Crowds - The thread of Australian whining

4604 replies · 379,731 views

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

At the risk of being a negative pr!ck, like the ones I rail against, I am a bit concerned with what could be Wgtn apathy. 5k (on a Friday night - not ideal) and now 6k (on a Sunday in good weather and time slot).

Probably a bit to soon to be angsting and venting but our next home games are:

Sat 10 Dec, 5 pm - Glory
Fri 23 Dec, 7:30 pm - Jests
Wed 4 Dec, 3 pm - Bling (again)
Sun 8 Jan, 4 pm - Glory (again)

All of these should be favourable for a good crowd (apart from weather on the day).

How do we help ensure that we can get over 10k consistently?

(or should we?)

Is the Glory game at 5pm?? Lucky you said or I would've turned up after full time...!

I really fear for the attendances on 23 Dec and 4 Jan as they are so close to the holidays! Since I am a loyal type I have ensured that I will still be in town for the 23rd, and will be back on time for the game on the 4th. However, with the 4th in particular, that is not even a holiday so surely people will either be working at 3pm, or they'll still be off on their holidays out of town? I've taken the day off work but I doubt that the average casual fan would do that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

4 Jan - School holidays - some stay in town, others come into wgtn. Kids are free for this match (oops, need to book my leave).

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

The nix have got a lot of badd press in the last 6 months or so, first with Terry and then with a string of poor writeups about their form etc. On top of that rugby has dominated media because apparently there was some sort of big competition on or something. I think these things together have probably kept casual fans away. Basically I think the brandd has been damaged. Wins will help it a bit but there must be other things that can be done

People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Maybe buy out the DP and sack the lot of them?

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Some good points have been raised in this discusson.

Yes, the brand has been damaged and it will proberbly take a successful to team on the field to bring some of those fans back.

The only Friday night game played this season had a poor crowd but it was a sh*ty night.

Hoping you crowds will be boosted by playing at family friendly times is just plain dumb. Families generaly have the lowest disposable income's so are most likely the most fickle of fans.

A dog with a bone :)

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

BarryZuckerkorn wrote:

You have made some good points....basically the Nix have had a horror 10 months of publicity. Every headline was so negative. Without a doubt the brand perception has been damaged. Its not the end of the world but you would not like to see anymore erosion.

I am sure the Welnix guys will be on to it but there is still lots to do. It appears they are taking a medium to long term view. Setting up the structures like hiring backroom staff, getting the club offices up and running etc and working on the youth program. These are all necessary and admirable things to be doing but there is a danger that a lack of short term, immediate focus will result in further erosion of the brand.

From my perspective it seems the Nix have fallen off the radar in Wellington to some extent. There does not seem to be the same buzz from previous years. Anecdotely I know quite a few people who have "given up" on the Nix and stopped going to the games. From my group there used to be six of us at every game, now we are down to two....the wives are not attending.

There is no reason why the Nix cant recapture their audience. The solution is probably not a "big bang" idea but just a whole lot of good small ideas implemented well. A few small things I think they could do better:

Game publicity.

There are lots of ads in the DomPost but not everyone gets the Dom. Why not put adverts in rags like the Capital Times and the Wellingtonian which go to every house. More match posters around town would help.

Reconnect with the kids

It vital that the club keeps up the contact with the kids. Things like a Nix open day/Christmas kids type event next weekend on Sunday would have been great.

Publicity

Get your stories out there. There is no eggball now so there is a gap in the sports pages we can fill. Get the players in front of the media, bombard them with stories. The media love been spoon fed stuff...it make there job easier. Last Friday was a case in point. The DomPost does their Sports suppliment and there is always a Nix type story. Last week was some puff piece about Richard Reid being appointed to Capital football...yawn! who cares. Its not Worthingtons fault. Someone should have got Ifill or someone in for another interview. Push your star players...creat a buzz. Thats what will bring in the punters.

As I said this is only a personal point of view. If I was running Welnix the first thing I would do would be get Tony P back on board as a consultant. He know the club, he knows the city and he sure as hell knows football.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

nightz wrote:

Some good points have been raised in this discusson.

Yes, the brand has been damaged and it will proberbly take a successful to team on the field to bring some of those fans back.

The only Friday night game played this season had a poor crowd but it was a sh*ty night.

Hoping you crowds will be boosted by playing at family friendly times is just plain dumb. Families generaly have the lowest disposable income's so are most likely the most fickle of fans.

Another very poor crowd - but my scan of the punters suggests that families are very well represented in the crowd.

I think the fickles aren't families...

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

The MILF count was indeed up. The quality was damn fine too.

Incredible stamina. No shame. Yellow Fever.

Phoenix fans. We have to win them over one fan at a time.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Yes - I did notice that too!

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

They should put some banners and stuff up around the Hutt, Porirua, Pram as well. Large percentages of any given match day crowd are from out these ways, and theres more who just need reminding that theres a Nix game on

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

My mate is very much a fairweather fan and he blames (a) Ricki's tactics and (b) the boredom factor for not going to games. He went today and it's hard to argue with him on both points after today! Won in the end, but the game was crap and will not attract people back IMO. 6020 is a garbage crowd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

i couldnt see the whole banner properly, but there was one that said 'you want our support...' something something

does anyone know what it said?

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

paulm wrote:

i couldnt see the whole banner properly, but there was one that said 'you want our support...' something something

does anyone know what it said?

'you want our support. THFC NZ'?

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

think it it was " you want our support - you have it" The you have it was in red

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Until games become more exciting we can forget about bigger crowds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

This ^
Any fence sitter watching that game on tv today isn't going to rush for a ticket next time.
That was a shcoking crowd!

Maybe Nix now have to accept that a fan base of 6-7000 is the norm for home games unless we get to the playoffs, then the fairweather supporters get out of the house

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

My thoughts on the poor crowds are a combination of:

Cost

Apathy

Bad press (this includes a continued stream of sh*tty articles from football journos)

Kiwis' just don't seem to do consistantly turning up to actual matches.

People know the brand. Every other man and his dog is wearing Nix gear these days but it's not enough to get people to turn up.

To go to a match and have a few beers, food etc is costing a small fortune and folk just don't have the money. Take the family to beach for next to nothing or to the Nix for around at $100? If money is even slightly tight what are you going to pick?

I'd look at:

kids under 16 - free at least 50% of the time. Or pick a different school each home game that the schools kids can get in for nowt.

Talk to Westpac about their prices - Please

Bribe Harris et al to actually write something positive just once.

Sign a Marquee player that people have actually heard of. (not great I know but fr*ggin hell we need to do something).

Sign someone who can score the odd goal now and again.

Get the team out and about more.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ForteanTimes wrote:

My thoughts on the poor crowds are a combination of:

Cost

Apathy

Bad press (this includes a continued stream of sh*tty articles from football journos)

Kiwis' just don't seem to do consistantly turning up to actual matches.

People know the brand. Every other man and his dog is wearing Nix gear these days but it's not enough to get people to turn up.

I'd look at:

kids under 16 - free at least 50% of the time. Or pick a different school each home game that the schools kids can get in for nowt.

Talk to Westpac about their prices - Please

Bribe Harris et al to actually write something positive just once.

Sign a Marquee player that people have actually heard of. (not great I know but fr*ggin hell we need to do something).

Sign someone who can score the odd goal now and again.

Get the team out and about more.

Don't think having Harris write something positive gets people along. You are assuming that people other than us read the column and are swayed to going to games by that.

and the team does get out there quite a bit normally, but how many staff are there doing/organising this now?

Agreed that no real names to attract much. Favs such as Smeltz, Rojas, etc aren't here - but one would assume Ifill and Sanchez would be good enough to bring a few. Old crowd fav Daniel isn't being seen much

Reality is - things have settled down, the core comes along and the rest pick and choose. Can't change much unless you win the league

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

We have a star, and fan favourite....saved a penalty in the WC playoff against Bahrain. Had an outstanding WC, arguably one of the keepers of the tournament. Probably the most well known kiwi player at the Nix. The (older) ladies love him...coz he was on the cover of the Womans Weekly. My wifes favourite player. My young nephews say each week "do you think Pasty will be playing today"......and he is sitting on the bench. Replaced by a solid journeyman keeper who is not a better player.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Steve-O wrote:

Until games become more exciting we can forget about bigger crowds.

agree.....todays game was a poor advert for football....but thought after the Sydney game the crowd would have been better....

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

We need to win the whole bloody thing is what we need to do.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

zinidane wrote:

You are surely jesting if you believe that playing Paston will have the crowds flocking back?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ChopperHarris wrote:

Steve-O wrote:

Until games become more exciting we can forget about bigger crowds.

agree.....todays game was a poor advert for football....but thought after the Sydney game the crowd would have been better....

It might've been had we not followed that up with yet another away loss.

Saying all this, it seemed there were a lot of xmas work parties and the like on yesterday that possibly had an adverse effect on things.

I think the crowd on 23 Dec will be even worse, regardless of results between now and then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Paston wouldn't have flocks coming back but his presence wouldn't hurt.

I may end up being at the 2 worst attended games this season (14/23 Decemmber).

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

ahmad wrote:

Paston wouldn't have flocks coming back but his presence wouldn't hurt.

I may end up being at the 2 worst attended games this season (14/23 Decemmber).

I don't think his presence would make one iota of difference to the crowds. He's better off on the bench where he's less likely to get injured...

Ticket sales not going well for Dunners??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Steve-O wrote:

ahmad wrote:

Paston wouldn't have flocks coming back but his presence wouldn't hurt.

I may end up being at the 2 worst attended games this season (14/23 Decemmber).

I don't think his presence would make one iota of difference to the crowds. He's better off on the bench where he's less likely to get injured...Ticket sales not going well for Dunners??

Unsure as I am not privy to that kind of info even though if I was I could be trusted to keep it to myself. I've had very little to do with this game because noone has returned my calls offering my assistance and volunteer time where possible.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

With Greenham now gone is there actually anyone at the club TO return any calls?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Mate that is disgusting

Auckland will rise once more

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

It's a Roar home game anyway so it would be up to them to organise wouldn't it, not the Nix ?

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

giddyup wrote:

It's a Roar home game anyway so it would be up to them to organise wouldn't it, not the Nix ?

It's not anyone's home game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

AucklandPhoenix wrote:

Mate that is disgusting

Que?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_B5CzbTJo - Caceres winning penalty v Perth - footage from the Fever Zone

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

It's not the Roars game, it's the FFAs game.

How's my driving? - Whine here

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Who cares who's game it is? The Phoenix are playing in a market which based upon the pre season is one they should look to continue their presence in during the next few years. Ahmed was a factor in that crowd.

He deserves at the very least a phone call and the fact he has not received one makes me wonder if these new owners have done anything bar pay a depleted squad and back room staff's wages (yes, I agree that is important)

Gareth give the man a call

Auckland will rise once more

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

It's not the Roars game, it's the FFAs game.

What's this round called then...

The "Let's play at a shiny new stadium until the novelty factor runs out" Round?

"Ive just re-visited this and once again realised that C-Diddy is a genius - a drunk, Newcastle bred disgrace - but a genius." - Hard News, 11:39am 4th June 2009

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Hard News wrote:

It's not the Roars game, it's the FFAs game.

I don't know who's game it is. I was originally told a few months ago by the local marketing team that because it was an FFA game, they would have nothing to do with it and that it would be all directed by the FFA.

At this stage I left my details and said "me and a bunch of other locals are more than happy to offer our volunteer time and be directed as suitable and as you wish to help promote this game in order to get as big as crowd as possible".

I didn't hear anything so a couple of weeks out from the game I made contact with the Phoenix just for a chat and ask if anything was confirmed regarding training, etc. so that we could start telling people and generate interest/buzz in the local community.

I was told by the Nix that nothing was confirmed yet and that since it was an FFA game the people to talk to would be the local marketing team. Because that's what I was told, I called the local team again and was told "you'll find out via our Facebook and Twitter". They were busy so didn't have time to discuss anything further and I've not made any further contact.ahmad2011-12-11 15:08:37

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Steve-O wrote:

With Greenham now gone is there actually anyone at the club TO return any calls?

Sorry that wasn't clear - as above it wasn't the Nix not returning calls.

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Sorry to say this Ahmad but "Fan made" was last season's slogan. This season FFA have "We are football".

"We" clearly meaning FFA and no one else.

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

over 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Junior82 wrote:

Sorry to say this Ahmad but "Fan made" was last season's slogan. This season FFA have "We are football".

"We" clearly meaning FFA and no one else.

about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Bugg#r!

Wish RoF had a roof on it now.

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

about 14 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Worst ever crowd at Westpac.

Yellow Fever - Misery loves company