Whatever course we take, it's up to all of us

very Ruud · 16th March 2006, 11:05

Whatever course we take, it's up to all of us

Some important decisions must be made at FC United's second general meeting - but, as Tony Howard explains, the most important thing of all is that it's the members making the decisions

Wednesday March 15, 2006

With the recent arctic weather, games have become thinner on the ground than the grass at Gigg Lane, so FC United fans have turned their attention to events off the pitch.

The club is about to hold its first general meeting since formation back in July. On that occasion we chose the club badge and our own board. Now we are set to debate some of the issues that will form the very core of the club - whether to have shirt sponsorship, and how often to change the kit and ticket prices.

Admittedly there won't be much debate regarding the latter, as the board is proposing to give adult season-ticket holders three free matches and kids admittance for the equivalent of £1 a game.

The free match policy is a throw-back to the days when Manchester United still rewarded their supporters. Reds fans used to get two home games free with their 'League Match Ticket Books' (the poor man's season ticket), until the powers-that-be took advantage of an increase in the number of teams in the Premier League and removed the privilege.

The official line from the club was that season-ticket prices had been 'frozen' for the following season. But it didn't take us long to realise that with two extra teams in the league they had cleverly increased their revenue by two games.

No chance of that happening with our club - because we'd have the right to vote against it.

The board has also recommended "that no FC United of Manchester playing strip will carry a shirt sponsorship", and this should be backed to the hilt.

If it's good enough for Barcelona, it's good enough for us. United fans have always lamented how they'd love to see the famous red shirt unspoiled by garish type in the name of raising revenue for some faceless corporation. Now we can vote it into our rules.

The one issue that's caused great debate so far is when to change the current playing strip. Replica kit sales have been a massive revenue earner because fans, who wouldn't have touched official MUFC merchandise with a barge pole, are now snapping up the latest tat as if it is literally going out of fashion.

Knowing that all profits are piled back into the club has spurred many United fans on to do what they would never have dreamed of doing at Old Trafford - they've bought football shirts. Even if it is from a 'megastall' outside Gigg Lane rather than the Megastore that dominates the Old Trafford frontage.

So there is a choice. Do we increase this revenue by changing the kit for next season or keep it for two years? Many argue by changing the kit we are no better than the Old Trafford money-making scheme, but on the other hand all extra revenues are genuinely for the benefit of the future of the club.

It will be an interesting vote, but one thing is already guaranteed - it's all up to us. With one member and one vote, the feeling of democracy is both new and invigorating. It honestly is our club and our rules.

FC United are top of the North West Counties Division Two table with an average crowd of over 3,000. For further information visit www.fc-utd.co.uk

http://football.guardian.co.uk/bluep...731127,00.html

fadas · 16th March 2006, 15:43

There's some lovely holier than thou bullshit in that thread.

26 may 1999 · 16th March 2006, 16:03

Thanks for that Fadas.

ladybarnred · 16th March 2006, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

There's some lovely holier than thou bullshit in that thread.

Can I be the first to congratulate fadas with the following...

"Wrong forum!"

Thank you!

Shane Bluck · 16th March 2006, 19:07

A fair statement from a fair club, I would expect nothing less.

As far as the shirt change is concerned, why not stick a yes or no ballot box inside the turnstiles and let the fans decide. it gets no fairer than that?

26 may 1999 · 16th March 2006, 19:20

We've got a yes or no ballot...

I sent my vote off on monday.

fadas · 16th March 2006, 23:50

Would you ever fuck off. Suited them all well enough until Glazer arrived. We were so much better off taking the PLC money, eh. That money was so much better. When the toilet peeper was getting rich, it was even better. When we were winning and had more cash than Chelsea.

By all means do what you want, buy spare me the holier than thou shit.

Shane Bluck · 17th March 2006, 06:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

Would you ever fuck off. Suited them all well enough until Glazer arrived. We were so much better off taking the PLC money, eh. That money was so much better. When the toilet peeper was getting rich, it was even better. When we were winning and had more cash than Chelsea.

By all means do what you want, buy spare me the holier than thou shit.

You really are a bit fucking special.

ladybarnred · 17th March 2006, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Bluck

You really are a bit fucking special.

I know I've seen him on his "special bus" licking the windows.

Anyway back to the post.... I'm voting NO because even if the money is going straight back into the club we're going down the same path of United we all complained about! parents should be able to buy a shirt every couple of years and not feel under pressure to fork out every season.

Oh! and "shirt sponsors" over my dead body!

swooshboy · 17th March 2006, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybarnred

I know I've seen him on his "special bus" licking the windows.

Anyway back to the post.... I'm voting NO because even if the money is going straight back into the club we're going down the same path of United we all complained about! parents should be able to buy a shirt every couple of years and not feel under pressure to fork out every season.

Oh! and "shirt sponsors" over my dead body!

I agree. I think for FCUM to change their kit regularly would be against the principles that gave birth to the club.

People may say "well at least the money's going directly back into the club" but the same could be said for shirt sponsorship as well.

From my point of view, the shirt for FCUM was designed as it was for a reason. I see no need to change it, and if it is changed, then it is being done purely for financial gain to try and entice fans into paying more money.

fadas · 17th March 2006, 11:53

Special bus, licking windows... very good.

As I said, no problem with FC but that article is a load of sanctimonious bullshit.

redfan · 19th March 2006, 03:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

Would you ever fuck off. Suited them all well enough until Glazer arrived. We were so much better off taking the PLC money, eh. That money was so much better. When the toilet peeper was getting rich, it was even better. When we were winning and had more cash than Chelsea.

By all means do what you want, buy spare me the holier than thou shit.

Your a glory hunter, and you don't have a clue.

mickthered · 19th March 2006, 11:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Bluck

A fair statement from a fair club, I would expect nothing less.

As far as the shirt change is concerned, why not stick a yes or no ballot box inside the turnstiles and let the fans decide. it gets no fairer than that?

The only probem with that is that you would not be able to distinguish between members and non members as its only members who get to vote

fadas · 20th March 2006, 02:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by redfan

Your a glory hunter, and you don't have a clue.

Glory hunter? I followed United since 1975 mate. There wasn't much glory to be had back then.

Sorry I found that article a bit too smug & self satisfied though. I'll try to always agree with everything relating to "punk football" in future.

Shane Bluck · 20th March 2006, 02:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

Glory hunter? I followed United since 1975 mate. There wasn't much glory to be had back then.

.

Yes there was, we had just been promoted and then we won the cup 2 years later, spoilt twat.

fadas · 20th March 2006, 03:03

- point taken, Shane. I just remember the misery of going to school every Monday surrounded by cunts who followed Liverpool. Hard times.

Anyway, I didn't mean to come across as a shithead regarding FC so apologies to you lot if I did. I hope to get to a game in the future so will be on here begging for tickets/directions/free pints at some stage.

Shane Bluck · 20th March 2006, 03:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

- point taken, Shane. I just remember the misery of going to school every Monday surrounded by cunts who followed Liverpool. Hard times.

I grew up in Merseyside throughout the 70s and 80s, I know the tale.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

Anyway, I didn't mean to come across as a shithead regarding FC so apologies to you lot if I did. I hope to get to a game in the future so will be on here begging for tickets/directions/free pints at some stage.

nice one.

redfan · 20th March 2006, 03:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadas

Glory hunter? I followed United since 1975 mate. There wasn't much glory to be had back then.

Sorry I found that article a bit too smug & self satisfied though. I'll try to always agree with everything relating to "punk football" in future.

I could be a smart arse and say I was there 22 years before that but it's not where you have been it's where your going. For me it's bigger than just United it's about the premier league, sky tv and smart arsed over paid players, about passion and belonging and all the things I fell in love with. FC has given me back the football that I enjoy, the passion and a set of fans that I can relate to, we are on a journey into who knows where and I love it. I hope that someday you can visit us just to get a taste of what I am on about, I bare no hard feelings to you, every one to his own with total respect.

fadas · 20th March 2006, 03:40

Any talk of another trip to Ireland with Mr Boyle, Shane? I'm considering going over there for Keane's testimonial, even though I hate testimonials. I'd make an exception for that, I think.

I recall that you had to cancel at the 11th hour last time. I'd gladly buy you a real pint of Guinness if you got over. On condition that a Boddingtons is returned in the away leg, of course.

fadas · 20th March 2006, 03:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by redfan

I could be a smart arse and say I was there 22 years before that but it's not where you have been it's where your going. For me it's bigger than just United it's about the premier league, sky tv and smart arsed over paid players, about passion and belonging and all the things I fell in love with. FC has given me back the football that I enjoy, the passion and a set of fans that I can relate to, we are on a journey into who knows where and I love it. I hope that someday you can visit us just to get a taste of what I am on about, I bare no hard feelings to you, every one to his own with total respect.

Wow - a lot of really old people on this site.

Fair enough, Redfan. As I say, I do like the idea of what you're enjoying so much. I'm even considering purchasing the away shirt from your megastall! For my son at least. The fuller figure doesn't suit those shirts, I'm afraid.

26 may 1999 · 20th March 2006, 13:18

It does mate...

I've got one.

For around the house of course.

16th March 2006, 11:05	#1 (permalink)
very Ruud Spam, Spam, Spam.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hard Rock Hallelujah !!! Posts: 20,743	Whatever course we take, it's up to all of us Whatever course we take, it's up to all of us Some important decisions must be made at FC United's second general meeting - but, as Tony Howard explains, the most important thing of all is that it's the members making the decisions Wednesday March 15, 2006 With the recent arctic weather, games have become thinner on the ground than the grass at Gigg Lane, so FC United fans have turned their attention to events off the pitch. The club is about to hold its first general meeting since formation back in July. On that occasion we chose the club badge and our own board. Now we are set to debate some of the issues that will form the very core of the club - whether to have shirt sponsorship, and how often to change the kit and ticket prices. Admittedly there won't be much debate regarding the latter, as the board is proposing to give adult season-ticket holders three free matches and kids admittance for the equivalent of £1 a game. The free match policy is a throw-back to the days when Manchester United still rewarded their supporters. Reds fans used to get two home games free with their 'League Match Ticket Books' (the poor man's season ticket), until the powers-that-be took advantage of an increase in the number of teams in the Premier League and removed the privilege. The official line from the club was that season-ticket prices had been 'frozen' for the following season. But it didn't take us long to realise that with two extra teams in the league they had cleverly increased their revenue by two games. No chance of that happening with our club - because we'd have the right to vote against it. The board has also recommended "that no FC United of Manchester playing strip will carry a shirt sponsorship", and this should be backed to the hilt. If it's good enough for Barcelona, it's good enough for us. United fans have always lamented how they'd love to see the famous red shirt unspoiled by garish type in the name of raising revenue for some faceless corporation. Now we can vote it into our rules. The one issue that's caused great debate so far is when to change the current playing strip. Replica kit sales have been a massive revenue earner because fans, who wouldn't have touched official MUFC merchandise with a barge pole, are now snapping up the latest tat as if it is literally going out of fashion. Knowing that all profits are piled back into the club has spurred many United fans on to do what they would never have dreamed of doing at Old Trafford - they've bought football shirts. Even if it is from a 'megastall' outside Gigg Lane rather than the Megastore that dominates the Old Trafford frontage. So there is a choice. Do we increase this revenue by changing the kit for next season or keep it for two years? Many argue by changing the kit we are no better than the Old Trafford money-making scheme, but on the other hand all extra revenues are genuinely for the benefit of the future of the club. It will be an interesting vote, but one thing is already guaranteed - it's all up to us. With one member and one vote, the feeling of democracy is both new and invigorating. It honestly is our club and our rules. FC United are top of the North West Counties Division Two table with an average crowd of over 3,000. For further information visit www.fc-utd.co.uk http://football.guardian.co.uk/bluep...731127,00.html

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16th March 2006, 15:43	#2 (permalink)
fadas Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,465	There's some lovely holier than thou bullshit in that thread.

16th March 2006, 16:03	#3 (permalink)
26 may 1999 Striker Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: MUFCUM...Manc-Union. Posts: 21,110	Thanks for that Fadas.

16th March 2006, 19:07	#5 (permalink)
Shane Bluck Chef and honorary fat bloke in the Warrington Gimp Collective Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Quietly going about my business. Posts: 16,650	A fair statement from a fair club, I would expect nothing less. As far as the shirt change is concerned, why not stick a yes or no ballot box inside the turnstiles and let the fans decide. it gets no fairer than that?

16th March 2006, 19:20	#6 (permalink)
26 may 1999 Striker Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: MUFCUM...Manc-Union. Posts: 21,110	We've got a yes or no ballot... I sent my vote off on monday.

16th March 2006, 23:50	#7 (permalink)
fadas Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,465	Would you ever fuck off. Suited them all well enough until Glazer arrived. We were so much better off taking the PLC money, eh. That money was so much better. When the toilet peeper was getting rich, it was even better. When we were winning and had more cash than Chelsea. By all means do what you want, buy spare me the holier than thou shit.

17th March 2006, 11:53	#11 (permalink)
fadas Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,465	Special bus, licking windows... very good. As I said, no problem with FC but that article is a load of sanctimonious bullshit.

20th March 2006, 03:03	#16 (permalink)
fadas Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,465	- point taken, Shane. I just remember the misery of going to school every Monday surrounded by cunts who followed Liverpool. Hard times. Anyway, I didn't mean to come across as a shithead regarding FC so apologies to you lot if I did. I hope to get to a game in the future so will be on here begging for tickets/directions/free pints at some stage.

20th March 2006, 03:40	#19 (permalink)
fadas Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,465	Any talk of another trip to Ireland with Mr Boyle, Shane? I'm considering going over there for Keane's testimonial, even though I hate testimonials. I'd make an exception for that, I think. I recall that you had to cancel at the 11th hour last time. I'd gladly buy you a real pint of Guinness if you got over. On condition that a Boddingtons is returned in the away leg, of course.

20th March 2006, 13:18	#21 (permalink)
26 may 1999 Striker Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: MUFCUM...Manc-Union. Posts: 21,110	It does mate... I've got one. For around the house of course.