Raising Mfc Awareness In The Community

[LadywellToi]

Leading on from another thread I started on here, I was rather surprised at the strength of apathy with respect to season ticket renewals. It would appear his has been motivated by cost/value and a perception (by some) of disenfranchisement as to the benefits/flexibility of holding a ticket over paying at the gate. Surprisingly it can't be argued that its down to our on field performances which I think every fan is in agreement exceeded our pre-season aspirations.

 

I suppose we benefit that both the commercial and media departments of our club have accounts on this site and regularly contribute and even, god forbid .... listen (East Stand security checks for example). I certainly think this is a credit to the club and as a result we can use this to help if and when we can. Communication has improved however comments recently have highlighted a few alternative avenues going forward. It's evident MFC's traditional way of disseminating information needs to be looked at and different methods approached, "change" is the current buzzword isn't it?

 

Therefore onto the point of this thread, we all witnessed the debacle of fixtures handed down to us from on high, as a result we find ourselves in the top 6 without any real tangible reward other than an increase in earnings from league placement and Europa qualification. With recent attendances at Parkhead and their bhoycott of away grounds because they feel hard done by, I'm not sure if the loss attributed to not playing Celtic at FP is as much as quoted.

 

In an attempt to inject some atmosphere and maximise turnstyle revenues, we've lowered the prices in a move to increase the attendance and mitigate the losses due to it being a mid-week televised game. It's a brave and hopefully, first of many initiatives to increase a dwindling support. It's came to my attention from reading comments on here and from a conversation I had tonight with a lifelong Motherwell fan that so many of the target audience just don't know about the £10-£1 deal. When I told him it was £1 for the kids (he has three) I think that convinced him to go tonight. The club has to do something to address this immediately as word of mouth can't be relied upon, the Falkirk bring a buddy initiative is evident of that.

 

There is no point in having a good idea or product unless as many people as possible know about it. Look at websites such as Quidco.com for example, it works because they have a large customer base and as a result its mutually beneficial for the buying public, retailer and website. Also, whiteboxdeals.co.uk, saynoto0870.com, hotukdeals.com and 5pm.co.uk are excellent ideas but so many don't know about them and what they offer.

 

I suggested approaching NLC with respect to the prominent position at the foot of Airbles Road where there is currently the sign advertising countless tribute acts and AmDram Panto's at the Civic. I don't even want to guess how many pass this sign on a daily basis and how many again sit and passively view this when sitting waiting for a green light on the way home. Even OF drivers may have a neighbour or family member who they may mention "I see your mob are offering £10 entry on Wednesday night". It could be put to the council that its mutually beneficial to help MFC. As for how to address it then its either a separate hoarding to the side or combining the two. NLC may be in favour if the cost is apportioned fairly. They may jump at it if it brought something new (i.e. a screen) however vandalism, cost and future austerity measures may scupper that suggestion. I'd add that it would be clever to add a temperature reading and time, I know I always tend to have my eyes drawn to them at the Newbridge roundabout in Edinburgh and the Motherwell Bridge one at the roundabout at the foot of Wishaw.

 

It would highlight forthcoming games, prices and initiatives to a significant portion of the public who either don't listen to L107 or buy the Wishaw Press/Motherwell Times. I lived in Motherwell since I was 2 and the Motherwell Times was bought twice in my household, once on my first day at Primary and the second on starting at Dalziel.

 

As for cost of manufacture (if its a traditional paper pasted hoarding), well the club is involved heavily with the logintolearn.com thing and a good relationship with Motherwell College. As a major faculty is trades, surely a fabrication project where a) the students put something back into their community and b) see something tangible they have made as a permanent fixture would be something that has merit among the academic and political types - they all love a photo op with a big cheque or with teens in boiler suits and hard hats standing behind them (not the title of an obscure porno before anyone interjects).

 

In time additional hoardings could be looked to be extended to the main arterial hubs into the area.

 

I have witness first hand how an oversight in awareness and recruitment can affect things locally. I used to play football for Dalziel FP's, we had three teams and an under 21's. I continually advocated at AGM's that we actively had to attract local kids in 5th/6th year (specifically from Dalziel, Braidhurst, Our Lady's, Taylor, Brannock, St. Aidens and Coltness) to come up, ideally in groups to keep the camaraderie. Unfortunately the club didn't do this and the teams tended to cast their net wider for players. As a result there wasn't the same spirit, loyalty and proximity to the club and they are now down to a 1st team and under 21's.

 

If anyone has alternative or supporting ideas how the club can promote itself then please add your ideas and initiatives. This is the 1st of some alternative ideas I have but as I'm sure you'll agree I've already written too much and my fingers hurt.

[mfcmainstand]

was a bit long winded but i get your point, even if we got the bottom part of the strathclyde park sign like many others do

[CoF]

I was actually wondering how many people who would otherwise go tonight will miss out because they don't know about the price cuts. Only reason I know is because I use this board. Word from my massive mouth has got about 6 more folk coming along though, hopefully most people have tried their best to spread the word.

 

I wonder, how much does a wee corner advertisment in a national paper cost?

[fatcalf]

I was actually wondering how many people who would otherwise go tonight will miss out because they don't know about the price cuts. Only reason I know is because I use this board. Word from my massive mouth has got about 6 more folk coming along though, hopefully most people have tried their best to spread the word.

 

I wonder, how much does a wee corner advertisment in a national paper cost?

If the 'national' press did their job it would be common knowledge. Having given up reading newspapers and watching news I don't know if we still get ignored on issues like this but I'd hazard a guess that we do.