The suggestion box on the old bbs

in Feb 2004 looked something like this:</p>



<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="center"><h1>Suggestion Box</h1></td></tr><tr><td height="12"></td></tr><tr><td class="MainText">

Here is a list of suggestions that have been made by the fans, to be put forward to the club to assist in the provision of feedback from you, the Supporters, to the club. The club have asked for as much input from the fans as possible, so they want to hear from YOU!</p>

If you would like to make a suggestion that is not already listed below, please send an e-mail to fans suggestions where it will be verified and added to this list. Suggestions will be forwarded to the club at agreed intervals, when there are sufficient suggestions to be put forward.</p></td></tr><tr><td height="30"></td></tr><tr><td><h3>New Suggestions</h3></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table id="NewSug" bordercolor="#990033" cellspacing="0" width="90%" border="1"><tbody><tr><td class="TableHeader">Suggestion</td><td class="TableHeader" width="100">Date</td><td class="TableHeader" width="100">Proposer</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">25. It is now fairly common to see the Churchill Insurance dog with a
nodding head in the back of cars.
Would you consider selling a similar &quot;breed&quot; of dog (i.e. Toby Tyke) in the club shop, wearing a Reds kit for us to put in our cars. I believe it would be very eye-catching.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">26.01.2004</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">David Sunderland</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">26. Is it possible NOT to play music when a goal is scored? I, along with
the people I go to the game with, would prefer to hear the cheer of the
crowd rather than loud music - also we wouldn't look so foolish on
occasions like last weekend when the goal was disallowed yet the music
continued! How the Bournemouth fans must have loved that!</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">26.01.2004</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Richard Speight</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">27. Suggestion that Fans pick the team for a pre-season match.
Paying a small amount per vote, fans should be able text through
their favoured starting 11 for a pre-season friendly. With the most
popular 11 starting the game.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">26.01.2004</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Alex Varley</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">28. Further to suggestion #2 re smoking in the ground, as the club are aware of the health concerns regarding passive smoking and would consider a smoking ban if the majority of fans wanted it, could the club consider seeking fans' views on the subject, for example by including a question on the next season's season ticket renewal forms?
</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">26.01.2004</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Stuart Smith</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td height="40"></td></tr><tr><td><h3>Suggestions Sent To Club</h3></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><table id="SubSug" bordercolor="#990033" cellspacing="0" width="90%" border="1"><tbody><tr><td class="TableHeader">Suggestion</td><td class="TableHeader" width="100">Response</td><td class="TableHeader" width="100">Proposer</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">1. Can it be made possible for the Electronic scoreboard clock to count up instead of down? That way any added-on time can be shown without need for intervention or the clock stopping.</td><td class="TableBody2">Fans have also expressed a view that they prefer the clock counting down - and as for the continuation into added on time, this could cause contention with the referee, who is the official timekeeper for the game.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Eaststander</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">2. Is it possible to impose a total smoking ban in the stands at Oakwell - except on the concourses? At the very least there should be a ban in the Family Stand</td><td class="TableBody2">The club are aware of the health concerns regarding passive-smoking etc., and if it was shown that the majority of fans wanted a smoking ban, then consideration would be given to it.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Scarf &amp; CTP</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">3. Can the quality of the food (e.g. the pies) be improved and can the price of all food and drink sold inside the stadium be set at a more realistic and affordable level? Also, why can't a defined number of pints of beer and lager be pulled in the bars of the East Stand 5 minutes before half-time and put on the counters to speed up service and avoid congestion? It seems to work well in Australia!</td><td class="TableBody2">Currently the quality and quantity of food, beverages etc., are under review, as the club is aware that criticism has been made regarding this aspect. There is an initiative in progress to introduce licenced bars in the Ponte End, and the suggestion of pulling pints before the half-time break is a good idea, the feasibility of which will be discussed with the catering staff.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Zukkster</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">4. Man of the Match award. As well as the Sponsored nomination - would it be possible to have a Fans' nomination via a mobile phone SMS text vote? It should be relatively easy to set up and would generate additional income to the club.</td><td class="TableBody2">A good idea, and this is currently being investigated as to its feasibility.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Zukkster</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">5. Is it possible to give more consideration to BFC fans, many of who do not live locally, when matches are re-timed (e.g. the Sheffield Wednesday home game) or do the police have overall rule? If so, what criteria do they base their decisions on - past experience at particular games or a general view that all football fans in derby games are looking to drink and cause trouble?</td><td class="TableBody2">The local Police have overall authority as to changed kick-off times etc., and it is extremely difficult for the club to argue against such requests to re-time the start of matches where police consider there could be public disorder. Generally, the police are guided by local intelligence and that from the police authority covering the away fans.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Allan</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">6. Is there any possibility of installing public lifts in the East Stand in the future? There are a large number of elderly fans who sit in the East Upper and it's a steep climb to the upper concourse.</td><td class="TableBody2">The cost of installing additional lifts in the East Stand is prohibitive at this point in time. However, any genuine requests by fans having difficulties in climbing the stairs to the East Upper, to use the Executive Lift will be sympathetically considered by the stewards on match days.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Allan</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">7. Replica kit - away shirts. Any chance the changes of strip can be alternated with the home shirt (i.e. bi-annually) to ease the cost for fans? Also, can we have the original Oakwell badge back please ?</td><td class="TableBody2">The club are currently looking at changing one replica kit per season - i.e. home strip one year, away strip the next - in order to ease the burden on fans' pockets! Regarding the original Oakwell badge - the current club (and town) crest which appears on the shirts was done as the result of a poll amongst the fans, and there is no proposal to change this now.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Allan</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">8. Could the space on the East Stand Lower concourse be used for an all-year-round car boot sale, say on Sunday mornings ? This would generate income for the club.</td><td class="TableBody2">A feasibility study is currently underway to look at aspects of using ALL parts of the Stadium complex outside of match days. This includes the East Lower concourse and car-boot sales is one aspect being examined. Any further suggestions on maximising the potential of the stadium and therefore bringing in extra income will be more than welcomed by the club.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Grandfathertyke</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">9. Match day programmes - can these be made bigger - both in size and fonts ? The current version is not worth £2.50, the print is far too small and the colour co-ordination on things like fixtures and tables is poor.

Also, would it be possible for the programmes to be put on-line (via the official site) for subscribers to print off - say, for a £50 subscription per season?</td><td class="TableBody2">The first part of this suggestion has already been implemented with the introduction of the revised match day programme (produced by Northend Printing) a few weeks ago.

The idea of putting the programme on-line and charging a subscription for it, is certainly worth consideration - and such an initative has recently been introduced by Bolton Wanderers FC. The club will examine the feasibility of such an undertaking.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Paul Heggie</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">10. Can something be done to improve the exits from the car park to Grove Street and Pontefract Road ? Either police or traffic wardens to control the traffic flow instead of the free for all.</td><td class="TableBody2">The SY Police have already been approached about traffic control around the ground, but have stated they do not have the resource available to allocated officers to this task and also they do not consider the egress of traffic from Oakwell after the game to be a particular problem. Additionally, local bye-laws mean it is not possible for stewards to act as 'traffic controllers' on the public highway.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Ian Rimmington</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">11. Can we get the Barnsley football club sign on the back of the Ponte End Stand fixed please? Also, the electronic scoreboard has a faulty section in one of the corners which doesn't work.</td><td class="TableBody2">Yes, this will be looked at and rectified. There is also the possibility of having the club crest on the Ponte End stand as well.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Alex Varley</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">12. How about special offers for season ticket holders, reduced rates on executive packages and/or reduced admissions for cup or away games??</td><td class="TableBody2">This is a good idea, although it's fair to say that the current take-up rate on corporate hospitality/sponsorship packages is high. However, consideration will be given to a possible 'upgrade package' for Season Ticket holders for games where the demand for such sponsorship etc., is low.

A number of initiatives to reward the loyalty of season ticket holders are currently under consideration and will be announced as and when they are introduced.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Mystery Machine</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">13. BFC have never offered incentives for Season Ticket holders to renew their tickets early. Is there any possibility of offering a discount of say 10% if holders commit to renewing their ticket before a certain date, say end of May or June??</td><td class="TableBody2">As stated in #12 - the whole issue of incentives etc., for ST holders is being looked at - including a discount for early renewal. The club are also examining the renewal process, with a view to cutting down on the amount of paperwork involved - e.g. a simple slip of paper indicating Yes/No as to whether you want to renew your ticket under the same conditions as the previous season.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">David Sunderland</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">14. Is there any chance that we can have more accessories such as sweat shirts, polo shirts etc., in the club's colours i.e. red - in the shop? I for one would buy more clothing items it they were in the club's colours</td><td class="TableBody2">The whole subject of stock, quantity, quality, type, style etc., in the club shop is currently being looked at - with the aim of improving everything. This will include more leisure wear and also more replica kit (training, travelling, bench coats and the like) as worn by the players and management, being made available for sale.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Cazi</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">15. Could the latest league score updates be shown on the electronic scoreboard during a home game?? Not only would it provide information to football fans but it could improve advertising income as more people would be looking at the board. You could even get sponsorship for the updates??</td><td class="TableBody2">This subject will be investigated by the club as regards feasibility etc., However, fans should be made aware that careful consideration needs to be give as to WHICH scores are displayed. For example, imagine the effect that might be created if we are battling for promotion, struggling in a vital game and the score of one of our promotion rivals is displayed showing them winning easily.

The club do recognise though that the electronic scoreboard is not utilised to best effect (income wise) and they are considering ways of improving on this.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Julian Daley</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">16. Is there any possibility of creating an area inside Oakwell for either season tickets holders or members to use before the game and during half-time? An example is the Stadium of Light where supporters can enjoy a drink and something to eat before the game (without having to pay out Corporate Hospitality charges). This could encourage fans into the ground earlier and therefore increase income.</td><td class="TableBody2">This will be considered as part of the on-going feasibility of establishing a Social Club at Oakwell, as well as improving other concourse areas within the stadium.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Julian Daley</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">17. Is there any possibility of introducing, in conjunction with Yorkshire Traction, a shuttle bus service to/from Oakwell and the Town Centre on match days?</td><td class="TableBody2">The club will approach Yorkshire Traction with this suggestion, to discuss the matter with them.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Paul Foster</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">18. Would it be possible to introduce a swipe card (a la Man City and Bolton) to replace the season ticket book? Whilst additional expense would initially be incurred to produce the card and the automated turnstyles - savings on manned turnstyles and season ticket book printing would eventually be made. There could be designated 'card only' entrances for each area of the ground, with the others being manned for cash payments, match day tickets etc.,</td><td class="TableBody2">This would reduce costs in the long run and is ideal for new stadia such at the Reebok and Man City. However, given the current financial climate at Oakwell, such a change would be prohibitive at this point in time, bearing in mind the cost of new automation, altering the turnstyles etc., etc.,</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">John</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">19. Once Pop Idol finishes, would it be possible to invite Sam Nixon to sing at Oakwell before one of our home games. He's a local talent which should be encouraged by a 'community' football club, and Russell Watson certainly benefited from his appearance at Old Trafford!</td><td class="TableBody2">Sam Nixon has already been invited to attend as a guest at a future home game at Oakwell this season. A request will be put forward for him to sing before the kick off, although this will be dependent on his recording contract, agent and so on.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Sue Newsam</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">20. Seeing as the North Stand is practically empty for most home matches, why don't we provide local schools with FREE tickets for our games? That is - totally free, even if accompanied by an adult. That way we stand a decent chance of getting youngsters 'hooked' on BFC and whilst we would lose out on gate receipts, we would gain income via merchandise, food, programmes etc.,

Also - for travelling fans of teams that are not well supported on the road, why don't we put those fans in the West Upper/Lower??</td><td class="TableBody2">This has already been implemented for the Stockport and Tranmere home games last year. Some 8,300 vouchers for free tickets for these games were distributed to every local school - and further similar initiatives are possible before the end of this season.

Regarding re-siting the away fans in the West Stand - the suggested area is now used solely as an 'overflow' for travelling fans only. It would be difficult to move away fans to that section permanently, bearing in mind the policing arrangements, segregation and crowd control procedures that currently exist. The away end has it's own car-park and isolated turnstyles - and the latter wouldn't be the case with the West Stand.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Tom Moyes</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">21. Could we please get back to a 'proper' kit manufacturer i.e. a recognised supplier such as Adidas, Nike (or even Admiral) - that has a bit more quality about it plus some street cred. for the kids.</td><td class="TableBody2">The club will look into this subject, although it is fair to say that there have been few complaints made to the shop or club about the quality of the Red Flag merchandise this season. The club do recognise however the 'cachet' for youngsters in wearing 'designer' kit.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">John Kipling</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">22. Give the North Stand to the home fans. The away support (with one or two exceptions) in this division doesn't justify having the whole stand allocated to them. They could easily be accomodated in the West Stand at the north end, and having Reds fans behind each goal can surely only help the team! To achieve this - allocate all match-day tickets in the North Stand only.</td><td class="TableBody2">See comments for suggestion #20. The club accept it would be ideal to have home fans behind both goals - but given current attendance levels, and the fact that fans won't transfer from their existing seats (especially the Ponte End) - there is clearly not the demand for making the North Stand exclusive to home fans at this point in time.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Paul McCarville</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">23. Would it be possible to start a 'fans player of the month' award, maybe letting local businesses sponsor the award with fans voting either via SMS text or on the official web site? This could lead to an increase in businesses looking at corporate hospitality, and would let the players know they are appreciated. Also, maybe the names of all voters would be put into a draw and the winner gets a ticket for the Exec Lounge or a signed ball/shirt??</td><td class="TableBody2">The club are keen on ideas such as this, not least because they generate useful income. Various ways of introducing an initiative such as this are currently being looked at, and it's hoped that, should it prove to be a viable proposition, a fans players of the month award will be started next season.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Craig Brooke</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td class="TableBody2">24. Any chance the club could merchandise BFC logo wheel covers for the spare tyres on the back of 4x4's. Apart from the free publicity it would generate, the covers could be a good money-earner.</td><td class="TableBody2">The club have approached a number of suppliers to ascertain the cost and minimum order for wheel covers. Clearly, the sale take-up of such items would have to be such that the club don't lose money, but it's hoped that BFC 'rear wheel' covers, with the town crest prominent, will be available in the coming months.</td><td class="TableBody2" align="center">Border Terrier</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></p>

 

My favourites

"Currently the quality and quantity of food, beverages etc., are under review, as the club is aware that criticism has been made regarding this aspect. There is an initiative in progress to introduce licenced bars in the Ponte End"

- Wish I could have heard that review: "There's been a lot of criticism about the catering. I'm not surprised, it's crap innit. Shall we do owt abart it then? Nah."


"The club are currently looking at changing one replica kit per season - i.e. home strip one year, away strip the next - in order to ease the burden on fans' pockets!"

- Anyone remember a season in the last 25 years when we didn't change our home kit?

 

RE: My favourites

25. It is now fairly common to see the Churchill Insurance dog with a nodding head in the back of cars. Would you consider selling a similar "breed" of dog (i.e. Toby Tyke) in the club shop, wearing a Reds kit for us to put in our cars. I believe it would be very eye-catching.

I'd buy one but I can imagine Churchil insurance will have soemthing to say about it.

 

RE: I'd buy one...

We could call it 'Old Shep'

 

i can remember the club stating they'd do the shirt thing

in the 90's but it never came about.</p>