SOS - Supporters for the future needed tomorrow evening

[Spirit Of Shankly]

If there are any parents who have young children, or young people themselves, who would be willing to be outside the Kop for a press photo tomorrow evening at 5pm, we would be very grateful.

 

There is an opportunity for a story that is building in the press, not a protest as such but a chance to make a point about liverpools ticketing policy and the thomas cook touting disgrace. Particularly the big question of how the next generation of supporters will be able to go to the game we love with the rising cost of tickets and the present methods which make it dfficult to even get the tickets.

[Guest spk]

im aware of a lot of fans being ticked off about the costs of the new fan card scheme but whats the deal with the thomas cook programme?

[Gunga Din]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21515908/

 

Kids cry foul over Liverpool FC tickets deal

Aug 12 2008 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

 

CHILDREN joined a protest outside Liverpool FC claiming the club was taking tickets away from young fans.

 

Members of the Spirit of Shankly Union (SOS) have hit out at the unveiling of Thomas Cook as the Reds’ official travel partner.

 

They are unhappy with a new initiative that offers supporters the opportunity to buy tickets for every Anfield Premier League game as part of a package with a hotel.

 

Depending on the opponents, customers can buy bronze, silver or gold deals, ranging from £96-£165.

 

But the SOS fans’ group believe the policy takes more tickets away from Liverpool’s loyal community fan base, and said the move was designed to appeal to the Reds’ “day-tripper” supporters.

Children gathered in the shadow of the stadium in Walton Breck Road in a staged display to show the increasing difficulty of buying match tickets.

 

Some opponents of the scheme say some of the hotels are not even in Merseyside, with some based in Manchester.

 

SOS spokesman Kevin Sampson told the ECHO: “With schemes like the Thomas Cook packages, it is taking more tickets away from local fans.

“Will the youngsters ever be able to see their children play at Anfield?

 

“The club should also make it a priority to make tickets available exclusively for under-16s – there used to be a boy’s pen at the ground.

 

“The tragedy is that all the boys can do now is try to get autographs of the players at Melwood.”

 

Today, Liverpool FC said they would soon publicly unveil Thomas Cook as their official travel partner.

 

A club spokesman stressed that the home game package deal was not reducing the overall ticket allocation for normal match fans.

 

He added: “Thomas Cook will soon be announced as a significant partner, which will work like major sponsorship.

 

“As part of that, they get a hold of tickets which they will utilise.”

 

Packages for the home games against Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham have already sold out, showing demand is fairly high.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21515908/

 

 

 

 

i've bolded a couple of points that i would like SoS to clarify.

 

Are SoS now taking a stance against tickets goingto "out of town" fans?

 

And a second question on the subject of kids being priced out of goingto the game, do SoS offer discounts to children going on their coaches?

[johngibo YPC]

A club spokesman stressed that the home game package deal was not reducing the overall ticket allocation for normal match fans.

 

He added: “Thomas Cook will soon be announced as a significant partner, which will work like major sponsorship.

 

“As part of that, they get a hold of tickets which they will utilise.”

 

That does really make sense. The tickets must be coming from somewhere. I doubt they have taken them off Carlsberg

I actually think this is a decent idea, but for the new stadium, not this one, where tickets are already very scarce

[Gunga Din]

That does really make sense. The tickets must be coming from somewhere. I doubt they have taken them off Carlsberg

I actually think this is a decent idea, but for the new stadium, not this one, where tickets are already very scarce

 

is it hugely different to what Lonsdale were doing? and is it not better to have an official partner the club can make money from and regulate, rather than a whole squad of travel companies ripping the fans off?

 

As for where the tickets come from, i dont know, but i dont think the club would be stupid enough to take them of regular match goers considering the current levels of mistrust amoung the fans.

 

But, the big issue in that article for me, is the admission by SoS of something that i have suspected for a while, they have an issue with out of town fans getting to the games.

[Guest spk]

personally i dont care either way but i can appreciate why people are against the fan card system.

 

now as far as the thomas cook deal is concerned i entirely support it and am absolutely against SoS in this instance. youre talking about people that are travelling to the club they love, investing in merchandise, eating, drinking and partying round merseyside and generally adding to the local economy. i cant see a single negative thing in it and frankly i would like SoS to explain precisely what issues they have.

[Gunga Din]

personally i dont care either way but i can appreciate why people are against the fan card system.

 

now as far as the thomas cook deal is concerned i entirely support it and am absolutely against SoS in this instance. youre talking about people that are travelling to the club they love, investing in merchandise, eating, drinking and partying round merseyside and generally adding to the local economy. i cant see a single negative thing in it and frankly i would like SoS to explain precisely what issues they have.

 

 

they have explained why they are against it in the article in the echo. the phrases "out of town fans" and "daytrippers" are key in understanding why they have a problem.

[dorgie]

now as far as the thomas cook deal is concerned i entirely support it and am absolutely against SoS in this instance. youre talking about people that are travelling to the club they love, investing in merchandise, eating, drinking and partying round merseyside and generally adding to the local economy. i cant see a single negative thing in it and frankly i would like SoS to explain precisely what issues they have.

 

That's exactly the way I see it.

[Woodsyla]

they have explained why they are against it in the article in the echo. the phrases "out of town fans" and "daytrippers" are key in understanding why they have a problem.

It's all getting a bit Son's of Sefton ...

[Gunga Din]

It's all getting a bit Son's of Sefton ...

 

 

except Sefton isnt actually in Liverpool

[budgie]

they have explained why they are against it in the article in the echo. the phrases "out of town fans" and "daytrippers" are key in understanding why they have a problem.

 

 

If that is what is really meant then SOS are as bad as G&H for lieing.

 

If it's true then fans union my a*** - it is if a union if you're not from out of town.

 

 

This needs answering quickly.

[Billy Dane]

If the club are going to continue attracting support from outside the city, which is a consequence of success/being a big club/buying non-scouse players, it strikes me that a partnership with Thomas Cook is a good move. Better the club makes money out of the "day trippers" than anyone else.

 

I'm sure they have and I've missed it, but have SOS come out in support of anything the club has done lately?

[Woodsyla]

except Sefton isnt actually in Liverpool

Ah, yes, mia culpe

Edited August 12, 2008 by Woodsyla

[johngibo YPC]

is it hugely different to what Lonsdale were doing? and is it not better to have an official partner the club can make money from and regulate, rather than a whole squad of travel companies ripping the fans off?

 

As for where the tickets come from, i dont know, but i dont think the club would be stupid enough to take them of regular match goers considering the current levels of mistrust amoung the fans.

 

But, the big issue in that article for me, is the admission by SoS of something that i have suspected for a while, they have an issue with out of town fans getting to the games.

 

Were Lonsdale being given an allocation of home tickets to sell? I was not aware if that was the case. If it is then no, its not alot different. I am very much in support of Liverpool making money from fans travelling to games, rather than someone else, but would like to know where the tickets have come from. You say you would be suprised if they came out of tickets sold. I would be VERY suprised if they were taken off other sponsers.

 

In terms of your main point, it doesn't read to me like an issue with out of town fans. More with certain fans getting preference over others. Basically there is a sense that the club would rather sell to fans who they can make more money off than locals who they can't. I agree that the quotes could have been phrased better. Its a shame Neil isn't spokesman anymore

[Gunga Din]

Isn't it ? Where does 'Liverpool' stop then. Is Allerton in Liverpool ? Croxteth ?

 

 

allerton is in liverpool. Sefton is a Borough that is seperate, and includes places like Bootle, the same was as Huyton falls under Knowsley

[Chili Palmer]

Were Lonsdale being given an allocation of home tickets to sell? I was not aware if that was the case. If it is then no, its not alot different. I am very much in support of Liverpool making money from fans travelling to games, rather than someone else, but would like to know where the tickets have come from. You say you would be suprised if they came out of tickets sold. I would be VERY suprised if they were taken off other sponsers.

 

In terms of your main point, it doesn't read to me like an issue with out of town fans. More with certain fans getting preference over others. Basically there is a sense that the club would rather sell to fans who they can make more money off than locals who they can't. I agree that the quotes could have been phrased better. Its a shame Neil isn't spokesman anymore

 

why is that?

[Lark]

again slightly disapointed at the direction, comments and stance taken.

 

The only issue should be its extremely difficult for kids to attend football matches. Both the price and the requirement of full paying adult have created this issue. Kids should be allowed to attend matches by themselves if they so choose, or a parent with half a dozen kids should be allowed to buy half a dozen kids tickets.

 

This issue alone would have gained nationwide support as its problem for kids of all prem teams.

[Gunga Din]

Were Lonsdale being given an allocation of home tickets to sell? I was not aware if that was the case. If it is then no, its not alot different. I am very much in support of Liverpool making money from fans travelling to games, rather than someone else, but would like to know where the tickets have come from. You say you would be suprised if they came out of tickets sold. I would be VERY suprised if they were taken off other sponsers.

 

In terms of your main point, it doesn't read to me like an issue with out of town fans. More with certain fans getting preference over others. Basically there is a sense that the club would rather sell to fans who they can make more money off than locals who they can't. I agree that the quotes could have been phrased better. Its a shame Neil isn't spokesman anymore

 

 

there wer other rogue travel agencies running trips to our games and charging extortionate prices and making a fortune. i think the deal with Tommy Cook is to stop that happening and give the club control over it.

 

 

And i'm sorry Gibo, in terms of my main point, it reads exactly that they have an issu with out of town fans. out of town fans dont get a preference, i've found it infinately easier to get tickets or games since i moved toMerseyside than i did when i lived in Ireland. Its these "day trippers" and "out of town fans" that generate a not insignificant slice of revenue for the club, and indeed the city, spending money and keeping people in work in hotels, pubs, restaurants, Taxi drivers etc. you only have to look at how much busier town is on a saturday night when Liverpool are at home compared with when they arent

[johngibo YPC]

why is that?

 

Why is it a shame, or why isn't he anymore?

He has had to limit his commitments to SOS becuase of time/work commitments

Its a shame cos he was very good at it

[Chili Palmer]

Why is it a shame, or why isn't he anymore?

He has had to limit his commitments to SOS becuase of time/work commitments

Its a shame cos he was very good at it

 

the second one.

[johngibo YPC]

there wer other rogue travel agencies running trips to our games and charging extortionate prices and making a fortune. i think the deal with Tommy Cook is to stop that happening and give the club control over it.

 

And i'm sorry Gibo, in terms of my main point, it reads exactly that they have an issu with out of town fans. out of town fans dont get a preference, i've found it infinately easier to get tickets or games since i moved toMerseyside than i did when i lived in Ireland. Its these "day trippers" and "out of town fans" that generate a not insignificant slice of revenue for the club, and indeed the city, spending money and keeping people in work in hotels, pubs, restaurants, Taxi drivers etc. you only have to look at how much busier town is on a saturday night when Liverpool are at home compared with when they arent

 

In terms of your first point, i know it happens from places like Ireland, and that they get away with it cos they charge for everything. If tickets going to Thomas Cook are as limited as they say, then i can't see these companys worrying too much. Unless you think the links with TC will mean they clamp down on it more. But even this is easier said and done, as they aren't officially doing anything wrong

 

On your second point, i'm reluctant to argue with you as it looks like i am an SOS spokesman which i am very much not. My OWN views are that it is clear the value OOT support adds to both the club and the city. I always have people from different parts of the world round me in the cenny and it doesn't bother me at all (apart from when its a group of pissed g*******s not interested in the match). The problem is there is a growing perception amongst local lads (rightly or wrongly) that the club would rather sell tickets to people out of the city than in, which is wrong. Everyone should have the same chance of a ticket. People are saying that SOS need to clarify their position but i would prefer to see some clarity from the club. How many tickets are there going to Thomas Cook, and where were these tickets going last year???

I'd also like to point out that Ian Ayre denied this was going to happen in the Echo only about a month ago

[Woodsyla]

allerton is in liverpool. Sefton is a Borough that is seperate, and includes places like Bootle, the same was as Huyton falls under Knowsley

So Steven Gerrard isn't from Liverpool

 

FWIW, I'd rather have one travel company endorsed by the club selling packages at a 'reasonable' price (£96 for a ticket and any form of accomodation seems ok to me) than people being fleeced.

[Gunga Din]

In terms of your first point, i know it happens from places like Ireland, and that they get away with it cos they charge for everything. If tickets going to Thomas Cook are as limited as they say, then i can't see these companys worrying too much. Unless you think the links with TC will mean they clamp down on it more. But even this is easier said and done, as they aren't officially doing anything wrong

 

On your second point, i'm reluctant to argue with you as it looks like i am an SOS spokesman which i am very much not. My OWN views are that it is clear the value OOT support adds to both the club and the city. I always have people from different parts of the world round me in the cenny and it doesn't bother me at all (apart from when its a group of pissed g*******s not interested in the match). The problem is there is a growing perception amongst local lads (rightly or wrongly) that the club would rather sell tickets to people out of the city than in, which is wrong. Everyone should have the same chance of a ticket. People are saying that SOS need to clarify their position but i would prefer to see some clarity from the club. How many tickets are there going to Thomas Cook, and where were these tickets going last year???

I'd also like to point out that Ian Ayre denied this was going to happen in the Echo only about a month ago

 

Gibo, i know you arent a spokeman for SoS, and i dont ever take your answers as being SoS type answers. i take them for what they are, your opinions on it. we might not agee on everything or hwo things should be done, but i have no doubt we both want what is best both for the club and for the fans.

 

Ian Ayre denied that the tickets were being taken out of the pot that normal fans got, ie pts, general sale etc. reading between the lines, i think the club have stopped the flow of tickets to the rogue travel agencies and funnelled them through tothe tommy cook deal. at least i hope that is the case

 

SoS is in very real danger of becoming RTK with a different hat on, a small group of fans who run buses to away games and get all offended over stuff is what they are fast becoming.

[Gunga Din]

So Steven Gerrard isn't from Liverpool

 

no Gerrard was born in Whiston, and neither is Carra, who is from Bootle

Edited August 12, 2008 by Gunga Din

[dorgie]

I can understand the SOS wanting to represent the local fans, and in particular the young local fans and maybe there is scope to reserve a few hundred tickets for each game for local kids, schools, soccer clubs (do they do this already ?).

 

However, from the way the latest initiative was publicised (terms such as "OOT" and "daytrippers), it seems, to me at least, that SOS are aspiring to be an Everton type people's club, which is fine as long as they might also explain the consequences. Either consciously or otherwise, they are backing causes that will cut off valuable income to the club while at the same time demand that the owners fork out Chelsea/ManU type dosh for transfers.

 

As an OOCer, I go over 2 or 3 times a season. Buy my ticket through the online fancard system (or phone). Pay for 1 or 2 nights in a city centre hotel. I usually buy stuff for my kids in the club shop. Multiply that by 4 or 5 thousand for each home game and the income to the club & the city must be massive. I think it would be a dangerous move to alienate those in the same position as I.