I used to like Saturday afternoons in the 60's and remember the 13,500 that watched the Wigan Cup-Tie but, unfortunately, those days are long-gone.
So, why don't we encourage today's families to do what my wife and I (and our friends) did in the late 80's, early 90's? We actually encouraged our children to come down to Lawkholme/Cougar Park with us and they started to enjoy Rugby League (at that time 'Cougarmania') and have become life-long Cougar supporters as a result.
Despite them living in Reigate and Colchester, they always follow the games by whatever means they can access. One of my friends also texts me updates for every home-game to keep me up-to-date with the scores as and when they happen.
Before moving 'down south' we always used to say that the only way to increase crowds was to 'breed them' (i.e. for couples to bring their children down to the games).
It worked for us so why won't it work for everyone else?
Surely fourteen Sunday afternoons out of the year (for 'home' games) isn't too much to ask, or is it?
Going back to the 60's (sorry) every pub in Keighley had details of the fixtures and spare bill-boards around town used to have posters, regularly updated, with details of forthcoming fixtures.
Friday and Saturday evenings usually have other attractions so Sunday afternoon (possibly with a later start) is surely ideal.
'Derby' games on Bank Holidays (such as those against Northern in the 60's) were always held on August Bank Holiday Monday evening with a 7.30 Kick-Off. More-recently games have been arranged for Bank Holiday afternoons which, in my opinion, fails to cater for anyone who is badgered by their family to 'go somewhere' and I have never understood why an evening Kick-Off appears to be 'taboo'. This would enable those supporters who have to 'go somewhere' with their families to do so but still get back in time for an evening game.
So, why not give the matter some thought for our 'home' games next season, before the fixtures are published?
The Club must also consider the players, who also have other jobs, and surely it is far better preparation for them to be able to play on a Monday evening rather than a Friday?
Easter Monday has to be an evening fixture, as do May Day Monday, Spring Bank Holiday Monday and August Bank Holiday Monday (despite the Cup Final being played on the previous Saturday); there would be time to get back home. Didn't we once have to play Oldham on the Sunday following the Cup Final? Anyway, Cup0 Finals aren't the occasion that they used to be in the 60's and 70's (if you don't believe me then look at the attendance figures). Times change and we must change with them. Let's make it easy for supporters to support.
Even if we can only arrange two 'home' fixtures on these Mondays it would be helpful; as would not arranging any 'home' games during Keighley Holiday weeks (when some supporters still do go on holiday, although not as many as did in the 60's [when it didn't matter in any case because it was 'winter rugby' in those days]).
Anyway, that's my two-pennorth for what it's worth.
:-)
