Quote: ThePrinter "A reoccurring theme with the guys who say they're questioning/won't buy a ST anymore is that nearly all point out that they've been attending since the 70's/80's and that their own personal group who they would attend with has decreased with friends and family deciding not to attend for several reasons.
I have a friend who only attended her first match two years ago. The several friends she attends with couldn't wait to buy ST for next year and still find the experience of going enjoyable. I have another who attended in the early 00's but hadn't attended a match for around 8 years until this year and they wanted to get back into going so have bought a ST for next year also.
Does strike me that whilst the team has played some frustrating rugby on the pitch the last few years, a decent chunk of the reason why people don't want attend anymore is one born out of just getting old and the repartition of going (just like a long marriage) has lost its spark. Granted a solution to that is for the games to be exciting you more but I dare say if you've been following for so long then there's been quite a few seasons which will have failed to impress. I think when you see reasons such as the shirt design and the price of the Boxing Day friendly been added to the weight of the reasons not to buy a ST I think it shows a mindset where the person has started to look and nitpick for reasons not to go, and in that instance you'd have to say that whilst the team may not be at its strongest at present it also (without trying to offend anyone) shows IMO just a clear cut sign of just getting old and bored.
The friends I mentioned earlier who are buying ST next year, both in their 20's. Some of you on here who started watching in the 80's, whilst it wasn't the best period for Leeds you still talk of it fondly in many ways and the enjoyment of attending. However I bet there was guys back then who had attended for 20/30 years previously and witness some success who started to stop going. It's transition, just because something once meant more or held your interest more doesn't mean it'll have that hold on you forever.'"
That's me alright. First game 1978. I think your point is very valid.
