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Posts from the ‘Stockport County’ Category

May 1

Over and out

Trying to look for positives, and really it was only my Son’s singing “scarf my father wore” that created a resemblance of a smile.  Both he and I just had to be at Kidderminster – it’s almost part of the ‘religion’. How could we even consider such a thing – that is to miss the fixture?

First half was okay – certainly held our own against a promotion chasing side.  Second half ‘it kicked off in the stands’ and the performance after an enforced delay deteriorated.  So the inevitable happened and as play resumed the County fans realised that we were down. 

Prone to my nervous twitch I simply had to ‘Tweet’ throughout the match.  Of course, the rival fans picked up on my proximity and I faced a tirade of abuse.  I do however, repeat the main theme of my communications – that is, that Kidderminster Harriers managed this fixture, with such magnitude, in a manner befitting Disney.

No police until after half time (and after trouble!); fans locked outside; not having made All Ticket designation; supporters of both teams in the same end with virtually no segregation; an alleged crowd in excess of the Stadium’s capacity etc.

So Blue Square North next year.  Regional football in the 6th tier of the English hierarchy.  An imminent announcement was promised from the Club.  It came and somewhat surprisingly was that new Directors would be joining the Board. Both Stockport County stalwarts – one a shareholder (who incidentally I approached to join a prospective Board in the past).  At least one other ‘fan’ was also offered the position, but rebuffed the invitation – at least for now.

Strategically, if a sceptical outsider like me is right, it means an attempt to pacify us the supporters.  More Stockport-people. The real test is if they ‘will have any teeth’. 

Going part-time was the second announcement – and one that I had expected first.  Well either that or even going back into administration.

Let’s see how the season tickets sell – as to the groundswell of fans opinions. 
For now it’s over and out!

 

Jan 16

Cheerio Cheerio Cheerio

So ‘JG’ was sacked yesterday after a poor run of form. Defeat to Mansfield being the last straw.  The decision was never going to be popular.  A West Brom representative has posted on Facebook that it was an understandable, but not necessarily right, move.  Oldham supporters on the same forum are saying that they cannot believe that County have removed their equivalent to ‘Joe Royle’.

Whilst, I’ve not always applauded his every move.  He certainly was a fans favourite. 

But in County there’s more wrong than just Jim Gannon.  I never thought I’d say it but I’m rapidly falling out of love with the set-up.  I’ll always be a County-fan (and will not stray to other teams apart from taking my Son to watch the ‘reds’).  Just lost faith in the people running our club.

Confidential data is still leaking out of Stockport County.  Meetings still going on behind officials’ and shareholders’ backs.  I’m pleased to report I’m not involved in any and have indeed resigned from the Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative.  A new CEO has been appointed.  I’ve met him once and he was pleasant enough and well-connected. The fear is that he might not have the experience and strength to be anything other than a ‘mouthpiece’ for Spencer Fearn.  As a top journalist said to me tonight: “where now for the club?”

As to me, I’m working on projects with a focus in the main around sponsorship and licensing including for some of the top brand names and football clubs in the World (a million miles from Edgeley and its’ woes!) as defined in the Deloitte’s “Football Finance Report” and Brand Finance’s “Sporting Brands 2012” intelligence.

Jul 1

Abject marketing

I’ve ‘banged the drum’ for sometime about the inadequacies of marketing and commercial activities at many a lower league operation.  It was interesting to note this Week, Marketing Week’s article that suggested: “Football clubs have earned billions from sponsorship and broadcast rights but their approach to marketing is often as abject as England’s performance against Italy.”

Next Year is the 20th anniversary of the Premier League. Since BSkyB’s deals injected large sums into the game through broadcast rights, English football has changed.  But in my opinion, some still accept this as the status quo without any contingency should the deal be removed from the table.  Unlikely, maybe just yet, unless a rival bids (thus, monies remain) – but there were debates on the Scottish game with a refusal of New Rangers FC’s admission in to the SPL or even a move South of the border.  How quick would a return to the predicament of clubs post ITV Digital’s demise be seen?

Reliant on BSkyB, stadiums, ticketing, corporate boxes and especially players’ wages have spiraled. Even some of the “big boys” have seen some income reductions resorting to new tactics and territories.  I’ve just been offered a Contract with one to prospect and negotiate deals in a Middle Eastern terrain.

Despite the economy the call upon pockets of the fan-base will not be restrained. New kits, new seasons. County’s ‘Mad Hatters’ pricing failed – and personally I didn’t find the compromise an attractive marketing proposition.  BSP fixtures tomorrow, new kit the week after.  Hope it’s not along the 1883 leisure brand launched as casual wear.  Understand the reasoning but it could have been better IMVHO.  Why not listen to all fans – although a couple of branding novelties may have a role in modern day offerings.  What did you think? (1) Refreshing the Oldham Athletic badge for commercial propositions (2) a ‘real’ line for the Liverpool 3rd kit as Warrior clothing stamps its’ mark.

Jun 10

In the big County

The inspiration for today’s post comes from Save The Mighty Imps.  The subject of interest is the ‘ups and downs’, namely promotion and relegation, from the Blue Square Premiership (BSP).  A motion has been tabled for a four up four down remodelling to end of season protocol. 

Apparently, Stockport County is one of the ‘big 8’ that seeks modifications in the desire to try and orchestrate a swift return to league status.  This along with: Luton, Wrexham, Hereford, Mansfield, Macclesfield, Lincoln and Grimsby.

I have alluded to the exacerbation of financial woes associated with a drop to BSP.  Luton Town having missed out in this Year’s play offs final state: “each season spent out of the League is costing them £1M”.

Not only am I delighted that County is still referred to as ‘big’ (though our attendances have been a credit in BSP) but if this new system were to be adopted of course the probability of one of these big ones returning would increase.  When will this decision be ratified or not?  Has anyone seen minutes from the latest BSP AGM?

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