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Post by robinreliant on Apr 19, 2014 18:00:07 GMT
Sorry, but the internet seemed to have expired at the welsh border, hence my late response to your targeted and concise reply once back in the real world.
I'm delighted that our comments have drawn a response from the chair of the SC; it's such a shame that our illustrious Chief Executive is so dismissive of the largest display of current supporter opinion, instead choosing to take the view that it's solely the rantings of two maniacs.
I wasn't aiming my comments, regarding the members of the SC and their reasons behind standing, at the positive and proactive members; rather it was a lighthearted swipe at the non-attending members who view their membership of the SC as a box-ticking exercise in their social standing within the club.
We keyboard warriors try to understand the club decisions that have a major impact on our lives as supporters, but seem to have the common opinion that the club pays lip service to our input, via the SC, and doesn't welcome critical comment however constructive.
It does show the gulf between the club and its supporters, unfortunately.
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Post by OldStokie on Apr 19, 2014 19:24:06 GMT
- Disability No major issues from MM. The only concern was the sale of shirts online can't take up offer if disabled, advised that JWV will follow this up. Ahem... and six season ticket holders walk away from the club because of the new rules and regs that stop a carer who has been a supporter since the 70's upgrading the disabled ticket to an adult, therefore making him pay full price on the day if he wants to take my four season-ticket holding grandsons in if I can't go. But it doesn't matter. You look after that fucking 12th man flag and your loyalty cards. I'll save myself almost a grand and a lot of hassle. OS.
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Post by miggo on Apr 20, 2014 11:52:38 GMT
I have read the comments on this thread with great interest. I make the following suggestions. Every mail received at chair@scfcsc.co.uk is read, responded to and addressed with the club. We have a meeting with the club prior to the Spurs game on Saturday so if you wish to put your comments to the club on this or any other matter that is the best route. The comments on questions not being raised concern me and again I would appreciate these points being clarified by mail and I will address them as a matter of urgency. The good news is that elections for the Council take place in June and anyone can apply to replace some of the existing members. Anyone who feels they can do better or just wants to assist is most welcome. I am disappointed that some of you feel that we as a council emerge with "no credit" as a result of this. I can assure you that we did everything we could to get the club to realise the strength of feeling re the 4 month option. We were told that it was simply no longer an option. It is often easier to knock something rather than try to do something positive. Finally, I think to take a pop at individuals on the council whilst hiding behind a keyboard and using a pseudonym is pretty poor given that these individuals give up their time and are actually on your side. We all want the same, the best for all of us, the fans of the club. Happy Easter and thanks for your thoughts Hi Ange. Did Mr Scholes say the names of who he was refering about the Oatie board? If not was he questioned about what he was saying? Cheers. Ang, I too would like clarification on TS comments, like SS I don't like the way we were simply dismissed and felt his comments were out of line (assuming he was talking about me and SS). As someone who has had a ST for many years and spent hundreds and thousands of pounds following this club up and down the country over the years I don't expect to be labelled or dismissed just because I post on the oatie. His choice of words were very poor and given his role at the club you would think he would know better, it also shows he cares none for the individual supporters who have issues and is not even interested in justifying his/the clubs decisions. As a couple have already mentioned the point should be pressed by the council that other clubs are still able to offer the 4 month option using the same company that we are so why was it that the club chose to ignore this option I do think that the council should be doing some research before these meetings so that you are prepared to challenge what TS is saying rather than accepting his comments at face value. Also considering the club is so anti this message board and have warned the council against it, what are the club doing to address the situation and discuss issues with its supporters the Facebook and twitter accounts are not really the platform to do this as they do not allow a discussion to take place and let's be honest the club are very poor at using them basically making an announcement two to three days after something that has already been posted on here. This is the largest community of supporters so I'm not sure where else they would expect you to gage opinion from the clubs fan base? Could the club not improve its relationship with the posters of this board by communicating through yourselves maybe have a weekly/monthly thread with genuine issues that we feel need to be raised this could include polls etc to raise the most important issues ? Just my opinion but I feel a lot of good can be done for the clubs and your perception amongst the rest of the supporter base by improving communications, I'm an avid Facebook, Twitter and Oatie user but don't feel this is enough for you to raise the issues that we want raising. Be careful in being so defensive and expect criticism on occasion as for me coming on here and starting to accuse the 'keyboard warrior' will only alienate you from the general supporter base and will make you no better than the club are at engaging the clubs loyal supporters and this would be my only criticism.
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Post by ST5-POTTER on Apr 20, 2014 15:18:24 GMT
Just a point from me.
I ain't gonna knock the SC as they do this in their spare time and get no reward for it and I'm sure the majority do it for the love of the club. (Wouldn't mind taking part myself)
Anyway on to the point in hand,,,, firstly my MAJOR issue with all of this was communication. let's face it, if the club do not want to offer something (4 month installment plan) then they do not have to. Seemingly not the best thing to do but ultimately it's their business in the same way that Tesco do clubcards and asda don't, each to their own business needs and all that. However why oh why was this not mentioned previously until it was early bird time. In the same way that if Tesco stopped clubcards they wouldn't just stop them today they would announce it in advance and let everyone know etc. Secondly whoever runs the SC twitter feed (ange is that you?) replied to me on the 21/03 when I asked if this change had been discussed with fans and I was told "of course it has" and when I asked when this was done and on what media platform I received no answer. So someone somewhere is telling porkie pies. Others on twitter agreed with me that they had not heard of any fan consultation about the removal of the 4 monthly plan. I would still like an answer to this, given I've not come across one single Stokie who knew it was not being offered again.
Moving on the Mr Scholes, I'm not gonna verbally bash him either I'll leave that to MoMo but he's either... 1 very very ill informed regarding this plan considering we've been told "it's not an option" which begs the question that surely he (chief exec of the club) should know this stuff or have someone on hand to inform him. Or 2, he has blatantly lied to supporters in saying it's not legal when other clubs are running it WITH THE SAME FINANCE COMPANY THE CLUB ARE USING. Which gives one the opinion that the club have done it to possblly save some money or increase revenue somewhere?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 16:07:46 GMT
A couple of points: * As has been stated a few times already. The scheme would only be illegal if the offerer - and/or the scheme itself - were unregistered. We didn't want to, appears a more accurate assessment of the situation. * The bit in the minutes no one is mentioning (on this thread) is: "In general terms the Supporters Council need to consider how involved – both in terms of time, commitment and regularity they wish to be in their communication function with the Club. Ultimately, the Club must make the decision – but do the Supporters Council want to be informed of details every step of the way – or deal in principle, policies and overview."I've heard that one before. The answer can only be either, "when is the next meeting, I'll bring the information I have collected?" or "principle, policies and overview". - Disability No major issues from MM. The only concern was the sale of shirts online can't take up offer if disabled, advised that JWV will follow this up. Ahem... and six season ticket holders walk away from the club because of the new rules and regs that stop a carer who has been a supporter since the 70's upgrading the disabled ticket to an adult, therefore making him pay full price on the day if he wants to take my four season-ticket holding grandsons in if I can't go. But it doesn't matter. You look after that fucking 12th man flag and your loyalty cards. I'll save myself almost a grand and a lot of hassle. OS. That's really rough, OS They always f**k some rule or other up, not thinking what the unintended consequence will be for someone. Certainly was a time when you could have gone for a chat with someone at the club and got it sorted. Worth a go? (Did you contact Paul, at SCWIM, about it?) Hope you can get it sorted.
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Post by Paul Spencer on Apr 20, 2014 20:27:21 GMT
- Disability No major issues from MM. The only concern was the sale of shirts online can't take up offer if disabled, advised that JWV will follow this up. Ahem... and six season ticket holders walk away from the club because of the new rules and regs that stop a carer who has been a supporter since the 70's upgrading the disabled ticket to an adult, therefore making him pay full price on the day if he wants to take my four season-ticket holding grandsons in if I can't go. But it doesn't matter. You look after that fucking 12th man flag and your loyalty cards. I'll save myself almost a grand and a lot of hassle. OS.
Bloody hell Mick, I wasn't aware of this ... how very, very sad.
Are the SC on top of this?
Hope so fella.
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Post by sheikhmomo on Apr 20, 2014 20:42:18 GMT
- Disability No major issues from MM. The only concern was the sale of shirts online can't take up offer if disabled, advised that JWV will follow this up. Ahem... and six season ticket holders walk away from the club because of the new rules and regs that stop a carer who has been a supporter since the 70's upgrading the disabled ticket to an adult, therefore making him pay full price on the day if he wants to take my four season-ticket holding grandsons in if I can't go. But it doesn't matter. You look after that fucking 12th man flag and your loyalty cards. I'll save myself almost a grand and a lot of hassle. OS. Please be 'cautious' when reading this post, it is clearly 'negative' and the views not 'widely held'. This poster contributes to 'a wide variety of threads' (including those about wet slippers). The 'danger' and 'potential' here is that he is making me out to look a right arsehole. Rgds T. Scholes (with the full backing of the SCFCSC)
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Post by Pugsley on Apr 20, 2014 20:46:00 GMT
I have read the comments on this thread with great interest. I make the following suggestions. Every mail received at chair@scfcsc.co.uk is read, responded to and addressed with the club. We have a meeting with the club prior to the Spurs game on Saturday so if you wish to put your comments to the club on this or any other matter that is the best route. The comments on questions not being raised concern me and again I would appreciate these points being clarified by mail and I will address them as a matter of urgency. The good news is that elections for the Council take place in June and anyone can apply to replace some of the existing members. Anyone who feels they can do better or just wants to assist is most welcome. I am disappointed that some of you feel that we as a council emerge with "no credit" as a result of this. I can assure you that we did everything we could to get the club to realise the strength of feeling re the 4 month option. We were told that it was simply no longer an option. It is often easier to knock something rather than try to do something positive. Finally, I think to take a pop at individuals on the council whilst hiding behind a keyboard and using a pseudonym is pretty poor given that these individuals give up their time and are actually on your side. We all want the same, the best for all of us, the fans of the club. Happy Easter and thanks for your thoughts As usual when the going gets tough for the SC out trots the line "and anyone can apply to replace some of the existing members. Anyone who feels they can do better or just wants to assist is most welcome..." YOU put yourselves forward, represent the fans. How much money does the club make on the 12 month plan? Do they get commission from the Finance company? As for the comments re. the oatcake, if no one from the council took Scholes to task on this then the SC has lost the scrap of credibility it was clinging to. Scholes seems to take joy in running roughshod over Stoke City supporters while their so called representatives sit back and lap up the tea and hob knobs.
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Post by OldStokie on Apr 20, 2014 21:03:22 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M.
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Post by Stafford-Stokie on Apr 20, 2014 21:07:41 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M. Very sad that they treat long standing and future support in this way. This really does need addressing.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 21:08:07 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M. This is exactly what the supporters council is here for, or should be here for. I hope they help you with your problem, if not to bring you back....to prevent it happening again. I won't hold my breath though.
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Post by scfcno1fan on Apr 20, 2014 21:10:03 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M. Why does commonsense not seem to apply to our club in near enough any situation. Absolutely baffling.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Apr 20, 2014 21:13:16 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M. Mick I quite understand if you've had enough. But just say you'll let someone try to sort this out for you. I'll be happy to contact the club myself and try to get someone to see sense if all else fails. Have you asked anyone to intervene on behalf of you and the family? It isn't too late to sort it out - until they have the "swap week" all the seats should still be available. PM me if you are happy for someone to help you. John
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Post by Paul Spencer on Apr 20, 2014 21:15:25 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M. Very sad that they treat long standing and future support in this way. This really does need addressing.
Hit the nail very much on the head here Stafford ... it's long standing and future support we're talking about here.
Sadly it appears the Supporters Council aren't prepared to engage the supporter base in dialogue on the most viewed supporter platform available.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Apr 20, 2014 21:28:55 GMT
Very sad that they treat long standing and future support in this way. This really does need addressing.
Hit the nail very much on the head here Stafford ... it's long standing and future support we're talking about here.
Sadly it appears the Supporters Council aren't prepared to engage the supporter base in dialogue on the most viewed supporter platform available.
A bit harsh premature , Paul. We don't now if the Supporters Council knew about Mick's problems, we don't even know yet whether they have read what's been put on here tonight. Let's see what happens now Mick has had his rant (and a very good one it was, fuelled by marmalade no doubt ) If Angela or someone from the council doesn't respond by tomorrow am, I'll contact her and draw her attention to it.
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Post by Paul Spencer on Apr 20, 2014 21:52:30 GMT
Hit the nail very much on the head here Stafford ... it's long standing and future support we're talking about here.
Sadly it appears the Supporters Council aren't prepared to engage the supporter base in dialogue on the most viewed supporter platform available.
A bit harsh premature , Paul. We don't now if the Supporters Council knew about Mick's problems, we don't even know yet whether they have read what's been put on here tonight. Let's see what happens now Mick has had his rant (and a very good one it was, fuelled by marmalade no doubt ) If Angela or someone from the council doesn't respond by tomorrow am, I'll contact her and draw her attention to it.
I don't think it's premature John ... I was referencing the Supporters Council failure to address the questions/issues raised on this thread on OTHER issues, before Mick's problem had even come to light.
Based on their reluctance to engage supporters on this platform so far, supporters in quite large numbers that is, is it really premature to suggest that it will be a surprise if they start getting busy on a single voice, who's brought his issue to light via this platform also?
The point is more to do with their reluctance to respond/engage with supporters via the Oatcake than it was to do with their reluctance to address the issue(s) per se.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 21:58:41 GMT
Mick had posted quite sometime ago regards his issues and more importantly before the SC meeting and still fuck all was mentioned.
I even messaged them with concerns over my disabled daughter as to how she is treated 'virtually blind and has to go through a door that seems like a country fucking mile away from the block we then have to go through.
Getting knocked from pillar to post because she's virtually blind and nothing even got mentioned at that meeting.
Fortunately we've been through the door lately closer to the block we need but I await next time when told we cannot go through this door and will need go through the one further away.
Waste if fcuking space.
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Post by OldStokie on Apr 20, 2014 22:10:36 GMT
Andy; Paul... you would not believe the shit I've had this season since they brought out the card system. The first four games were a nightmare... first they let us through the turnestiles and then they wouldn't. And then they would and then they wouldn't. Finally they decided, even though I'm abulent disabled, all six of us had to go through the big double doors. We got used to that. Then I wasn't well and Tone took the boys. The stewards refused him entry because I wasn't with him. He went to the ticket office and tried to upgrade my disabled ticket to an adult. They told him he couldn't and had got to buy a full price ticket, and even then, although he's on the computer (or should be before I got my disabled ticket because he's been a full price paying season ticket holder for years) he was told he had to give all his details to get a membership card before they'd sell him a ticket. He just walked away disgusted and whenever I've not been well since, none of us have gone. I did go down to the ticket office and try to sort it. They verified that the disabled ticket couldn't be upgraded (although Tone could upgrade one of the kids if they didn't go) and the carer's ticket was invalid if I didn't go, and told me to contact somebody (I think it was the ticket office manager but I forget his name. Josh Whittaker?) I asked if I could see him while I was there. I was told he doesn't see people just like that and I should write a letter and give it to them and he'd contact me. I'm the wrong person to say that to. So, I decided that I'd had enough of all this shit and told Tone I was calling it a day. So he's called it a day as well, and we've all decided to do something else on our Saturday afternoons. Not fuck off up the Vale though. M. Mick I quite understand if you've had enough. But just say you'll let someone try to sort this out for you. I'll be happy to contact the club myself and try to get someone to see sense if all else fails. Have you asked anyone to intervene on behalf of you and the family? It isn't too late to sort it out - until they have the "swap week" all the seats should still be available. PM me if you are happy for someone to help you. John Thank you John... but I'm not interested now. Let me just say that Stoke giving a carer a free ticket is commendable, but the one thing they seem to have forgotten is that disabled fans don't just pluck any fucker off the streets to accompany them. As you know, my carer, Tone, has been a supporter since the 70's and a season ticket holder in his own right for many years before I was poorly. Before the card system was brought out he just handed his carer ticket in from his book and took the four boys in. In fact I asked at the ticket office if he could do that before we even asked to have a carer's ticket and was told that he was entitled to go in without me. He wasn't trying to defraud the club. If the club had told us that a carer couldn't go in without the disabled person with them, then he would gladly have bought a season ticket in his own right and we would have had no problems. It's since the cards were introduced that, for some reason, the club seem to have taken the attitude that some bugger is trying to defraud them. Just think about it. I'm with him and we fill two seats. I'm not well and can't go and two seats remain empty. Plus, of course, the four boys' seats are also empty because they're not old enough to go in unescorted. My carer is also their escort. The reason I've got my back up is because I've not been too well this season, and because I can't pick and choose when I'm not well enough to go, that means all six seats have remained empty on about five occasions. I might be old and piss on my slippers, but I'm not an idiot and going to chuck money at the club just because they think this fucking Premiership is God's gift to everyone. Me and Tone are done with it all, and the boys will make their own minds up when they're old enough to go on their own. Or they might not do. I hope they do... not because I want them to be subserviant to the club and these crackpots making up new rules as they go along, but to enjoy the craic that me and Tone enjoyed with fellow fans before SCFC became an entity directed by fucking idiots who have little idea what it really is all about. Write letters to some jobsworth at the club! Not on your fucking nelly! I've gone through enough grief as a supporter (including standing in the piss soaking wet rain at Bloomfield Road supporting the lads in red and white) that he should be on his fucking knees knocking on my door begging me to go. But I don't expect that to happen. M.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2014 22:19:14 GMT
Mick had posted quite sometime ago regards his issues and more importantly before the SC meeting and still fuck all was mentioned. I even messaged them with concerns over my disabled daughter as to how she is treated 'virtually blind and has to go through a door that seems like a country fucking mile away from the block we then have to go through. Getting knocked from pillar to post because she's virtually blind and nothing even got mentioned at that meeting. Fortunately we've been through the door lately closer to the block we need but I await next time when told we cannot go through this door and will need go through the one further away. Waste if fcuking space. Quite right too. I remember this ( even if pissy slippers doesn't ) However regardless of the process the club's system is shite, unwieldly and not user friendly for many . Fucking pieces of crap plastic GD
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Post by OldStokie on Apr 20, 2014 22:23:51 GMT
I do remember, David. Have you got your kryptonite plus membership card yet? OS.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2014 3:22:08 GMT
... It's since the cards were introduced that, for some reason, the club seem to have taken the attitude that some bugger is trying to defraud them ... They've always had that attitude, OS. I think the cards just let them add action to the attitude. I spent too much time, back in my SC Rep days, trying to find out why Mr X was being excluded from games, or why Mrs Z had been chucked out, or why Mr P was refused entry the previous Saturday, or why carrying a rolled up programme would get you banned but reading an open one wouldn't. Quite genuinely, it often felt like the club wanted everyone to pay, but no one to turn up. The only reason it has taken the club this long to get a card-entry system, is because it's only now they have the money. Disabled & Carers: I know SCWIM spent silly amounts of time sorting individual cases. I don't know why it was/is always so hard for the club? I do know Paul (SCWIM at the time) got immensely fed up with having to deal with all of the hassle (though he did save the club having to pay someone to try to sort it out!). ... but the one thing they seem to have forgotten is that disabled fans don't just pluck any fucker off the streets to accompany them. ... They can't have forgotten it, OS; they never knew it in the first place. That is exactly how they look at Carer-Tickets. A carer is someone who did not want to go to watch the football, but who has no choice because they must accompany their charge, who does want to watch it.
While a carer who wanted to go to watch the football - but does so while assisting someone else to do the same - is just blagging cheap entry to the ground and will be paying full price as often as the club can make that happenIt's never been any different, OS. Technology merely allows them to more easily implement what previously was too hard to enforce. And - like John - I'm forced to end with some nannying (though I am one to talk!): Biting off your nose to spite your face, is fine; I do it all the time too! Biting off the grandkids as well? I know your Tone will be just as unhappy as you; but sometimes you have to rise above it and just carry on supporting the club, despite the hurdles the club's carers put in your way. Anyway, glad we won't be reading tales of you and yours watching the great unwashed, hope in the end you and the club can get it sorted. Cheers
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Apr 21, 2014 5:33:35 GMT
They can't have forgotten it, OS; they never knew it in the first place. That is exactly how they look at Carer-Tickets. A carer is someone who did not want to go to watch the football, but who has no choice because they must accompany their charge, who does want to watch it.
While a carer who wanted to go to watch the football - but does so while assisting someone else to do the same - is just blagging cheap entry to the ground and will be paying full price as often as the club can make that happen [/u] It's never been any different, OS. Technology merely allows them to more easily implement what previously was too hard to enforce. [/quote] I think this is my fault. It stems from the days when I asked Terry Hughes' late father - the wonderful "H", if he would let me be his carer instead of Terry. The deal would be that I would give him half the cost of the season ticket which I would no longer need to pay for. "H" seemed quite keen on the idea (or at least keen on the money) but in the end his conscience wouldn't let him go through with it. Life's a bitch sometimes!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2014 6:46:54 GMT
I think this is my fault. It stems from the days when I asked Terry Hughes' late father - the wonderful "H", if he would let me be his carer instead of Terry. The deal would be that I would give him half the cost of the season ticket which I would no longer need to pay for. "H" seemed quite keen on the idea (or at least keen on the money) but in the end his conscience wouldn't let him go through with it. Life's a bitch sometimes! Tongue in cheek, I know, John; but that would be exactly the kind of example the club would quote, to show how Carer-Tickets were abused. And why they have to clamp down on it. And that's fine; if one only considers the carer and not the cared for. OS's situation is exactly the same as your offer to H. A person who was paying full-price is now not paying full price, because they are - in the eyes of the club - blagging a cheap ticket as a carer. I honestly used to feel that was the important thing to the club. Not that a person who otherwise - without a carer - would not have been able to attend, could now attend; but that a person who was already paying full price to attend, was now able to attend for less. It almost appeared to be an extension of the tests that have to be passed, before you can buy a disabled ticket. So not only do you need documentary proof that you are blind; you also (almost) need to prove that your carer wouldn't be prepared to pay full price for his/her ticket, were they not accompanying you. A sad situation all round.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Apr 21, 2014 7:08:31 GMT
I think this is my fault. It stems from the days when I asked Terry Hughes' late father - the wonderful "H", if he would let me be his carer instead of Terry. The deal would be that I would give him half the cost of the season ticket which I would no longer need to pay for. "H" seemed quite keen on the idea (or at least keen on the money) but in the end his conscience wouldn't let him go through with it. Life's a bitch sometimes! Tongue in cheek, I know, John; but that would be exactly the kind of example the club would quote, to show how Carer-Tickets were abused. And why they have to clamp down on it. And that's fine; if one only considers the carer and not the cared for. OS's situation is exactly the same as your offer to H. A person who was paying full-price is now not paying full price, because they are - in the eyes of the club - blagging a cheap ticket as a carer. I honestly used to feel that was the important thing to the club. Not that a person who otherwise - without a carer - would not have been able to attend, could now attend; but that a person who was already paying full price to attend, was now able to attend for less. It almost appeared to be an extension of the tests that have to be passed, before you can buy a disabled ticket. So not only do you need documentary proof that you are blind; you also (almost) need to prove that your carer wouldn't be prepared to pay full price for his/her ticket, were they not accompanying you. A sad situation all round. I agree with all of that. I could almost have some sympathy for a club in the lower leagues who were trying to keep their heads above water, if they adopted this stance. But Stoke, like all Premier League clubs, could let all its customers (home and away)in for free this season and still (because of the increased TV deal) have a higher income than they had last season - note to Tony Scholes, I'm making a point, not suggesting you actually do let us all in for free. They'll point to the fact that they made a loss last season, of course, but that is down to some poor player deals over the past few seasons not down to being too lax with the "policing" of carers of disabled fans. It really is lucky that they are a football club and not a supermarket. If my local supermarket wound me up in the same way, my custom would soon go to the one down the road - in my case 18 miles down the road. I'm gutted that Old Stokie's extended family won't be joining me in the Boothen next season - not least because they represent the past, present and future of the club. But I can understand it - so I'm not going to keep on at him to change his mind - even though it goes against the grain not to give him a hard time.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2014 8:11:19 GMT
I do remember, David. Have you got your kryptonite plus membership card yet? OS. Yes I do have my nice bit of red plastic with the pretty Team logo on it but my wife, nipper and delilah doesn't. What it has meant though is this is the first season for as long as I can remember I haven't seen Stoke play. Me and Demid do other stuff on a weekend now and the spontaniety of deciding to go to the game has ceased. Even if we did, last year we had trouble getting seats together. I also used to get others to buy me tickets but I'm not sure you can do that now. To be honest I've saved a fortune GD
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Post by johnsmithsupper on Apr 21, 2014 8:21:59 GMT
Tongue in cheek, I know, John; but that would be exactly the kind of example the club would quote, to show how Carer-Tickets were abused. And why they have to clamp down on it. And that's fine; if one only considers the carer and not the cared for. OS's situation is exactly the same as your offer to H. A person who was paying full-price is now not paying full price, because they are - in the eyes of the club - blagging a cheap ticket as a carer. I honestly used to feel that was the important thing to the club. Not that a person who otherwise - without a carer - would not have been able to attend, could now attend; but that a person who was already paying full price to attend, was now able to attend for less. It almost appeared to be an extension of the tests that have to be passed, before you can buy a disabled ticket. So not only do you need documentary proof that you are blind; you also (almost) need to prove that your carer wouldn't be prepared to pay full price for his/her ticket, were they not accompanying you. A sad situation all round. I agree with all of that. I could almost have some sympathy for a club in the lower leagues who were trying to keep their heads above water, if they adopted this stance. But Stoke, like all Premier League clubs, could let all its customers (home and away)in for free this season and still (because of the increased TV deal) have a higher income than they had last season - note to Tony Scholes, I'm making a point, not suggesting you actually do let us all in for free. They'll point to the fact that they made a loss last season, of course, but that is down to some poor player deals over the past few seasons not down to being too lax with the "policing" of carers of disabled fans. It really is lucky that they are a football club and not a supermarket. If my local supermarket wound me up in the same way, my custom would soon go to the one down the road - in my case 18 miles down the road. I'm gutted that Old Stokie's extended family won't be joining me in the Boothen next season - not least because they represent the past, present and future of the club. But I can understand it - so I'm not going to keep on at him to change his mind - even though it goes against the grain not to give him a hard time. The trouble is it looks like those seats will be lost for good because there appears to have been a large number of new st holders
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Post by miggo on Apr 21, 2014 9:48:26 GMT
Tongue in cheek, I know, John; but that would be exactly the kind of example the club would quote, to show how Carer-Tickets were abused. And why they have to clamp down on it. And that's fine; if one only considers the carer and not the cared for. OS's situation is exactly the same as your offer to H. A person who was paying full-price is now not paying full price, because they are - in the eyes of the club - blagging a cheap ticket as a carer. I honestly used to feel that was the important thing to the club. Not that a person who otherwise - without a carer - would not have been able to attend, could now attend; but that a person who was already paying full price to attend, was now able to attend for less. It almost appeared to be an extension of the tests that have to be passed, before you can buy a disabled ticket. So not only do you need documentary proof that you are blind; you also (almost) need to prove that your carer wouldn't be prepared to pay full price for his/her ticket, were they not accompanying you. A sad situation all round. I agree with all of that. I could almost have some sympathy for a club in the lower leagues who were trying to keep their heads above water, if they adopted this stance. But Stoke, like all Premier League clubs, could let all its customers (home and away)in for free this season and still (because of the increased TV deal) have a higher income than they had last season - note to Tony Scholes, I'm making a point, not suggesting you actually do let us all in for free. They'll point to the fact that they made a loss last season, of course, but that is down to some poor player deals over the past few seasons not down to being too lax with the "policing" of carers of disabled fans. It really is lucky that they are a football club and not a supermarket. If my local supermarket wound me up in the same way, my custom would soon go to the one down the road - in my case 18 miles down the road. I'm gutted that Old Stokie's extended family won't be joining me in the Boothen next season - not least because they represent the past, present and future of the club. But I can understand it - so I'm not going to keep on at him to change his mind - even though it goes against the grain not to give him a hard time. Such a shame that long standing supporters are having to deal with this bureaucratic bullshit, it seems more stories like this come out every year I agree that it now seems the club could not care less if it looses it's long standing fan base as they know that as long as we stay in the PL they can re sell on the ST. This unfortunately is life in the premier league a soulless, careless place where the individual voice is drowned out by the masses and as long as the money keeps rolling in the club will not give a damn and why all this 'I am Stoke' crap is exactly that a bullshit media campaign dreamed up by those that have lost touch with the everyday fan to give the perception that we are actually part of something special. I wonder how fast a situation like this would be resolved at Pompey or even closer to home Vale where the club depend on the fans to pay the bills. The SC must be made aware of all situations like this if not to help this case then help the next case that comes along or even maybe just maybe help the club stay grounded and in touch with us the fans that help get this club to the promised land of British football. I love this club and love being in the premier league but fear the longer we stay in this league the more the fans lose their voice and opinion and with it the club looses it's soul. Sent from my C6603 using proboards
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Post by OldStokie on Apr 21, 2014 9:51:52 GMT
'The trouble is it looks like those seats will be lost for good because there appears to have been a large number of new st holders' Correct jsu. But God forgive we ever get relegated, because it's only then that issues like mine will count. That's what this is really all about. This is The Prem and they'll do as they please. The club weren't acting like this when there was 12,000 going through the turnstiles. Andy, I haven't cut the kids' noses off to spite my face. I'm not like that. We had a family discussion, and knowing the circumstances, my grandkids have decided that their pocket money going up pro rata to what they would have had in season ticket money is sufficient to make up for not going. Which begs the question. How many kids go to the game just because their parents insist they go? They have so many choices to do other things these days that given a choice, I'd like to bet that a large proportion of them would choose to do those other things, especially when they are at or just getting to that teenage stage. And now I'll leave this thread. BTW, to all those on the SC, my gripe is not with you. Nor with SCWIM. There's only so much you can do, and you'd be overwhelmed if you had to deal with every gripe that came up. Bring out the flag. I am Stoke! OS.
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Post by ange1 on Apr 21, 2014 10:57:55 GMT
I have read all the recent posts and will again bring up the points mentioned. The situation re the disabled supporters and entrance has been brought to the attention of the club on 3 separate occasions and also with the person in charge of this section who is employed by the club. Can I suggest that as well as myself bringing this to the club's attention again that you e mail supporter liaison too please?
As for who was consulted q , again the club informed us as they did on the 4 month plan that steps had been taken. Clearly the 4 month option has to be clarified and I will suggest that it is reinstated next season.
I will bring up every point mentioned in this thread on Saturday and I will try to get the answers, and the actions that we all want. It gives me no pleasure having to continually go back over old ground and we are aware that the communication with the club and to the fans can be greatly improved. We are trying and will continue to do so.
I really hope that some of you who share the same passion as myself for our club consider standing for the council.
Thanks as ever for your comments.
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Post by Lakeland Potter on Apr 21, 2014 11:12:22 GMT
I have read all the recent posts and will again bring up the points mentioned. The situation re the disabled supporters and entrance has been brought to the attention of the club on 3 separate occasions and also with the person in charge of this section who is employed by the club. Can I suggest that as well as myself bringing this to the club's attention again that you e mail supporter liaison too please?
As for who was consulted q , again the club informed us as they did on the 4 month plan that steps had been taken. Clearly the 4 month option has to be clarified and I will suggest that it is reinstated next season. I will bring up every point mentioned in this thread on Saturday and I will try to get the answers, and the actions that we all want. It gives me no pleasure having to continually go back over old ground and we are aware that the communication with the club and to the fans can be greatly improved. We are trying and will continue to do so. I really hope that some of you who share the same passion as myself for our club consider standing for the council. Thanks as ever for your comments. Angela - for the benfit of everyone who might want to use it - what email address do you have for "Supporter Liaison"? I have to be honest I didn't realise that there was such a thing - they must keep a low profile!
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