|
Post by glengas on Sept 5, 2018 9:09:36 GMT
For years we've lived in hope of getting a new stadium, first there was the Mem re-development then the UWE but now there seems little hope we'll ever get a new stadium meanwhile "small" club's like Shrewsbury & Burton have new stadiums and the 82er's have completely re-developed AG. It seems we're going to suffer a slow death if something doesn't happen with the ground plans soon. As far as players trying, surely Upson, Nichols & Rodman can't be as poor as they were at Shrewsbury if they were actually trying? I felt the same as you. Years of Twerton, then watching the sh** get more success and I was guilty if thinking that we'd hit the jackpot with the new owners but the hunger for instant success and wanting to be be a bigger club than the sh** is turning us into a moaning bitter bunch of lady gardens Instant success? We purchased the land for the Colony in Feb 17 and we still do not know when work will start on it, if it ever will. The UWE are well into building their training facility. I think we just want a bit of honesty from the owners about the direction of the club.
|
|
Marshy
Proper Gas
Posts: 14,119
|
Post by Marshy on Sept 5, 2018 9:28:02 GMT
I felt the same as you. Years of Twerton, then watching the sh** get more success and I was guilty if thinking that we'd hit the jackpot with the new owners but the hunger for instant success and wanting to be be a bigger club than the sh** is turning us into a moaning bitter bunch of lady gardens Instant success? We purchased the land for the Colony in Feb 17 and we still do not know when work will start on it, if it ever will. The UWE are well into building their training facility. I think we just want a bit of honesty from the owners about the direction of the club. Good luck with that one.
|
|
|
Post by geddongas on Sept 5, 2018 9:34:12 GMT
See, i could offer another side to the story. I am a young fan at 22 and i’ve lived in a few places in that time - Exeter, Bristol and now Southampton.
I never came from a footballing family, and at school you always had pressure to support a winning team, a prem team that you could watch and you could talk about the game with your peers. Not many people stood on the Big Bank at St James Park in Exeter of a weekend. I chose to follow Chelsea for that initial period, and i’ve watched them win countless trophies on the TV. Only went to Stamford Bridge once or twice.
I live in Southampton now. I have premier league football on my doorstep. But I still travel 2 hours on the train to the Mem. My mate from school now follows Aldershot, like his dad. It’s real football. And people on here can say all the youngsters want is the state of the art stadiums and all the gimmicks and sales pitches, but really if you’re a proper fan of football, it’s about the heart of the club. Rovers left more of an impression on me in the 5-6 years I lived in Bristol than any TV-broadcast trophy win or fancy stadium. I’ve brought neutrals to games in the North Terrace and they’ve come out saying they wanted to go again.
Just my POV and not the same for everyone, but there are a number of us youngsters who are in it for the same reasons as any of you who were at Twerton.
|
|
|
Post by Hugo the Elder on Sept 5, 2018 9:38:13 GMT
See, i could offer another side to the story. I am a young fan at 22 and i’ve lived in a few places in that time - Exeter, Bristol and now Southampton. I never came from a footballing family, and at school you always had pressure to support a winning team, a prem team that you could watch and you could talk about the game with your peers. Not many people stood on the Big Bank at St James Park in Exeter of a weekend. I chose to follow Chelsea for that initial period, and i’ve watched them win countless trophies on the TV. Only went to Stamford Bridge once or twice. I live in Southampton now. I have premier league football on my doorstep. But I still travel 2 hours on the train to the Mem. My mate from school now follows Aldershot, like his dad. It’s real football. And people on here can say all the youngsters want is the state of the art stadiums and all the gimmicks and sales pitches, but really if you’re a proper fan of football, it’s about the heart of the club. Rovers left more of an impression on me in the 5-6 years I lived in Bristol than any TV-broadcast trophy win or fancy stadium. I’ve brought neutrals to games in the North Terrace and they’ve come out saying they wanted to go again. Just my POV and not the same for everyone, but there are a number of us youngsters who are in it for the same reasons as any of you who were at Twerton. Have you got a few thousand mates you could bring along?
|
|
|
Post by jfgas on Sept 5, 2018 9:41:49 GMT
[b Exactly this ^^^^ If / when city get into the prem , I genuinely believe without a shadow of a doubt our days will be numbered. It pains me to say it infact it near enough breaks my heart that my lad , who has been coming to games with me since he was 7 years old , no longer attends games with me or even with his mates ( he’s 14 now ) as he has just lost interest. I ask him why ? His reply is , he just wants to watch football in a proper stadium and not a dump ! The younger supporters of our club will lose interest if things don’t change in regards to our ground or long term ambition, the worst thing is , I think a lot of the kids will turn to the dark side as let’s be honest , on paper they are a much bigger attraction than we are. Looking at it from a neutral prospective and you were unaware of the history of both teams in Bristol , it’s quite obvious that we will not be the choice. It’s worrying times at the moment as they are getting further and further ahead of us. I'm faced with exactly the same situation as you. Scrappydoo followed Rovers all over the country with me before and while we were in the Conference. The conference was an adventure for him - new grounds, decent football for that league and we were winning. I have great photos and tv recordings of him at Forest Green (play offs) and Wembley. Pleased as punch with his lot as a Rovers fan. Then in league 2 we toured new grounds together and I have a great photo of us together at the final whistle after the Dagenham game. All smiles etc. First season back in league 1 and he was fine but with a few less away games as we had been to a lot of the grounds already. 2nd season in league 1 and we started badly - we lost 3 of the first 4 home games that he was able to attend and he started to become distracted. He persevered for a while as a bunch of his mates congregated at the back of the Blackthorn so I let him stand with them. But the results and the quality of football tailed off and we went on that bad run and he stopped coming. I used to stand outside the turnstiles on match days hoping to catch some lad heading towards the pay turnstile and I would offer him my lad's season ticket for that game so he could get in for free. So this season, I have renewed his season ticket but I haven't been able to get him to come. I know he still gets match updates on his phone cos he sometimes mentions it to me but he is just not interested in coming to the ground while we are playing crap football and losing. The real issue is that the longer this situation continues the more likely it is that he will find something better to do on a Saturday and he'll never come again. The only saving grace is that he will never turn to the darkside.
|
|
|
Post by geddongas on Sept 5, 2018 9:45:30 GMT
Have you got a few thousand mates you could bring along? I’ll try my best! I’ve got a friend from NZ coming to Bristol for the weekend of the 22nd. Could bring them for Cov, get that iFollow revenue when they go back home haha
|
|
|
Post by lpgas on Sept 5, 2018 14:28:22 GMT
I think when we moved back to Bristol expectations shot up, but after a while they dwindled and fell. Then we get promotion back in to the league expectations go up, New stadium is going to be built expectations go up. New owners Expectations go up. Promotion and expectations go up. No stadium, no training ground, no money, terrible signings, bad start to season. Expectation at a low, people find other things to do, gates down, money down and so it goes on.
I think the only thing that will brighten things up would be a new ground and training centre.
|
|
|
Post by simonj on Sept 5, 2018 14:42:52 GMT
This thread has resonated with me more than any I have read for years. This is not moaning it is voicing concern fans are worried that we are falling so far behind and not just compared to the 82ers, clubs we had never heard of 30 years ago are overtaking us. Despite it all though our crowds are holding ok. Better average than 10 years ago, 20 years ago and definitely 35 years ago (btw, absolutely no facts to back it up). I am now hoping the Centenary stand is quickly pulled down, a nice new stand built, slightly further back, shift the pitch up and over a bit, then build 3 more stands over the next 4-5 years. Sustainability, forget it, but additional revenue through another 7000-8000, with the social side improving most days and a couple of nice rooms as a venue for tea and sarnies or is it called networking events. Like most other clubs. Who wants gym, conference facilities, student apartments, shops, offices and so on.
|
|
Marshy
Proper Gas
Posts: 14,119
|
Post by Marshy on Sept 5, 2018 14:53:46 GMT
This thread has resonated with me more than any I have read for years. This is not moaning it is voicing concern fans are worried that we are falling so far behind and not just compared to the 82ers, clubs we had never heard of 30 years ago are overtaking us. Despite it all though our crowds are holding ok. Better average than 10 years ago, 20 years ago and definitely 35 years ago (btw, absolutely no facts to back it up). I am now hoping the Centenary stand is quickly pulled down, a nice new stand built, slightly further back, shift the pitch up and over a bit, then build 3 more stands over the next 4-5 years. Sustainability, forget it, but additional revenue through another 7000-8000, with the social side improving most days and a couple of nice rooms as a venue for tea and sarnies or is it called networking events. Like most other clubs. Who wants gym, conference facilities, student apartments, shops, offices and so on.
New on here are you? Don’t worry you will soon get dragged down to our level! Although I admire your optimism, if only eh? 😁
|
|
|
Post by simonj on Sept 5, 2018 18:32:41 GMT
Despite it all though our crowds are holding ok. Better average than 10 years ago, 20 years ago and definitely 35 years ago (btw, absolutely no facts to back it up). I am now hoping the Centenary stand is quickly pulled down, a nice new stand built, slightly further back, shift the pitch up and over a bit, then build 3 more stands over the next 4-5 years. Sustainability, forget it, but additional revenue through another 7000-8000, with the social side improving most days and a couple of nice rooms as a venue for tea and sarnies or is it called networking events. Like most other clubs. Who wants gym, conference facilities, student apartments, shops, offices and so on.
New on here are you? Don’t worry you will soon get dragged down to our level! Although I admire your optimism, if only eh? 😁 Yes newish on here, was on the previous main site, got fed up, and dabble on the alternative site. First game in 1972, so seen a bit, heard and read a lot. The first post on here was bang on. To be a rovers fan was very special, adversity, against the odds, that’s what we do - well it’s what we did. We were special and the envy of so many, including that other lot, stuff them. If only our spirit could be regained, unfortunately it only seems to when we hit rock bottom. We aren’t there now, despite the views and what is read. I’ve watched a bit of Bristol rugby and sat in the dolman stand, they can keep that. I stand on the East Terrace get wet and cold but I love the gas.
|
|
|
Post by peterhooper57 on Sept 5, 2018 19:10:14 GMT
When we first went to Twerton the gates were small, however we regularly beat the s*** played in higher standard of football than we do today had a better team than we do today and our main objective was to move back to Bristol. Clubs like Swansea and Brighton were on their **** . After moving into the MEM during 1996 l personally thought the change would kick start BRFC, unfortunately since those times we seem to view dropping into the conference and eventually clawing our sell back to div 1 as being some sort of success. While we have been looking inwards the City have taken an enormous step forward, and my worry is if Waq continues to bury his head in the sand, Rovers will be left so far behind, new support will chose the dark side, consequently within a generation we could quite easily end up being just another Bradford Park Avenue.
|
|
|
Post by nailseamark on Sept 5, 2018 20:07:26 GMT
I used to argue with city fans about which team was better. Now I just avoid the banter because there's genuinely nothing I can say back to them. Our average away support is about as good as yours? Rickie lambert played for us? We could potentially be as good as you? There is no argument we can make. The club is a complete embarrassment, and if Darrel left I can't think of a single nice thing to say about the club. The fact we haven't broken are transfer record since 1996 is completely insane in these modern times. We have tents instead of stands. We invite back club legends but no one can hear what they say because the speakers don't work. We have terrible run out music. We haven't got a training ground. That scoreboard is embarrassing and pointless and looks like it's broken already. The club is in like a conference club I think out of all the grounds I've visited Alsershot is the most similar. Genuine question guys, who else in the football league has a ground as bad as ours?
|
|
|
Post by justin blue on Sept 5, 2018 20:23:28 GMT
This thread has resonated with me more than any I have read for years. This is not moaning it is voicing concern fans are worried that we are falling so far behind and not just compared to the 82ers, clubs we had never heard of 30 years ago are overtaking us. Despite it all though our crowds are holding ok. Better average than 10 years ago, 20 years ago and definitely 35 years ago (btw, absolutely no facts to back it up). I am now hoping the Centenary stand is quickly pulled down, a nice new stand built, slightly further back, shift the pitch up and over a bit, then build 3 more stands over the next 4-5 years. Sustainability, forget it, but additional revenue through another 7000-8000, with the social side improving most days and a couple of nice rooms as a venue for tea and sarnies or is it called networking events. Like most other clubs. Who wants gym, conference facilities, student apartments, shops, offices and so on.
Can't argue with regard to crowds there's no doubt we are a loyal bunch. However not wishing to shatter your illusions, but according to Tom Gorringe there will be no rebuild of the Mem.
|
|
|
Post by cabazeldegas on Sept 5, 2018 20:59:42 GMT
Re OP, depends what you want... do you want a plastic club followed by loads of people who only go to 'The Game' because it's cool? How many 'Lifelong' Prem fans do you see leaving a Big Game when it's 1-1 with 10 minutes to go to beat the traffic? Rovers will never die. We are what we are. Let's not kid ourselves, if the whole of Bristol was going to desert us they would have done a long time ago.
There is a big backlash against the whole bollox of the Prem and even the championship from many true football fans who see they are being used and screwed for money in every which way by 'their' clubs.
I believe there was recent survey saying that most prem clubs would still be solvent without fans revenue, yet they still charge mega bucks for everything. £60 for a kids shirt? Really? £75 for a match ticket? Lots of you lot moan because a cup of tea has gone up by 50p!!! Do you expect the owners to provide a food bank?
Mate of mine took his 3 boys to Spurs recently. Cost him £500 for one game. And then the top teams pay players £35,000-£500,000 a week and they would go at the drop of a hat for more (MORE?) money. Is that what we want for our club? I don't. I agree we need more transparency about club issues etc, but it's a glass ceiling. We're never going to be at the top table, and thank F##k for that (we might end up like Man Utd are now, or Liverpool have been like for the past 30 years! Miserable because you don't win every week and then complacent when you do because it's expected)
I'm gutted when we lose. I'm on cloud 9 when we win. That's the joy of football.
Be careful what you wish for...
|
|
|
Post by Midsomer Murderer on Sept 5, 2018 21:30:18 GMT
Re OP, depends what you want... do you want a plastic club followed by loads of people who only go to 'The Game' because it's cool? How many 'Lifelong' Prem fans do you see leaving a Big Game when it's 1-1 with 10 minutes to go to beat the traffic? Rovers will never die. We are what we are. Let's not kid ourselves, if the whole of Bristol was going to desert us they would have done a long time ago. There is a big backlash against the whole bollox of the Prem and even the championship from many true football fans who see they are being used and screwed for money in every which way by 'their' clubs. I believe there was recent survey saying that most prem clubs would still be solvent without fans revenue, yet they still charge mega bucks for everything. £60 for a kids shirt? Really? £75 for a match ticket? Lots of you lot moan because a cup of tea has gone up by 50p!!! Do you expect the owners to provide a food bank? Mate of mine took his 3 boys to Spurs recently. Cost him £500 for one game. And then the top teams pay players £35,000-£500,000 a week and they would go at the drop of a hat for more (MORE?) money. Is that what we want for our club? I don't. I agree we need more transparency about club issues etc, but it's a glass ceiling. We're never going to be at the top table, and thank F##k for that (we might end up like Man Utd are now, or Liverpool have been like for the past 30 years! Miserable because you don't win every week and then complacent when you do because it's expected) I'm gutted when we lose. I'm on cloud 9 when we win. That's the joy of football. Be careful what you wish for... I wish for the fun that's all. Not over analysing, over expecting just accept what we have which won't all that bad compared to our recent past
|
|
|
Post by bluestone on Sept 5, 2018 22:00:29 GMT
I used to argue with city fans about which team was better. Now I just avoid the banter because there's genuinely nothing I can say back to them. Our average away support is about as good as yours? Rickie lambert played for us? We could potentially be as good as you? There is no argument we can make. The club is a complete embarrassment, and if Darrel left I can't think of a single nice thing to say about the club. The fact we haven't broken are transfer record since 1996 is completely insane in these modern times. We have tents instead of stands. We invite back club legends but no one can hear what they say because the speakers don't work. We have terrible run out music. We haven't got a training ground. That scoreboard is embarrassing and pointless and looks like it's broken already. The club is in like a conference club I think out of all the grounds I've visited Alsershot is the most similar. Genuine question guys, who else in the football league has a ground as bad as ours? Well I'm certainly not embarrassed of Bristol Rovers, I'm proud to call myself a gashead even if we are a bit rag bag, although personally I believe we are shaking that image off albeit very slowly. This thread is embarrassing, not because of the OP because I liked what was written and fully agree with the sentiment of it, but most of the replies come across as "woe is me" and have a sense of hyperbolic despair, despondency and self pity. We really need to try and keep a sense of perspective. Are things all rosy in the garden, well no of course not but it's hardly the worst position rovers have been in is it. For me the only area I can try and make a positive impact is by lending my support to DC and the lads on Saturday to help them get a win on the board. If we do that and start climbing the table then everything will feel much better. UTG!
|
|
|
Post by justin blue on Sept 5, 2018 22:05:24 GMT
I so Hate all this think yourself lucky could be worst nonsense. We know it could we've been through worst. I don't want us to be Man U or Liverpool. I just want to see some signs of progress not sticking plasters.
|
|
|
Post by mattgashead on Sept 5, 2018 22:45:17 GMT
I’m going to offer a different POV on this, I’ve been supporting Rovers since my dad started taking me to games aged 6. He wasn’t a gashead then, he didn’t grow up in Bristol but he took me to the gas because I loved football and it was my local team.
While supporting Rovers may not seem that attractive at first look, I would much rather follow the gas than any other team. I have been to premier league games before and it’s not the same, they’re completely commercial, and many of the fans are tourists who just go tor the pictures. At the gas I feel a part of the club, and people need to realise we are in league 1, with a great manager. But the difference at our club is the passion, people actually care about the club. And that’s why we all go isn’t it, not to see world beating players but to be a part of the club, and get behind the players representing it.
|
|
|
Post by axegas on Sept 5, 2018 23:04:18 GMT
Also something to add to this is that Bristol as a city has grown massively over the last 30 years. The urban area of Bristol is home to 724,000 and apart from city, there isn’t any more major teams in a area that stretches from North Somerset to South Gloucestershire. The area is more than big enough to support the both of us and this is why Rovers have always survived over the years at a decent level when really they ought not to have done.
Just a new stadium in itself will allow us to attract 10,000+ crowds and have a bright future but even without this we will continue to exist as a L1/2 club with 7,000 odd on a match day. I hope more than anything that we can harness at least some of the potential our great city has given this and not merely aim to exist but to thrive, this has always been a dream of many of us but whether the owners can achieve this is up for debate. Being a gashead is often a bumpy ride but I continue to love the club just the same.
|
|