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Posts from the ‘Stockport County’ Category

Oct 20

2011 Minithon

Minithon 2011

I am delighted to report of the success of Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative in the 5.8km ‘Minithon’. We raced (actually you could run, walk or crawl) against participants from Ace Centre North West (Charity) and FC United of Manchester.  Ashley Simpson, Graham Privett, Ian Brown and I did proud raising £650 from the endeavours.

We were admirably supported along the route by Pauline Lawson and Ian Watts. The Event was opportune as two football clubs and their fans co-operated together towards a greater goal of fundraising. Completed, nicely with a trip to Chorlton Irish Club for beverages.

It’s not too late to sponsor me: www.justgiving.com/AdrianStores2011

The Charity said “Thank you for supporting the FC Minithon 2011 and raising funds for Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative and ACE Centre North.  We were delighted at the turnout on Sunday, and hope that you enjoyed the day as much as we did.  A photograph of you celebrating mission accomplished is attached”.

Oct 12

Stockport County Supporters' Co-operative

Co-op Times

Sitting here reflecting on the 3-4 defeat at home to Darlington, with our lowest attendance – means more time to ponder.  My own take on life at E.P is that the 2015 ‘consortium’ has acted somewhat like a ‘life support machine’ but the Club remains in intensive care.  I cannot do much or maybe anything, but having just been elected to a Director at Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative there might be a role to play.

“Stockport County Supporters Co-operative is part of a wider movement of organisations established by supporters of football clubs now stretching not just across England, or the UK, but also across Europe.”

The Board is considering the adoption of new Society Rules drawn up by Supporters Direct to strengthen its position as a Community Benefit Society. Tomorrow night is the 2011 Annual General Meeting at The Railway Club in Edgeley.  An opportunity to listen to fans, report on progress and ensure a coherent Plan A and Plan B.

Sep 9

Social Media Football

Is Manchester winning?

I should have used the last blog photograph with this post as I’m banging on my drum again about the pitfalls associated with completely ignoring social media.  Naturally, I’m a convert but I’d like to think from a reasoned platform.

It seems to me ages ago since my colleague and brother-in-law, Bilen, wrote his thesis whilst completing his Master’s Degree in Strategic Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University.  It was titled: “The role of online communities in internet marketing: a study of three professional football clubs in the North West of England”.  Its compilation kindly assisted by the co-operation of three of my clients: Stockport County FC, Bury FC and Oldham Athletic FC.  I recall this subject, as still to this date some organisations are only just  awakening to the potential of its use in digital marketing strategies.

Some have said, Manchester is leading the way.  “United” is a key case study in Facebook Marketing’s intelligence.  “City” is on a pedestal with a selection of tactics scoring ‘early goals’ such as Flickr and Twitter.

We’ve had some great R.O.I (return on investment, not to be confused with Republic of Ireland) from social media.  I hope some of you are following me on Twitter and YouTube?  Or maybe Check In at my office on FourSquare (specials available!).  However you look at it, this social approach has merits and has to be considered.  There is no prescriptive solution but much best practice around.  Furthermore, when expanding into the use of  ‘social communities’ I buy in here also.  I think it was David Jones that wasn’t in favour of online fans forums – but you cannot be a serious marketer if you don’t embrace this methodology and communication channel.  It’s valuable in research, PR, polling perceptions and publicity.  Expect more from me on this subject at a later date.

Sep 3

Stockport County Fan

Friday night

How I enjoyed last night’s football.  Plus a tipple in Ye Olde Vic and Our Lady’s as pre-match warm-up and post-match contemplation. A combination of a draw against fellow ‘Hatters’ Luton Town after trailing, and a return to Friday Night Football. 

I used to query with former marketing/commercial regimes at County whether they had undertaken any analysis to determine whether Fridays or Saturdays were best financially for the Club.  Must admit never got a reasoned response.  Naturally, there are pros and cons of the day we play, but for people like me with young children, I can enjoy my beloved County and have two full days uninterrupted for other pastimes that they might choose to pursue each weekend.  For some reason the entire family don’t necessarily want to visit EP every week.

I was brought up on a diet of Friday Night Football.  I seem to recall others like Tranmere Rovers FC and Southend United FC did similar.  I understand discussions have been held with a view to moving some Scottish Football League games to Friday evenings.  Ligue 1 in France will be scheduled in the same way under the terms of the French top flight’s television deal commencing 2012 – 13.  The Australian Football League (‘Aussie Rules’) promote matches on that night in conjunction with the Seven Network and remain convinced it is an optimum fixture for publicity and income.  Does anyone know any lower league clubs that have adopted Fridays and launched promotional tactics to entice supporters of other clubs successfully that are playing the day after?

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