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Watkins: 'We're pulling out all the stops to get supporters in'
NICK Watkins admits Town's season ticket push is like a "military campaign" as the club look to seize on every opportunity to boost the County Ground numbers.
Town's chief executive is confident their 6,000 target can be reached by August 1, but insists nothing will be left to chance as they try to explore all avenues for sales.
Existing season ticket holders were able to purchase a new one for next season from 10am yesterday, at the lowest price for more than a decade, and Watkins is determined to ensure Town are playing to big crowds week in, week out.
He said: "The reaction has been totally positive and I would have been surprised if it had not been positive frankly, given the fact we have dropped an average price by over 100 pounds.
"I think 6,000 was raising the bar quite significantly but we did it knowing the right pricing structure should get us to that target and hopefully way beyond it.
"I spent a lot of time on Thursday going through with the marketing team here what opportunities we had to keep contact with the supporter base.
"The Champions League final in Moscow, we are thinking of running a Russian evening at the club, Vodka and stroganoff type of event, where you can watch the football on a big screen."
While the wait was a little longer than usual at the box office yesterday, due to a change in systems, Watkins has assured fans they will feel the benefit.
He said: "We have put a new ticketing system in today and because of the pricing structure a lot of people have opted to change their seats.
"It is taking a little longer to get it sorted but hopefully people will be patient.
"Once it gets up and running and we get used to its operation, not only will it be a more sophisticated online system, but it also has a customer relationship management programme built into it, which will allow us to be more in touch with our season ticket holders."
10:35am Tuesday 13th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Disillusioned Red, Lambourn on 10:57am Tue 13 May 08
Am I reading things correctly Swindon Town and Customer Relationship Management in the same sentence, fair play to these guys they are amking all the right noises.
Am I reading things correctly Swindon Town and Customer Relationship Management in the same sentence, fair play to these guys they are amking all the right noises.
Posted by: Mr_flibble, trowbridge on 11:50am Tue 13 May 08
I think its time you changed your username Disillusioned Red! How about Happy Gay Red? Gay as in happy and not in the manlove sense.
I think its time you changed your username Disillusioned Red! How about Happy Gay Red? Gay as in happy and not in the manlove sense.
Posted by: STFCHero, Swindon on 12:04pm Tue 13 May 08
We are on the verge of becoming a well run football club with ideas and a future!!!
We are on the verge of becoming a well run football club with ideas and a future!!!
Posted by: ivan, Bath on 12:14pm Tue 13 May 08
Don't know if this will get much support but could the club help by setting up a "share a lift " directory so that fans who could offer a lift who live out of town get the names of other supporters who live in the area. I am moving to Mid Wiltshire and could pick up in Pewsey or Marlborough if it helps to get extra fans to the game!
Don't know if this will get much support but could the club help by setting up a "share a lift " directory so that fans who could offer a lift who live out of town get the names of other supporters who live in the area. I am moving to Mid Wiltshire and could pick up in Pewsey or Marlborough if it helps to get extra fans to the game!
Posted by: steve, brentford on 12:42pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]ivan[/bold] wrote:
Don't know if this will get much support but could the club help by setting up a "share a lift " directory so that fans who could offer a lift who live out of town get the names of other supporters who live in the area. I am moving to Mid Wiltshire and could pick up in Pewsey or Marlborough if it helps to get extra fans to the game![/quote] Good idea ivan, no chance of a detour via london i take it:) how about speaking to somebody at the county ground for some idea`s or starting it yourself on the forum, lots of out of towner`s on here and on the forum so good luck.
ivan wrote:
Don't know if this will get much support but could the club help by setting up a "share a lift " directory so that fans who could offer a lift who live out of town get the names of other supporters who live in the area. I am moving to Mid Wiltshire and could pick up in Pewsey or Marlborough if it helps to get extra fans to the game!
Good idea ivan, no chance of a detour via london i take it:) how about speaking to somebody at the county ground for some idea`s or starting it yourself on the forum, lots of out of towner`s on here and on the forum so good luck.
Posted by: Happy Red, Lambourn on 1:22pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Mr_flibble[/bold] wrote:
I think its time you changed your username Disillusioned Red! How about Happy Gay Red? Gay as in happy and not in the manlove sense.[/quote] Thought I would leave the Gay out if you dont mind
Mr_flibble wrote:
I think its time you changed your username Disillusioned Red! How about Happy Gay Red? Gay as in happy and not in the manlove sense.
Thought I would leave the Gay out if you dont mind
Posted by: jantheman, Swindon on 1:31pm Tue 13 May 08
If the clug keeps going in the right direction we won't have anything to talk about
However whilst buying my season ticket today
I did see Couple of the Reading players Lita and the goalie can't remember his name having a look around the club are they joining us anyone now
If the clug keeps going in the right direction we won't have anything to talk about
However whilst buying my season ticket today
I did see Couple of the Reading players Lita and the goalie can't remember his name having a look around the club are they joining us anyone now
Posted by: steve, brentford on 1:50pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]jantheman[/bold] wrote:
If the clug keeps going in the right direction we won't have anything to talk about However whilst buying my season ticket today I did see Couple of the Reading players Lita and the goalie can't remember his name having a look around the club are they joining us anyone now [/quote] Wishful thinking mate, we could not afford lita and he`s got the choice of championship football if not with reading with others.
jantheman wrote:
If the clug keeps going in the right direction we won't have anything to talk about However whilst buying my season ticket today I did see Couple of the Reading players Lita and the goalie can't remember his name having a look around the club are they joining us anyone now
Wishful thinking mate, we could not afford lita and he`s got the choice of championship football if not with reading with others.
Posted by: s.lovesey, Swindon on 2:23pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]steve[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]jantheman[/bold] wrote: If the clug keeps going in the right direction we won't have anything to talk about However whilst buying my season ticket today I did see Couple of the Reading players Lita and the goalie can't remember his name having a look around the club are they joining us anyone now [/quote] Wishful thinking mate, we could not afford lita and he`s got the choice of championship football if not with reading with others.[/quote] There is no way that we are going to get players of that quality !!
steve wrote:
jantheman wrote: If the clug keeps going in the right direction we won't have anything to talk about However whilst buying my season ticket today I did see Couple of the Reading players Lita and the goalie can't remember his name having a look around the club are they joining us anyone now
Wishful thinking mate, we could not afford lita and he`s got the choice of championship football if not with reading with others.
There is no way that we are going to get players of that quality !!
Posted by: Nlorenzos, Chiswick on 2:44pm Tue 13 May 08
Steve I live a mile away from you in west Chiswick and wd love to car share as i'm skint
Steve I live a mile away from you in west Chiswick and wd love to car share as i'm skint
Posted by: Nlorenzos, Chiswick on 2:48pm Tue 13 May 08
Steve my email is jsheldrake@email.com
Steve my email is jsheldrake@email.com
Posted by: steve, brentford on 3:32pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]Nlorenzos[/bold] wrote:
Steve my email is jsheldrake@email.com[/quote] Will contact you later Nlorenzos, No problem with car share e-mail you this evening.
Nlorenzos wrote:
Steve my email is jsheldrake@email.com
Will contact you later Nlorenzos, No problem with car share e-mail you this evening.
Posted by: International Robin, Swindon on 4:55pm Tue 13 May 08
Why not get something kicking up in the Town Centre.. like where they normally have bands etc plaing.. Why not get some loud music, football themed fun just get out and show off the new Swindon Town to the public! Most the people don't really understand whatexcatly is on their doorsteps!
Why not get something kicking up in the Town Centre.. like where they normally have bands etc plaing.. Why not get some loud music, football themed fun just get out and show off the new Swindon Town to the public! Most the people don't really understand whatexcatly is on their doorsteps!
Posted by: stfc4eva, swindon on 5:10pm Tue 13 May 08
I can't see them reaching 6,000 season ticket holders, with my many people stuggling with meeting household bills. And having to work all hours to make ends meet I thik it's pie in the sky to hope so many people will buy season tickets. I can't see the average crowd incressing very much on this season.
I can't see them reaching 6,000 season ticket holders, with my many people stuggling with meeting household bills. And having to work all hours to make ends meet I thik it's pie in the sky to hope so many people will buy season tickets. I can't see the average crowd incressing very much on this season.
Posted by: Mr_flibble, trowbridge on 5:25pm Tue 13 May 08
Lita must be on 10k a week, and thats the going rate for most good Championship players these days. There is no chance of him coming here.
Unless of course he wants to move closer back to Bristol on the M4!
Lita must be on 10k a week, and thats the going rate for most good Championship players these days. There is no chance of him coming here.
Unless of course he wants to move closer back to Bristol on the M4!
Posted by: TonyJanson, Chippenham on 5:57pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]ivan[/bold] wrote:
Don't know if this will get much support but could the club help by setting up a "share a lift " directory so that fans who could offer a lift who live out of town get the names of other supporters who live in the area. I am moving to Mid Wiltshire and could pick up in Pewsey or Marlborough if it helps to get extra fans to the game![/quote] What a splendid idea Ivan ! I hope a few others will " take a leaf out of your book ". Hope we shall all be able to get in ! ! COME ON YOU REDS !
ivan wrote:
Don't know if this will get much support but could the club help by setting up a "share a lift " directory so that fans who could offer a lift who live out of town get the names of other supporters who live in the area. I am moving to Mid Wiltshire and could pick up in Pewsey or Marlborough if it helps to get extra fans to the game!
What a splendid idea Ivan ! I hope a few others will " take a leaf out of your book ". Hope we shall all be able to get in ! ! COME ON YOU REDS !
Posted by: Phil_S, Chippenham on 6:03pm Tue 13 May 08
[quote][bold]stfc4eva[/bold] wrote:
I can't see them reaching 6,000 season ticket holders, with my many people stuggling with meeting household bills. And having to work all hours to make ends meet I thik it's pie in the sky to hope so many people will buy season tickets. I can't see the average crowd incressing very much on this season.[/quote] It depends on if you see the glass half full or half empty. If people are feeling the pinch they will either cut out football all together, or they will look to make savings. If you are looking to make savings what better way than to get in for half the cost. Live football is now competitive with an afternoon in the cinema, or at the bowling alley. (paticularly for a family).
At the end of the day my experience is that most people will always find the money for what they WANT to do, it just depends where in their priorities football lies.
(eg. Do I have 4 pints of beer/ Big macs/etc or go to football).
stfc4eva wrote:
I can't see them reaching 6,000 season ticket holders, with my many people stuggling with meeting household bills. And having to work all hours to make ends meet I thik it's pie in the sky to hope so many people will buy season tickets. I can't see the average crowd incressing very much on this season.
It depends on if you see the glass half full or half empty. If people are feeling the pinch they will either cut out football all together, or they will look to make savings. If you are looking to make savings what better way than to get in for half the cost. Live football is now competitive with an afternoon in the cinema, or at the bowling alley. (paticularly for a family).
At the end of the day my experience is that most people will always find the money for what they WANT to do, it just depends where in their priorities football lies.
(eg. Do I have 4 pints of beer/ Big macs/etc or go to football).
Posted by: tractorboy, south bucks on 8:46pm Tue 13 May 08
Brentford steve , J4 M4 mate :-).
I'm kinda looking forward to next season providing we get a decent team .
As for saving 100quid on my ticket I don't know where Mr Watkins gets that from.
I'm a pensioner and If we reach the 6K goal I'll save 30quid, if not I'll only save ten which won't anywhere near cover additional fuel costs.
Whilst the new prices are very good for the average fan I feel Watkins could have given us old timers a little extra benifit.
After all they've had the benifit of my hard earned for fifty years.
Brentford steve , J4 M4 mate :-).
I'm kinda looking forward to next season providing we get a decent team .
As for saving 100quid on my ticket I don't know where Mr Watkins gets that from.
I'm a pensioner and If we reach the 6K goal I'll save 30quid, if not I'll only save ten which won't anywhere near cover additional fuel costs.
Whilst the new prices are very good for the average fan I feel Watkins could have given us old timers a little extra benifit.
After all they've had the benifit of my hard earned for fifty years.
Posted by: Android, melksham on 7:29am Wed 14 May 08
I think that such a reduction in prices is brilliant although perhaps not so improved for pensioners as mentioned above.A few years back i remember you could get in for a fiver against Birmingham and about 14000 turned up.This proved to some extent that the fans are out there if the price is right.The team was already poven to be quite successful then.As far as i am concerned i could never watch any other team play but some fans will obviously wait to see who is added to the squad because to them pulling out all the stops would have meant keeping Miguel type players.This is the grey area we have at the moment.Ticket prices are attractive but how much money will the board be actually spending on players.A couple of good buys would demonstrate that this board means business.
I think that such a reduction in prices is brilliant although perhaps not so improved for pensioners as mentioned above.A few years back i remember you could get in for a fiver against Birmingham and about 14000 turned up.This proved to some extent that the fans are out there if the price is right.The team was already poven to be quite successful then.As far as i am concerned i could never watch any other team play but some fans will obviously wait to see who is added to the squad because to them pulling out all the stops would have meant keeping Miguel type players.This is the grey area we have at the moment.Ticket prices are attractive but how much money will the board be actually spending on players.A couple of good buys would demonstrate that this board means business.
Posted by: ron, princes risborough on 10:32am Wed 14 May 08
I travel from Princes Risborough Bucks for most home games, willing to lift share if anyone is in the area.
I travel from Princes Risborough Bucks for most home games, willing to lift share if anyone is in the area.
Posted by: ron, princes risborough on 10:35am Wed 14 May 08
I travel from Princes Risborough Bucks for most home games, I am willing to lift share if anyone lives in the area.
I travel from Princes Risborough Bucks for most home games, I am willing to lift share if anyone lives in the area.
Posted by: Russ STFC, swindon on 12:10pm Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]tractorboy[/bold] wrote:
Brentford steve , J4 M4 mate :-).
I'm kinda looking forward to next season providing we get a decent team .
As for saving 100quid on my ticket I don't know where Mr Watkins gets that from.
I'm a pensioner and If we reach the 6K goal I'll save 30quid, if not I'll only save ten which won't anywhere near cover additional fuel costs.
Whilst the new prices are very good for the average fan I feel Watkins could have given us old timers a little extra benifit.
After all they've had the benifit of my hard earned for fifty years. [/quote] old timers get a concession dont forget.
£189 at most how much cheaper can you get then that bar huddersfields £100 centenary ticket offer
tractorboy wrote:
Brentford steve , J4 M4 mate :-).
I'm kinda looking forward to next season providing we get a decent team .
As for saving 100quid on my ticket I don't know where Mr Watkins gets that from.
I'm a pensioner and If we reach the 6K goal I'll save 30quid, if not I'll only save ten which won't anywhere near cover additional fuel costs.
Whilst the new prices are very good for the average fan I feel Watkins could have given us old timers a little extra benifit.
After all they've had the benifit of my hard earned for fifty years.
old timers get a concession dont forget.
£189 at most how much cheaper can you get then that bar huddersfields £100 centenary ticket offer
Posted by: Hertz, swindon on 1:56pm Wed 14 May 08
I also hear they were digging the pitch up on Monday and laying a new playing surface , if it's true there is investment going on all over the Ground , wonder if they will fix the womens loos .
I also hear they were digging the pitch up on Monday and laying a new playing surface , if it's true there is investment going on all over the Ground , wonder if they will fix the womens loos .
Posted by: stfc4eva, Swindon on 4:53pm Wed 14 May 08
yh and wot about the blokes...theres floaters in the toilets all the tym cos the flush dnt work!
its fukin orrible
lol
yh and wot about the blokes...theres floaters in the toilets all the tym cos the flush dnt work!
its fukin orrible
lol
Posted by: stfc4eva, Swindon on 4:53pm Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]Hertz[/bold] wrote:
I also hear they were digging the pitch up on Monday and laying a new playing surface , if it's true there is investment going on all over the Ground , wonder if they will fix the womens loos .[/quote] yh and wot about the blokes...theres floaters in the toilets all the tym cos the flush dnt work!
its fukin orrible
lol
Hertz wrote:
I also hear they were digging the pitch up on Monday and laying a new playing surface , if it's true there is investment going on all over the Ground , wonder if they will fix the womens loos .
yh and wot about the blokes...theres floaters in the toilets all the tym cos the flush dnt work!
its fukin orrible
lol
Posted by: who dat? on 9:54pm Wed 14 May 08
" a fiver against Birmingham and about 14000 turned up"
I think that was a reserve match - the carrot was getting tokens or tickets for a cup match !
I seem to recall a young Russell Lewis totally playing Kenny Burns out of the game!
BTW Whatever happened to young Alan Young?
" a fiver against Birmingham and about 14000 turned up"
I think that was a reserve match - the carrot was getting tokens or tickets for a cup match !
I seem to recall a young Russell Lewis totally playing Kenny Burns out of the game!
BTW Whatever happened to young Alan Young?
Posted by: tractorboy, south bucks on 10:22pm Wed 14 May 08
who dat, it was a reserve match, and the carrot was a ticket for the cup game V Everton.
Kenny Burns was well overweight by about three stone and I'm serious, he was so knackered his face was redder than the Town shirts.
Burns later signed for Cloughie 's Forest , the legend got him off the beer and drinking tonic water, he slimmed right down and became a great player.
who dat, it was a reserve match, and the carrot was a ticket for the cup game V Everton.
Kenny Burns was well overweight by about three stone and I'm serious, he was so knackered his face was redder than the Town shirts.
Burns later signed for Cloughie 's Forest , the legend got him off the beer and drinking tonic water, he slimmed right down and became a great player.
Posted by: Android, melksham on 7:10am Thu 15 May 08
Swindon Town v Birmingham City on January 12 in 1993 and no i dont think Jasper Carrot played for them because he got stuck on the magic roundabout with Kenny Loggins and Gordon Burns i think. There were not any cup tokens up for grabs because we were already knocked out of the league cup by Oldham plus we were foiled by Les Ferdinands QPR 3-0 the previous week in the FA cup.
Swindon Town v Birmingham City on January 12 in 1993 and no i dont think Jasper Carrot played for them because he got stuck on the magic roundabout with Kenny Loggins and Gordon Burns i think. There were not any cup tokens up for grabs because we were already knocked out of the league cup by Oldham plus we were foiled by Les Ferdinands QPR 3-0 the previous week in the FA cup.
Posted by: Android, melksham on 7:27am Thu 15 May 08
ps young Alan Young also got lost on the magic roundabout and was not so young when he got off of it.He was off to bingo.The tickets were a fiver when he left home but had increased to over a tenner by the time he got there.Whatever next.Next thing you know the price of gas will be going up.Come on you reds and Hull City.
ps young Alan Young also got lost on the magic roundabout and was not so young when he got off of it.He was off to bingo.The tickets were a fiver when he left home but had increased to over a tenner by the time he got there.Whatever next.Next thing you know the price of gas will be going up.Come on you reds and Hull City.
Posted by: M Mack, Highworth on 9:00am Thu 15 May 08
Mr Watkins could do more to get the fans in by investing in some quality players. This is the one thing that would sell more season tickets. Invest and they will come!!!
Mr Watkins could do more to get the fans in by investing in some quality players. This is the one thing that would sell more season tickets. Invest and they will come!!!
Posted by: TonyJanson, Chippenham on 9:14am Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]M Mack[/bold] wrote:
Mr Watkins could do more to get the fans in by investing in some quality players. This is the one thing that would sell more season tickets. Invest and they will come!!![/quote] The whisper is that season ticket sales have reached over a thousand. I reckon that when sales slow down a new signing will be made to recreate the buzz. Have faith - it`s gonna be OK !
M Mack wrote:
Mr Watkins could do more to get the fans in by investing in some quality players. This is the one thing that would sell more season tickets. Invest and they will come!!!
The whisper is that season ticket sales have reached over a thousand. I reckon that when sales slow down a new signing will be made to recreate the buzz. Have faith - it`s gonna be OK !
Posted by: Android, melksham on 9:57am Thu 15 May 08
The official attendance was 14398 for that game against Birmingham.I think the prices were reduced to compensate for the Tranmere floodlight failure game .I agree with both previous comments as there is nothing like acouple of good quality signings to generate more interest hence sell more tickets.
The official attendance was 14398 for that game against Birmingham.I think the prices were reduced to compensate for the Tranmere floodlight failure game .I agree with both previous comments as there is nothing like acouple of good quality signings to generate more interest hence sell more tickets.
Posted by: M Mack, Highworth on 9:25am Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]TonyJanson[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]M Mack[/bold] wrote: Mr Watkins could do more to get the fans in by investing in some quality players. This is the one thing that would sell more season tickets. Invest and they will come!!![/quote] The whisper is that season ticket sales have reached over a thousand. I reckon that when sales slow down a new signing will be made to recreate the buzz. Have faith - it`s gonna be OK ![/quote] Yes I believe you're right it's gonna be OK, in fact I can't remember the last time I felt so upbeat about the future of our club. Onwards and upwards!
TonyJanson wrote:
M Mack wrote: Mr Watkins could do more to get the fans in by investing in some quality players. This is the one thing that would sell more season tickets. Invest and they will come!!!
The whisper is that season ticket sales have reached over a thousand. I reckon that when sales slow down a new signing will be made to recreate the buzz. Have faith - it`s gonna be OK !
Yes I believe you're right it's gonna be OK, in fact I can't remember the last time I felt so upbeat about the future of our club. Onwards and upwards!
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