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Post by uptheus on May 2, 2017 17:40:53 GMT
Jem just wondered if OxVox managed to get a say on the ST prices for the 2017/18 season? If so, what are your/OxVox's thoughts?
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Post by manorlounger on May 2, 2017 18:04:52 GMT
Jem just wondered if OxVox managed to get a say on the ST prices for the 2017/18 season? If so, what are your/OxVox's thoughts? I did wonder about this as the most recent minutes indicated that as of the 12th April (date of the meeting) no conversation had been held with OUFC regarding season ticket prices/packages. Was there a conversation between then and the announcement of prices? If not, what would OxVox have suggested? And, if no conversation did take place, was this as a result of the ongoing stadium talks? There have been indications, sadly, that communication and as a result, any clarity between the trust and OUFC has deteriorated.
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Post by oxvox on May 2, 2017 18:58:31 GMT
Hi uptheus and manorlounger!
We did not (sadly) have any consultation with the club on season ticket pricing this year as we have in previous years. We were kindly provided with the details of the prices (under enmbargo) on Sunday afternoon, but clearly that was too late to make any actionable comments, as by this point they were a 'done deal'.
We did provide a formal report and 'views' to the club about 10 days ago, but there wasn't any detailed response/indication from the club, as to what they had planned. Therefore, unfortunately, we were unable to comment and/or engage in advance.
Of course, it is the clubs prerogative to set pricing as they see fit and in line with their financial/budgetary requirements.
It is understood that revenue streams are limited and that ticket pricing is an important part of the clubs income, but we are disappointed that younger fans (and therefore families) as well as the elderly appear to have born the brunt of the increases. It seems to be a plan to increase revenue from existing fans, rather than a plan to increase the fan base by attracting new fans. We would have also liked to see a higher degree of 'marketing' and perhaps 'offers' for fans, but perhaps these might follow?
Hopefully, as stated in the clubs release, the additional revenues (if indeed they do increase) will be channelled into Michael Appletons playing budget and that a strong squad, capable of challenging for promotion can be assembled and deliver what we all want - another promotion, from a team that we can continue to be hugely proud of!!
Cheers!
Jem
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Post by manorlounger on May 2, 2017 19:48:46 GMT
Thanks Jem. As you say, it is the club's prerogative to set prices as they see fit and how they are announced but, a shame that OxVox have been excluded and, from my viewpoint, short sighted.
Out of curiosity, I assume that the report and 'views' of the committee will be made available to members?
As it stands, Mrs Manorlounger and I would not be able to contemplate renewing just yet as we have no idea what we will be getting for our combined £1350.00. Quite why there has been no marketing from the club is puzzling, not even confirmation of a package.
At least however, with Mappy at the helm and a group of talented players, we will be entertained again with a real chance of promotion.
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Post by uptheus on May 2, 2017 22:39:59 GMT
Hi uptheus and manorlounger! We did not (sadly) have any consultation with the club on season ticket pricing this year as we have in previous years. We were kindly provided with the details of the prices (under enmbargo) on Sunday afternoon, but clearly that was too late to make any actionable comments, as by this point they were a 'done deal'. We did provide a formal report and 'views' to the club about 10 days ago, but there wasn't any detailed response/indication from the club, as to what they had planned. Therefore, unfortunately, we were unable to comment and/or engage in advance. Of course, it is the clubs prerogative to set pricing as they see fit and in line with their financial/budgetary requirements. It is understood that revenue streams are limited and that ticket pricing is an important part of the clubs income, but we are disappointed that younger fans (and therefore families) as well as the elderly appear to have born the brunt of the increases. It seems to be a plan to increase revenue from existing fans, rather than a plan to increase the fan base by attracting new fans. We would have also liked to see a higher degree of 'marketing' and perhaps 'offers' for fans, but perhaps these might follow? Hopefully, as stated in the clubs release, the additional revenues (if indeed they do increase) will be channelled into Michael Appletons playing budget and that a strong squad, capable of challenging for promotion can be assembled and deliver what we all want - another promotion, from a team that we can continue to be hugely proud of!! Cheers! Jem Thanks for the update Jem, and sorry to hear that OxVox weren't consulted in terms of being a representation of the fans view re; season ticket pricing etc. Even more disappointing that the relationship between OxVox and the club appears to be in disarray. I guess we should hear imminently about the stadium situation or whether the club are in the midst of being bought by another owner etc, hence why it's extremely quiet on that front?
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Post by jimmycarterxi on May 3, 2017 0:28:31 GMT
Hi uptheus and manorlounger! We did not (sadly) have any consultation with the club on season ticket pricing this year as we have in previous years. We were kindly provided with the details of the prices (under enmbargo) on Sunday afternoon, but clearly that was too late to make any actionable comments, as by this point they were a 'done deal'. We did provide a formal report and 'views' to the club about 10 days ago, but there wasn't any detailed response/indication from the club, as to what they had planned. Therefore, unfortunately, we were unable to comment and/or engage in advance. Of course, it is the clubs prerogative to set pricing as they see fit and in line with their financial/budgetary requirements. It is understood that revenue streams are limited and that ticket pricing is an important part of the clubs income, but we are disappointed that younger fans (and therefore families) as well as the elderly appear to have born the brunt of the increases. It seems to be a plan to increase revenue from existing fans, rather than a plan to increase the fan base by attracting new fans. We would have also liked to see a higher degree of 'marketing' and perhaps 'offers' for fans, but perhaps these might follow? Hopefully, as stated in the clubs release, the additional revenues (if indeed they do increase) will be channelled into Michael Appletons playing budget and that a strong squad, capable of challenging for promotion can be assembled and deliver what we all want - another promotion, from a team that we can continue to be hugely proud of!! Cheers! Jem Thanks for the update Jem, and sorry to hear that OxVox weren't consulted in terms of being a representation of the fans view re; season ticket pricing etc. Even more disappointing that the relationship between OxVox and the club appears to be in disarray. I guess we should hear imminently about the stadium situation or whether the club are in the midst of being bought by another owner etc, hence why it's extremely quiet on that front? Agreed, I'm certain we will be hearing from Oxvox soon over the stadium purchase as promised.....otherwise it would appear to be a distraction the club and fans could have done without this season
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Post by headingtonutd on May 3, 2017 0:57:34 GMT
Thanks for the update Jem, and sorry to hear that OxVox weren't consulted in terms of being a representation of the fans view re; season ticket pricing etc. Even more disappointing that the relationship between OxVox and the club appears to be in disarray. I guess we should hear imminently about the stadium situation or whether the club are in the midst of being bought by another owner etc, hence why it's extremely quiet on that front? Agreed, I'm certain we will be hearing from Oxvox soon over the stadium purchase as promised.....otherwise it would appear to be a distraction the club and fans could have done without this season A distraction to the club and fans? How exactly has a group of Oxford fans trying to get the ground into our hands been a distraction to anyone? How did it distract you? Did you miss any games because of it? Were you kept awake at night? And when was this promise? As far as I remember it they said they hoped to get to heads of terms by the end of the season, nothing else. No promise was made. As for the club being distracted, how do you work that out? OxVox's negotiations take none of their time, effort or money. It's a 'free roll' for the club. If it works, great, if not, nothing lost. Who exactly are these distracted people?
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Post by jimmycarterxi on May 3, 2017 1:42:54 GMT
Agreed, I'm certain we will be hearing from Oxvox soon over the stadium purchase as promised.....otherwise it would appear to be a distraction the club and fans could have done without this season A distraction to the club and fans? How exactly has a group of Oxford fans trying to get the ground into our hands been a distraction to anyone? How did it distract you? Did you miss any games because of it? Were you kept awake at night? And when was this promise? As far as I remember it they said they hoped to get to heads of terms by the end of the season, nothing else. No promise was made. As for the club being distracted, how do you work that out? OxVox's negotiations take none of their time, effort or money. It's a 'free roll' for the club. If it works, great, if not, nothing lost. Who exactly are these distracted people? Yes it has kept me awake at night
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Post by ZeroTheHero on May 3, 2017 7:28:55 GMT
A distraction to the club and fans? How exactly has a group of Oxford fans trying to get the ground into our hands been a distraction to anyone? How did it distract you? Did you miss any games because of it? Were you kept awake at night? And when was this promise? As far as I remember it they said they hoped to get to heads of terms by the end of the season, nothing else. No promise was made. As for the club being distracted, how do you work that out? OxVox's negotiations take none of their time, effort or money. It's a 'free roll' for the club. If it works, great, if not, nothing lost. Who exactly are these distracted people? Yes it has kept me awake at night Just you then. Since Kassam won't sell to our owner, the only alternative was the status quo - us paying rent to Kassam until doomsday. THAT is what should be keeping you awake, not a group of fans trying to improve things for the club.
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Post by oufcyellows on May 3, 2017 7:51:20 GMT
Why bother consulting on prices at all if it's too late, and your not going to listen to the advise.
Can't see how Darryl can throw his toys out the pram over oxvox working on a stadium deal, 1/ it doesn't stop him from doing anything, he can make his own offers, he can look at alternatives, he can sell up and let a new owner worry about it. 2/ how many times has he mentioned not having the revenue streams from food and drink. A deal through oxvox would get him that, at the lowest cost to him personally of all the options open to him. 3/ it's not a distraction, as he's not actually doing anything, the club is in exactly the same situation it has been since he arrived, and he can fund the club all day long at this level without the stadium deal!!
The club failed to talk to the fans before making a bad decision on bteams, just have to hope they have judged this one better.
whatever happens with the stadium it seems some are lining oxvox up as the fall guys. We get it - they have interfered and stoped Darryl getting it himself. They don't get - wasted time and stopped Darryl moving forward. Both totally incorrect
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Post by mcf86 on May 3, 2017 9:37:51 GMT
No news is no news. Maybe DE has gone to Monaco for a sunshine break?
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Post by Denissmithswig on May 3, 2017 9:39:51 GMT
Now before I post this I will make it clear I am a OxVox member but IMO the trust shouldn't have a say in how the football club is run.
It is up to Eales how he runs his business and what ticket prices are and how much boxes etc are priced at. In my view OxVox should be concentrating on things such as match experience for fans. Shrewsbury had a grant from the football league to put a fan zone in place outside the ground for the last few months of the season. If Shrewsbury can manage to get a grant for this then why couldn't OUFC? Did OxVox look into this?
I think, while it isn't going to come to fruition I think what they are doing with regards to the stadium is great as it is clear Kassam won't deal with an individual (IL or DE in this instance) which is Kassam's choice as he holds all the cards.
I personally feel that OxVox have brought some of the tension between DE and the trust themselves by trying to get involved with how the football club is ran.
I have no objection with the club deciding how much season tickets are each year as they will do their research against what other clubs are charging.
I am a manager and am incharge of how much I sell gym memberships for, what monthly deals I put on. This can at times prove unpopular with current members as they always feel like they are losing out so it is about doing things throughout the year for members only to keep them feeling wanted. The football club do give season ticket holders benefits such as reserving seats for a set time for cup games and allowing them the chance to buy away tickets before other punters. This I feel gets taken for granted by some fans.
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Post by oufcyellows on May 3, 2017 9:43:38 GMT
Now before I post this I will make it clear I am a OxVox member but IMO the trust shouldn't have a say in how the football club is run. It is up to Eales how he runs his business and what ticket prices are and how much boxes etc are priced at. In my view OxVox should be concentrating on things such as match experience for fans. Shrewsbury had a grant from the football league to put a fan zone in place outside the ground for the last few months of the season. If Shrewsbury can manage to get a grant for this then why couldn't OUFC? Did OxVox look into this? I think, while it isn't going to come to fruition I think what they are doing with regards to the stadium is great as it is clear Kassam won't deal with an individual (IL or DE in this instance) which is Kassam's choice as he holds all the cards. I personally feel that OxVox have brought some of the tension between DE and the trust themselves by trying to get involved with how the football club is ran. I have no objection with the club deciding how much season tickets are each year as they will do their research against what other clubs are charging. I am a manager and am incharge of how much I sell gym memberships for, what monthly deals I put on. This can at times prove unpopular with current members as they always feel like they are losing out so it is about doing things throughout the year for members only to keep them feeling wanted. The football club do give season ticket holders benefits such as reserving seats for a set time for cup games and allowing them the chance to buy away tickets before other punters. This I feel gets taken for granted by some fans. Your right it is up to the club how much they charge, a process I believe in all other seasons which has involved taking on board the opinion of the supporters trust, who represent their customers. Market research if u like. The fact that Darryl and the club have done this in the previous two seasons, suggests it's far from them sticking their nose in, or dictating how the club is run. But purely doing their job, representing the fans interests
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Post by Denissmithswig on May 3, 2017 9:47:03 GMT
Now before I post this I will make it clear I am a OxVox member but IMO the trust shouldn't have a say in how the football club is run. It is up to Eales how he runs his business and what ticket prices are and how much boxes etc are priced at. In my view OxVox should be concentrating on things such as match experience for fans. Shrewsbury had a grant from the football league to put a fan zone in place outside the ground for the last few months of the season. If Shrewsbury can manage to get a grant for this then why couldn't OUFC? Did OxVox look into this? I think, while it isn't going to come to fruition I think what they are doing with regards to the stadium is great as it is clear Kassam won't deal with an individual (IL or DE in this instance) which is Kassam's choice as he holds all the cards. I personally feel that OxVox have brought some of the tension between DE and the trust themselves by trying to get involved with how the football club is ran. I have no objection with the club deciding how much season tickets are each year as they will do their research against what other clubs are charging. I am a manager and am incharge of how much I sell gym memberships for, what monthly deals I put on. This can at times prove unpopular with current members as they always feel like they are losing out so it is about doing things throughout the year for members only to keep them feeling wanted. The football club do give season ticket holders benefits such as reserving seats for a set time for cup games and allowing them the chance to buy away tickets before other punters. This I feel gets taken for granted by some fans. Your right it is up to the club how much they charge, a process I believe in all other seasons which has involved taking on board the opinion of the supporters trust, who represent their customers. Market research if u like. The fact that Darryl and the club have done this in the previous two seasons, suggests it's far from them sticking their nose in, or dictating how the club is run. But purely doing their job, representing the fans interests I understand that but I feel the club had a clear mind on how much they needed to raise the ST's by. Would it be worth while to speak to OxVox just for lip service when they were going to charge what they have regardless only for OxVox then to state they were asked for their views and the club didn't take on board anything they said and charged what they have regardless? If the club were clear on what they wanted to do then I think they were right in doing just that. They weren't going to win either way with some fans.
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Post by oufcyellows on May 3, 2017 10:02:56 GMT
Completely agree, but isn't that what gaining feedback is all about? The club could have said this is our aim, we feel the prices need to rise to xxx in order to put us inline with other clubs and compete with budgets. The feed back could then have been we understand that, but feel the ox4life package rise is just a little to high for families, so could the figures be juggled in that area? As you would only be talking xxx but it may less members. The club still don't have to take on board anything as u say, but u would still gauge opinion wouldn't u?
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Post by upthecowboys on May 3, 2017 11:20:24 GMT
Your right it is up to the club how much they charge, a process I believe in all other seasons which has involved taking on board the opinion of the supporters trust, who represent their customers. Market research if u like. The fact that Darryl and the club have done this in the previous two seasons, suggests it's far from them sticking their nose in, or dictating how the club is run. But purely doing their job, representing the fans interests I understand that but I feel the club had a clear mind on how much they needed to raise the ST's by. Would it be worth while to speak to OxVox just for lip service when they were going to charge what they have regardless only for OxVox then to state they were asked for their views and the club didn't take on board anything they said and charged what they have regardless? If the club were clear on what they wanted to do then I think they were right in doing just that. They weren't going to win either way with some fans. The club have every right to set prices as they see fit. However why not at least listen to the ideas presented by Oxvox before making decisions, they may have had some innovative ideas re marketing / offers that would increase revenue - nothing ventured nothing gained. I think most businesses would welcome the opportunity to have ideas presented to them from a group whose ultimate interests are finding ways to support that business. When DE is not actively engaging with the supporters trust on issues like this, then I find his free beers on away trips etc a bit gimmicky.
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Post by myles on May 3, 2017 12:23:47 GMT
I understand that but I feel the club had a clear mind on how much they needed to raise the ST's by. Would it be worth while to speak to OxVox just for lip service when they were going to charge what they have regardless only for OxVox then to state they were asked for their views and the club didn't take on board anything they said and charged what they have regardless? Well, if the club wants to position itself as being "at the heart of the community", then surely it's incumbent on them to engage with the representatives of that community? And an issue like this should be a conversation. It may well be that the club has a clear mind about how much they needed to raise ST revenue by, but part of the process should be explaining the rationale behind that to the Supporters' Trust, who then have three responses open to them (in short): a) "Yes, this is fine"; b) "We understand the club's position, but aren't happy"; and c) "This increase is unacceptable and the club hasn't justified to us why they feel it necessary". Not engaging with the Supporters' Trust on this issue seems to me a further indication of a breakdown in the relationship with the club.
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Post by horseman on May 3, 2017 12:43:15 GMT
if 30% didn't want/couldn't afford an increase would they still have been implemented?
if you wanted your business to attract potential customers do you increase your prices?
Why stop giving oxforlife members a shirt because of an increased membership yet charge more for families whilst also asking a higher st membership to pay more?
if the majority were against b teams why did 30.000 go to wembley?
What made some choose trips to Boro/Wembley as opposed to home games?
After years in the wilderness and longing to see proper clubs again why didn't some turn up for important games against Bolton and Sheff utd?
Has anything ever been discussed to have a "Direct" bus from the train station and back?
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Post by Barts on May 3, 2017 17:17:13 GMT
I've no problem with oxvox not being involved in the discussions about season ticket prices and I'm an oxvox member. As someone said there's no point in just giving them lip service. OUFC are clear on what they feel they need to charge, so that's what they'll charge.
On the ox4life offers. Did people really think they would keep giving away shirts? If it had carried on increasing at its current rate they would have lost a fortune. I think the ones (including me) who took up the offer have been extremely lucky!
On the stadium, I have full support and faith in Jem, Colin and Simon that they will do what's best for oufc. Whether they buy the ground or secure it a different way or even walk away from any possible deal.
I think Eales's nose may have been put out of joint by the fact oxvox probably can't talk too him right now about any deal because of a confidentiality clause inserted by Kassam (I bet he hasn't signed it) This in turn frustrates DE and he try's to put pressure on oxvox.
Right that's me put the world according to oufc to rights, I'm off for dinner!! ☺
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Post by Mark on May 3, 2017 18:26:43 GMT
Would have been nice to get some fan input into season ticket price changes such as the new premium blocks where adults who have sat with children or oaps find the concession price increases too much and perhaps some phasing in of the increase would allow them to plan to watch elsewhere.
However a lot of the whinging seems to be based on percentage increases rather than relative value of seats and views and the quality of football, whereas there is an implicit higher cost of funding a competitive L1 team as well as funding the academy.
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Post by witney50 on May 3, 2017 20:00:02 GMT
Would have been nice to get some fan input into season ticket price changes such as the new premium blocks where adults who have sat with children or oaps find the concession price increases too much and perhaps some phasing in of the increase would allow them to plan to watch elsewhere. However a lot of the whinging seems to be based on percentage increases rather than relative value of seats and views and the quality of football, whereas there is an implicit higher cost of funding a competitive L1 team as well as funding the academy. Myself and my son works out at circa 12.50 each...with the increases...great value... I've been taking him since he was walking and he is now a yellow home and away at 16 and loves it...that's priceless
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Post by horseman on May 3, 2017 20:10:15 GMT
Would have been nice to get some fan input into season ticket price changes such as the new premium blocks where adults who have sat with children or oaps find the concession price increases too much and perhaps some phasing in of the increase would allow them to plan to watch elsewhere. However a lot of the whinging seems to be based on percentage increases rather than relative value of seats and views and the quality of football, whereas there is an implicit higher cost of funding a competitive L1 team as well as funding the academy. Yet again a valid point of view is whinging..Sensible people know there are no guarantees in football so was there really a need for a if you want success card? Based on that we would all be due refunds from the last acts of the previous regime whose 5 year plan we bought into. Could it be time to think outside of being a current supporter?
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Post by Mark on May 3, 2017 20:16:44 GMT
Would have been nice to get some fan input into season ticket price changes such as the new premium blocks where adults who have sat with children or oaps find the concession price increases too much and perhaps some phasing in of the increase would allow them to plan to watch elsewhere. However a lot of the whinging seems to be based on percentage increases rather than relative value of seats and views and the quality of football, whereas there is an implicit higher cost of funding a competitive L1 team as well as funding the academy. Yet again a valid point of view is whinging..Sensible people know there are no guarantees in football so was there really a need for a if you want success card? Based on that we would all be due refunds from the last acts of the previous regime whose 5 year plan we bought into. Could it be time to think outside of being a current supporter? Well it's like having a local pub to go to int the village. You can stick with the red lion or go to the kings head. Just the same with football , if you don't like Oxford United prices , perhaps Reading a league higher , or Didcot or Ox City might be better.
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Post by horseman on May 3, 2017 20:42:11 GMT
my point was think not as a current fan but the all important much needed new fans.
i trust you misinterpreted my current supporter comment?
i wont bite on your suggestion
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Post by Mark on May 3, 2017 20:46:40 GMT
my point was think not as a current fan but the all important much needed new fans. i trust you misinterpreted my current supporter comment? i wont bite on your suggestion We've had over 11k capacity six times in three years , which is far more than in the previous sixteen or so years at the Kassam. Fact is , currently we are playing good football and competing against teams in leagues above us in cups.
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