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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 15, 2016 21:13:00 GMT
Catering outlets and somewhere to drink outside should be on the agenda never mind bloody toilets I don't see them as alternatives - in fact if you have more places to drink outside the ground, there will be an increased need for toilets, for obvious reasons. I think toilets outside the ground is a good idea, and it's entirely appropriate that the SC members should raise it. I can't see why anyone would be opposed to the idea ? How feasible it is and where it would sit in a priority list for improvements is another question. Not opposed just don't see the need! Ditto a covered meeting point. Just seems odd to me!
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Feb 15, 2016 21:13:42 GMT
Glad to hear that the club's stance on not saying refusing to comment on how they voted was as a result of the secret ballot. We have excellent owners. Personally, I don't see any justification for the secrecy of the ballot, and it's pleasing to know that the club have said they would have been quite comfortable with an open ballot. I'm a bit mystified why any supporter would be "glad" that we haven't been told how the club voted. Arsenal, in fact, have revealed that they voted against. But I think you can be 99% sure from the club's record on prices, their taking the lead in trying to get PL rule changes on it, and the Chairman's comments in the media, that Stoke voted in favour of a cap.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2016 21:28:04 GMT
Glad to hear that the club's stance on not saying refusing to comment on how they voted was as a result of the secret ballot. We have excellent owners. Personally, I don't see any justification for the secrecy of the ballot, and it's pleasing to know that the club have said they would have been quite comfortable with an open ballot. I'm a bit mystified why any supporter would be "glad" that we haven't been told how the club voted. Arsenal, in fact, have revealed that they voted against. But I think you can be 99% sure from the club's record on prices, their taking the lead in trying to get PL rule changes on it, and the Chairman's comments in the media, that Stoke voted in favour of a cap. You're an excellent representative of both Stoke City fans and football fans in general Malcolm. Keep it up
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Feb 15, 2016 21:47:02 GMT
Thanks I don't always agree with what's been said etc but you can't fault fans bothering their arse to attend and do it I think this is the issue. I wrote the SC constitution, and even though I say it myself I think it's very good because it is entirely democratic ( unlike many clubs, the club has no veto or control over who sits on it); it is chaired by a supporter ( again unlike many) and includes a wide range of 'constituences' to try to make it as representative as possible. Since it was set up I have however been very disappointed by the relative lack of competition - too few candidates putting themselves forward resulting in some being returned unopposed and even some vacancies, and with the low voter turnout when there has been a contested election. Of course, it's always appropriate to question and challenge what the reps. are doing but I have seen some inappropriately strong and sarcastic, and sometimes personal, attacks on SC members on here, which is likely to have the effect of deterring good people from standing or re-standing when their 2-year term comes to an end. If I could go biblical ( it happens very occasionally - must be Nello's influence ) Jesus chided Martha when she complained that she was doing all the work and her sister Mary wasn't helping her. But how much more would he have chided Mary if she had criticised the quality of Martha's work ? When I was on the Council, I had good support from colleagues on some issues I raised, and was very disappointed at the lack of support on some others. But that's the way it goes. No elected body is ever perfect. If you don't think the quality of the reps. is good enough, you should either stand yourself, or look for someone who you think can do the job better, persuade them to stand and vote for them. There is an old adage that in a democracy, the people get the representatives they deserve.
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Feb 15, 2016 22:05:52 GMT
I admire those who participate in these meetings, I really do, but I still get the feeling it is seen as a necessary evil by the Chief Bean Counter, so that he is "seen" to be listening to supporters, without it ever actually achieving too much of substance. If the club wanted real supporter involvement, the supporters' trust would have a spot on the board of directors. I can only say it as I have personally found, Jezza, and I don't think that's a fair comment about Tony Scholes. I think he is sincere about taking supporter input seriously. I think however that it's also true that the council hasn't really been "road tested" in a period when there have been major contentious issues (thankfully). Prices frozen for years; no displacement of supporters for sponsors; no changes of club colours or playing name; no ground re-location issues; no selling off of assets; etc etc etc. On-field performance generally good as we enjoy life back in the top flight. In short, not too much in terms of major issues to complain about, even though there are a range of 'customer care' type issues. There is no longer a Supporters Trust at Stoke. I started it some years ago as you no doubt recall, but we closed it down through lack of interest. A supporter on the Board is an interesting but complex issue, bringing in issues of confidentiality, legal responsibilities of directors etc. The Labour Party actually had it in their policy for the last General Election (and we all know what happened there) and Clive Efford, the Shadow Sports Minister, actually included it in a question to the Prime Minister asked at Prime Minister's Questions just last Wednesday. Cameron said he would look at it, but don't hold your breath. I don't think it's going to happen at Stoke any time soon.
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Post by potterglen on Feb 15, 2016 22:10:34 GMT
Glad to see the problem with parking is being looked at. Leaving the south car park is like the Whacky Races. Leave on 82 minutes like all expats should , on the A 50 by full time This ex pat doesn't.
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Post by A-teen_six_T3 on Feb 15, 2016 22:14:48 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done.
But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me.
Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs
Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority.
If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants.
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Post by Pugsley on Feb 15, 2016 22:20:53 GMT
Glad to see the problem with parking is being looked at. Leaving the south car park is like the Whacky Races. It's been shocking for over 18 years. Scholes's new plan of action? An online questionnaire to get supporter feedback! Like I say, he's the ultimate piss take.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 15, 2016 22:21:12 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done. But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me. Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority. If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants. Glad it's not just me. Is that why these things are asked for? Because I honestly have no idea. And it is ignorance, I'll happily admit that, I've never needed the loo at the ground that badly that I could wait to go inside or needed an undercover meeting place. I don't get the need!
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Post by Pugsley on Feb 15, 2016 22:25:51 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done. But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me. Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority. If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants. Glad it's not just me. Is that why these things are asked for? Because I honestly have no idea. And it is ignorance, I'll happily admit that, I've never needed the loo at the ground that badly that I could wait to go inside or needed an undercover meeting place. I don't get the need! There is no need whatsoever but it's good deflection away from the real issues that affect supporters.
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Post by A-teen_six_T3 on Feb 15, 2016 22:28:17 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done. But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me. Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority. If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants. Glad it's not just me. Is that why these things are asked for? Because I honestly have no idea. And it is ignorance, I'll happily admit that, I've never needed the loo at the ground that badly that I could wait to go inside or needed an undercover meeting place. I don't get the need! I feel that there is a lot more issues the council could help with. I just don't think that a shelter and toilets will be used by 99.9% of the fans. 99.9% couldn't give a monkeys where the stewards stand. And I would hope that 99.9% of fans would understand that there us 28000 people leaving one small place via 2 roads of course their is going to congestion.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 15, 2016 22:38:50 GMT
Glad it's not just me. Is that why these things are asked for? Because I honestly have no idea. And it is ignorance, I'll happily admit that, I've never needed the loo at the ground that badly that I could wait to go inside or needed an undercover meeting place. I don't get the need! I feel that there is a lot more issues the council could help with. I just don't think that a shelter and toilets will be used by 99.9% of the fans. 99.9% couldn't give a monkeys where the stewards stand. And I would hope that 99.9% of fans would understand that there us 28000 people leaving one small place via 2 roads of course their is going to congestion. The issue there is the company the club employ. The police got it sussed.
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Feb 15, 2016 22:49:55 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done. But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me. Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority. If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants. I don't know you ( as far as I know ! ) but I would say, if you're thinking about it, go for it and stand, and then, if elected, you can put forward the issues you think are more important. At the very least, contact you existing reps. and ask them to raise those issues. If you don't tell them, it's hardly fair to complain that they are raising the wrong issues in the meetings is it ?
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Feb 15, 2016 22:54:31 GMT
Personally, I don't see any justification for the secrecy of the ballot, and it's pleasing to know that the club have said they would have been quite comfortable with an open ballot. I'm a bit mystified why any supporter would be "glad" that we haven't been told how the club voted. Arsenal, in fact, have revealed that they voted against. But I think you can be 99% sure from the club's record on prices, their taking the lead in trying to get PL rule changes on it, and the Chairman's comments in the media, that Stoke voted in favour of a cap. You're an excellent representative of both Stoke City fans and football fans in general Malcolm. Keep it up
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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 15, 2016 22:54:34 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done. But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me. Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority. If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants. I don't know you ( as far as I know ! ) but I would say, if you're thinking about it, go for it and stand, and then, if elected, you can put forward the issues you think are more important. At the very least, contact you existing reps. and ask them to raise those issues. If you don't tell them, it's hardly fair to complain that they are raising the wrong issues in the meetings is it ? I've told them. I got told I sent it in the wrong format. From that point I couldn't be arsed with it.
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Post by harryburrows on Feb 15, 2016 22:55:56 GMT
Leave on 82 minutes like all expats should , on the A 50 by full time Can you leave the car park early at that time Harry? I park on the private care park bill or the Stoke one just before Remploy
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Feb 15, 2016 22:56:18 GMT
I don't know you ( as far as I know ! ) but I would say, if you're thinking about it, go for it and stand, and then, if elected, you can put forward the issues you think are more important. At the very least, contact you existing reps. and ask them to raise those issues. If you don't tell them, it's hardly fair to complain that they are raising the wrong issues in the meetings is it ? I've told them. I got told I sent it in the wrong format. From that point I couldn't be arsed with it.
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Post by A-teen_six_T3 on Feb 15, 2016 22:57:49 GMT
Every time elections come about I consider putting myself forward. The supporters council are in a pretty stone position to get things done. But some of the requests that they need to raise seem baffling to me. Meeting points Toilets Wanting people to get closer to players to get autographs Are these really pressing issues. That affect the majority of the fans. I do t think so. It is the very small minority. If you want to meet up with your friend after the game to go and wait for hours for your favourite player to walk past you. That's your decision we shouldn't be building shelters, toilets and moving stewards to accommodate your wants. I don't know you ( as far as I know ! ) but I would say, if you're thinking about it, go for it and stand, and then, if elected, you can put forward the issues you think are more important. At the very least, contact you existing reps. and ask them to raise those issues. If you don't tell them, it's hardly fair to complain that they are raising the wrong issues in the meetings is it ? Malcolm, I 100% agree with where you are coming from. This is part of the problem. The reps can only put forward what people come to them with. I have sat on these types of trusts and councils at my workplace, and understand how difficult it is picking away at the shit and deciding what to take forward. Maybe that's part of the issue. How the accessible enough to Joe public? Is their more they can do? I don't know. I would hope that Stoke fans would use the council more and that the reps aren't throwing away valid issues because they don't agree with them.
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Post by harryburrows on Feb 15, 2016 22:58:35 GMT
Leave on 82 minutes like all expats should , on the A 50 by full time This ex pat doesn't.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 15, 2016 22:59:38 GMT
I've told them. I got told I sent it in the wrong format. From that point I couldn't be arsed with it. I asked the question over social media....seems reasonable given they use social media streams. I was told I then needed to e-mail it too. This despite being told about a year before my question would be asked and to my knowledge it never was. So forgive me for my cynicism. And seriously meeting points and outside toilets, why? I have no idea!
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Post by wagstand on Feb 16, 2016 7:31:34 GMT
Seems strange to me that most of the issues discussed are petty housekeeping issues. Why on earth we need a meeting point and outside toilets is beyond me , but each to their own. The real issue that most fans are bothered about is the developement of the stadium so that more fans can get in on match days. Surely this should be at the top of the agenda at every meeting. I suspect all the council members have season tickets because if you haven't then supporting Stoke is a nightmare. Odd seats here and there and then being privileged enough to pay over £40 to watch your team. It's no good filling one corner in either. Please push for them to properly finish the ground off, price match day tickets so that everybody can afford and the seats will be filled and so the supporter base grows. Simples
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Post by potterglen on Feb 16, 2016 7:48:33 GMT
I don't see them as alternatives - in fact if you have more places to drink outside the ground, there will be an increased need for toilets, for obvious reasons. I think toilets outside the ground is a good idea, and it's entirely appropriate that the SC members should raise it. I can't see why anyone would be opposed to the idea ? How feasible it is and where it would sit in a priority list for improvements is another question. Not opposed just don't see the need! Ditto a covered meeting point. Just seems odd to me! Agreed, whats the point of a sheltered place outside the stadium? Just go in, food, drink and toilets aplenty.
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Post by potterglen on Feb 16, 2016 7:56:04 GMT
One thing I would like the Supporters Council to take to the next meeting regarding concourse congestion is the following. In the Seddon stand (block 30), congestion has increased since the TVs have been moved. The tv was moved and it now is positioned closer to the mens toilet entrance. This creates huge problems as people stand and watch the TV at half time and block the whole concourse meaning people cannot get in or out of the mens toilet. One solution to this would be to move the tv away from the mens toilet entrance (back to where it used to be placed) and create a better access to and from the toilet. You have a fair point there, perhaps putting the TV's on the wall nearest the seating - then (no doubt)the turnstyle area will become congested!
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Post by Pugsley on Feb 16, 2016 8:23:35 GMT
One thing I would like the Supporters Council to take to the next meeting regarding concourse congestion is the following. In the Seddon stand (block 30), congestion has increased since the TVs have been moved. The tv was moved and it now is positioned closer to the mens toilet entrance. This creates huge problems as people stand and watch the TV at half time and block the whole concourse meaning people cannot get in or out of the mens toilet. One solution to this would be to move the tv away from the mens toilet entrance (back to where it used to be placed) and create a better access to and from the toilet. You have a fair point there, perhaps putting the TV's on the wall nearest the seating - then (no doubt)the turnstyle area will become congested! What about having more TV's? There are TWO in the Q Railing - the biggest concourse. And where are they located? Yes, near the entrance so when you walk in it's all blocked with people watching the TV so you can't get to the concessions or the toilet without having to push people out of the way. It's also difficult for supporters in a wheelchair to get through. What about Delilahs? It's a soulless toilet. Why can't the club spend a few quid on making it more welcoming with better food and better beers? I'm sure more fans would use it before and after the game. The concourses - soulless, grey brickwork. What about some more red and white? Posters/murals on the wall? They find it quite easy to put up advertising. Inside the concourse at the Brit you could be anywhere, not necessarily a football ground either. There's a million and one CHEAPISH things the club to do to make the ground better but like most things it requires effort. Something that is lacking. I question the competence of the people running the stadium and the owners/CE desire to 'look after' paying customers.
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baddo
Youth Player
Posts: 455
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Post by baddo on Feb 16, 2016 8:36:55 GMT
You have a fair point there, perhaps putting the TV's on the wall nearest the seating - then (no doubt)the turnstyle area will become congested! What about having more TV's? There are TWO in the Q Railing - the biggest concourse. And where are they located? Yes, near the entrance so when you walk in it's all blocked with people watching the TV so you can't get to the concessions or the toilet without having to push people out of the way. It's also difficult for supporters in a wheelchair to get through. What about Delilahs? It's a soulless toilet. Why can't the club spend a few quid on making it more welcoming with better food and better beers? I'm sure more fans would use it before and after the game. The concourses - soulless, grey brickwork. What about some more red and white? Posters/murals on the wall? They find it quite easy to put up advertising. Inside the concourse at the Brit you could be anywhere, not necessarily a football ground either. There's a million and one CHEAPISH things the club to do to make the ground better but like most things it requires effort. Something that is lacking. I question the competence of the people running the stadium and the owners/CE desire to 'look after' paying customers. I agree, the football club should brighten up the concourse with more club branding and imagery. I'm sure from a psychological point of view it would work in boosting supporter moral, much in the same way that Clayton Wood appears to have Stoke City branding and imagery all over the place.
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Post by Pugsley on Feb 16, 2016 8:45:02 GMT
What about having more TV's? There are TWO in the Q Railing - the biggest concourse. And where are they located? Yes, near the entrance so when you walk in it's all blocked with people watching the TV so you can't get to the concessions or the toilet without having to push people out of the way. It's also difficult for supporters in a wheelchair to get through. What about Delilahs? It's a soulless toilet. Why can't the club spend a few quid on making it more welcoming with better food and better beers? I'm sure more fans would use it before and after the game. The concourses - soulless, grey brickwork. What about some more red and white? Posters/murals on the wall? They find it quite easy to put up advertising. Inside the concourse at the Brit you could be anywhere, not necessarily a football ground either. There's a million and one CHEAPISH things the club to do to make the ground better but like most things it requires effort. Something that is lacking. I question the competence of the people running the stadium and the owners/CE desire to 'look after' paying customers. I agree, the football club should brighten up the concourse with more club branding and imagery. I'm sure from a psychological point of view it would work in boosting supporter moral, much in the same way that Clayton Wood appears to have Stoke City branding and imagery all over the place. A few quid for a couple of stencils of the badge, some spray paint and away you go. All it takes is EFFORT but there is none. It's sad to say that this SC mirrors it.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 16, 2016 9:48:16 GMT
I think what they need to do is to expand the concourses.
For the Seddon this would be hard but for the Boothen it would be easy, it would eat into the car parking but less spaces is actually an ok thing.
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Post by foster on Feb 16, 2016 9:55:18 GMT
Leave on 82 minutes like all expats should , on the A 50 by full time This ex pat doesn't. Me neither. As an expat when I get to games I want to enjoy (or endure) every minute of it.
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Post by foster on Feb 16, 2016 10:17:29 GMT
Did anyone mention expansion in the meeting?
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Post by ange1 on Feb 16, 2016 10:49:18 GMT
Foster, it was discussed at length at the previous meeting. You can see Tony Scholes response after I pressed him on the amount of tickets we need to sell to enable expansion. When we continually revisit the items such as congestion on the concourse, parking etc we obviously get the same answers. We can only put forward what supporters ask and every time the minutes are published fans react. We will put forward all the suggestions again at the next meeting but that does not mean the club will respond as the fans want. It does mean, I hope that they consider our comments and look to see what can be addressed. It is in no one's interests to keep disappointing supporters.
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