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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 8

Turkey’s Olympic spirit

Clearly the ‘gloves are now off’.  The main man in Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ended speculation and confirmed Istanbul is a bidding City in the fight for the 2020 Olympic Games.  It will come to blows with rivals Rome, Madrid, Baku and Tokyo.  I’m unsure if Doha has sneaked into the ring as well? (yes, I’m hearing).  The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will award on September 7, 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Minister said: “We are here today to declare to the world our candidacy for the 2020 Olympic Games, which we consider extremely important for our country and people”.  Sport is on the up in Turkey and we are involved in submitting legacy projects to Istanbul as we blog.  Not for the Olympics but 2012 – because whilst we boast the spectacle of sport in London next Year, Istanbul is the European Capital of Sport. 

Turkey has failed with four bids for the Olympics since the Millennium.  It would be an ideal destination.  Let’s hope that the current debacle in Turkish football doesn’t hinder the quest for success in this round.

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?

Aug 26

Darius Vassell

Miller leaves Turkey

So Kenny Miller couldn’t settle in Turkey and has returned to Cardiff.  Apparently, having only moved there from Rangers in January of this year, he sought a premature return and joined Cardiff City FC.  Personally, I can’t understand that with Bursa, the City that Bursaspor his former team represents, being the founder of Iskender Kebab – one of my favourite dishes.  That alone would have kept me in the City.

On the pitch he had not shown any dissatisfaction, netting five times and helping the Club to finish in third position. 

Locations and cultures are subject to personal whims.  Some players turn to Turkey and are amazed by the rapturous reception.  Apparently, Darius Vassell was overwhelmed by 3,000 fans of Ankaragucu turning out to greet him as he flew in to discuss a transfer.  Supposedly he had never expected to sign but was taken aback by the enthusiasm.  See the video. Mind you that situation soon changed as financial turmoil at that same club resulted in his eviction from the hotel that he was staying at.  He had scored twice in eight games in the Super Lig.

Football in Turkey is currently in turmoil – the stability and migration of players to and from will remain an interesting spectacle in the coming months.

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