Paul Barber - Empty Seats - Detailed Response from the man himself

[Alex Alex Dawson oo! oo!]

I'd like to see a section of the ground put aside for young school children to watch the match free or for a couple of quid each (for games with expected lower attendance). Choose a couple of different schools each week and give them 50 tickets each - I'm sure that a few will get hooked for life.

The Albion already do this. One of our local primary schools (Loxwood) came to a game last season and had a great time, although getting sufficient parents/helpers to accompany and transport the kids was an issue. They are planning to return this year but the problem isn't BHA, it's partly the schools themselves but from what I've seen at Loxwood, it's getting enough adults along to look after the kids and the transport, particularly cost.

 

[ferring seagull]

Over the months there has been a considerable amount of what, to my mind, completely unjustifiable criticism of Paul Barber.

He is doing a sterling job of a (from some fans' point of view) hugely difficult task in balancing the Albion budget. The guy obviously has huge experience in this field and has proved to be receptive to communication and to ideas from the fan base. At the end of this season I am sure we will be there or thereabouts on the playing field but I am certain we will be in line with regard to FFP.

The OP was excellent and the response was equal to that, but, we must all not lose sight of the fact that the Albion is now a huge project (Ship ?) and, like the Queen Mary, cannot necessarily respond instantly to tweeks to the helm.

Good luck Albion and PB !

 

[Eksman]

Nicely done there!

 

[Sloe Joe]

Shows the measure of PB - he always responds to emails within a short time in a courteous and measured way.
Basically, we are fortunate to have him in charge whatever your views which he does genuinely take heed of.

 

[Seagull on the wing]

Over the months there has been a considerable amount of what, to my mind, completely unjustifiable criticism of Paul Barber.

He is doing a sterling job of a (from some fans' point of view) hugely difficult task in balancing the Albion budget. The guy obviously has huge experience in this field and has proved to be receptive to communication and to ideas from the fan base. At the end of this season I am sure we will be there or thereabouts on the playing field but I am certain we will be in line with regard to FFP.

The OP was excellent and the response was equal to that, but, we must all not lose sight of the fact that the Albion is now a huge project (Ship ?) and, like the Queen Mary, cannot necessarily respond instantly to tweeks to the helm.

Good luck Albion and PB !

Agree with what you have written.....and some of the empty seats are ST holders who for some reason cannot attend...but they are seats that are paid for. PB is doing a great job.

 

[severnside gull]

Well done kingcole. It's good to know that someone is coming forward with good ideas for keeping the ground as full as possible.

I'd like to see a section of the ground put aside for young school children to watch the match free or for a couple of quid each (for games with expected lower attendance). Choose a couple of different schools each week and give them 50 tickets each - I'm sure that a few will get hooked for life.

that was rhe idea for the northwest balcony with school groups able to use it, or so I was told. No idea why it hasnt happened. (edit: just seen the post above explaining that schools/parents might be part of the issue)

 

[TheMajor]

The Albion already do this. One of our local primary schools (Loxwood) came to a game last season and had a great time, although getting sufficient parents/helpers to accompany and transport the kids was an issue. They are planning to return this year but the problem isn't BHA, it's partly the schools themselves but from what I've seen at Loxwood, it's getting enough adults along to look after the kids and the transport, particularly cost.

I didn't know this - can see your point about adults and costs etc. I hope the Albion pursue this as an option working together with the schools.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

that was rhe idea for the northwest balcony with school groups able to use it, or so I was told. No idea why it hasnt happened. (edit: just seen the post above explaining that schools/parents might be part of the issue)

I suspect this shelf area is eventually going to be used to rehouse 1901ers whose central seats are priced for the corporate market once the 5 year deal is up.