11 Feb 2016 10:59:38
This entire ticket price increase has been nothing but once again another PR disaster and image tarnishing for the club, and for everyone involved. While I see FSG's point that it is only for a few seats (as a percentage of the total) I also see the supporters' side that it's for a few seats now, what increases will come later? While I see many supporters (and groups) gloating over their "victory" there should be no doubt in anybody's mind that FSG probably has a severe bad taste in the mouth from the entire incident and I wouldn't be surprised if they sold the club (and maybe even sooner than later or as expected) . Memories are very short, and people are only looking at today and have forgotten the disastrous previous owners' regime. Who wants to take the risk of similar owners getting ownership of the club again? The ideal situation would have been to have FSG conduct some mediation or discussion with supporter groups for inputs before making a formal announcement. I have no idea if any attempt was made by either side, and if it wasn't then the resulting fiasco is basically "you get what you ask for". I am not a fence sitter, but I really do see FSG's right to make the most of their investment as owners (no matter how small or big), and I also see the supporters' rights to have fair and affordable pricing at their football club which is an integral part of their community and has been for over a century.
Just a very regrettable incident that could have been avoided if the parties involved had understood the "partnership" aspect of a football club, it's owners and the supporters and community it serves. We have enough of a dark cloud over the playing field. And now it has spread to the stands and club management.
Some quarters are saying that this episode will start a movement to rationalize ticket prices throughout the country. If it does, then it can only be good. But I'll be watching eagerly to see how much of it is done in a similar way with walkouts and signs on match days, and how much of it is done with careful consideration, consultation and mediation behind closed doors to mutual satisfaction between the parties. If anything, and to me, this entire episode has clearly shown how not to do things rather than how to do them. Regrettable.
11 Feb 2016 13:04:24
Wow. Seems while I chose the middle path, everyone disagrees (which is of course fine) . What do you think Eds 001 and 002? Have I missed the boat completely in trying to suggest the whole thing could have been done quietly and amicably? Curious to your thoughts. Thanks.
{Ed001's Note - the supporters groups did speak to FSG about ticket prices, but FSG totally ignored them, so there is a whole portion of your post that is redundant mate.}
11 Feb 2016 13:16:00
The owners don't have a "PR disaster" on their hands, they have received a valuable lesson, which they will hopefully remember, and one that all businesses should learn - they should not engage in dialogue with the supporters only to placate us and then ignore us. If they have learned from it they will be better for it and then everyone would have benefited from these events.
A great lesson will have been learned by the supporters as well - when we are united and organized we can achieve our goals. Us realizing the collective power we have at our disposal can only be a positive for the future of our club.
This is the reason why we should not fear a return to bad owners nor should we, through our inaction, allow for the current ones to become/ continue being mediocre.
I disagree on the handling of negotiations "behind closed doors to mutual satisfaction". Firstly I would think the point would not be mutual satisfaction but mutual benefit. Most importantly though, such methods shift the balance of power in negotiations away from the supporters, who derive their power from the knowledge of the individuals that comprise them.
Compartmentalization and non-transparency only induce corruption as it's evident, among others, from the UEFA and FIFA investigations.
If the owners really care for the club beyond return on investment then they will be happy with this outcome, as we have proven that the club's supporters can and do safeguard its future.
11 Feb 2016 13:18:28
Ah okay Ed001. Sorry, wasn't aware at all about that. It changes the picture for me then. Thanks for the reply.
{Ed001's Note - no worries mate, it was that fact that caused the big reaction, in my opinion.}