There is already a thread on what NH said in the HDM, so I'd better explain why I'm starting another...
This is a very important issue for HKR, but on here threads have tended to focus on the interpretations of Hull FC fans, before degenerating into slanging matches. Hull FC fans are entitled to their opinions, but they are generally rather negative - sometimes intentionally so - and can lead to serious discussion being stifled, IMO. Basically, I'm asking, if the other thread can be used for banter and this proper discussion?

So NH, is asking for help and support from senior figures in the city, one assumes with a view to getting the new North stand built.
Do people think this realistic? Some funding is in place already apparently - but prestige projects are a little bit out of fashion currently. It what senses do you think it is necessary - franchise criteria certainly IMO, but what effect would you anticipate it having on crowds/revenue? If it were built with council money, would we expect to pay more rent? A system similar to that Hull have at the KC, would limit both the size of potential failure and success, from the club's POV.
If those sort of funds are not available, what do you think would be the best negotiating plan b. A much more modest north stand? Use of the KC on favourable terms for the 'home' derby - that is just me isn't it? Something else?

The development of the north stand (or a vastly improved West stand) is essential for the furthering of the club. At the moment our commercial development is being stifled by the lack of facilities that will attract corporate clientel and this is linked with higher paying, higher profile sponsors. Whether this will attract more paying fans is debatable, it would potentially boost the crowds by approx 1000 but this is all hypothetical but if we could increas or corporate boxes / business entertaining aspects that would be as good if not better. It would maybe attract more away fans but again this would only be releveant to half the home games as the others seldom bring many more to covered, new stadia.

Playing the derby at the KC is a no no for me, our home games should be at home, there'd be no guarantee of much bigger crowds and it would be selling out. We should charge a reduced rate for the south stand, £10 is more than enough for in there.

Good thread, lets hope it stays that way (fat chance!). There is no way Rovers will get the North Stand off the ground without substantial investment from both public & private sectors. I know of 1 private company that have committed to office space once it's built, but I'm unsure of their upfront financial input.

Taking monies out of the public purse at the present time is politically very sensitive. We can bleat on all we like about the public purse financing the KC, but that was at a time when the council had a windfall burning a hole in their pockets, which most certainly isn't the case now. I have to say, I would be very surprised if it gets started inside the next 12-18 months.

I also question how much it will really be needed to improve commercial activities at Rovers. Lets be frank, commercially at this time, we are still behaving like a NL club - have you tried looking at the online shop recently? We miss out on income streams such as merchandising due to lack of focus and proper retail experience. This would bring a fast return on investment if it were sorted with the hiring of decent, experienced staff.

The solution to Rovers financial worries doesn't lay in 1 big project, but in a series of initiatives, each one can contribute.

Although I understand your senitments, I disagree it would be the usual sell out, it would increase your average etc..The Hull derby is a spectacular event the sad thing is your ground is unable to cope with all the numbers.

Its one of those arguements that both sides have there plus and minus's for. The scenario I could see if we did go for this option is that these type of forums and general feeling would be that it would be touted as almost band aid for HKR, regrdless of whether we were doing it for financial reasons or for the 'good of the sport in this city'. This would lead to a backlash and a far from full KC. We need to keep out derby at CP but we also need to improve the facilities for the away fans. The south stand is a disgrace and needs to be moved closer or priced accordingly.

On the shop / merchandising front, I totally agree we are miles behind on this front. I still can't believe you can't buy a HKR calendar in the run up to Xmas, these must be cheap to produce and would sell in big numbers as small xmas gifts..

This and other forum only represent a small minority of both fan bases, most fans although enjoying the banter etc are rugby fans..I think the business side our your club needs to be updated, like you say calendars would go down well etc, however i suppose these things take time and hopefully the club are heading in the right direction.

Agree with you.As an FC fan I would like the Derby at CP, and also though better facilities for away fans. As you rightly state, the south stand is a disgrace.

The biggest financial plus would be in improved corproate facilities. The Nth stand would also encourgae more travelling fans I feel. I am never a great fan of tax money being spent on private companies so for me it would need to incorporate some facilities that benefit the surrounding communities in order to justify the council chipping in.

It's an ambitious project and we should take our hats off to the current board for having the vision and enthusiasm to keep it moving forward. Fingers crossed the pieces fall into place and it happens within the next couple of years.

I know what you are saying and even agree to an extent. If the new North stand was built, I wouldn't be suggesting it - but if it isn't, alternatives need to be considered. Maybe selling out is the right thing to do, if the price is right? It just seems to be a quick, easy and inexpensive new revenue stream that could be exploited. If an additional £80k (a number I've just plucked from the air admittedly) could be earned, would you prefer, say an extra £10 or £15 on a season ticket to keep the home derby at CP? It depends on how the numbers stack up, but principles don't pay the bills.



Very good points. The new shop is a lot nicer than the old one, but there is plenty of room for improvement still.



That would be the ideal scenario, but given the current financial climate, I think you might be putting the cart before the horse. How about if any extra revenue for a KC derby were ring-fenced for improvements at CP? A new temporary stand or a few steps of concrete terracing, closer to the pitch, maybe with a roof, would be a small step in the right direction and those are the only type the club make by itself, as far as the stadium is concerned - even with a massively improved retail operation.

With all the talk of profit and loss and balance sheets, turnover is often forgotten. PL football clubs can build new stadia in a way that SL clubs, as smaller businesses, cannot. The RFL are right to push hard, but I hope they at least realize this.

Boring thread