Apathy.

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Apathy. Mar 20, 2017 21:45:20 GMT via mobile

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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2017 21:45:20 GMT

Mar 20, 2017 20:36:12 GMT Si said:

This won't be a popular post but here goes.....

Perhaps it's down to a history of being stung by owners or crap managers but for as long as I can remember (I'm 29, started when I was 5) we have always been crap and badly run apart from the odd season, that's just life as a Chester fan. That's not to say we shouldn't strive for better but if I based my decision on renewing my season ticket on how I feel the club is run or the quality of the players then I'd rarely have bought one in the years i've supported Chester. Wrexham might get through managers quicker than us but their fans back their team through it all and support the shirts in the pitch, whereas Chester fans just seem to complain and down tools and do something else on a Saturday. We are in the middle of a bad run at the moment which has maybe prompted a lot of the emotions on here, like everyone else I enjoyed it earlier in the season and its frustrating that things have fizzled out but I expected us to be in a relegation battle before the season so on the whole things haven't been that bad and hopefully Macca will learn a lot from the things that haven't got well in the last couple of months.

Form hasn't helped but it's not the reason why fans are getting fed up. I've been going to watch Chester since I was 9, the first game I saw was v Manchester United, I went to see United but became hooked but as you say we've always been crap.

The only time I fell out of love with the club was towards City's demise under Vaughan. I bought into the Newco, and it has been a fantastic ride, but the community ethos that we built Chester FC is disappearing, fast. It's just not enjoyable at the minute. There's stuff that's left a bitter taste both personally and with stuff that's gone on within the club (elections to the board and the public belittling from staff towards a candidate for one).

Personally, this season can't end soon enough. Hopefully we have an active pre season and we see a new face or two, give the club a boost towards next season.

richard
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I found the Ring Ouzel after 50 years

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Apathy. Mar 20, 2017 22:18:19 GMT

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Post by richard on Mar 20, 2017 22:18:19 GMT

Mar 20, 2017 21:09:47 GMT Fed up said:

I've been a reader of deva chat in its old and new versions and for a while I have been amazed by the attitudes of some "fans". I actually agree that the fan owned model won't work, but I think it is down to us as fans. We are the worst in the division in terms of moaning, both at the players and staff at games, and online. Also in terms of contribution to the club - plenty of people act as if it is easy and they have all the answers, but they actually do nothing to help the club and just post ideas on this (unofficial) forum and expect the board to read them and act on every idea, some of which are completely implausible. Teams like Macc and our friends down the road always boost their budget by a crowdfunder campaign but we keep our hands in our pocket. As a fan owned club we all need to contribute if we want a successful season. It is really a wonder why anyone wants to play for us or be involved with the club because all they get is a torrent of abuse from keyboard warriors or people at matches who's lives must be so miserable that the highlight of their day is to insult people left, right and centre, abuse the people who without whom we would not have a club. There are people who (although they deny it) absolutely love it when we lose because it gives them ammunition to slag off everything about the club until the next game comes around. These are the same people who are silent when we play well and win.
People like Alan Povey work unbelievably hard, juggling family life and a job with doing the best they can for the club, and even he hasn't been immune to some bad posts on here. It sickens me how people act sometimes. I genuinely think a reason for falling attendances is some of our so called fans at games just spend the whole 90 mins abusing players instead of supporting the team. I'm getting sick of it and I know others are too.
Whatever the club try to do people slate it. We are the most fickle set of fans in the league, there's no doubt that if we were in the playoffs nobody would be complaining about off the field matters and attendances would be 3000. We aren't perfect, but we are doing so much better than a lot of people make out. This club means a lot to me and I've spent a heck of a lot of money following us up and down the country. But my love is dwindling due to the bad fans. We have a lot of good ones who will support us through thick and thin, but too often I find myself getting really hacked off by people spouting a load of rubbish because we've lost a few games. Grow up, get behind the team and actually do what supporters should do, and support the club.

I know what you mean, there are some on here who seem to relish the negative aspects of things. Those of us who express different views are branded as happy clappers, it's almost like some people are affronted by the fact that their views are not universally accepted. That often leads to name calling, accusations of heads being buried in the sand and sometimes personal insults, which is a shame.
That said, there are some well thought through and reasoned posts on this thread, with posters speaking from the heart about their concerns. Some are clearly long term fans with a love for the club. It is a great concern when such people find their interest waning. It's equally worryingly to hear that you are losing interest because of the negativity.

I don't agree that the fan owned model can't work. It can and it does really, but I suppose it depends on your view of what success looks like. I have argued many times that we are doing ok when you look at the bigger picture and where we have come from since 2010.

It's probably time for the club to reinvent itself and to produce a viable strategy that includes more Community involvement and as a top priority, more concentration on producing the next generation of Blues by some radical and permanent pricing for kids. The odd game is not enough. Jim Green is making great strides here and I wish him well. But part of the strategy has to be where we are going to be in terms of our ambitions, be it as a League 2 side or as a thriving National League side, but with a real family feel about the place, where families want to come and spend their time on match days.

I'm one of those fans who will always go to watch Chester, because I love watching my team and its in my blood. The fact is though that there has to be a plan to attract new fans, New generations of fans and keep them. That's not going to be easy, in fact it will take time, but it's doable and where real progress is demonstrated, folks will buy in to the model. We all have a part to play to make it work and putting a cross on a ballot paper once a year is not enough. Fair play to our directors for trying to make all this happen, because I'm sure they want to get it right for us and its only fair to support them as they work hard for us all.

steveo1
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Apathy. Mar 20, 2017 22:25:24 GMT

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Post by steveo1 on Mar 20, 2017 22:25:24 GMT

Mar 20, 2017 13:33:36 GMT iandychesterfc said:

I've tried very hard of late to try to avoid being overly negative when talking about Chester. I can appreciate some people are becoming tired of what they view as constant negativity or digs at the club and have tried to add some balance when plausible.

We all know this season has been an improvement on the last, despite the recent results from either playing with formations, injuries or loss of form. I'm happy with the manager, perhaps 2.5 years is a bit of a push but he's done well with no resources and the main thing is he hasn't moaned about it constantly. I like that he will defend his players to the hilt, even in the face of obvious areas of concern, because this is a young squad which needs that approach. Lloyd choosing Macca over Burr for less money tells you a lot in my view.

Andy Ruscoe and Jim Green are doing their bit to resurrect the community trust side and are getting Chester out to the kids.

Every single thread comes back to these positive aspects, they cannot be doubted (in my view).

I then sat there on Saturday.

During the most dullest of games, with no shots in the first half and a very Mark Wright feel to it (although we'd have won 1-0 then and put up with it) and looked around the ground and saw all the gaps and wondered, why do i bother?

It was a shocking moment to be fair, but i sat there and thought about the commitment of time and money I give to this club and I just thought it was all pretty pointless.

Apathy breeds apathy which then on breeds contempt.

Not getting over dramatic here, I'll be very open and say i wasn't 'blue from birth' or any of that. I followed Chester because i liked football and my uncle brought me and i loved the buzz of live football over TV. I watched us get relegated and come back up again, the chaos of that first season back and unending drama thereafter.

I haven't followed Chester when nothing has been happening.

And yet, despite pre-season hoping for mid-table obscurity I sat there watching a nothing game with no atmosphere whatsoever and couldn't get away from the fact that if this had been the type of game my uncle brought me to all those years ago, I wouldn't be following Chester now.

Watching your local club does have aspects of loyalty and belonging, but faced with a deluge of live TV football turning up to an empty stadium and paying a premium is literally only for the hard-core.

I'd like to think i'm hard-core. I'm a season ticket holder and have been for 10 years plus. I've played for, captained and managed the supporter's team for 11 years. I've followed Chester home and away, to some absolute holes getting up at 7am to go play a supporters match beforehand and taking out my full saturday dedicated to Chester. Yet, here i am, sat there on Saturday wondering what the point is.

I'm not saying i'll stop going, I know that won't happen.

But this isn't what i signed up for. All i'm hearing for next season is not progression, but regression - a smaller squad, tighter budget and lower crowds.

It's very hard to get motivated faced with that. If i didn't buy a season ticket, I do wonder how many games i'd miss. I've got friends who've followed Chester longer than me who just aren't going any more. I mean these are fans who used to go everywhere, to every game.

It's not just because there is nothing to play for, this has been happening all season. It's the apathy from the club at present that - this is our lot - this is it - we have to make do. There's a significant like of drive and ideas coming from the club. There's plenty from the fans, we've all tried to come up with ideas - i should mention i've discussed matters at length with directors in the past and understand some of the constraints but unfortunately there's only so many times you can hear 'no' before you stop bothering.

I said all this on a "crossroads" thread last year on the old DC so it's nothing new. That was a great discussion which Jim Green turned into an article and yet we're still plodding along doing the same old tired things whilst watching the club's fanbase die away.

NWAS got some stick for that, and I may for this, but thats how it feels at the moment. Falling crowds, falling budgets and nothing other than pie in the sky talk or the hilarious 'pipelines'.

I'm fed up, and i'm having a moan. Plenty are happy with the status quo or are just happy with a club to support look where we were 7 years ago etc. Credit you guys, honestly, no digs - but i can't sit there in sub 2000s and possible sub 1500 tuesday and find it anything other than a chore.

As i said, apathy will breed contempt at some stage.

What a post, spot on.

Last Edit: Mar 20, 2017 22:25:44 GMT by steveo1

Krankie's Ghost
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Apathy. Mar 20, 2017 23:07:25 GMT via mobile

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Post by Krankie's Ghost on Mar 20, 2017 23:07:25 GMT

Mar 20, 2017 22:18:19 GMT richard said:

Mar 20, 2017 21:09:47 GMT Fed up said:

I've been a reader of deva chat in its old and new versions and for a while I have been amazed by the attitudes of some "fans". I actually agree that the fan owned model won't work, but I think it is down to us as fans. We are the worst in the division in terms of moaning, both at the players and staff at games, and online. Also in terms of contribution to the club - plenty of people act as if it is easy and they have all the answers, but they actually do nothing to help the club and just post ideas on this (unofficial) forum and expect the board to read them and act on every idea, some of which are completely implausible. Teams like Macc and our friends down the road always boost their budget by a crowdfunder campaign but we keep our hands in our pocket. As a fan owned club we all need to contribute if we want a successful season. It is really a wonder why anyone wants to play for us or be involved with the club because all they get is a torrent of abuse from keyboard warriors or people at matches who's lives must be so miserable that the highlight of their day is to insult people left, right and centre, abuse the people who without whom we would not have a club. There are people who (although they deny it) absolutely love it when we lose because it gives them ammunition to slag off everything about the club until the next game comes around. These are the same people who are silent when we play well and win.
People like Alan Povey work unbelievably hard, juggling family life and a job with doing the best they can for the club, and even he hasn't been immune to some bad posts on here. It sickens me how people act sometimes. I genuinely think a reason for falling attendances is some of our so called fans at games just spend the whole 90 mins abusing players instead of supporting the team. I'm getting sick of it and I know others are too.
Whatever the club try to do people slate it. We are the most fickle set of fans in the league, there's no doubt that if we were in the playoffs nobody would be complaining about off the field matters and attendances would be 3000. We aren't perfect, but we are doing so much better than a lot of people make out. This club means a lot to me and I've spent a heck of a lot of money following us up and down the country. But my love is dwindling due to the bad fans. We have a lot of good ones who will support us through thick and thin, but too often I find myself getting really hacked off by people spouting a load of rubbish because we've lost a few games. Grow up, get behind the team and actually do what supporters should do, and support the club.

I know what you mean, there are some on here who seem to relish the negative aspects of things. Those of us who express different views are branded as happy clappers, it's almost like some people are affronted by the fact that their views are not universally accepted. That often leads to name calling, accusations of heads being buried in the sand and sometimes personal insults, which is a shame.
That said, there are some well thought through and reasoned posts on this thread, with posters speaking from the heart about their concerns. Some are clearly long term fans with a love for the club. It is a great concern when such people find their interest waning. It's equally worryingly to hear that you are losing interest because of the negativity.

I don't agree that the fan owned model can't work. It can and it does really, but I suppose it depends on your view of what success looks like. I have argued many times that we are doing ok when you look at the bigger picture and where we have come from since 2010.

It's probably time for the club to reinvent itself and to produce a viable strategy that includes more Community involvement and as a top priority, more concentration on producing the next generation of Blues by some radical and permanent pricing for kids. The odd game is not enough. Jim Green is making great strides here and I wish him well. But part of the strategy has to be where we are going to be in terms of our ambitions, be it as a League 2 side or as a thriving National League side, but with a real family feel about the place, where families want to come and spend their time on match days.

I'm one of those fans who will always go to watch Chester, because I love watching my team and its in my blood. The fact is though that there has to be a plan to attract new fans, New generations of fans and keep them. That's not going to be easy, in fact it will take time, but it's doable and where real progress is demonstrated, folks will buy in to the model. We all have a part to play to make it work and putting a cross on a ballot paper once a year is not enough. Fair play to our directors for trying to make all this happen, because I'm sure they want to get it right for us and its only fair to support them as they work hard for us all.

We've crossed swords a couple of times Richard as I know you think I'm a little too critical but I really appreciated this post as I think you have it spot on. For all the success we've had, trying to be a professional club has taken away some of what we are. Be it the kit deal with a big name, the price structure matching the other big clubs, the awful website with subscription for commentary or the Paid CEO a move back to community ethos is vital to reinvigorate an apathetic fan base.

I think it's a concern that the hardcore 1800 are now dwindling not just the once every couple a seekers or odd gamers. You're right when you highlight the next generation and the families, it's about affordability, family friendliness and getting our message out there using the meals every pub, restaurant or other business is doing via social media, engaging people, dragging them in and then trying everything to keep them in.

A return of the think pink day would be ideal. A lot of people dressed up and came to chester FC those days some for the first time.

I've always said dare to be different, and the big question I have is are we as a club brace enough to be what we should be, even if it means risking our national league status?

Krankie's Ghost Guest	Apathy. Mar 20, 2017 23:09:10 GMT via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Krankie's Ghost on Mar 20, 2017 23:09:10 GMT Should say means not meals

Distant thunder
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Apathy. Mar 20, 2017 23:09:25 GMT

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Post by Distant thunder on Mar 20, 2017 23:09:25 GMT

I do actually believe that the club has made progress off the field. I know there was disappointment about the tranmere attendance, but a comparable fixture would have been our 2-1 victory over Wrexham in Sep 2014. It was live on BT on a warm September evening, and the crowd was only 3,100. Yes, I know the away crowd was lower on that evening, but the crowd would have been lower for the tranmere game, especially given our form, the weather and the presence of the cameras, had it not been for improvements like internet ticket sales. Our community work appears to have improved, and the Cestrian 10 initiative is a good idea.

The problems this season stem from the pitch. I think we did OK up until Christmas, but it was clear from preseason that signing the same players would rule out a really exciting season. Fans seem to need new signings to keep things fresh and give them hope. Unless you're addicted, turning up to watch a side that has only a remote chance of competing for promotion is not attractive.

It is a problem. Despite what I've just said, I can see the logic of keeping a core group of players together, and I'd rather us do that than have a merry go round of players and go over budget.

As an addicted fan, I'm patient enough to see us make gradual progress, but I realise this may lead to more apathy in the short term. It's a bit of a catch 22 situation.

Pauline M
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Apathy. Mar 21, 2017 1:25:59 GMT

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Post by Pauline M on Mar 21, 2017 1:25:59 GMT

Mar 20, 2017 21:45:13 GMT Si said:

Mar 20, 2017 21:37:26 GMT Arrogant Blue said:

I started supporting this club during the Gutterman era so have witnessed some pretty low times supporting this club. Had I wanted success then I'd have got myself a Man Utd shirt and a bar stool and an occasional trip to Salford.

Supporting Chester is never going to be a non-stop party and the bad times will more often than outweigh the good. However, I wouldn't change supporting this club for anything and it's part of me.

I've seen two relegations to the Conference, numerous administrations and finally a liquidation so I'm pretty grateful for uneventful mid-table mediocrity. Yes improvements need to be made on and off the pitch but it can only be done by its most important asset, the fans!

Spot on. We all want the club to do more and there's been loads of great ideas suggested on this board, but it starts with fans turning up for games and its concerning to read that quite a few existing season ticket holders won't renew because we are a bit cack and the they don't get a warm community fuzzy feeling anymore. We as fans just have to stick with it, that's the commitment we made when following our local team rather than Man U, and when the good times do arrive then it make a it all the sweeter that you were there for the ride. I agree with a lot of the comments that the club aren't proactive enough in getting fans in, but we can't afford to lose more of our hardcore support so I urge everyone to keep turning up otherwise things will only get harder.

I think it would really help those that run the club if a few more of Deva Chatters (1 &2 boards) as well as turning up for matches also turned up to CFU meetings too to voice their opinions to where they will be heard but equally hear the responses first hand from those running the Club.What we all think in our heads could and should be changed is often not quite as simple and straightforward as we all believe.

There have been some great ideas posted on this board but what we do lack is enough people to carry out these ideas particularly when it comes to fundraising. Those volunteers that work very hard for the club cannot do everything. Words are easy but actions need a bit more commitment. If we want the manager and players to step up a gear then we as fans need to as well. Definitely agree with the post that this summer we really need to get this club moving.

chesterken
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Apathy. Mar 21, 2017 10:22:46 GMT

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Post by chesterken on Mar 21, 2017 10:22:46 GMT

I am trying to take a more laid back view of our currant position don't get to up set when we play badly , also don't get too carried away when we win , and I know it's been a while.i am missing tonight as I am in Scotland with her in doors but fingers crossed we can get something from the game to calm people down a bit.football is a passionate game and it's very easy to get carried away but let's stick with the team and see what happens, it's a fact that teams who constantly change managers at the drop of a hat don't do all that well, Eastleigh anyone.

bing
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Apathy. Mar 21, 2017 10:53:33 GMT Rio Doherty likes this

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Post by bing on Mar 21, 2017 10:53:33 GMT

Some interesting posts on here.

I've seen references to the "missing fans" since we reformed, but to me that was always an inevitability. I've always been a Chester fan and always will be, but those few years back after reformation gave me a buzz it will be impossible to replicate.

I'll keep attending and accept that have now reached our level (for now), but for floating fans who 'bought into' the phoenix from the flames, they'll pick and choose - and it seems they are picking or choosing a lot less than previously (if at all).

For those fans we need to give them a positive experience. By and large our football hasn't been too bad with some recent exceptions, but to me it's the lack of atmosphere which would put them off.

That's why I absolutely take my hat off to the lads who are trying to resurrect the atmosphere with flags / banners / more singing.

I'd urge all fans to try and join in - or if you're not the 'singing type', yell loudly or applaud if one of our lads does a crunching tackle etc.

Some of my favourite matches weren't necessarily the ones where we played brilliantly - but where we roared the side on to a scrappy 1-1 draw etc!

Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2017 21:45:20 GMT

Post by richard on Mar 20, 2017 22:18:19 GMT

Post by steveo1 on Mar 20, 2017 22:25:24 GMT

Post by Krankie's Ghost on Mar 20, 2017 23:07:25 GMT

Post by Krankie's Ghost on Mar 20, 2017 23:09:10 GMT

Post by Distant thunder on Mar 20, 2017 23:09:25 GMT

Post by Pauline M on Mar 21, 2017 1:25:59 GMT

Post by chesterken on Mar 21, 2017 10:22:46 GMT

Post by bing on Mar 21, 2017 10:53:33 GMT