Most liked posts in thread: Tuesday 25th June - Bradford City Fans’ Media Group Meeting - Suggestions Thread

As Storck says, the remembrance of the fire victims is much better done in a dignified manner, not by singing songs about them.

Also, this latter-day objectification of the deceased individuals as 'The 56', whilst it may be well meant, is distasteful to many of us who were there on that day. Not only does it reduce the individuals to a glib-sounding collective, it also fails to take account of those who were injured but not killed, those psychologically scarred by witnessing the events and the many relatives and friends who lost loved ones. The impact of the fire went far beyond those who perished on that sad day.

 

Because most City fans prefer to remember the 56 through a solemn silence rather than a tacky chant

 

The fire was horrific. Many of those present and others affected at the time do NOT want to remember it but feel it is our duty to offer support to others affected in a dignified and sympathetic manner. We do it carefully so as not to cause more undue suffering. Those not there and not affected should not be trying to think up trendy new ways to "remember" the dead, physically injured and emotionally scarred who number a great deal more than 56. How can they "remember" if they were not there? Please, don't drag it up all the time. It brings back bad memories and emotions. Just offer as much sympathy as possible at the traditional services at the end of the season for the people that were affected and unfortunately DO remember the pain.

I don't mean to be insulting or disrespectful. It's just that I find this upsetting every time it comes up and previous posts on ther threads over many years suggest there are plenty of others who feel similarly. And I mean I'm genuinely upset enough to generate a physiological response. It makes me tremble when I'm forced to remember fire-related things that I don't want to. Please, please, please do not start some display of remembrance at every game and just save it for the end of the season. Thankyou.

 

• State of the of the pitch
• Quality/price of food/drink options
• Can't speak for other stands but toilets in Midland Road can be grim (hand driers often don't work, no hot water etc etc)
• Communication - sounds daft but small things like regularly communicating prior to away games how many away tickets we've sold (especially if we're doing well) as these sorts of things can help generate a buzz/excitement
• Similarly to above, social media engagement. See plenty of clubs that have regular light hearted segments with players, coaches and staff (other than the bog standard Thursday interviews) which allow fans to interact and 'connect' which is key this year following the last 18 months
• Long term strategy/plan - what do we as a club actually want to achieve (outside promotion, obviously). We've been out of the Championship since 2004 now, what is our strategic/tactical plan to get back there now. Not just soundbites like "3 year plan" etc etc

 

I think you are being harsh. City fans who were not there or were not born can feel sorrow for fellow fans and want to take part in remembering the ordeal that they went through and are still suffering today.

 

Excellent response @Offcomedun

 

No problem.Certainly no offence taken by me. Glad I was able to explain it for you.

I think the tone changed around the time of the Capital One Cup Final, when the 'Remember the 56' flag and the applauding on 56 minutes appeared, promoted by younger fans who weren't around at the time of the fire. I'm sure that this was well intentioned, but it didn't sit well with most of those who were there and were used to a quieter, more dignified form of remembrance.

 

Discussion point: Are we contemplating having a reserve team next season?

 

Its a no from me.

 

I wasn't offended by it, more amused than anything. I think the stick you feel you were getting was more down the idea being even less down the ladder than a non starter in City fans eyes. Any remembrance has always been a low key affair which is a rarity these days where anything tied to a remembrance turns into a media circus frenzy.

 

Raffles, donations, remembrance, empathy etc are fine. Chants, songs , viral videos, social media etc is about YOU. Just keep it classy.

Bye though, it's been super fun

 

Perhaps I was a little harsh in my opening salvo, and I apologise to the poster for that.

However I think my thoughts are clear about what is tasteful and distasteful in relation to the victims of the fire and other disasters and that won't change.

 

Any update on this meeting?

 

Yes lets get back to updates on the meeting.

But on a sidenote, I agree about the "56" thing, and it should be more than just a number. Sadly some people just go along with the crowd, and although they are trying in their own way to be compassionate, some things do come across a bit crass. I saw some fella on FB posting a pic of a tattoo he got with "never forget the 56", and as much as I applaud his intentions, I just thought it was a bit naff (and as a bloke with many tattoos myself, I thought his was pretty low quality, but that's by the by). As most on here say, quiet dignity is the way it should be.

 

Condition of the pitch/ what work had or will be done over off season. Is work done last year working?

 

Nice one Pineapple an excellent representative.
#Our Town our Team

 

If it has I must have missed it. The women’s team are having a reserve team.