Membership

[mattparker]

So as not to hijack the kit vote thread any further, I’m interested to know what you would like from your membership of the Club (other than subsidised coach travel).
It’s clear to me that Covid has had a significant effect on membership numbers and attendances so what would you like? If you don’t want to post it on here, please message/email me and I’ll compile a list for discussion.

Thanks

Personally I don’t accept the using of covid as an explanation for the fall in attendances. Many clubs have seen an increase in this season whilst we have dropped from having the 5th best crowds in 2019/20 to 10th in the current season.
To just blame the pandemic seems disingenuous when there is clearly more going on

[StaceyH]

If course Covid isn’t the only reason Matt but it is a contributing factor. I know many supporters who haven’t come back this season and listen to Radio Diamonds because of it.
The matchday experience has suffered this season; the Board is well aware of that; it’s been a massive challenge this season but we’re working hard to improve it for next season.

[Ricky330]

What ever happened to the membership survey that ran last season??? Never saw any feedback on it??
Let's keep it simple.

Give fans 2 options. A choice .

Club membership- £15 - get a vote , part owner , 5% club shop discount.

Diamonds membership- £25 - vote, part owner, 10% club shop discount, coach travel discount, £1 off entry fee.

Then you have to SELL it ! Home games, social media, website, emails, etc.

Re the 400 kids membership, how about offering the parents of junior players admission at concession rate for home games?? Encourage more attendance??

If/when we get burger monster back a 5% discount on food sales over £5 could be added.

To me it's all about supporting the Clubs future.
A choice of membership (reflecting your needs)
Discounts Encourage regular attendance/use

Thoughts????

[BartonRaz]

What ever happened to the membership survey that ran last season??? Never saw any feedback on it??
Let's keep it simple.

Give fans 2 options. A choice .

Club membership- £15 - get a vote , part owner , 5% club shop discount.

Diamonds membership- £25 - vote, part owner, 10% club shop discount, coach travel discount, £1 off entry fee.

Then you have to SELL it ! Home games, social media, website, emails, etc.

Re the 400 kids membership, how about offering the parents of junior players admission at concession rate for home games?? Encourage more attendance??

If/when we get burger monster back a 5% discount on food sales over £5 could be added.

To me it's all about supporting the Clubs future.
A choice of membership (reflecting your needs)
Discounts Encourage regular attendance/use

Thoughts????

Some really good ideas there Ricky.

The relationship with the youth section is definitely something the club should be working hard to address, as Saturday proved.

[mattparker]

If course Covid isn’t the only reason Matt but it is a contributing factor. I know many supporters who haven’t come back this season and listen to Radio Diamonds because of it.
The matchday experience has suffered this season; the Board is well aware of that; it’s been a massive challenge this season but we’re working hard to improve it for next season.

Yes thank you, its obvious some have reverted to Radio diamonds, but I would guess these fans also continued their membership.
You are right to point out the match day experience which hasn't been great for most (I don’t remember hearing about the board going without their half time food ) There is no doubt the board are working hard and will, I’m sure, have committees and sub committees to discuss this at length

OR perhaps we could just resolve the issues we have with the food and the bar, swallow some pride and apologise to the numerous volunteers that walked away and start making Hayden road a more friendly welcoming place that the local community will want to support.

[Dazzler]

The toilets - obvious unless you like walking through piss.

Can you clarify? As one of the volunteers that cleans & restocks the outside stadium ones (before and after all matches - they are only used for AFCRD matches), these are kept clean at all times. So not quite sure what the issue is.

[rdusher]

If course Covid isn’t the only reason Matt but it is a contributing factor. I know many supporters who haven’t come back this season and listen to Radio Diamonds because of it.
The matchday experience has suffered this season; the Board is well aware of that; it’s been a massive challenge this season but we’re working hard to improve it for next season.

Yes thank you, its obvious some have reverted to Radio diamonds, but I would guess these fans also continued their membership.
You are right to point out the match day experience which hasn't been great for most (I don’t remember hearing about the board going without their half time food ) There is no doubt the board are working hard and will, I’m sure, have committees and sub committees to discuss this at length

OR perhaps we could just resolve the issues we have with the food and the bar, swallow some pride and apologise to the numerous volunteers that walked away and start making Hayden road a more friendly welcoming place that the local community will want to support.

This this this this this

[Dbsl]

Now this may be strange and may be considered off thread but...

Renegotiate with Wellingborough. Larger catchment are, clubhouse that we can support by volunteering to run. Food already there and be able to serve beer in Dale bar. Area for children to play football. Plenty of parking. Overall a good match day experience that may result in membership increasing again.

[bozzer]

Now this may be strange and may be considered off thread but...

Renegotiate with Wellingborough. Larger catchment are, clubhouse that we can support by volunteering to run. Food already there and be able to serve beer in Dale bar. Area for children to play football. Plenty of parking. Overall a good match day experience that may result in membership increasing again.

Continuing on the off thread...The best option is to get to our new home as soon as we can, the match day experience isn't as good at Hayden Road as it was a Wellingborough, for various reasons as you have already outlined. My parents come less now as it is a pain to park and the view from the stands are awful compared to wellingborough, but we always though being in Rushden was vital, it appears thats not necessarily the case.

Hopefully the club will give an update on the new home when they can and we can all look forward to that

[Formic]

If course Covid isn’t the only reason Matt but it is a contributing factor. I know many supporters who haven’t come back this season and listen to Radio Diamonds because of it.
The matchday experience has suffered this season; the Board is well aware of that; it’s been a massive challenge this season but we’re working hard to improve it for next season.

Yes thank you, its obvious some have reverted to Radio diamonds, but I would guess these fans also continued their membership.
You are right to point out the match day experience which hasn't been great for most (I don’t remember hearing about the board going without their half time food ) There is no doubt the board are working hard and will, I’m sure, have committees and sub committees to discuss this at length

OR perhaps we could just resolve the issues we have with the food and the bar, swallow some pride and apologise to the numerous volunteers that walked away and start making Hayden road a more friendly welcoming place that the local community will want to support.

As both an ex-Member and ex-Volunteer I agree with Matt here. I have a current season ticket, but can't see any incentive to get another one given the unexpected problems that seem to crop up each season - not all of which the club can control or resolve quickly, and the latest of which is the cost of living issue complete with increases in travelling costs. It now looks like the club are making strategic decisions without explaining them to the "rank and file" fan - and that can't be good.