PC Plum wrote:The post above is excellent, and if the powers that be are reading, notes should be taken.
My thoughts:
1) Sign a competent addition to the staff, to support Neil on all matters off field and match day.
2) Better engage voluntary support to improve match day resourcing.
3) Yes, club shop is adequate, but something more permanent would be better.
4) Market the match day locally as an event; make it an event; promote it as rugby; engage the local community like Toronto do.
5) I still love my idea flagged a while ago of a hot tub experience, watch the game and have a drink from the hot tub …. it worked in 20/20
6) There are RFL rules around curtain raisers, especially if the Academy are playing, but in conjunction with Neil, I manged to run two London Junior League games on pitch 2, pre match – it needs coordination but very do-able.
7) Half time entertainment is important. Dance troupe ? Kids games ? Mascot races ? Adults making a prat of themselves, etc
Have to say I like the playlists but yes, the sound quality needs to improved.
9) The barriering on the coaches side needs to be sorted. With any sort of crowd that area needs addressing as there is effectively only two ‘safe’ levels. It needs to be tiered. But of course, those monstrosities will still be in the way.
10) Dedicate one stand to away fans; and part of the other stand to families / schools
11) Hopefully a new toilet block will be built to support the new stand.
Re no10, I don't know why the away fans were ever 'given' the DB stand - I would have made it a family stand, at one game there were a couple of school groups there with our drummer - all chanting , making a great noise!
Otherwise i agree with all your points - new soundsystem, new toilet block for new stand, entertainment pre match, half time, post match and some bloody marketing - however I think I'll pass on the hot tub come next Feb!
David Hughes needs to invest, or better still bring some new investment in. Let's get it RIGHT this time - and let's not forget if Hughes hadn't had his hissy fit and very nearly pulled the plug after the CC semi final mauling we got at the hands of Wigan we really shouldn't have had to go through these Championship seasons!
