The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

In a way it is good we are having this discussion now, there seems to be a slight downward move in attendances nationally, indeed if you look locally K*ttering are 8% down, Corby are 23% down, St Ives are 2% down, ST Neots 9% down, Bedford 15% down, Royston 11% down, Stamford 35% down, Rugby 24% down.
We are currently 3.7% down on last year. There are many reasons for this and most have been outlined already.

We have been trying to come up with different initiatives to increase attendances and will continue to do so, the pay what you want day is successful and brings in about the same income as a normal match day so we will look to repeat that, the community day was also a success and would like to repeat that. We wanted to target specific areas but have to make sure all league rules are followed on this. Any other ideas for initiatives are gratefully considered.

As fans can we do more, can we bring someone, when a friend who sometimes comes can we persuade them to come rather than not. Can we organise ourselves to create a better atmosphere, get the drums out, give shulv the megaphone again! An improved atmosphere might lead to an improved performance on the pitch at home.

Lets all try and do a little bit and it will all add up.

Here is another thought, are we making it too easy for people to miss matches with every match filmed, snapchatted and 99% on radio diamonds plus the twitter feed

bozzer wrote:...... on radio diamonds

I've been be very grateful of this excellent service as I've, unfortunately through circumstances, missed attending more games home and away over the last 4-5 weeks than I've done since our first match against Thrapston in August 2012.

However, I do think it means it is far too easy for people to say, as many must have done last Saturday, I'm going to stay at home on a nasty afternoon and listen to commentary on Radio Diamonds over the internet. I was there by the way!

bozzer wrote:Here is another thought, are we making it too easy for people to miss matches with every match filmed, snapchatted and 99% on radio diamonds plus the twitter feed

I can't see how having these streams available would help attendances, but doing away with any of these would be detrimental PR in my eyes. Besides, what's changed on that front since the first season? We should probably focus on what is different now and how these changes may have affected us.

I don't know anyone that used to attend regularly that now doesn't (except from change of circumstances/location) and I'd be interested to hear from these people the reasons why they don't attend any more because I'm struggling to figure it out. Either way, we're losing supporters at a quicker rate than we're attracting them despite progressing up the pyramid which is alarming.

BartonRaz wrote:

bozzer wrote:Here is another thought, are we making it too easy for people to miss matches with every match filmed, snapchatted and 99% on radio diamonds plus the twitter feed

I can't see how having these streams available would help attendances, but doing away with any of these would be detrimental PR in my eyes. Besides, what's changed on that front since the first season? We should probably focus on what is different now and how these changes may have affected us.

I don't know anyone that used to attend regularly that now doesn't (except from change of circumstances/location) and I'd be interested to hear from these people the reasons why they don't attend any more because I'm struggling to figure it out. Either way, we're losing supporters at a quicker rate than we're attracting them despite progressing up the pyramid which is alarming.

However despite progressing up the pyramid for some people the results currently just ain't enough.. the 'supporters' of the club (although frustrating at times) won't mind the general 1-1 and 4-4 results at home. But it just seems if we ain't winning week in week out and top of the table like the ucl table went, then the glory supporters stay away.. if I'm wrong in saying that then so be it, but that's my opinion...

I don't think it helped either moving north and without a doubt it's been more of a challenge. I ain't sure worrying about the attendance is needed at present as the main focus should be the home of next season..

bozzer wrote:Here is another thought, are we making it too easy for people to miss matches with every match filmed, snapchatted and 99% on radio diamonds plus the twitter feed

When I logged in on facebook Saturday morning the first post I read was along the lines of "if you cant make todays game don't worry you can follow updates etc etc, I believe we should be posting the opposite something like "make sure your down the dog n duck 3pm kick off" if you see what I mean

More people will stop watching Rushden & Diamonds than begin watching them. The clubs fanbase is clearly based on Rushden & Diamonds fans, and many of these will move away/get bored of watching the standard of football on offer. The chances of one existing R&D fan stopping watching is higher than a potential new AFCRD supporter in the area starting to watch us.

E.g. myself, regularly came to games with Dad and/or 2-3 mates when AFCRD started. Move on four years and both me and Dad moved away from the area and friends are all abroad post-graduation. Even last year when in London went to 6/7 away games and the odd home game because I felt more invested in the season. Compare to this season, I won't go to a game this season unless we make the play offs because I don't think 4 hours commuting time is worth it to watch regular season games at Home and obviously won't be travelling to the opposite side of the country unless I can co-incide with other plans.

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:More people will stop watching Rushden & Diamonds than begin watching them. The clubs fanbase is clearly based on Rushden & Diamonds fans, and many of these will move away/get bored of watching the standard of football on offer. The chances of one existing R&D fan stopping watching is higher than a potential new AFCRD supporter in the area starting to watch us.

E.g. myself, regularly came to games with Dad and/or 2-3 mates when AFCRD started. Move on four years and both me and Dad moved away from the area and friends are all abroad post-graduation. Even last year when in London went to 6/7 away games and the odd home game because I felt more invested in the season. Compare to this season, I won't go to a game this season unless we make the play offs because I don't think 4 hours commuting time is worth it to watch regular season games at Home and obviously won't be travelling to the opposite side of the country unless I can co-incide with other plans.

I also think the premier league affect doesn't help, not just us, but many non-league clubs no doubt suffer because of the premier league big boys.

It's disheartening to be walking around Rushden high street, and see people wearing Man Utd, Liverpool & Chelsea shirts, usually their kids have the same shirts on as well, I doubt many of those have ever watched them play, other than on the television.

It doesn't help because kids will grow up watching the premier league, idolizing players like Wayne Rooney etc, and show little actual interest in local football teams.

diamondgeezer1 wrote:

Oundle Diamond #2 wrote:More people will stop watching Rushden & Diamonds than begin watching them. The clubs fanbase is clearly based on Rushden & Diamonds fans, and many of these will move away/get bored of watching the standard of football on offer. The chances of one existing R&D fan stopping watching is higher than a potential new AFCRD supporter in the area starting to watch us.

E.g. myself, regularly came to games with Dad and/or 2-3 mates when AFCRD started. Move on four years and both me and Dad moved away from the area and friends are all abroad post-graduation. Even last year when in London went to 6/7 away games and the odd home game because I felt more invested in the season. Compare to this season, I won't go to a game this season unless we make the play offs because I don't think 4 hours commuting time is worth it to watch regular season games at Home and obviously won't be travelling to the opposite side of the country unless I can co-incide with other plans.

I also think the premier league affect doesn't help, not just us, but many non-league clubs no doubt suffer because of the premier league big boys.

It's disheartening to be walking around Rushden high street, and see people wearing Man Utd, Liverpool & Chelsea shirts, usually their kids have the same shirts on as well, I doubt many of those have ever watched them play, other than on the television.

It doesn't help because kids will grow up watching the premier league, idolizing players like Wayne Rooney etc, and show little actual interest in local football teams.

More than that how many Barca or Real Madrid shirts do you see?

Lincoln continue their good form beating Chasetown 2-0 tonight.