Inspired by events on and off the field.
On the field: Things have not worked out as that first thirty minutes of our first game of the season hinted. man that was an awesome 30 minutes. Had everyone buzzing with excitement. However although one swallow might make a man happy, it doesn't necessarily make a season successful. Sadly as the season has gone on, the performances of players whom should be doing better, are actually doing worse or even doing nothing. Not happy about that.
Off the Field: Before the season even kicked off with the usual season ticket debauchery, the fixtures were announced. Included was a game in Auckland and then one in Canberra of all places. Ok, so the Canberra game got canned thank the lord. Bonus for us at Westpac, but wait, there's more. Let's leave it till a month out and move our last game up to Auckland.
There's two games in a season that should be played at home in front of the locals. The first home game and the last home game. The latter giving fans a chance to farewell players off contract and retiring players too. A chance to say thank you. A chance for a Conga? A chance to leave friends that stand around us at games in good stead for the next season in six months.
The moving of our last game to Auckland really pissed me off. It was late, it means two of our last 4 "home" games will be in Auckland. I believe it is to satisfy the sponsors request and allegedly to make some money. We have seven away games in the mix as well if I did my sums right?
The short notice has affected fans from out of Wellington whom have booked, paid both travel and accommodation. Some won't be getting refunds. Also considering the Melbourne City fans whom may have done the same will now have to do so a second time for Auckland. God knows how much that is going to cost them. As a local, it will cost enough to go to one game but two? I have a wife and three young kids. The Nix test the boundaries of marriage some times. It's ok if you are single with few responsibilities, good on you, make the most of the time cause once you have kids, you will know my position only too well. Hopefully the Nix will still be around.
Now to put my money where my mouth is, I have suggested on another thread a course of peaceful protest. Especially at the decision for this last game getting transferred. No banners required, no abuse required just a simple action.
I propose that fans should go to their normal spot at kick off. After ten minutes those whom agree with this course of action should leave their regular spot and move to a new one - the area in about aisle 10 and below the TV cameras. The reason for this is the lack of coverage there and the empty area where the cameras do see, just might let the owners know that fans are not happy with their decision.
You wont be leaving the stadium, you wont be missing the game, you will still be able to cheer the team on. In fact over on that side of the ground a large vocal crowd is easily heard by the players etc on the bench as well as on the field. It could end up being a positive move. Who knows/
Not everyone agrees with me and rightly so. We are all different. I just feel that it is time to be heard and make a statement. A lot of us have spent a lot over the years to support this team and club. We do count too! We have not just spent money, but emotions as well. It hurts to see the team losing, it hurts to turn up to work yet again and suffer the same crap from workmates whom seem to enjoy giving us grief.
So that is my course of action, feel free to join in or not. At least I will show some form and stand by my convictions so to speak.
Date for this: 25th March 2018 - Unless I hear from fans to have a warm up this coming Saturday 17 February.....
