Friends of Fulham

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: SP on September 24, 2017, 09:39:15 PM

Title: QPR
Post by: SP on September 24, 2017, 09:39:15 PM
I can't be bothered to check the stats but the attendance on Friday must surely threaten to be near the lowest ever for this fixture?  QPR averaging around 12K at home this season & around 2K Fulham? Live SKY coverage is a factor & Friday nights aren't ideal for some but 15K!
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: mrmicawbers on September 24, 2017, 10:26:35 PM
See we have had 20,000 plus at all of our home games and they struggle to get 14,000.So much for a club that make out they're so much bigger. The Ha Has is a good name for them.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Andy S on September 24, 2017, 10:43:07 PM
Its quite sad really that a club in west London should be so poorly supported. In fairness it is about the cost as much as anything as well and watching it on Sky (Down the pub). I certainly won't be going and I don't have Sky so hopefully I can find a pub somewhere with it on. But a Friday night will mean crowds of people out and about so I may well just listen to Gentleman Jim
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: HillingdonFFC on September 25, 2017, 07:29:01 AM
Quote from: Andy S on September 24, 2017, 10:43:07 PM
Its quite sad really that a club in west London should be so poorly supported. In fairness it is about the cost as much as anything as well and watching it on Sky (Down the pub). I certainly won't be going and I don't have Sky so hopefully I can find a pub somewhere with it on. But a Friday night will mean crowds of people out and about so I may well just listen to Gentleman Jim



Why is it sad?,  nowhere else in Britain are four clubs so near to each other, one of which happens to be one of the most successful in the country.
QPR have had a dig at our away numbers in the past but even some of their deluded ones have come to realise we're two similar sized clubs. Was speaking to a couple of Rangers mates this weekend & they said they've been surprised how well Fulhams crowds have held up since leaving the prem.
They're a club thats meandering at the moment but whilst traditionally not being massively well supported their gates have always been consistent. Look at some our attendances in the early & late 80s through to the early 90s. Yes thete were mitigating circumstances, club at an all time low etc, but some of our crowds were pitiful
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Fulham76 on September 25, 2017, 07:53:27 AM
We had a long stay in the premier league & would have picked up a lot of floating fans compared to the likes of rangers & Brentford as a result.

Apart from a couple of years in the premier league, rangers have been a pretty average championship/league 1 club, so unless you're a club like Man City, Wolves etc fan base is going to take a hit. And with the way they've been run in recent years, not surprised fans are staying away. One of the reasons I won't moan about Khan too much as we could end up with the clowns they have.

That said, every time you speak with a ha ha fan or read their forums they make out they're fans are superb & loads of times seen them knocking ours. But the facts speak for themselves.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: toshes mate on September 25, 2017, 08:33:40 AM
Brentford and QPR have both spent longer terms outside the top tiers than have Fulham. Craven Cottage has always been the larger ground of the three.  Andy S makes a good point about cost of tickets given that football started life as a working class sport. Parts of Hammersmith and Fulham in my youth were no go areas if you didn't know what was good for you, football supporter or not. The Borough has changed, so have the people attending games and so has the cost of attendance, and I am still not sure it was all for the better.  It's going to take something very unusual to dent the inequality in sport just as it will do in challenging society to be more equal.  Football now eclipses cinema costs as an entertainment and you have to ask yourself how can that be.

 
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Mince n Tatties on September 25, 2017, 08:35:17 AM
Are our attendances down this season? all around 20,000,but Norwich,Wednesday and Cardiff brought big supports.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Fulham 442 on September 25, 2017, 08:46:57 AM
I don't think a lot of our floating fans would have hung around once we got relegated.  We clearly had a lot of "tourist" STH when we were in the Prem as our tickets were reasonably priced.  Similarly we amassed a strong US following with all the players we had from there at one time but they, together with our other overseas fans, rarely attend games.  Apart from that bloke that comes over from Italy for every home match bless him!!  Taking all these things into consideration I think our attendances in the Championship have been really good, and consistently so.  Rangers, for whatever reason, are just not so well supported as us.  Something they seem unwilling to accept or get over, whichever way you want to look at it!!  It does make me laugh though when they sing about Craven Cottage being a sh*thole given they play at Loftus Road - enough said but no one can claim it is picturesque!!
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: _Putney_ on September 25, 2017, 08:47:37 AM
qpr small team, poor fans
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Carborundum on September 25, 2017, 09:33:37 AM
QPRs ground is cramped.  Sitting in one of their seats the prospect of scratching my ears with my kneecaps seemed a possibility.  The club has a dilemma over whether to move and isn't necessarily getting the pricing / matchday experience / crowd atmosphere balance right in their current location.. 

I know several QPR fans - each love their football and their club.  Shoot me down, but I respect that.  The cost of going to the games for them and their families is an issue.  Their club could pack the place every week and choose not to. We could too if we wanted to - and to turn things on their head, Craven Cottage has more empty seats on matchday than Loftus Road.

Why does it matter?  Well I think kids get some odd ideas about football if they only consume it through TV, YouTube and video games.  Going to live games can stir passion and respect that lasts a lifetime.  Oh, and from a selfish point of view packed stadiums are more fun to be in.

The question about football eclipsing cinema cost and how can that be?  Very good one and prices should come down.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: SP on September 25, 2017, 10:24:46 AM
Had a quick look at their board & it seems their pricing structure is ridiculous with £38 mentioned for buying on the door against Burton last Saturday.

As my son has gone travelling this will be the first match there I've missed in years & I've kidded myself watching it on TV & saving money is sensible.  However, come kick-off I know I'll regret it.  Television just can't capture the bitterness & anger of their fans.  Watching a middle aged man being calmed down by his wife is priceless.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Ged on September 25, 2017, 11:17:27 AM
Quote from: mrmicawbers on September 24, 2017, 10:26:35 PM
See we have had 20,000 plus at all of our home games and they struggle to get 14,000.So much for a club that make out they're so much bigger. The Ha Has is a good name for them.
we only had 15790 for our home game against hull
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: BlackShorts on September 25, 2017, 11:50:30 AM
Quote from: Ged on September 25, 2017, 11:17:27 AM
Quote from: mrmicawbers on September 24, 2017, 10:26:35 PM
See we have had 20,000 plus at all of our home games and they struggle to get 14,000.So much for a club that make out they're so much bigger. The Ha Has is a good name for them.
we only had 15790 for our home game against hull

only a 300 hundred Hull though...
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Fulham 442 on September 25, 2017, 11:57:03 AM
And Hull was a Wednesday night - not everyone can make mid week games due to work commitments.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Neil D on September 25, 2017, 01:38:36 PM
Quote from: Mince n Tatties on September 25, 2017, 08:35:17 AM
Are our attendances down this season? all around 20,000,but Norwich,Wednesday and Cardiff brought big supports.
Indeed and so did Middlesbrough.  The latter helps to conceal the fact that a good number of our fans stayed away because of the price hike.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: SP on September 26, 2017, 12:16:09 PM
Twitter claiming we've sold 2600+ which is excellent if correct.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Andy S on September 26, 2017, 01:38:15 PM
I have to say what worries me when I look around the cottage is the number of Middle aged and old supporters we have. (and I am one of them). Clearly we need to attract a good amount of new supporters every season, which we can only do in the prem. I guess that is the same for all clubs. People demand excitement at the right end of the league in the championship. In the premier league they want to see the big teams visiting every other week
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Keynsham on September 26, 2017, 01:40:12 PM
Either that or what we are seeing is the beginning of young people being priced out of supporting a football club.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: ron on September 26, 2017, 01:58:06 PM
Quote from: Keynsham on September 26, 2017, 01:40:12 PM
Either that or what we are seeing is the beginning of young people being priced out of supporting a football club.

I think that's spot on. Groups of youngsters going when I was young was common. Pocket money prices for accessible standing places made that possible. Nowadays attending involves checking the family budget.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: mrmicawbers on September 26, 2017, 02:52:33 PM
My mate, has bought his son a season ticket this year.Prior to that his son supported Chelsea his wife also supports them.Happy to say he now supports Fulham. The club have got the season ticket prices for the young fans spot on in my opinion.Another friend has bought his son and his sons friend a season ticket,so I am fairly optimistic with regard to new fans getting on board.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Keynsham on September 26, 2017, 03:07:49 PM
I must hasten to add that I wasn't having a dig  at Fulham there, more football ticketing prices in general.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: _Putney_ on September 26, 2017, 04:06:54 PM
I'd say there is quite a large youth element at Fulham.  Perhaps the 20s to 30s group is lacking.

But, all in all. QPR SMALLTEAM :)
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: toshes mate on September 26, 2017, 05:48:10 PM
Quote from: Keynsham on September 26, 2017, 01:40:12 PM
Either that or what we are seeing is the beginning of young people being priced out of supporting a football club.
+1
There has to be a better way to run football than the current media inducement squeezing out proper, and live, football supporters.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Logicalman on September 26, 2017, 06:08:34 PM
Quote from: Andy S on September 26, 2017, 01:38:15 PM
I have to say what worries me when I look around the cottage is the number of Middle aged and old supporters we have. (and I am one of them). Clearly we need to attract a good amount of new supporters every season, which we can only do in the prem. I guess that is the same for all clubs. People demand excitement at the right end of the league in the championship. In the premier league they want to see the big teams visiting every other week

From another pov to the other great ones expressed, could it also be that when some of us grew up in the area, it was cheapish (for want of a better word about class) and often not only would dad pass it onto son, but others moving into the area as youngsters, and without the availability of watching the super teams on TV each week, simply attended their local team?

Nowadays, it seems that youngsters tend to pick a team, less from their heritage and more from who is fashionable, hence when we dropped from the Prem, so did our ST sales (as I have been led to believe) and with the same families being priced out of the area somewhat (or simply moving away from the area for other reasons - work, etc) that 'local' feel doesn't apply as much?


Title: Re: QPR
Post by: ffc73 on September 26, 2017, 06:25:52 PM
I am a third generation supporter with 3 sons (ages 26, 24 & 22). They experienced the years from the Adams regeneration to the long stint in the Premiership. None of them were really ever interested & now follow non football past times. My 15 year old nephew has followed a similar route from football & FFC to other things.

Many reasons but whilst partially disappointed more of me is pleased they all follow their own passions. Even if it means they don't support FFC. 
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: _Putney_ on September 26, 2017, 06:47:00 PM
Quote from: FFC73 on September 26, 2017, 06:25:52 PM
I am a third generation supporter with 3 sons (ages 26, 24 & 22). They experienced the years from the Adams regeneration to the long stint in the Premiership. None of them were really ever interested & now follow non football past times. My 15 year old nephew has followed a similar route from football & FFC to other things.

Many reasons but whilst partially disappointed more of me is pleased they all follow their own passions. Even if it means they don't support FFC. 

Absolutely.  Nothing wrong with the people who don't go.  Just a shame supporting your local side has become less attractive/feasible.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: SP on September 26, 2017, 10:07:03 PM
Expect route 1 on Friday through Matt Smith.  QPR were toilet at Barnsley this evening until Matt came on near the end.  Holloway's high intensity tactics aren't so easy when playing two games a week.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: G_Gribby on September 26, 2017, 10:46:48 PM
Give the young lads Safe Standing at Hammyend and they will show up in big numbers. I can sit at Riverside. The youngsters needs the space.

Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Whitesideup on September 26, 2017, 10:50:25 PM
Quote from: Carborundum on September 25, 2017, 09:33:37 AM
QPRs ground is cramped.  Sitting in one of their seats the prospect of scratching my ears with my kneecaps seemed a possibility.  The club has a dilemma over whether to move and isn't necessarily getting the pricing / matchday experience / crowd atmosphere balance right in their current location.. 

I know several QPR fans - each love their football and their club.  Shoot me down, but I respect that.  The cost of going to the games for them and their families is an issue.  Their club could pack the place every week and choose not to. We could too if we wanted to - and to turn things on their head, Craven Cottage has more empty seats on matchday than Loftus Road.

Why does it matter?  Well I think kids get some odd ideas about football if they only consume it through TV, YouTube and video games.  Going to live games can stir passion and respect that lasts a lifetime.  Oh, and from a selfish point of view packed stadiums are more fun to be in.

The question about football eclipsing cinema cost and how can that be?  Very good one and prices should come down.
I agree with the comment about the seats at Loftus Road. They are ridiculously small. I also have had unfortunate experiences of their stewards who are by far the rudest and most aggressive I have seen anywhere. I am not going to give them any more of my money. I am not going back. Easy away game to get to, but I'm not going there.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on September 27, 2017, 08:40:14 AM
Let's hope we can bag 3 points there on Friday, and play them off the park while we are at it, and get out of there and back to civilisation asap.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: hovewhite on September 27, 2017, 11:45:14 AM
Small seats little leg room(being 6"1)rudede stewards,been there done it saving money for decent away day.Will watch in the pub.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: Riversider on September 27, 2017, 05:17:50 PM
All the excuses coming out nice and early, truth is its on the tele, that's why some are scratching their head for a reason not to attend,
If it wasn't on Sky I'm fairly sure that some of these reasons for non attendance wouldn't apply,
Oh well each to their own I suppose.
Title: Re: QPR
Post by: SP on September 28, 2017, 09:22:29 PM
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