrong to use that against the group when discussing BFCSG and FAB. There’s so much potential good in both.

[Leisure]

Discussed at length on this board. If a group of supporters claim tickets for that group for a game that requires x number of points, it’s highly unlikely that everyone in that group, not to mention their children, mates etc will all have that number of points.

Wrong. For tickets purchased by supporters clubs, people have to have the required points, just the same as everyone else.

[jdrobbo]

Wrong. For tickets purchased by supporters clubs, people have to have the required points, just the same as everyone else.

Exactly. It’s concerning that these opinions exist.

[Nori1958]

Cheers for the clarification. If this did happen, it must have happened pre-pandemic and pre-new chairman, because I joined BFCSG a few years ago and this simply didn’t happen. Not once.

There have been examples on this board when posters have raised issues, and other posters, who I know attend those meetings have very kindly helped by saying they will "speak to someone at the club" in order to help solve the issue. That gives the impression that they have that direct line into the club.

[jdrobbo]

There have been examples on this board when posters have raised issues, and other posters, who I know attend those meetings have very kindly helped by saying they will "speak to someone at the club" in order to help solve the issue. That gives the impression that they have that direct line into the club.

Thank you for this.

It didn’t happen though so who said it and when did they say it? Did they actually get sorted out?

[Nori1958]

Yes, fair enough… I’m not aware of it happening, EVER and if it did, it wasn’t under Alan Pace’s tenure, so it’s completely wrong to use that against the group when discussing BFCSG and FAB. There’s so much potential good in both.

I think the use of the word group in this context doesn't necessarily mean official supporters groups.

There are certainly WhatsApp groups and similar who will purchase tickets for people who have the correct points, but are not going to the game, those tickets are then used by people who don't have the points.
It's nothing new, groups of friends have done it for years, just nowadays it's done online