Just an idea...

[DarrenGNFC]

I thought the club liked new ideas and ways of raising money, so after hearing about this idea, I wondered what you lot thought.

 

Stoke City fans have this group called The Amigos. They apply to join on their fansite, The Oatcake, and get assigned a number and some have put the number on the back of their shirts.

They are a group of fans whose underlying philosophy is to remain positive and to have a bit of fun. That sounds a tad impossible in certain situations and I know we have a lot of fans who have more than a fair few negative views but if we were to have a group like this then maybe the underlying purpose could simply be to just get behind The Fleet more? Don't criticise at games loudly (like the bloke did at Drury against Stortford.), sing more, that sort of thing.

 

I know people try this sort of thing at games anyway (and rather well, may I add), but maybe having numbers/names on the back of shirts could encourage more to join in on it all? The shirt, name and number thing isn't compulsory at Stoke by the way, so it wouldn't have to be here either. Maybe other ways of showing your support for the group at matches could be pin-badges or sew-on badges...?

 

I suppose this could make things a tad cliquey, but things are a bit already, I think. I.e. Half-way liners/Plough End song-"battles" last year. If a group like this were to be started, I think it'd be a positive thing.(attempting people to sing more, or just get behind the team even more) Ok, it could die on its a.rse within a month and be mocked on the forum months afterwards, but it's an idea.

 

That's just an idea though for the group. The underlying philosphy could be something quite different. Maybe just simply Fleet Trust members? That could encourage more people to join, maybe? and give more money to the club. Because maybe not everyone knows about the Fleet Trust. There must be quite a few casual fans who don't go on the internet/look at our site, read the Reporter, buy a programme and who can't hear what the PA man says about The Fleet Trust. So it could help promote the cause. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

 

Or maybe something else...

 

Anyway, here is the article posted by a Stoke fan on their board:

 

Quote:

"We are now but a short time from the start of a new season and one that will hopefully be entertaining, as well as offering the prospect of success that Stoke City and its supporters deserve.

 

It is probably necessary at this juncture to outline once again the underlying philosophy of the Amigos. It is simply to take a positive view of Stoke City rather than a pessimistic one. Not everyone shares that view. And what would football be without differences of opinion?

 

But it is how those contrary views are expressed. I can well understand caution and a let's-wait-and-see attitude but I fail to see the point of talking about relegation or the side struggling at this stage of the proceedings. I also see little point in advancing conspiracy theories regarding the board. The club is as it is. And that is realism with a capital R, unless someone who posts on this MB has sufficient funds to buy it.

 

Boskamp, even on his own admission, has not been placed in an ideal situation. But the man knows football and deserves our backing. Let's wish him, the team and the club a successful season.

 

Finally, the Stoke city Amigos are about putting the fun back into watching the team we all love. It is a harsh cynical world out there, so where is the harm in having a bit of fun. And if it gets people talking about the club both here and elsewhere, as Big Vince suggested on another thread, surely that is to the good."

 

and here's some photos of shirts:

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, unless you have a big shirt, three numbers that doesn't include a 1 (it's thin..) has to be written with a word. Maybe if we did it, it could be done horizontally...or in smaller numbers...that's if we got that high, of course.

 

As we're going to get a printing machine soon, it could all be monitored at the ground, so that some smartarse doesn't decide to go get the same number as someone else. Of course he could go do that somewhere else, but I suppose "risks" have to be taken.

 

So many people have blank backs-of-shirts, so this could be a great marketing plan for The Fleet aswell as creating a better atmosphere.

 

I'm guessing the amount of blank shirts is due to players not staying for long at this level. I was looking the other day and noticed only two of the current squad played against Notts County in the FA Cup in December 2003. (although I think it was Drury who was out injured and Jackson hadn't rejoined yet.) Although, I'm sure the lack of a printing machine is also one.

 

When I started this thread, I was just simply going to inform you of what they were doing and briefly ask if it could work here. But now I've written all this, I'm starting to believe it might just work and would bring in more money. What do you lot think? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

 

I know it was someone else's idea, but so was The Fleet Trust, wasn't it? And so are pretty much all football marketing schemes. Although this is more than a marketing scheme. I just hope I don't get flamed too much... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

 

Like I said, it doesn't just have to be for the ideas I mentioned...and hopefully, the name chosen won't be as crap as The Amigos. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[northfleet nigel]

Watch this space. There could be some news soon regarding a 'similar' idea.

[PJ!]

Fantastic idea Darren you little genius. Right up my Street. What do you think our name could be? Can I recomend the Fleet Allstars? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Ian_D]

Lol you cant leave it can you <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Jimmy]

Indeed, look in the programme on Saturday for details regarding an idea discussed at the footballing hotbed of Lymington and New Milton away!

[DarrenGNFC]

Ah, great minds think alike. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

I'll look forward to the programme on Saturday, then.

 

I can't edit the first post now, but...

 

Quote:

Maybe if we did it, it could be done horizontally

 

I meant diagonally, I swear. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

[PJ!]

Quote:

DarrenGNFC said:
Ah, great minds think alike. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'll look forward to the programme on Saturday, then.

Not that you wasn't looking forward to it anyway!