Quantcast
  1. Welcome to Bantam Talk

    Why not register for an account?

    Not only can you then get fully involved in the community but you also get fewer ads

  2. Premium Membership now Available


    Please see this thread for more details

    Dismiss Notice

Most liked posts in thread: Club Suggestions Thread

  1. Hugh Jarse

    Hugh Jarse Squad Player
    Qatar 2022 Entrant P.L.22/23 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant P.L. 20/21 Top 20 Euro 2020

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2018
    Messages:
    1,285
    Likes Received:
    627
    I'd really like to see the "Lister's Mill" shirt taken up for next season.
    Dt_blaxW0AErMWR.jpg
     
  2. Glenn Ackroyd

    Glenn Ackroyd Emergency Backup

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    623
    Hi all.

    Thanks for your patience. This has taken some putting together and including input from Julian, Paula Watson (Head of Operations), Michael Shackleton (Commercial Manager) and Dale Whiting (Head of Retail - including the City Shop).


    Fly-tipping (#3)


    Unfortunately, this is private land outside of the clubs control.

    Paula Watson has now raised this with the environmental health department at Bradford Council and she will monitor the situation. Hopefully, they will clear the site shortly.

    Small motif merchandise & hooped socks (#4)

    I’ve spoken to Head of Retail Dale Whiting who loves the idea of fans feedback on products. He mentioned that we have previously had polo shirts and some of the other items mentioned. We do currently have hooped socks in stock, type “Luxury Sock” in search on the city shop website to view including Heritage Polos. Currently, the stock on offer is depleted as we get towards the end of the season.

    Next season there will be a whole new range of merchandise available. I can’t release details but you can be assured that your comments have been taken on board.

    Regarding the suggestion to have a click and collect service, our current e-commerce system doesn’t support this functionality and it creates an additional staffing pressure to check orders against despatch or collect.

    Ordinarily, this is fine, but the pressure point is on match days.

    All items that are available online are available in the store, so you can simply pay and collect when you come to the ground.

    Lister's Mill shirt (#5)

    I like the shirt design but as you can imagine there are countless shirt designs reviewed by the club each year.

    There is also long lead times involved in kit designs, which means that we cannot consider any new designs for next season at this stage of the year. All playing and training kits have been signed off in December.

    There are lots of other considerations that come into the mix as well. Whether CAD designs translate well to actual end product, the extra cost of production and the fact that a major sponsor owns the rights to promote their business exclusively on the shirt. Listers Mills is a commercial redevelopment by Urban Splash.

    I have forwarded the design on.

    Obviously, I cannot release details for the new kit and I’ve not even seen it myself :)

    Poor toilet facilities (#9)

    I have discussed this with Paula Watson and visited all of the toilets in the main stand lower sections today.

    They all had running hot water but I’m told that the hot water can run out on match days with continual use. This is a legacy of the original system design which would cost in a considerable sum to remedy.

    Regarding the cleaning we employ a cleaning team whose responsibility it is to clear the entire stands, toilets and surrounding areas after each game.

    The Community Volunteers are used primarily to support the sweeping of stands post-match, in and amongst the many other vital roles that they carry out.

    Paula has taken on board the feedback and will ensure that toilets are prioritised in the future, including jet washing and disinfectant.

    Again, whilst not wanting to pass the buck the toilets are largely reflective of the original design. Breeze block walls and concrete floors do not make for a pleasant experience.

    They are functional but it’s fair to say that the standards in new stadiums have improved considerably since they were put into the main stand 34 years ago.

    If there are any issues relating to the toilets, please feedback directly to paulawatson@bradfordcityfc.co.uk

    PA System (#12)

    Again, via Paula Watson, the PA system is difficult to adjust in terms of a consistent sound and balance throughout the stadium. They are serviced twice yearly and fully up to the safety requirements for a stadium of this size.

    The problem we have is that if we increase the volume in the kop further, it would be too loud in other parts of the ground.

    In the event of an emergency, the match controller is able to turn the volume up throughout the ground to ensure that any safety messages are communicated.

    Make it more enjoyable/engaging for kids (#14)

    We 100% support this idea. We are currently talking to supporters groups, some of whom have done amazing work with the Junior Bantams.

    It would be brilliant to get a sponsor on board to promote packs etc. in conjunction with other Junior Bantams work.

    This is currently being actively explored.

    Fan zone / catering (#15)

    The club would love to do this and we have explored this at length. There are a number of considerations. Our current catering and concourse providers have exclusive food/drink supply arrangements and we are tied into supplying Carlsberg products for the alcohol.

    Our concourse supplier did look at providing a fan zone but have said that it will not work financially. They’ve previously operated one at Sunderland and this was abandoned because it was not viable.

    Bring back 50/50 draw with cash prizes (#20)

    The 50/50 was replaced with ‘Shirt off my back’ to reinvigorate sales which were dropping as people lost interest. It has proved much better for the club financially.

    We are constantly looking at new ideas to keep the match day experience fresh. With that, we have a number of potential ideas for next season that we are currently considering.

    There is also a cash prize of second place for Shirt off my back which is £100.

    Problems with seats in lower main stand (#21)

    This is a real problem. The seats which were put in a few seasons ago have a smaller gap between seats. The cost of replacement equates to circa £40 per seat. Just replacing 250 is a £10k spend. These matters are simple to address in the Championship, but currently, we have lots of spare capacity for fans to sit in other areas if they want better seating.

    Decorating stairways & concourses (#25)

    We are happy to explore ways to improve the stairways and concourses.

    If there was a supporter or a community group or individual who’d be happy to coordinate a graffiti project we’d be delighted to support this.

    General painting and comes down to the harsh realities of cost/benefit decisions. We’d love a painting contractor to get in touch to offer to help out in return for high profile sponsorship.

    If you’d like to volunteer for the graffiti project, or your a painting contractor looking to increase your exposure please get in touch with. Simply email paulawatson@bradfordcityfc.co.uk

    Look again at issues with exiting via steps by North West corner (#25)

    This is a complicated issue which is tied up with the requirements of our safety certificate, the costs of changing the infrastructure to better support the supporter ingress and egress and the limitations caused by the public highway.

    We have had no accidents caused by this area in the two seasons while I have been at the club. As part of the risk assessment, we choose to man this area with stewards. Should expected crowds increase or if there are any extraordinary incidents we would review how the north-west corner is managed, and are always open to the continual feedback.

    Online Ticket Purchases

    We use a third party software provider. Their terms and conditions mean that a £1 per ticket admin fee is charged and retained by them. So if you buy 4 tickets, you’ll be charged £4.

    They also have a delivery charged which is applied per transaction. So in the example above, if you buy 4 tickets, only one delivery fee will be applied.

    This cost of administration is fully retained by the ticket provider and the club do not receive any revenue. Arguably the admin/delivery could be ‘free’ with the ticket prices increased, but the net cost to fans would be the same and those who prefer to collect would lose out.
     
    Inspector, How, CT Bantam and 11 others like this.
  3. Glenn Ackroyd

    Glenn Ackroyd Emergency Backup

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    623
    Hi,

    I've been through the list today with the various personnel responsible for different parts of the ground and I'll post a full update tomorrow.
     
  4. Dratsab taf

    Dratsab taf Squad Player

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Messages:
    1,534
    Likes Received:
    2,625
    Not sure how it sits using disabled volunteers to clean toilets, my kid brother is part of that team and i wouldnt have him anywhere near them.
    Tidying around, clearing the snow when necessary and the odd paint job fair enough but to have them clearing 10000 peoples piss and shit for free is degrading. That should be a specialised job with people getting paid for a proper job
     
  5. Glenn Ackroyd

    Glenn Ackroyd Emergency Backup

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    623
    13,108 :)

    This will rise over summer.
    You always get who will pay the higher price
    25 year holders can renew at any time and there are quite a lot that have still to come through

    Undoubtedly the season ticket sales have been an incredible achievement given where we are in the league and our current run of form. It shows the depth and loyalty of our incredible support.
     
  6. king karl

    king karl Administrator
    Admin Moderator Supporter P.L.23/24 Entrant

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Messages:
    3,286
    Likes Received:
    5,175
    Just like to say thanks @Glenn Ackroyd@Glenn Ackroyd for putting in the time and effort to keep the forum updated

    Cheers mate :thumbup:
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  7. Interested Bystander

    Interested Bystander Important Player
    Qatar 2022 Entrant P.L.22/23 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant Supporter Euro 2020

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Messages:
    17,945
    Likes Received:
    27,154
    Drinking Carlsberg anywhere shouldn't be allowed
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  8. Glenn Ackroyd

    Glenn Ackroyd Emergency Backup

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    623
    I would like to take the credit. The reality is that campaign was planned and rolled out before my arrival and the credit goes to the PR, Media and Commercial teams for the ideas and the ticket office crew for working long hours to cope with the demand.

    I must say that I've been immensely impressed to have seen what they do behind the scenes.
     
  9. Faithful Bantam

    Faithful Bantam Squad Player

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    11,072
    Likes Received:
    28,414
    Create a fan zone outside the ground. We have plenty of local breweries and food outlets who I’m sure would love to partner with the club to showcase their products. Bit of a street food and beer vibe could be a great way to make it fun - regardless of what happens on the pitch.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  10. Glenn Ackroyd

    Glenn Ackroyd Emergency Backup

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    623
    Hi -

    I've sent out 5 Emails (after the GDPR email)
    1. - Nova Meets video
    2. - Gary Bowyer signs a new contract
    3. - Albert Stead 80 years watching City video
    4. - Gary Bowyer phoning fans video (Friday)
    5. - Why fans have bought season tickets video (Deadline day)
    Also, a text was sent on Friday (the best day of sales) and Sunday (Deadline).

    We excluded under 16's and anyone who has already purchased a ticket. The exclusion matching is by email. So if this season's ticket email doesn't match the one on our database, some people will get the emails who have already renewed.

    376 people bought as a direct result of clicking the link in the email and buying. Others will have been influenced and bought indirectly via the club website/ticket office site.

    Given that the season ticket campaign has now finished, you don't need to worry about getting any more :)
     
  11. Rogered Tart

    Rogered Tart Regular Starter
    P.L.22/23 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    16,873
    Likes Received:
    39,941
    We have the time between now and the start of the season to sell the arse out of this club. Its not over now just because the season ticket deadline has gone. Get the social media ramped up a few levels, get family open days on as soon as possible, tell people whats going on down at the club, market the hell out of it. Make a big deal of the shirt reveals, get deals going if you multi buy them. So much this club can be doing to put the clubs name forward.
     
  12. Glenn Ackroyd

    Glenn Ackroyd Emergency Backup

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2019
    Messages:
    132
    Likes Received:
    623
    This is a great idea.

    Roger and I are happy to act as a funnel for suggestions.

    From experience there has to be an understanding that not every idea can be taken up for example;
    • People have conflicting ideas :)
    • It may conflict with a partner (eg selling X larger when we have an exclusive deal with Y provider)
    • The Cost-benefit may not support the business case
    • We are unable to fulfil the idea because of 3rd party supply restrictions (eg ticketing or shop web platforms)
    But we'll always feedback on the reasons why and hopefully we can make lots of incremental gains which add up to significant improvement in the fan experience.
     
  13. Onside

    Onside Squad Player
    P.L.23/24 Entrant Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Messages:
    8,976
    Likes Received:
    15,043
    One of the things that bugs me is the way our stadium looks to visitors. We walk down Burlington Terrace, and on the right about the third of the way down a ginnel/waste land is being used to fly tip, it looks awful. I know it is not the club’s responsibility, but could the club ask the council to clear it away, it will no doubt have needles etc so shouldn’t be tackled by volunteers and will need experts on the job. Just think how we look is important.
     
    bryan groom, jpaul81, Rocket and 4 others like this.
  14. wetherbywhaler

    wetherbywhaler Impact Sub

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2018
    Messages:
    1,664
    Likes Received:
    4,856
    Thanks Stafford, Glenn and I discussed this thread today and the mechanics of replying/feedback. We will be talking again at the match tomorrow and move forward from there. Finance dictates the Club can't do everything but we are trying to move forward and re-motivate a team in the back office who have been constantly beaten down.
     
  15. Bronco

    Bronco Star Player
    P.L.22/23 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant Supporter Euro 2020 P.L. 20/21 Top 30

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Messages:
    37,922
    Likes Received:
    40,929
    Well done both yourself and Roger taking our thoughts back to the people who may be able to do some of the things above, accepting many may not be able to get done at the moment, we have far more important things on our minds.
     
  16. Campbell's soup

    Campbell's soup Impact Sub
    Supporter

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2018
    Messages:
    8,002
    Likes Received:
    13,426
    It was probably his own idea - got bored of wasting his time on the training ground and asked JR if he needed anything doing.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  17. Hoochy-Min

    Hoochy-Min Squad Player

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2018
    Messages:
    6,411
    Likes Received:
    10,731
    If you pay an expensive price and then moan about it, you're an idiot. No exceptions.

    If you feel you're being exploited, don't spend. Really effing simple.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
    How, WilsdenBantam, Bronco and 4 others like this.
  18. NorthernMonkey

    NorthernMonkey Squad Player
    P.L. 20/21 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2018
    Messages:
    9,558
    Likes Received:
    18,813
    I don't know about everyone else but I'll sleep better tonight now that's been sorted.
     
  19. Stafford Bantam

    Stafford Bantam Captain
    Moderator P.L.22/23 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant Supporter P.L. 20/21 Top 30

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Messages:
    4,607
    Likes Received:
    7,686
    Been to Stafford Rangers today; Timothy Taylor Landlord on hand pump, real espresso coffee served and a great selection of quality food. Probably explains why I'm happy to spend money on the food and drink at Stafford Rangers but not at City.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
    Bigrod, Dennis, WilsdenBantam and 4 others like this.
  20. Bronco

    Bronco Star Player
    P.L.22/23 Entrant P.L.23/24 Entrant Supporter Euro 2020 P.L. 20/21 Top 30

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2018
    Messages:
    37,922
    Likes Received:
    40,929
    Answering your post, it's not hard to understand.
    You posted "I’m confused Is Glenn Ackroyd now in charge of Operations ? I thought it was Paula Watson !".
    stay with me you'll get it soon, and I replied Glenn said "I've reported this to Paula Watson, Head of Operations ?.".
    So I'd take I'd take it that Glenn Ackroyd is not in charge of Operations, but Paula Watson is, are you OK with that explanation.
    :thumbup:
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice