I see we are moving from the West Stand to the East Stand. Bring your suncream (and sunglasses) as it's nice and Warm over there. I think its the right move because the club are attempting to introduce all the off field stuff and this is the best place to get that to work successfully. Does create quite a separation between Hospitality and the General Crowd but I do think this will create a more engaging environment. The West Stand as a backdrop is far more impressive than the flats, a shame the seats will be empty though.

Unless/until crowds build substantially, I'd agree this is the best compromise. The East Stand can hold everybody who went to the Widnes opener (including Widnes supporters) and I suspect they will open the South Stand anyway as the overheads are minimal.

There is an open canvas, and the statement mentions those areas that need improving. Mascots, Kids activities, food, social area etc. You know I rate MyPie. But the other regular Vendors are pretty good even if the prices are a bit punchy. Within reason if I pay more and it's really good, I'm happy to do that rather than save 50% but dislike what I ate.

At least we aren't turning up in February hoping to see a difference but knowing there won't be. Might take a while to get it right, but a positive (re)start in my opinion.

Moving to the East stand makes sense as there is a large L-shaped area behind the East and South stands where people can mingle in a sort of Boxpark way they simply can't in the West stand.

This area is the heart of Plough Lane, really, and should have been used from Day 1.

Seems like a good move. Interesting therefore that the club describe the Broncos Bar (which will be located in the Upper North End of the West Stand) as being 'at the heart of our supporter community'. Sounds like, in fact, it will be on the opposite side of the pitch to that.

Being pale skinned, I always look to sit in the shade so I will be skipping the plough lane games when the sun is out next season. We'll probably win the League now !

An additional benefit is for the purposes of highlights filming it will now look like there are some people in the ground. Also appear to be making some effort on match day experience so a positive move-let’s see how it goes. Really do need to announce some new players though and one assumes new kit in time for Christmas isn’t the way we are going this year.

12 months [actually about 12 years too late.
Still, at least it won't be a dozen whiners on line they get to ignore now. IMG won't be swept away with as much ease.

Yes, interesting that the club newletters cites the IMG development as a trigger for these changes. Who would have thought that trying to offer some sort of matchday experience who need such an external impetus to implement.

I hadn’t thought of that Buzza but you’re right. It’s quite an admission. “Quick the adults are watching let’s stop being tin pot.”

Nice to see they are finally going to do what most on here have been saying for some time. But as you've said before BT makes damn all difference if the team is tin pot which without some quality imports it looks like being.

Two more seasons to hit Yosser's 5,000 target. Clearly it isn't going to happen next year so I wonder what the club has got up its sleeve for 2024 ? An NRL franchise ?

Re your 1st sentence dc it’s really odd isn’t it. It really feels like they didn’t plan last year at all they just threw a few ideas on a bit of paper and took a gamble. They were lucky Mike E was able to get a positive reaction and crowds generally held up ( at pre Covid levels rather than stated targets). This year we seem to be where we should have been a team aiming for a solid season with solid crowds. But of course you only get one chance to make a good first impression so that may well be a problem. Squad wise. Looking at it objectively and noting how other poorly performing teams like Bradford have strengthened you have to feel that if we get as high as 8th that would be a decent effort. My hope is our wins and losses are spread more evenly across the season, we get off to a decent start, and the early home games are competitive. Will it happen? At least a couple more are needed and time is marching on.

so finally it looks like sombody at LB is finally realising that the rugby alone will not bring in new fans. looking forward to seeing how long it works out for, and that they don't scale it back after 2 games.

Looks like they not bringing out new kit before xmas however

To be honest I think some seasons even the players haven’t received their playing kit until the day of the first game

Re the fan park. A good idea I think but, unlike last season we aren’t playing a big team first. We have Batley, Sheffield and then Swinton over the course of 6 weeks so I think that will test the concept of street food vans at “London prices” to the max. None of those teams will bring masses of fans and, high quality or not, £9 for on the go food may meet consumer resistance. We’ll see. (In fairness although somewhat tinpot I did think the food from the kiosk was Ok and fit for purpose it’s other areas that I felt could do with immediate attention). As before a key component in all this is how well the team do on the field. I await news of additions with some impatience now and I’m a bit concerned that the way the season is constructed it’s the back end of the season where there are a decent number of home games over a shortish period allowing for the build up of attendance habits. This could be a make or break season. I’m hoping for the best but confess to being a bit concerned.

Not only are we lacking numbers in the squad but still no sign of the two assistant coaches.

Or new shirts or sponsors. I predict January will be jam packed with announcements.

The back loading of home fixtures (assuming no Ebbsfleet last minute moves) gives the fan park strategy a better chance. Those early matches give an opportunity to get things right. I think it may be a challenge for the reasons you mention. The kiosk food is okay, but tends to be more snack to the "fan park" meal. The summer matches are key. Get supporters in for beer and food and to be entertained on and off the pitch.

I'm okay if I can see off field progress in those first three matches. It was badly messed up last year, so I think everything I see will be a bonus.

Should add that £9 is just about the bottom end of the pricing. MyPie charge that. Jerk Chicken I think £10. Pizza could be £11 now. The other regulars are Burger & Chips (the also offer Vegan), Chinese, Chips and occasionally Doner Kebabs. MyPie and Ding Ding (Chinese) have been at the stadium for non-football events, so I guess the most likely for Broncos matches unless they source their own.

At those prices the food has to be good. I've tried them all. Only Pizza would I say is a bit so, so but it is popular. Probably a bit basic for me (Margarita or Pepperoni) compared with the flavours of the other vans. I'd be delighted with the MyPie, Jerk Chicken or Chinese in a pub. The first two are particularly filling.

If the Broncos vendors are going to charge similar amounts, the food needs to be good. Most people will say the prices are more than a bit punchy. I will only pay £9/£10 if the food is good. More to the point I wouldn't spend that much a second time if it wasn't. Paying for a family it certainly adds up quickly I can tell you! We did consider not eating at the stadium as per head it's not cheap. We don't need to eat there living close, but we enjoy the quality. Not everybody at the football agrees, but the generally the feedback is very good and fans tend to have different favourites.

My Pie (Sausage Roll) and Ding Ding (Veggie Spring Rolls) offer a £3 snack option. Both are good. Particularly the Spring Rolls, stuffed with some quality veg with some crunch. Comes with a sweet chili dip. It'a treat (starter) rather than a meal of course.

I think its great they are trying this initiative, granted far too late, but ..... For me, the fans zone isnt a make or break for me to attend games, its a decent and competitive side on the field. Looking at the squad published on thew web site, we have 21 players, of which 8 or 9 are 18 to 20yo (excellent for the future) and it looks threadbare, reminding me of the start of last season. Increase and improve the squad and I may get along and enjoy the whole match day package!

On a different note, is the weekly newsletter live yet ? I subscribed but have had nothing to date.

Yes, the newsletter comes regularly on a Friday. Check your spam folder.

Couldn’t agree more. Objectively we look thin outside of starting line up. Continuity will make us better placed than last year and Eccles but still some concerns about what we can realistically achieve.

On a different note, is the weekly newsletter live yet ? I subscribed but have had nothing to date.'"

Who are the coaches have they been announced? Isn't Eccles DoR not the coach?

As far as I am aware, the two assistants Cake was promised have not been announced.

Can't see anywhere that they have announced Andersons will be sponsors. We could be coach less in every sense of the word.

I can think of a few Andersons who would be fine coaches.

Sponsorship is either about vanity or promotion.
I doubt there's been a shirt sponsor in my 22 years who's been the latter......but it speaks volumes that we've run out of supporters who.own firms that they can stick on the shirt to make themselves feel like Branson.
I'd like us to do a contract with Metro or the Standard.....give them a stand on match day in return for the shirt....at least try to fill the place.