How Can Our Club Connect To You?

[fmttmadmin]

Its not in plain sight. It definitely appears to be sold out and no instructions on how to purchase these tickets given on the site. I asked for this to be brought up at MSF meeting in October or November but it seems to have been ignored. Rob did ask the question as it is minuted. And did thank Rob at the time for raising it.

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We did bring it up and got the reply that there match by match tickets being sold in the North Stand - but you need to contact the Ticket Office - as it has to be controlled and safeguarded.
We asked for details to be publicised!
Maybe the only publicity is from me telling people on here - several times - but obviously that isn't enough.

I know the club has to be careful - there has been some ticket abuse people turning up in the GRFZ minus kids. Funnily enough when I was selling fanzines last match 2 blokes asked me for directions to the GRFZ - they didn't have any family. Maybe they were meeting them at the turnstile. But you get my point.

But yes there needs to be more publicity. But it is totally right that these seats are not available online, unless there is a way to 100% be certain who are using them. The kids safety and security in that area is paramount.

 

[fmttmadmin]

So it’s all about maximising profit.

There are other factors - the club report that since COVID they struggle to attract enough staff and stewards. They argue that it isn't the wage offered so much as that the shifts can be lengthy and crucially are only once a fortnight. You can earn far more regular wages in town behind a bar or restaurant. So, it costs to open up each area of the ground when there are always staff vacancies. Something hospitality suffers from generally since COVID.
That is their argument.

 

[fmttmadmin]

Am going on BBC Radio Tees now on the fans panel.

 

[InglebyUTB]

As many others have said, the PR is abysmal. I don't work in PR or comms but it's the simplest thing in the world, especially in the age of social media and everyone having video cameras in their pocket. There are some top class people who work at the club who are constantly undermined by those at the top and how they communicate with the fanbase.

Some other points:
- It starts with ticket prices. The walk-ups are obscene, especially the kids ticket prices. An adult and under 10 can get tickets to the Hull away game for £26, if the same people paid walk-up to the next home game that would be £55. Ridiculous. The club need to break down the kids ticket categories, having a blanket U18 price point is just silly. You can't tell me a 6 year old gets as much out of going to the game as a 16 year old, yet there's no difference in the price. To my knowledge we're the only Championship club who do this.

- Mascot prices, I'm not expecting it to be free but £350 is just exploitation.

- Quality of the merchandise, awful. You go into the club shop and feel like you're being ripped off paying top-end prices for a low-end products.

- Matchday experience, I have listed countless ways this can be improved but they just get dismissed or Steve Gibson wants to know how it will benefit him to spend the money on it. Meanwhile what feels like every other club is investing in street food/drink counters, bottomless filling drinks, quick service food/drink stalls, safe standing, etc. When you go to away games and see how quickly you can be served before a game and at half-time without missing any of the game you realise just how bad it is.

- More open days, I've seen loads of people on here and social media ask about watching players train at Rockcliffe, and inevitably they're chased from the footpath after travelling over there. Have some open sessions, international breaks would be an ideal time so there's no concern about any tactical masterplans being leaked.

- Just communicate. Steve Gibson should be communicating much more frequently. Have some sit down events for those fans on with 200+ priority points (for example) who go home and away, have Q&As with a select group of season ticket holders, hold focus groups, invite those who are no longer season ticket holders or go match by match and try to understand what the barriers are (if any) to them attending more games.

Loads they could be doing.

 

[Nano]

There are other factors - the club report that since COVID they struggle to attract enough staff and stewards. They argue that it isn't the wage offered so much as that the shifts can be lengthy and crucially are only once a fortnight. You can earn far more regular wages in town behind a bar or restaurant. So, it costs to open up each area of the ground when there are always staff vacancies. Something hospitality suffers from generally since COVID.
That is their argument.

That is 100% wage related. When I was at uni (not at Boro) there were a few people that did shifts at the football grounds. The wage was rubbish and it was a pain to get to/from with the traffic so they didn't like it but they would have done for more money. There were other people there that did it as an extra income. If the wage was decent there would be loads of people that would happily do 23 (plus cup) shifts a year.

I'm fairly confident they haven't tested paying people more (and actually more, not a nominal 10p per hour above minimum wage more). It's another thing that they have dismissed with no actual data to back it up.

 

[Robbieboro]

You know what's strange about not being able to go down to rockcliffe to watch them train! It was fine for absolutely years, I remember going as a kid I have loads of pictures with the players including Gazza, Merson right the way through until Karankas stint as manager

So that was over the space of 20 odd years where going to watch them train and meet the players was fine.
I recently tried to take my son last season thinking this was still the case and was turned away.

 

[parmoboy]

These sort of initiatives sound good but who do they actually benefit? The same group of people that already have the strongest connection because they are regular attendees. They already get benefits because they have their season ticket and are front of the queue for in demand games because of their priority points.

There has to be some realisation that the majority of people are not the select few that already get all the attention. The club don't need to prioritise the away season ticket holders, max priority points holders, RF and the supporters forum attendees etc because those people will be there anyway. They need to start understanding why the majority of people feel disconnected and stop concentrating all their efforts on a handful of fans that are not representative of the majority.

Those people most likely have good intentions but they can't put themselves in other people's shoes.

That's fair enough but equally, rewarding those who are regular attendees may motivate those who aren't regular attendees to become regular attendees in the long-term.

I do agree that more should be done to try and connect to those who do feel disconnected - doing away with the ST price increase for new buyers could be a good starting point, but we don't know whether that would result in a drop off in renewal numbers, if people didn't feel there was a strong enough incentive to renew.

 

[Emmersons_BrazillianDong]

My concerns are about the need for better engagement and communication between Middlesbrough FC and its diverse fanbase.

The essence of a football club's spirit lies not just in the game itself but in the community it fosters. While pricing is a tangible factor, the intangible warmth of feeling valued and heard is equally important. A simple 'thank you' can indeed resonate deeply with fans, acknowledging their loyalty and support.

For Middlesbrough FC to rekindle that sense of belonging, it's imperative that all voices are heard and not just those that the Chairmanwants to talk to behind clised doors.

MSF's role as a conduit for fan engagement is crucial, and it's disappointing when such a platform isn't adequately consulted and is used as a tick book exerciseby MFC. Transparent and regular communication can bridge the gap that has long been felt since the Ayresome years.

Visibility and transparency from the chairman are essential in fostering trust. Engaging with a broader spectrum of fans, including LGBTQ+, Women's and BAME groups, ensures that everyone feels represented. Recognising the diversity within the fanbase is the first step towards inclusive engagement.

The club's communication and media strategy needs a revamp urgently. It shouldn't be just about relaying information; it's about creating dialogues. Fans should feel like they're part of the conversation, not just passive recipients of decisions made behind closed doors.

Extending the FanZone and creating more social spaces are excellent ideas that can encourage fans to gather and share their passion.

Events with players and staff, which are accessible to all and not just the elite, can strengthen the bond between the team and the community. It is good to see players attending schools and interacting with children and young people, and this does need to extend to adult fans also. I would love an opportunity to have a sit down with some of the players to hear their passion for the game but fir them to hear what Boro means to us as life long fans of the team. This could help them to play with more passion on the pitch.

A Boro museum would be a testament to the club's rich history and a beacon for future aspirations. Success with the Boro Shirt Museum exhibition could pave the way for such a legacy project. However transport links to the club would need to be better in order to make it more accessible.

The MFC Foundation's work is commendable, and its initiatives are a testament to the club's commitment to social responsibility. However they do focus their work reactively rather than proactively and this maybe down to funding.

MFC Women's focus on inclusivity and empowerment is a beacon of progress, inspiring not just women but the entire community. It has been fantastic this season to see that a little investment in the women's game can pay dividends...so I would urge the club to do more.

To enhance our connection with the club, wherever we are in the world, we could:

- Implement a more inclusive consultation process. A Fans Advisory Board would be good but only if it is actually truly transparent and listened to by MFC.
- Increase the chairman's visibility and interaction with fans through regular open forums.
- Develop targeted outreach programs for underrepresented groups within the fanbase.
- Improve the club's communication and media channels, ensuring clarity, honesty, and a two-way dialogue.
- Hosting regular forums where fans can voice their opinions and suggestions directly to the club's management.
- Organising community-driven events and projects that involve fans in meaningful ways, such as neighbourhood clean-ups or charity matches.
- Leveraging digital platforms to create virtual spaces where international fans can interact, share experiences, and feel closer to the club.

Let's seize the opportunity to have our voices heard, to remove barriers, and to unite as a stronger, more cohesive community. It's time for us to shape the Riverside into a place that truly feels like ours—a home where every fan is valued and every voice matters because at the moment sadly this most certainly not the case

Great post

 

[Glover_elbow]

You know what's strange about not being able to go down to rockcliffe to watch them train! It was fine for absolutely years, I remember going as a kid I have loads of pictures with the players including Gazza, Merson right the way through until Karankas stint as manager

So that was over the space of 20 odd years where going to watch them train and meet the players was fine.
I recently tried to take my son last season thinking this was still the case and was turned away.

Surely they could open the door to watch training this season now there's nothing to play for

 

[Muttley]

You know what's strange about not being able to go down to rockcliffe to watch them train! It was fine for absolutely years, I remember going as a kid I have loads of pictures with the players including Gazza, Merson right the way through until Karankas stint as manager

So that was over the space of 20 odd years where going to watch them train and meet the players was fine.
I recently tried to take my son last season thinking this was still the case and was turned away.

That is disappointing to hear. Must be heart-breaking for a kid going to see his heroes maybe even speak to them and get turned away. I get that there may be times when it would not be convenient but surely that could better communicated. If it's a safe access thing, get it sorted.

How about giving discounts for "walk ups" as repeat visitors so after you've attended five games you get 10% discount, ten games you get 15% (make the numbers work). I thought we were supposed to be getting a relaunch of the old loyalty card thing (was it the "Pride Card"?) pay a tenner and you get a discount on walkup prices saving money if you attend more than five games or something.

The communication from the club is poor, yet we have some great communicators there. For example, Keiran Scott was an enlightening listen. We lost more than a commentator when we lost Ali Brownlee and I cannot imagine that we would be having this problem if he was still with us. The way in which local radio has been diluted and reduced hasn't helped. Ditto the printed media. And of course the TV is largely obsessed with the stripey chums from the north of the region.

 

[Jedi boro]

I never knew that about training mind

 

[Robbieboro]

It was always fine to go during the week, however Friday was off limits due to tactics etc.

I'm not sure when it became completely a no go.

 

[AytonMews]

Club probably worried about Barlaser / Engel / Greenwood getting booed

 

[morrissey]

could they live stream the supporters club meetings on the Boro Facebook page so supporters can hear exactly what’s going on and it’s not such a closed shop?

Fat chance..."what's said stays in this room", or something along those lines.
Those fan 'representatives' need to stop pinching themselves for being in the same room as Gibbo and actually represent the wider fan base. They'll argue that they are, but they are patently not doing so.

 

[morrissey]

You know what's strange about not being able to go down to rockcliffe to watch them train! It was fine for absolutely years, I remember going as a kid I have loads of pictures with the players including Gazza, Merson right the way through until Karankas stint as manager

So that was over the space of 20 odd years where going to watch them train and meet the players was fine.
I recently tried to take my son last season thinking this was still the case and was turned away.

We used to go to Hutton Road back in the day and watch training then have a quick chat with World Cup winners and European Cup winners...now kids are turned away?, Jesus Christ, what next!!

 

[Merlin]

Our regular home fan base is not 30,000 and thats what is required to fill the Riverside. We did manage 30,000 season ticket holders for 2 seasons 1998/9 and 1999/2000 - we had had three cup finals and 2 promotions and were buying high profile players in a brand new stadium.

The Boro's catchment area is 450,000 people and if anything the number of people in that catchment area is falling slightly as people move away for employment.

Basically the stadium is a bit too big.

No the stadium is not too big - in fact if the club did manage to get back up you could argue it’s too small.

 

[fmttmadmin]

Fat chance..."what's said stays in this room", or something along those lines.
Those fan 'representatives' need to stop pinching themselves for being in the same room as Gibbo and actually represent the wider fan base. They'll argue that they are, but they are patently not doing so.

We have just seen our chair resign through harassment on social media and in the street. Sadly, people are going to feel very inhibited if the meetings are streamed. Maybe everyone would have to wear masks or be pixelated or hire a voice actor. That goes for club staff as well. In an ideal world you would like to do this but it is sadly not an ideal world.

 

[Nano]

That is disappointing to hear. Must be heart-breaking for a kid going to see his heroes maybe even speak to them and get turned away. I get that there may be times when it would not be convenient but surely that could better communicated. If it's a safe access thing, get it sorted.

How about giving discounts for "walk ups" as repeat visitors so after you've attended five games you get 10% discount, ten games you get 15% (make the numbers work). I thought we were supposed to be getting a relaunch of the old loyalty card thing (was it the "Pride Card"?) pay a tenner and you get a discount on walkup prices saving money if you attend more than five games or something.

The communication from the club is poor, yet we have some great communicators there. For example, Keiran Scott was an enlightening listen. We lost more than a commentator when we lost Ali Brownlee and I cannot imagine that we would be having this problem if he was still with us. The way in which local radio has been diluted and reduced hasn't helped. Ditto the printed media. And of course the TV is largely obsessed with the stripey chums from the north of the region.

The membership was reintroduced this season. It costs £15 and you save £1 on a walk-up and no booking fee if booking online. If you don't usually book online it takes 15 matches to break even. It takes 6 games to break even if you usually order online. You also get 10 priority points.

Rob says they've sold really well but I find it hard to believe. It's also been a record year for kit sales when they've had none in stock all season so maybe they've sold the 30 membership cards they had printed and classed it as successful.

 

[Simply red]

Erm.....not sure MBC have any money thanks to the current government.

Is it all about pricing? Or is saying thank you very important too.
But what about beyond that, how can Boro make you feel that you are a part of a Boro community again?
Or is this sense of community built from fans and not club in any case?

Am just thinking about this because for me there is no us and them. I was a fan in the 70s and 80s and through the Ayresome years and I remember very little bond with the actual club. We loved the players, we supported their testimonials, or some of us did. But there were very few club events for the Boro masses. Even after 86 there were frequent arguments from fans that the club was too distant and secretive etc. It always seemed to be the case.

What do fans think we can do to make this more of a community feel club? Or is it all down to pricing?
Seriously, how can the football club reach you?

There could be ideas next season - of extending the FanZone for instance or encouraging more indoor bars to open after the game. We could try and ask for more events with players and staff at the Riverside. Affordable not dinner suit dinners.

Or maybe we could build a Boro museum at the Riverside - if the Boro Shirt Museum exhibition is a big success at the Dorman (starting April) - then this might perhaps give us some leverage.

The MFC Foundation (which legally cannot be part of the football club for charity status reasons, but is really) works with all manner of projects and demographics from people with dementia (award winning and heartwarming) to providing a youth service for kids to take them off the streets. And working in schools on mental and physical health and helping with getting fans fit in general.

MFC Women is also seen as a commitment to the community - looking to the future to involve and inspire girls and women but also all school kids in general in the area.

These are examples of community reach. Pretty significant in many ways. But in what other ways, wherever we are in the world, could we feel more connected with our club and community?

Please have a think about this because I think there are significant opportunities for us all to have some say, remove some barriers and be stronger and more united for it. To make it feel like your/our Riverside.

Bring academy u18/21/23 football back to Middlesbrough instead of playing at bishop Auckland . Use the marton road sports village . We would get a decent crowd each game , paying £1 entry . Have food stalls and sell beer. Create the bond between the fans and the players of the future.

Cover the fan zone with a marquee like used for the beer festival .People would meet earlier at the ground instead of town . Sell cans not drought for speed and quality. I for one ask friends where are we meeting , and the weather decides. 8/10 its too cold or wet to go to fan zone . If we do go , the seating is damp ? So you can't sit on it .

 

[morrissey]

We have just seen our chair resign through harassment on social media and in the street. Sadly, people are going to feel very inhibited if the meetings are streamed. Maybe everyone would have to wear masks or be pixelated or hire a voice actor. That goes for club staff as well. In an ideal world you would like to do this but it is sadly not an ideal world.

And a basic set of minutes of meetings would harm whom exactly,