Thanks for that. Obviously with the number of London clubs and the catchment area for Palace being what it is, that is a hard one to organise, but just because it is tough to achieve, it doesn't mean it can't be done.

The proposed trial of coaches to home games is a step in that direction - and I hope it will be a success. It really does need people to commit to it regualrly and get the message out there. What struck me most about the meeting was how hard it is to get a message accross to everyone who needs to hear it. The club do many things that people are totally unaware of - travel is no exception. If it is not communicated effectively then the uptake will be poor and it won't be continued.

The problem with all travel is the cost - particualrly in this country. My own train ticket has gone from £6.40 to £9.20 in two years for example. The club don't make money from the travel as it is and it will be hard to break even on the majority of ideas as things stand.

If the club can get the demand, then I am sure they can provide a valued service though. The message to people for the existing away travel (club coaches etc) and for the proposed home travel is to get yourself on the list as early as possible so the club can plan appropriately.

As a general point, that pretty much applies to everything though. The club want people to book their tickets early, spend more time at the ground and at the end of it all to have had a positive experience and want to come back. Us fans can be a real pain in the arse with asking for things then not using them or for saying one thing and doing another! The club can only deal with what actually happens rather that what people "reckon" does/will happen. A good case in point has been people's reaction to Millwall being given the AW stand. Some think it is a waste giving them 4,800 in a 9,600 stand. Aside from the Policing and stewadring costs and the safety implications (perceived or otherwise) the simple truth is that even with that restriction in place we are not selling out the rest. For me, the meeting really did open my eyes to the difference between the sweeping statements made by people on a fan's website and the actual reality.

Thanks for that. Obviously with the number of London clubs and the catchment area for Palace being what it is, that is a hard one to organise, but just because it is tough to achieve, it doesn't mean it can't be done.

The proposed trial of coaches to home games is a step in that direction - and I hope it will be a success. It really does need people to commit to it regualrly and get the message out there. What struck me most about the meeting was how hard it is to get a message accross to everyone who needs to hear it. The club do many things that people are totally unaware of - travel is no exception. If it is not communicated effectively then the uptake will be poor and it won't be continued.

The problem with all travel is the cost - particualrly in this country. My own train ticket has gone from £6.40 to £9.20 in two years for example. The club don't make money from the travel as it is and it will be hard to break even on the majority of ideas as things stand.

If the club can get the demand, then I am sure they can provide a valued service though. The message to people for the existing away travel (club coaches etc) and for the proposed home travel is to get yourself on the list as early as possible so the club can plan appropriately.

As a general point, that pretty much applies to everything though. The club want people to book their tickets early, spend more time at the ground and at the end of it all to have had a positive experience and want to come back. Us fans can be a real pain in the arse with asking for things then not using them or for saying one thing and doing another! The club can only deal with what actually happens rather that what people "reckon" does/will happen. A good case in point has been people's reaction to Millwall being given the AW stand. Some think it is a waste giving them 4,800 in a 9,600 stand. Aside from the Policing and stewadring costs and the safety implications (perceived or otherwise) the simple truth is that even with that restriction in place we are not selling out the rest. For me, the meeting really did open my eyes to the difference between the sweeping statements made by people on a fan's website and the actual reality.

Sorry if it seems like I'm nit-picking but I notice on more than one occasion you've mentioned how people (specifically on HOL) don't seem as interested and responsive as you'd imagined so I'm just trying to fuel some discussion... although it looks like it's just me and you, Hambo and I've only been to about 4 matches in 6 years

Edited by saxoneagle (13 Oct 2010 12.58pm)

Unfortunately no idea on the details. All I can really suggest is that a large part of the club's motivation is that the earlier they get people signed up, the easier it is for them to effectively plan/budget for the season ahead. I would think that would mean that early bookings would be therefore need an incentive / selling point.

I do know that there will be an installment plan once more, so perhaps Mrs Statto might allow that! In any case, it shouldn't be too long until the details are released - and hopefully it will generate some input for our as yet unconfirmed December meeting.

If the worst happens then you could probably catch a large number of games using the memebership and Selhurst 6 or 12 top up - so all won't be lost!

Hambo - cheers for the updates on the ticketing focus group. I support the idea of providing concessions for the unemployed. I disagree with saxoneagle - other groups based on age(under 18's over 60s) and lack of earnings ie students are already given discounts - in recognition of the fact they may struggle to afford the full admission price. This is the same scenario with the unemployed.

Whilst any system is open to abuse, someone being unemployed and claiming Job seeker's allowance(JSA) is
a tried and tested way of demonstrating someone's situation and probably lack of cash.

I was unemployed last year and was delighted when the Croydon Commitment initiative started, if unemployed fans or those on low incomes could be unearthed and targeted for these offers it could add to the coffers and keep fans involved whilst the going is tough.

There has to be an element of trust and self selection - ie if someone has been made redundant with £30k (thinking public sector payouts) hopefully they will not feel they need a discount.

Edited by PositivelyPalace (15 Oct 2010 8.12pm)