How to recognise long standing and loyal supporters

[Blue Since 76]

Couldn't we just reward fans who stay until the end of the game early? Mainly by not cutting them down with machine gun fire which would cross the exits until the final whistle.

As for long term fans, we've had our reward when Yaya scored the goals at Wembley, or when Aguero tapped that one in, or when Gerrard slipped. I don't want anything else, I'm just happy with the memories rather than dreaming of a semi-final but never believing it could happen.

[nottsblue]

Couple of suggestions.

Each season ticket holder to have their name on their own seat. Make you feel like you own a little bit of the club.

Each season ticket holder to be entered into a prize draw weekly. Winners get a free pass next game to have access all areas tour of facilities including academy and seats in directors suite.

Proper pricing of season tickets and prices on the door so as not to discourage the casual fan.

On 25th anniversary on having season ticket, get that years ticket free. Someone who has paid their dues deserves that imo. Maybe also have their names in the match day programme giving a tangible memento.

[Hutch's Shoulder]

If they are going to persist with gold/platinum how about automatic platinum for those who have had a ticket for more than n years?

[Im_Spartacus]

I think that by treating all fans fairly, without contempt and regarding us as people rather than a $ sign, we all get our recognition of being part of a fantastic club that we can all be proud of.

Recognition of long standing fans is just another example of segmentation of the fan base that's been going on for a while now, whereby the club seem to be actively trying to over complicate the experience of buying a ticket, going to a game or even using the website.

Back to basics for me rather than further segmentation. I don't need smoke blowing up my arse for having had a ST for x number of years, there are far more who give up more than I do to follow the club, so any segmentation approach will fail to recognise those whose financial situation would exclude them from being considered 'longstanding' fans, which is a pretty rotten trick in my eyes given that I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

[london blue 2]

I think that by treating all fans fairly, without contempt and regarding us as people rather than a $ sign, we all get our recognition of being part of a fantastic club that we can all be proud of.

Recognition of long standing fans is just another example of segmentation of the fan base that's been going on for a while now, whereby the club seem to be actively trying to over complicate the experience of buying a ticket, going to a game or even using the website.

Back to basics for me rather than further segmentation. I don't need smoke blowing up my arse for having had a ST for x number of years, there are far more who give up more than I do to follow the club, so any segmentation approach will fail to recognise those whose financial situation would exclude them from being considered 'longstanding' fans, which is a pretty rotten trick in my eyes given that I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

Good post.

[Wonderwall]

Back to basics for me rather than further segmentation. I don't need smoke blowing up my arse for having had a ST for x number of years, there are far more who give up more than I do to follow the club, so any segmentation approach will fail to recognise those whose financial situation would exclude them from being considered 'longstanding' fans, which is a pretty rotten trick in my eyes given that I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

Nail on the head here mate, this is the exact part I am struggling with TBH. If the club do go ahead with such a scheme, then how do we ensure that these fans are not pushed aside merely because of their financial situation?

[mr_nool]

Back to basics for me rather than further segmentation. I don't need smoke blowing up my arse for having had a ST for x number of years, there are far more who give up more than I do to follow the club, so any segmentation approach will fail to recognise those whose financial situation would exclude them from being considered 'longstanding' fans, which is a pretty rotten trick in my eyes given that I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

Nail on the head here mate, this is the exact part I am struggling with TBH. If the club do go ahead with such a scheme, then how do we ensure that these fans are not pushed aside merely because of their financial situation?

Which is why it's better with one-off things, like inviting them to a belting night in a hospitality lounge.
You can do 10-15 loyal supporters per home game or something like that. Write a few lines about them in the match day program as well and hey presto.

[Goaters 103]

Back to basics for me rather than further segmentation. I don't need smoke blowing up my arse for having had a ST for x number of years, there are far more who give up more than I do to follow the club, so any segmentation approach will fail to recognise those whose financial situation would exclude them from being considered 'longstanding' fans, which is a pretty rotten trick in my eyes given that I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

Nail on the head here mate, this is the exact part I am struggling with TBH. If the club do go ahead with such a scheme, then how do we ensure that these fans are not pushed aside merely because of their financial situation?

Spot on John, your post is a very accurate summation. Segmentation is the correct word for whats going on at City, a further example of which is the pricing structure in the East/West Stand level 2 seats, which are being made corporate and thus pricing out/turfing out loyal Blues, many of whom were the first to put their hands up when the club was in the financial shits not so long ago.

WW - we cant ensure that at all. In addition this relates back to my point on the Platinum and Cityzen schemes, which again place additional financial burdens on City fans who actually want to go to the games themselves. Sorting out those for the benefit of EVERY City fan is in my opinion far more important than a plaque on a wall, or a memorial scarf for someone who's had a season ticket for 25 years.

[DoomMerchant]

I just wanted to throw Blowjobs into the hopper.

Most loyal fans are probably rarely, if ever, getting their knob slobbed. It would be nice to recognize the fact that such staunch loyalty for extended periods usually means you have to give up other important things in life.

Cheers

[Ted Hughes]

I see it has now pretty much happened; that recognising long term fans has been usurped by financial issues and everyone claiming themselves a piece of the action.

As it happens, I've had a season ticket since round about the early 70's, but I wouldn't be claiming.

I'd rather the long term fans got the recognition they deserve & there are plenty of those, who have been ignored for years & if posts on here are anything to go by, it looks like they are about to be, again.

[Wonderwall]

Back to basics for me rather than further segmentation. I don't need smoke blowing up my arse for having had a ST for x number of years, there are far more who give up more than I do to follow the club, so any segmentation approach will fail to recognise those whose financial situation would exclude them from being considered 'longstanding' fans, which is a pretty rotten trick in my eyes given that I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

Nail on the head here mate, this is the exact part I am struggling with TBH. If the club do go ahead with such a scheme, then how do we ensure that these fans are not pushed aside merely because of their financial situation?

Spot on John, your post is a very accurate summation. Segmentation is the correct word for whats going on at City, a further example of which is the pricing structure in the East/West Stand level 2 seats, which are being made corporate and thus pricing out/turfing out loyal Blues, many of whom were the first to put their hands up when the club was in the financial shits not so long ago.

WW - we cant ensure that at all. In addition this relates back to my point on the Platinum and Cityzen schemes, which again place additional financial burdens on City fans who actually want to go to the games themselves. Sorting out those for the benefit of EVERY City fan is in my opinion far more important than a plaque on a wall, or a memorial scarf for someone who's had a season ticket for 25 years.

Whilst I totally agree with your point. It is a club issue and not a reason for not recognising a long standing supporter. Which is where I think Teds posts are eluding.

[City64]

I just wanted to throw Blowjobs into the hopper.

Most loyal fans are probably rarely, if ever, getting their knob slobbed. It would be nice to recognize the fact that such staunch loyalty for extended periods usually means you have to give up other important things in life.

Cheers

You obviously haven't sampled the pre and post most match entertainment that loads of blues experience every home game at true blue watering hole Mother Macs in the city center ? ;-)

[ruralblue]

I just wanted to throw Blowjobs into the hopper.

Most loyal fans are probably rarely, if ever, getting their knob slobbed. It would be nice to recognize the fact that such staunch loyalty for extended periods usually means you have to give up other important things in life.

Cheers

Dear Mike

You will be pleased to hear that your recent application to MCFC Bowie Team, has been successful. We wish to welcome you to the club and look forward to your starting this forthcoming Saturday. As such a special candidate for this position you'll be pleased to know that you will noshing the oldest supporters first. Please ensure you have flossed, turn up in the enclosed Lederhosen and sandals at lunch time Ready to go.

Kind Regards

City x

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

I just wanted to throw Blowjobs into the hopper.

Most loyal fans are probably rarely, if ever, getting their knob slobbed. It would be nice to recognize the fact that such staunch loyalty for extended periods usually means you have to give up other important things in life.

Cheers

No. That would be shit timing. As a newlywed I am still getting blown on a regular basis. Maybe in a couple of years time, or perhaps some kind of sexual deviency that is not available at home.

[Mase]

I can afford my support easily whilst some have to go to war with their wives to afford a single ticket once a year!

So you shouldn't be recognised if you don't have a nagging wife?

[stevefromdonny]

They're usually grey or balding, sometimes both, have a bit of a beer gut and frown lines that a Clingon would be proud of.

well that's me to a tee well apart from the clingon as I am always clean

[DoomMerchant]

I just wanted to throw Blowjobs into the hopper.

Most loyal fans are probably rarely, if ever, getting their knob slobbed. It would be nice to recognize the fact that such staunch loyalty for extended periods usually means you have to give up other important things in life.

Cheers

No. That would be shit timing. As a newlywed I am still getting blown on a regular basis. Maybe in a couple of years time, or perhaps some kind of sexual deviency that is not available at home.

Knowing you we won't be able to settle on a contract definition for "deviance" before you're on a Bosman.

Rural.....touche. I axed for that one. BTW I never got any cabbage growing advice from you did I? And no we aren't talking about a cure for baldness.

P.s. I still think blowies matter.

Cheers

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Is it possible to be a loyal long standing fan without being a sc holder?

[Peter Doherty (AGAIG)]

Is it possible to be a loyal long standing fan without being a sc holder?

Of course. It's all down to your emotional attachment to the club.

[Ted Hughes]

Anyone who has been supporting the club for a long time imo, & the ones who have stuck it the longest, & are still keen now, especially.