I too am surprised at how accepting some are of this. It seems the the same old solution wheeled out every year is we have to have games away from Wellington to make money and spread the word. Well after 10 years the word should be well spread around the country and the attendances at those away games have plateaued out now, regardless of where they are being played.
Steve is right, how are you going to develop your home fan base by carrying on with the travel. This is NOT the New Zealand Phoenix. The Wellington part is meant to be our identity. If I was a sponsor, I would be livid that my brand was not getting the treatment I am paying for. Too many drinks between games with assist the fairweather fans to not be bothered and new fans not to bother starting.
The publicity or visual efforts within and around wellington really is abysmal and some of this is the Phoenix's own fault as well as that of the local bodies whom seem keen to jump on board for a photo opportunity when it suits but not really back the club.
If the team started winning again, the fans would return but for the last two seasons we have promised a lot and failed to deliver. The normal fan reaction, regardless of what center you are in. The Kingz & Knights are a classic example. I reckon if they had started off doing really well, their hardcore would not have dropped to around 900.
Kyle, Steve's plan seems quite obvious to me...and Jeffs too. By speaking up about it and telling others on here and the club that we are not happy. It certainly better than just saying "yep" and that's it.
Good on them for speaking up. And as these two fans have been here for the very long term, one cannot question their passion, loyalty and desire to see the club and the team grow and succeed.
Here I have borrowed someone elses quote which is apt for this thread.... "We can learn from anyone and anywhere but our minds must be receptive to taking on board new ways of doing things or sometimes of not being in step with the crowd."