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Post by lpgas on Jan 5, 2018 0:03:31 GMT
Yesterday at 3pm marked exactly 50 years since I saw my first Rovers game. FA Cup Round 3 City away. I stood on the long narrow terracing where the Dolman was built. I was given the ticket by a school friend who along with his Dad was a City fan. I was just 15. Up until then I had watched Frome regulary and gone to watch Burnley when they played anywhere south of Birmingham. My Dad worked on the railway so transport wasn't a problem, and as a lad of 14 I collected scarfs of all colours. Mainly to wear if things at the grounds looked dodgy. Yes, I always had a home scarf or rosette in my pocket. Anyway I went to the gate, and then the replay at Eastville which in Rovers fashion they lost 2-3. In my eyes though Rovers had the better ground and the better shirts, and I always preferred blue over red. So a few weeks later I said to my Dad ( who was from Burnley and a supporter) I'm not going to watch Burnley anymore. I'm going to support Bristol Rovers. He looked over the newspaper he was reading and said "Well. it's up to you, but you do know they will never win anything." Which goes to show that it's not just your mum you should listen to. After 50 years, 33 of them driving down from Brentford I have decided that this year will be the last year I have a season ticket. I might go occasionally, but I intend to see Frome more and do all the things that I could have done but didn't due to putting Rovers first. things like week ends away and holidays in September and October. In the past all of these have been put on the back burner and squeezed in between home fixtures.
I'm tired of supporting a club that always promises so much and always fails to deliver. Funny thing is I've felt worse since Wael and his mob turned up. I thought at last here is someone that will turn us in to the 21st century city club and we'd become a good Championship club. I realise it needs a lot of money but I thought, well the Al Quadis have loads and they will take us there.
Evolution. I'm getting on a bit and the evolution of anything usually means Donkeys years. So, I'm swapping North terrace where the drunks come under the back bar at one minute to 3 and push and shove their way in front of you, for a warm beach, or a weekend in Prague, or just Frome Town, whose ground has cover from the rain and wind on every side and ends.
Due to illness I missed the last 2 games and I'm sorry to say I didn't really miss not going. I find it all a bit sad especially given that the teams we used to play every season such as Brentford and Bournemouth have made great steps forward whilst we slip back a bit every year. On the Happy Clappy sites I asked people to name a club with a worse ground than ours, taking in to consideration, seating, cover and facilities like toilets and food outlets. I started off by saying Accrington, and when I looked a few moments ago, no one could give me another answer. Says it all really. Just so many supporters content to stay as we are.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2018 0:08:48 GMT
Frome!! Well its up to you but you do realise they will never win anything?
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Post by Antonio Fargas on Jan 5, 2018 0:13:39 GMT
It's not about being content, though, is it? Just because you turn up, doesn't mean you're content to stay as we are, it just means you haven't stopped going yet.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2018 0:22:15 GMT
Unfortunately, unless there is some investment from the owners over the next six months there will be others like you not re-newing season tickets. Some will pick their games and others will find new things to do in their leisure. I'll keep the faith as will others knowing not to expect too much and just hope we continue to develop the occasional gem of a player and hope for that the miracle of seeing a new stadium will one day happen but knowing it never will.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2018 4:07:00 GMT
Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away now it looks as if there here to stay oh i believe in yesterday why billy had to go i dont know he wouldnt say[it was the money] I said billys gone,now i long for yesterday yesterday football was such an easy game to play[watch] now i need a place to hide away[frome fuc***g town] oh i believe in yesterday oh oh oh yesterday
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Post by Henbury Gas on Jan 5, 2018 6:21:02 GMT
Yesterday at 3pm marked exactly 50 years since I saw my first Rovers game. FA Cup Round 3 City away. I stood on the long narrow terracing where the Dolman was built. I was given the ticket by a school friend who along with his Dad was a City fan. I was just 15. Up until then I had watched Frome regulary and gone to watch Burnley when they played anywhere south of Birmingham. My Dad worked on the railway so transport wasn't a problem, and as a lad of 14 I collected scarfs of all colours. Mainly to wear if things at the grounds looked dodgy. Yes, I always had a home scarf or rosette in my pocket. Anyway I went to the gate, and then the replay at Eastville which in Rovers fashion they lost 2-3. In my eyes though Rovers had the better ground and the better shirts, and I always preferred blue over red. So a few weeks later I said to my Dad ( who was from Burnley and a supporter) I'm not going to watch Burnley anymore. I'm going to support Bristol Rovers. He looked over the newspaper he was reading and said "Well. it's up to you, but you do know they will never win anything." Which goes to show that it's not just your mum you should listen to. After 50 years, 33 of them driving down from Brentford I have decided that this year will be the last year I have a season ticket. I might go occasionally, but I intend to see Frome more and do all the things that I could have done but didn't due to putting Rovers first. things like week ends away and holidays in September and October. In the past all of these have been put on the back burner and squeezed in between home fixtures. I'm tired of supporting a club that always promises so much and always fails to deliver. Funny thing is I've felt worse since Wael and his mob turned up. I thought at last here is someone that will turn us in to the 21st century city club and we'd become a good Championship club. I realise it needs a lot of money but I thought, well the Al Quadis have loads and they will take us there. Evolution. I'm getting on a bit and the evolution of anything usually means Donkeys years. So, I'm swapping North terrace where the drunks come under the back bar at one minute to 3 and push and shove their way in front of you, for a warm beach, or a weekend in Prague, or just Frome Town, whose ground has cover from the rain and wind on every side and ends. Due to illness I missed the last 2 games and I'm sorry to say I didn't really miss not going. I find it all a bit sad especially given that the teams we used to play every season such as Brentford and Bournemouth have made great steps forward whilst we slip back a bit every year. On the Happy Clappy sites I asked people to name a club with a worse ground than ours, taking in to consideration, seating, cover and facilities like toilets and food outlets. I started off by saying Accrington, and when I looked a few moments ago, no one could give me another answer. Says it all really. Just so many supporters content to stay as we are. I Really do see how you feel because i'm feeling much the same and as people say above rovers will shed a load of season ticket holders next season as i will be one of them unless i see some positive action on stadium development. Having watched "Live" rovers games for over 50 years i feel the pull of watching the Gas using ifollow more appealing then standing in a stadium with no cover, no tanoy system, poor food outlets and a load of drunken supporters who attack each other.............
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Post by Hugo the Elder on Jan 5, 2018 6:38:08 GMT
It has been a bit of a chore this season and I've had my doubts about getting a ST next year.
You are right, it's not really even about the football. It's about the match day experience.
As I walk in the Mem gates I see 2 poor ladies stood wet and freezing selling programmes in all weather.
I make my way towards the Clubhouse bar where if I'm lucky I can fight my way past 100 smokers to squeeze into a tiny toilet for a quick wazz.
I take a look at the queue for the bar which stretches back to the door and don't even bother. Maybe I could stand outside in the wind and rain and buy one from the back of a horse box? On second thoughts....
I then think about having a browse in the club shop before I realize that it's inside a part of the ground I can't access after 2pm. And even when I'm early its tiny entrance allows for one person in or out at at a time. Then there is no where to try anything on. Not that they have any stock of anything you'd want. Especially just before Xmas.
So I make my way over to the Young Pirates cabin. Occasionally I will buy some sweets for HTY, but normally I just put his name in the draw ticket box in the hope he wins the chance to be the mascot. To be honest I try not to spend too long in the YP cabin, it really smells bad.
Once I've done that I make my way down through the turnstile that is so small I have to lift my rucksack over my head to get through and make my way down to the tent end.
Oh, what's that? It's another trailer outside in the rain where I can buy a beer.....nah, you're alright.
Next stop, the pasty hut. During my 20 minute wait behind 10 people I look at the posters on the doors. Ooh look. Pie of the day is Turkey and Cranberry. That sounds nice.
When I eventually get to the front of the queue I am greeted by a young person who is on their first day. (No joke, we have had a new staff member in the SS pasty hut nearly every single week). They inform me that they do not actually have any of the pies advertised and they proceed to list all the food they have this week. Just like the vendor, it seems we have to have new pies every week at the pasty hut too. God only knows why we can't just make a decision on what food to sell.
So, I order my pie and more in hope than anything else I ask what the Meal Deal options are. We all know it's out of date cheese and onion crisps and a twix. They never have anything else anymore. I politely decline and then help the server add up the cost of 2 pies and a tea before then helping them work out the change from a tenner.
I then make my way to sit in a lovely prefab tent, that's windy and freezing bloody cold all year round.
Now I come to think about it, what's not to like? When can I renew my Season Ticket again?
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Jan 5, 2018 6:40:49 GMT
All my troubles seemed so far away
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Jan 5, 2018 6:43:27 GMT
Frome!! Well its up to you but you do realise they will never win anything? HAHA I was thinking the same! Love the Irony. Can't be bothered to support this sh** club anymore we never win anything, so I know I'll support Frome Town instead, couldn't make it up!
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Post by William Wilson on Jan 5, 2018 6:46:57 GMT
Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away now it looks as if there here to stay oh i believe in yesterday why billy had to go i dont know he wouldnt say[it was the money] I said billys gone,now i long for yesterday yesterday football was such an easy game to play[watch] now i need a place to hide away[frome fuc***g town] oh i believe in yesterday oh oh oh yesterday Don`t hang around, outside the Dakota building.
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Jan 5, 2018 6:47:35 GMT
It has been a bit of a chore this season and I've had my doubts about getting a ST next year. You are right, it's not really even about the football. It's about the match day experience. As I walk in the Mem gates I see 2 poor ladies stood wet and freezing selling programmes in all weather. I make my way towards the Clubhouse bar where if I'm lucky I can fight my way past 100 smokers to squeeze into a tiny toilet for a quick wazz. I take a look at the queue for the bar which stretches back to the door and don't even bother. Maybe I could stand outside in the wind and rain and buy one from the back of a horse box? On second thoughts.... I then think about having a browse in the club shop before I realize that it's inside a part of the ground I can't access after 2pm. And even when I'm early its tiny entrance allows for one person in or out at at a time. Then there is no where to try anything on. Not that they have any stock of anything you'd want. Especially just before Xmas. So I make my way over to the Young Pirates cabin. Occasionally I will buy some sweets for HTY, but normally I just put his name in the draw ticket box in the hope he wins the chance to be the mascot. To be honest I try not to spend too long in the YP cabin, it really smells bad. Once I've done that I make my way down through the turnstile that is so small I have to lift my rucksack over my head to get through and make my way down to the tent end. Oh, what's that? It's another trailer outside in the rain where I can buy a beer.....nah, you're alright. Next stop, the pasty hut. During my 20 minute wait behind 10 people I look at the posters on the doors. Ooh look. Pie of the day is Turkey and Cranberry. That sounds nice. When I eventually get to the front of the queue I am greeted by a young person who is on their first day. (No joke, we have had a new staff member in the SS pasty hut nearly every single week). They inform me that they do not actually have any of the pies advertised and they proceed to list all the food they have this week. Just like the vendor, it seems we have to have new pies every week at the pasty hut too. God only knows why we can't just make a decision on what food to sell. So, I order my pie and more in hope than anything else I ask what the Meal Deal options are. We all know it's out of date cheese and onion crisps and a twix. They never have anything else anymore. I politely decline and then help the server add up the cost of 2 pies and a tea before then helping them work out the change from a tenner. I then make my way to sit in a lovely prefab tent, that's windy and freezing bloody cold all year round. Now I come to think about it, what's not to like? When can I renew my Season Ticket again? May I suggest you email Tom Gorringe with your thoughts. I passed on a few thoughts to him via email a couple of months ago, one of which included the match day experience. I dread half time at home games because I hate just standing around doing nothing. I hate City with their stupid gifs for their goals but at least it is outside of the box thinking. If you do decide to email then here is the email address - TomGorringe@bristolrovers.co.uk
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Post by Hugo the Elder on Jan 5, 2018 7:19:11 GMT
It has been a bit of a chore this season and I've had my doubts about getting a ST next year. You are right, it's not really even about the football. It's about the match day experience. As I walk in the Mem gates I see 2 poor ladies stood wet and freezing selling programmes in all weather. I make my way towards the Clubhouse bar where if I'm lucky I can fight my way past 100 smokers to squeeze into a tiny toilet for a quick wazz. I take a look at the queue for the bar which stretches back to the door and don't even bother. Maybe I could stand outside in the wind and rain and buy one from the back of a horse box? On second thoughts.... I then think about having a browse in the club shop before I realize that it's inside a part of the ground I can't access after 2pm. And even when I'm early its tiny entrance allows for one person in or out at at a time. Then there is no where to try anything on. Not that they have any stock of anything you'd want. Especially just before Xmas. So I make my way over to the Young Pirates cabin. Occasionally I will buy some sweets for HTY, but normally I just put his name in the draw ticket box in the hope he wins the chance to be the mascot. To be honest I try not to spend too long in the YP cabin, it really smells bad. Once I've done that I make my way down through the turnstile that is so small I have to lift my rucksack over my head to get through and make my way down to the tent end. Oh, what's that? It's another trailer outside in the rain where I can buy a beer.....nah, you're alright. Next stop, the pasty hut. During my 20 minute wait behind 10 people I look at the posters on the doors. Ooh look. Pie of the day is Turkey and Cranberry. That sounds nice. When I eventually get to the front of the queue I am greeted by a young person who is on their first day. (No joke, we have had a new staff member in the SS pasty hut nearly every single week). They inform me that they do not actually have any of the pies advertised and they proceed to list all the food they have this week. Just like the vendor, it seems we have to have new pies every week at the pasty hut too. God only knows why we can't just make a decision on what food to sell. So, I order my pie and more in hope than anything else I ask what the Meal Deal options are. We all know it's out of date cheese and onion crisps and a twix. They never have anything else anymore. I politely decline and then help the server add up the cost of 2 pies and a tea before then helping them work out the change from a tenner. I then make my way to sit in a lovely prefab tent, that's windy and freezing bloody cold all year round. Now I come to think about it, what's not to like? When can I renew my Season Ticket again? May I suggest you email Tom Gorringe with your thoughts. I passed on a few thoughts to him via email a couple of months ago, one of which included the match day experience. I dread half time at home games because I hate just standing around doing nothing. I hate City with their stupid gifs for their goals but at least it is outside of the box thinking. If you do decide to email then here is the email address - TomGorringe@bristolrovers.co.uk I genuinely admire your optimism.
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Post by gregsy on Jan 5, 2018 7:30:15 GMT
A classic moment at the mem the other day was when the queue for the west enclosure toilets merged with the queue for the west enclosure pasty hut.... Pretty much sums it up
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2018 7:32:03 GMT
It has been a bit of a chore this season and I've had my doubts about getting a ST next year. You are right, it's not really even about the football. It's about the match day experience. As I walk in the Mem gates I see 2 poor ladies stood wet and freezing selling programmes in all weather. I make my way towards the Clubhouse bar where if I'm lucky I can fight my way past 100 smokers to squeeze into a tiny toilet for a quick wazz. I take a look at the queue for the bar which stretches back to the door and don't even bother. Maybe I could stand outside in the wind and rain and buy one from the back of a horse box? On second thoughts.... I then think about having a browse in the club shop before I realize that it's inside a part of the ground I can't access after 2pm. And even when I'm early its tiny entrance allows for one person in or out at at a time. Then there is no where to try anything on. Not that they have any stock of anything you'd want. Especially just before Xmas. So I make my way over to the Young Pirates cabin. Occasionally I will buy some sweets for HTY, but normally I just put his name in the draw ticket box in the hope he wins the chance to be the mascot. To be honest I try not to spend too long in the YP cabin, it really smells bad. Once I've done that I make my way down through the turnstile that is so small I have to lift my rucksack over my head to get through and make my way down to the tent end. Oh, what's that? It's another trailer outside in the rain where I can buy a beer.....nah, you're alright. Next stop, the pasty hut. During my 20 minute wait behind 10 people I look at the posters on the doors. Ooh look. Pie of the day is Turkey and Cranberry. That sounds nice. When I eventually get to the front of the queue I am greeted by a young person who is on their first day. (No joke, we have had a new staff member in the SS pasty hut nearly every single week). They inform me that they do not actually have any of the pies advertised and they proceed to list all the food they have this week. Just like the vendor, it seems we have to have new pies every week at the pasty hut too. God only knows why we can't just make a decision on what food to sell. So, I order my pie and more in hope than anything else I ask what the Meal Deal options are. We all know it's out of date cheese and onion crisps and a twix. They never have anything else anymore. I politely decline and then help the server add up the cost of 2 pies and a tea before then helping them work out the change from a tenner. I then make my way to sit in a lovely prefab tent, that's windy and freezing bloody cold all year round. Now I come to think about it, what's not to like? When can I renew my Season Ticket again? Its a shame that the stadium has come to this for people. As with the other posts above I agree with whats said. However im not using the Al Qadis as a scapegoat for it. Rovers have done nothing for 20 years. That's 20 years. After moving to the Mem ,which was a positive ,the club has stagnated at first and then gone backwards since. Adding the tents was about getting more people into the ground and keeping up with seating requirements rather than stadium improvement.
I rewatched some of the interviews with Wael last night and with the benefit of time and perspective you can fully understand why a line had to be drawn in the sand with UWE. Bottom line....the club work with uwe for 8 years on the project and still no agreement. When the club thinks it has got things sorted and employs expensive people to take the project forward the uwe change the goalposts again. The project was costing a fortune (ignoring the £1m wasted over the sainsburys issue) and was not getting any closer to finalising. How much more time and money do you spend if you can not see that game ever changing ?
The mem is rubbish ,it got let off the hook by being a league two and conference club for some years...which was handy for the boards of the time.
If you wish to stop going due to the stadium that's fine ,just allow yourself the promise that you will return if the club improves the ground.
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Post by philbemmygas on Jan 5, 2018 7:33:13 GMT
LP
Good luck my friend; it's never been easy watching the Gas thats for sure.
Take a break and see if you rekindle enthusiasm going forwards. - UTG
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Jan 5, 2018 7:35:01 GMT
LP Good luck my friend; it's never been easy watching the Gas thats for sure. Take a break and see if you rekindle enthusiasm going forwards. - UTG Nobody said it was easy
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Post by bluegas on Jan 5, 2018 7:35:27 GMT
Thinking along much the same lines. Why do I want to waste my money on the club when the owners clearly won't do so? Better to feed my football habit visiting bigger clubs around the country. Why should I support a vehicle only there to give MT & BB a career-lift?
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Post by Gas Go Marching In on Jan 5, 2018 7:37:06 GMT
Thinking along much the same lines. Why do I want to waste my money on the club when the owners clearly won't do so? Better to feed my football habit visiting bigger clubs around the country. Why should I support a vehicle only there to give MT & BB a career-lift? I can't get this way of thinking. I'm going to watch 2 prem teams tomorrow and really nowhere near the same buzz as going to see my own team even when were in the conference.
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Post by philbemmygas on Jan 5, 2018 7:38:58 GMT
Thinking along much the same lines. Why do I want to waste my money on the club when the owners clearly won't do so? Better to feed my football habit visiting bigger clubs around the country. Why should I support a vehicle only there to give MT & BB a career-lift? I can't get this way of thinking. I'm going to watch 2 prem teams tomorrow and really nowhere near the same buzz as going to see my own team even when were in the conference. I agree with you, bluegas comes across more as a follower than a fan with that statement. Hey ho, each to their own
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Post by bluegas on Jan 5, 2018 7:45:06 GMT
I can't get this way of thinking. I'm going to watch 2 prem teams tomorrow and really nowhere near the same buzz as going to see my own team even when were in the conference. I agree with you, bluegas comes across more as a follower than a fan with that statement. Hey ho, each to their own A "follower" of 47 years.
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