Hotchilidog
Well-known member
- Jan 24, 2009
- 9,120
Yes but how did those people become A+ members….
Also, given the ad hoc nature of sharing an ST card they have no way of knowing how common it is. In my case it was very common and has lead to plenty more revenue streams opening up to the club (ie one of the people I brought in has brought a LOT more people through and added value to the club in other ways).
Given the nature of the modern game, the expense, the fluid nature of the fixture list the conversion of the casual fan to a STH is less likely these days. It does take more of a commitment to get a ticket and purchasing a membership is now seen by most clubs as the most convenient way to facilitate this. Just looked at the website and the prices have now been reduced to £15 DD or £18 lump sum down from £25/£28 respectively. Being an A+ member this season will pretty much guarantee a seat at any game given we rarely sell out instantly and also the opportunity to take up a mate's ticket at a reduced rate should their mate be part of the sharing scheme. I would agree with the club that an A+ member is more likely to be converted than a casual fan who has been lent a ticket for an odd game, (no-one I lent a ticket too was converted this way, they just welcomed the rare opportunity to go to a game)
Whilst I would agree it's not as good as the old way, it's hardly the end of the world or terribly unreasonable of the club to pursue this model particularly in this economic climate. Given that ST prices have been frozen yet again, the cost of the sharing scheme and A+ memberships have more than been covered in my view.
After a tough beginning to our premier league tenure we finally look like we may achieve our initial goal of becoming an established top flight team, building a base from which we can pursue loftier ambitions. To achieve those ambitions it costs money and by sparing STH price increases at the moment and using these discretionary schemes to bring in additional revenue I think they have got it right. When digital ticketing came in and we lost the ability to share tickets in the old way I was also miffed, but I'm over it now. The football is brilliant at the moment and I am loving every minute of it, I just do not see this is a major issue .