: Fri May 22, 2009 12:32 pm  

Odsal is never going to be a "singing" ground unless they put a roof over the terraces. Even at peak there wasnt much singing, largely because the demographics of the crowd didnt suit it ie lots of male teenagers = singing, lots of families = non singing. Despite that the atmosphere at Odsal was enjoyable, albeit in a different way to other grounds.

I dont really think that there would be much to be gained from increased marketing spend at the moment. The benefits of marketing follow on from a feelgood factor on the playing side. Not so much success in itself, more the prospect of good things about to happen as in 1996. During the Bullmania era very few, apart from the toddlers, went to Odsal just for the pre match entertainment.

: Fri May 22, 2009 12:49 pm  

It's not by any means just the singing though - far from it. It's just my opinion, but my view is that constantly overriding the normal natural shouting with loud music is what's decimated what used to be a much more vociferous atmosphere.

And I'm not trying to oversimplify, either, I'm not suggesting it's just that, but I do believe it's a very big factor.

: Fri May 22, 2009 12:56 pm  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

It's not by any means just the singing though - far from it. It's just my opinion, but my view is that constantly overriding the normal natural shouting with loud music is what's decimated what used to be a much more vociferous atmosphere.

And I'm not trying to oversimplify, either, I'm not suggesting it's just that, but I do believe it's a very big factor.

I've never thought of that before but now you point it out, it's very true.

[Bullseye]

: Fri May 22, 2009 2:19 pm  

af wrote:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/rugby-league/John-Ledger-End-of-golden.5294329.jp

Interesting article. Such a lot depends on the OSV. If it comes off it will remove the financial millstone but if it doesn't...

Even if we had a brand spanking new ground tomorrow it would take time for the crowds to come back. A successful 1st team is critical and I can't see that happening until our academy lads are starting to come through, that's some years off yet.

I just hope we've a club left when they're ready.

: Fri May 22, 2009 2:43 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

Interesting article. Such a lot depends on the OSV. If it comes off it will remove the financial millstone but if it doesn't...

Even if we had a brand spanking new ground tomorrow it would take time for the crowds to come back. A successful 1st team is critical and I can't see that happening until our academy lads are starting to come through, that's some years off yet.
I just hope we've a club left when they're ready.

That's a massive gamble to put all your hopes on a bunch of kids who might not make it is a bit silly.

: Fri May 22, 2009 2:51 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

Interesting article. Such a lot depends on the OSV. If it comes off it will remove the financial millstone but if it doesn't...

Even if we had a brand spanking new ground tomorrow it would take time for the crowds to come back. A successful 1st team is critical and I can't see that happening until our academy lads are starting to come through, that's some years off yet.

I just hope we've a club left when they're ready.

A new ground, IMO, does mean increased crowds, even if for only a season. It's the "come and see" factor. Also, more modern facilities might see more families returning to Odsal as they no longer need to worry about their kids getting hypothermia in the Bradford "sunshine"

But I agree, the survival of the Bulls hangs greatly on the outcome of the OSV/stadium redevelop or a move to VP. TBH the choice of VP or no rugby club in Bradford is no choice at all.

: Fri May 22, 2009 2:59 pm  

Bullseye wrote:

...

Even if we had a brand spanking new ground tomorrow it would take time for the crowds to come back. A successful 1st team is critical

No it isn't, look at Wigan 2008 for instance. Or teams like Man City, Leeds Utd., even our good friends at VP. No doubt it's a very helpful factor.

Bullseye wrote:

...and I can't see that happening until our academy lads are starting to come through, that's some years off yet.

If you mean, IF we turn out to have a handful of gems, good enough to be in a challenging for honours side, they will only be a decent sized nucleus in a few years? Well maybe. But they don't all come out of an oven on a "ping", they are gradually blooded and slowly over a period of time become increasingly established.

It is this process which is the start of any ultimately successful SL team. Of course there's no guarantees - everyone is trying to do the same - but in my view the current crop bode well for the future and we have more reason to be optimistic than many teams.

But this is why at the start of the year I was going on and on about us being some years away from aspiring to the mantle of THE top team again. Yes on paper we have a decent squad, and probably few would argue that it should not have done a sight better, but it was never a challenegr for Best Team and won't be next year either.

Bullseye wrote:

...I just hope we've a club left when they're ready.

Sure. There are ways to promote a feelgood factor at any club, regardless of results. Perceived performance being one of them. In terms of doing the right things to keep the faithful happy, we are failing badly and that's why many are disenchanted. They see some players apparently not being arrsed, and then they read written admissions from players in the press that indeed this is the case.

If for example we were exactly where we are now in the league, but had ONLY played the entire Academy/Reserves throughout and they had, to a man, tried their bollox off, then I reckon many of the disgruntled would appreciate this, and the majority would be fairly gruntled. Just my own POV, but the combination of things are seriously peeing a lot of fans off, and it could be avoided is my point even if we aren't winning everything.

: Fri May 22, 2009 3:01 pm  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

If for example we were exactly where we are now in the league, but had ONLY played the entire Academy/Reserves throughout and they had, to a man, tried their bollox off, then I reckon many of the disgruntled would appreciate this, and the majority would be fairly gruntled. Just my own POV, but the combination of things are seriously peeing a lot of fans off, and it could be avoided is my point even if we aren't winning everything.

Welcome to the NT. You will like it here!

: Fri May 22, 2009 3:08 pm  

mystic eddie wrote:

Welcome to the NT. You will like it here!

On occasions when your blood pressure is lower, I think you probably realise that the claim that all the PT ever do is post positive spin and smoke and mirrors is very far from the truth.

: Fri May 22, 2009 3:26 pm  

Ferocious Aardvark wrote:

:lol:
On occasions when your blood pressure is lower, I think you probably realise that the claim that all the PT ever do is post positive spin and smoke and mirrors is very far from the truth.

PT were not the initials I used, they were af.

In any order.