Quote: theredshed "I don’t agree with this talk of stay away fans. What stay away fans? The club has always struggled with attendances since the late 60’s/early 70’s which seemed to coincide with many locals in a densely populated area being rehoused to other parts of the city. In those days many more people could take a short walk to the game and didn't have the same leisure and entertainment choices that they have today. In my time following the club we have played in three Challenge cup semi’s and failed to take over 4,000-4500 fans to those huge games.
It is what it is and no amount of marketing or short term success is going to see the AJ Bell bursting at the seams. How many CEO's has the club employed over the years? Five or six and they can't all of been clueless could they? I think people have to be realistic and accept that RL is a second class minority sport and it’s target audience is hindered by so much choice these days and a history of a low percentage attending over the past four decades. I also think other clubs have much less leisure/sports competition compared to Salford/Manchester and I think this makes a significant difference. I know it’s a sore subject for many Salford supporters because opposing fans and our own club officials are always having a dig but those people who think they know the answers are optimistically deluded in my opinion. I think some people have to appreciate that just because they enjoy watching rugby league doesn't mean everyone else should. I just hope the club don't go for the (undenied rumour) name change to Manchester because I think all that will achieve is pi$$ing off all the patriotic die-hard Salfordian's.
The truth is we are a traditionally small and handicapped club that is financially fortunate than most clubs to fight well above our weight. Is this something the club and it's supporters should be thankful and proud of rather than having a blame culture for not having more people on the terraces? We simply aren't a rugby town/city like Wigan, Saints, Warrington, Widnes, Leeds, Castleford, Wakefield and Hull and never will be. As hard as it is let's just accept it and focus on doing the very best we can with the hand we have been dealt. Taking our frustration out and whinging and arguing on social media will achieve nothing other than unnecessary friction between the true supporters and the club. More people are likely to show interest if they see the team are consistent, entertaining and have a chance of success (over a longer period of time) rather than attempting to shame people into going.'"
Great post. I've had a dig at Salford myself in the past but I honestly can't see what more they can do now to improve attendances. There is no quick fix, just keep on playing attractive rugby and winning games. Its better to build slowly (as Cas have done) rather than boom and bust. We do have competition on our doorstep with Wakey and Fev so it is possible.
Back your team and encourage others to follow as its fantastic to see different teams in the top 4.