For the Directors of CIFC

[Guest]

Dear Sirs,

 

I am disgusted by the price hike that you have made for next season.

 

As a long time Canvey supporter, I find that charging myself and fellow LOYAL supporters £9 is taking the biscuit. And then to REFUSE to sell standing season tickets, is very poor tactics indeed.

 

Having just signed up for cable, and linking up to the internet and this forum, I find this news item very disturbing. Not a good way for me to start!

 

Rod - how can you stand by as treasurer and allow this? I didn't think you could be this greedy?

 

Canvey has taken a fair bit of a battering of late in the Non League paper - most of it un-justified - but I am now having second thoughts, through this action of the club.

 

Time and time again you were criticised through high prices for FA Cup games, and then were forced to reduce the price against Southend. Despite these high prices we as fans stood by the club - but all you have done is thrown it back in our faces.

 

Billericay is £2 a game cheaper than Canvey - perhaps the nuetral fan will now go there and not to Park Lane. (Price confirmed today)

 

Our attendances were not that large considering our position in the league, and so I would have thought that you would have pegged prices to attract more people not increased them.

 

Do I assume that other things have gone up by a similar rate - how much has the kit gone up by?? Has the bar prices increased - someone once told me the club gets all this for free, yet a high price is charged (probably not true - or is it??)

 

I am sorry Rod & Frances but your new policy stinks - perhaps this increased price will bring you both a pay rise from the club - but I for one will not see as many games as I did last year - why should I pay £9 to get cold and wet on a Tuesday night anymore. As a result I will probably give the club less revenue, not more - so please tell me who is loosing out?

 

The sceptical side of me might say 'The club is taking cash to avoid paying the VAT to Customs & Excise, and it is that reason why you are not wanting season tickets' - but then Ray you wouldn't do that would you?! I mean you ALWAYS announce an exact figure on the attendance - even if you do refuse to make it public on the day. (Never a PA announcement of the crowd - is there?)

 

I am not sure if the blame lies with Rod, Keith, Frances or Ray - but someone is insulting us loyal fans. You might not like this message, and it might be on a public forum, and you will probably not reply - but things have to be said.

 

This is an article on the Isthmian Fans site - it sums up what other people are saying about us..

 

'Away supporters travelling to Canvey Island this coming season are in for a nasty shock as the Essex club have increased their prices again. Adults will now be charged £9.00 just to stand on the terraces, and a further £1.00 to sit down. Senior Citizens will be charged £7.00, while under 16's will be charged £4.00. Under 16's who are accompanied by an adult will be charged £1.00. These are likely to be the highest prices in the league this season, and are comparable with admission charges at a number of Conference clubs. The high prices are not going to help the clubs image with opposition clubs and supporters, many of whom took great delight in the club failing to win promotion for a second season in a row. Surely if the club wants to boost their image, both locally and further afield, keeping prices at last season's levels, or maybe even reducing them would have been a far better option. It will be interesting to see if any other clubs increase their prices to such levels for next season. ' See this link for the article .

 

If any other fans agree with me, perhaps you would like to add your messages to the club below. If I am the only one who feels this angry, then fair enough - but some how I doubt it.

 

We have a policy at work - if no one complains then the majority must agree - therefore if I am the only one, then well done for ripping me off, and pleasing everyone else.

 

Yours Upset,

 

Mary.

[Guest]

Yeah, I agree in a way, for the adults. Seeing as I am still under-16 i only have to pay £4. Seeing as im too young to get a job, and the games I go to are the only money I get all week. This works out quite expensive. I know you may think "what do they need money for? They dont shop, drink, or anything" This, in a way, is true, but it's nice to have SOME leftover cash, even if it's only a quid a week, it's better than nothing. Now it looks like im gonna have bugger all to spend <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> . I dont suppose there's any chance of them reducing the prices, now they've finalised it. But still, this is stupid. I will still go, but not enjoy it like I used to. I thought the old prices were just about right, maybe a LITTLE bit on the steady side. I bet you adults are thinking "it's only a quid" You probably remember constantly being skint when you were younger <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> . Anyway, if there's anything you can do, for us, loyal fans, then PLEASE do something about it. The atmosphere will never be the same otherwise. If we WERE promoted to the conference this year, then maybe these prices would be near enough ok, but we didnt.

Come on Canvey,

Do something!

[CANV EFM]

im happy to pay 9 sheets to watch the likes of boylan miller bolt duffers j.k. etc (and wardy) strut their stuff on my doorstep, (and on tuesday nights i'll pay 9 quid to get into anywhere that will serve me after a shedload) ..but that aside i dont think 9 quid is expensive to watch players who can get to the third round of the f.a.cup let alone pull off the trophy!! this isnt esc anymore there are good teams and good players out there and if we want to see some of em at park lane it costs.. if you dont want to pay the price watch concorde....

bk to attendances, the club are new boys at this level, ask anyone from st albans, and have done well . each year more people come to watch, it takes years (more than 3) to build a big loyal fan base and it takes only a couple of crap seasons to lose all but the hardcore, ask anyone from wealdstone ... you get what you pay for.

 

if you think j.king makes a mint out of the club i suggest you you think again and look back over 10 seasons not one.. most profit from last season (and i'll wager we were one of the few ryman clubs to make money last year) went on the new stand, probably more than the profits from the season..

you want to tell j. king what to do? pay 7 quid? get nowhere in the cups (this is the trophy and the F.A.CUP! remember not the vase)? watch mid table 'season over by december' stuff? or do you want more seasons like the last? i'll bet more than a few fans from riccay albans aldershot sutton kingtonian etc would be happy to trade places for an extra pound or two

 

one thing i do agree on is that season ticket holders shud get a better discount.. as for the standing season ticket debate, i not going to comment unless i know how many were sold last year, not as many as you'd think i'll warrant..

 

also im sure we'd all be happy to see a nice shiny new ground down at northwick, im sure the gate money will cover that, er, not!

 

if this comes across as a full on rant it is not intended as such, these are my calm considered views, i just typed em quickly <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

[Hillsy]

I am in 2 minds with the prices

 

1. OK the price has risen by £ 1.00 per game, I was hoping it would stay the same as last year but also expected it. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

 

2. OK if you go to every game you will save money on having a season ticket but due to work commitments I am sure the majority of supporters miss 1 to 2 games a season at home. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

 

3. How about offereing season ticket holders half price away travel, Lets be honest if we are paying around £ 18.00 for away days at Wigan for the bus I am sure the Club must be making a packet. (rough sums 18 x 50 = £ 900.00) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

 

4. Kids for a quid, Yes this is a good idea !!

 

5. Lets really make it tempting for more people to buy season tickets as you wille earn more money over the bar at the burger fan Etc Etc.

 

6. How can Southend season tickets be less, I am sure there wage bill, electrics, backroom staff etc etc will be a lot higher. (This is according to another posting)

[Guest]

im afraid i have to admit it,i think the rise in prices is a mistake.luckly £1 makes no difference to me financially,but its the principle of the matter as someone said tuesday`s and sat at home will cost you £18 maybe twice a month £36.as i see it if you reduce the the price by 25% you would probably get 30% more fans,which would be a rise,or keep the price £8 sat`s and £5 on tuesday`s,to draw the midweek gate`s.maybe if new players were announced it may become apparent why the hike is needed as 3 of our best players have gone and not been replaced.lets not make the mistake of pricing the fans out of the game as without them there is no cifc,i would rather charge £7 a game and get 800 than £9 and only 600,the more heads the more pints and burgers sold the more revenue for thje club.right the moaning stops good to see england kick butt for a change hope they go all the way.hurry up the new season.

[Guest]

I would like to think that the increase will be used as an investment for the future of the club. Lets not forget that they are looking to build a new ground at Northwick/Waterside in the next couple of years and that the £1.00 may assist in achieving this goal.

 

BUT I would like to request that my first payment goes to providing a light bulb in the ladies PLEASE

[GazzaBTFC]

I believe that Billericay Town FC run a system for Juniors that you pay £1 at the beginning of the season and get in for free? It is called TJ or Town Juniors. You have to be under 12 or 13...

 

There you go, advert over.

 

Perhaps the system of economy is different to what it is at New Lodge but I'm sure lower prices would mean more bums on seats (so to speak), so unless Jeff is buying REAL quality players, he is having a laugh. I really can't understand why the price hike. But hey, not my problem.

 

As said on this web site, Canvey ain't the best supported team (neither the worst) so surely it would make sense to not raise prices....

 

Never mind though, all you fringe supporters can change your yellow to blue, travel the few miles down the A127 and support us, Billericay Town for all you footie enjoyment!!!

[CANV EFM]

i'd sooner support basildon,, oh hang on a sec... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ..

and can we have some consistancy here, the last 5 years of p.ss taking have been based on sugar daddy jeff.. now its fleece the fans money grabbing jeff... what next, anorexic jeff? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" />

 

<small>[ 14 June 2002, 09:45 AM: This message was edited by: CANV ]</small>

[GazzaBTFC]

Maybe thats why Canvey has all those storage slios. To store the fat he is gonna loose, hey.

 

You can joke about the BIllericay / Basildon situation but at £9 a game and a support base that quite frankly, considering the team and the situation last season, isn't great perhaps Canvey will be looking at Essex Senior level, again.

 

.......just a thought.

[.Ian]

Mary,

 

I did try and contact you a day or so ago, and have not had a reply.

 

For your information neither Frances or Rod, are paid by the club, they work voluntarily, so I think it unfair that you accuse them of being greedy.

 

Also I am told that the attendances for the games will be announced at each game from the start of the friendlies.

 

Finally only a handful of standing season tickets were purchased last season - with the majority of season ticket holders preferring to sit. You are more than welcome to purchase a seated season ticket, and then stand. (no one will force you to sit.) At least then , you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your seat will be there if required - could be most welcomed at a big game.

 

Perhaps if you still feel agrieved by the clubs policy, you are more than welcome to come down to the cluhouse on a Thursday evening, and speak to someone like Keith Johnson, who would be more than willing to listen to your points.

[Guest]

As a gravesend fan awaiting our prices to come out for this season, (should be next week or so) i have to say that your pricing seems to be somewhat OTT. We play our first game away at Yeovil and the price is £9! expected at one div above ( sorry not having a dig ). But they are going to be fighting for the div 3 spots you are not, hence, why the same price ticket? Good luck next year <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

[CANV EFM]

isnt it about time you left for yeovil if you want to get there in time for kick off...... ahh the joys of regional football <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

[David Holden]

We have to wait to see which of their grounds they are using <img border="0" title="" alt="[smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

[cangull]

Ticket prices were a debate last year at about this time. I and a few others mentioned our concerns on the prices then and have never been allowed to forget it. Although I am prepared to watch Canvey at the announced prices, my concerns then and now, is that the increases are very likely to put off any likely new supporters.

On a personal note a agree with the comments made by Canv but am also in sympathy with Mary, although some of the accusations are untrue, many will be believing same.

One thing is for sure, any complaints will fall on deaf ears because the decision has been made according to the budgets required to assist in the club achieving its overall aims for going forward into the future.

[canfan]

YepI have to agree with you there Vic, i'll pay my 9 quid no probs but how about better deals for the youngsters, thats always been my beef about pricing.

[Guest]

Amen Canfan! A fiver a game near enough. They're seeing them off! I cant come accompanied, my mum hate's football, so does my brother. So, im buggered more or less, shame.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

[cangull]

Bill - Am sure that if you contacted one of us 'older' supporters on this board before a game one of us will be happy to accompany you through for the reduced rate!

[Guest]

Cheers Vic, if i'm ever really skint, ill let you know. Im sure i wont come to that, but if it does, i know your there <img border="0" title="" alt="[big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

[Merv]

Vic is so old he is entitled to take in at least five youngsters!

[cangull]

Ooooooo Merv - That one hurt! Don't forget I know where you live!!