Very worrying Cougars! With the game like it is, changing year in year out how can you possibly make a decison on how many games they will be. Like what happened this year with the Challange Cup game. Too be honest this could put people off buying season tickets at all next year. It sounds like the club need the money for something now. (maybe the heirarchy of the team)

End of the day its 9 months away its a bit silly really.

Oh dear, it was only a matter of time. Could i be saying told you so.
No matter how you try and paint the whole thing over this clearly smells trouble.

Stealth, the club would have known when the fixtures were out that we only had swinton at home this month as the Leigh game was away, so the only revenue was only ever going to be the swinton game. This only makes our club look to the whole rugby league and the town that we are in financial difficulties, in my opinion anyone that buys a ticket now is only helping to harm the club because if you buy a ticket now or in june or when ever the other deals come out you are helping put the club in an unstable position for next year. whats wrong with struggling through now rather than taking money from next year when that can be used for new players etc.

Mr Fawcett cannot be trusted with 10p of our money, he will destroy this club FACT.

old boy cougar I think youve hit the nail on the head ... I for one will not be renewing my season ticket so soon and think this whole episode smacks of "up creek and knackered paddle" I for one hope to god this club of ours is not about to hit the skids YET AGAIN. Prove me wrong please

Agreed, I will be buying one towards the end of the month, for all those people having a go at the club, yes these are hard times, yes there is little income in May especially, yes it means less income next year as the cougars get the money now but the club like any business must choose the best path forward, I don't believe I'm hurting the club by providing it with money when it is needed and saving myself a few quid in the process

And one final message, we will be here next year and the club WILL honour the season ticket should any problems develop, just like they honoured it the last time we got in trouble

If I'm wrong then I'm wrong, but I get (potentially) a good deal and the club get some cash, end of.


Worst case, I'm not well off but if things go pear shaped then I may lose £120, well worse things have happened!

Stop moaning, find the cash, support your club and enjoy next season

Cougars til I die

Well , it's bound to raise some questions done so early , BUT , like someone said earlier , it's a bloody good deal and a total no brainer , think i'll have to empty the copper bottle early lol

Rather than speculate and cause unrest amongst fans like some, I thought it might be a good idea to approach Gary himself to get his take. I'm sure there are those who will read whatever they want into this, but below is a copy of Gary's reply. There would appear to be no cash flow issue and the club are just trying to work smarter. Maybe this should be applauded rather than criticised. Clearly there are those with Axe's to grind and those that just want to stir things up. Happy reading......

"Simply put we are in an unusual situation that we KNOW that we will be in the Championship next season whatever happens - this is unprecedented. As a result, why should the club wait to sell season tickets until October. We know where we are going to be already and as the club's running costs are much higher in Spring and Summer than Autumn and Winter then it makes sense to get the money in now rather than wait until November when the club's running costs drop to virtually nothing. Obviously, I can't do this offer next year as it is a unique situation so this is the only time the club will be able to do it."

"The offer will end on 31st May and I'm putting the offer out to "pump prime" the season ticket sales, generate a bit of positive excitement and show a bit of loyalty from the club to our loyal fans. As I said, there's no reason why we should leave it until November/December as this will also allow us to spread the administration related to the production of season tickets as well. It makes it easier for the club rather than us rushing around trying to service everyone within a tight timescale."

"Just one further comment. Strategically I'm looking to convert the fan base to a membership oriented format (monthly payments) such as in the NRL rather than a chunk of money landing when we sell season tickets. This will spread the costs for the fans and produce predictable revenue streams for the club. Obviously this will take some time."

Thanks for getting a reply. Decent response.

It's a great deal but I still think the club getting season ticket money for NEXT season is dangerous. I will consider this though.

How did you contact him?

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He`s his dad!!

Through the clubs e-mail address.

In reply to Dominance.
Who is grinding any axe? We are voicing concern as to the reasoning and timing of this promotion. It would be remiss of those of us that have misgivings not to voice our concerns.
Name me another championship/SL club that has launched their season ticket prices for 2013. Why is that? They know which division they will be in next year.
Surely we have budgeted for the club's overheads based on season ticket sales and projected gate receipts and additional revenue streams through 2012.
If we are going to market the scheme then why hasn't a mail chimp e-mail gone out to all season ticket holders launching the deal, not just on this forum.
How are we trying to reach a wider audience and entice new fans/season ticket holders into the club. That will ensure increased income. Will/has this offer be launched to the wider community? It should be! Market this properly and attract more fans.
The admin of season tickets is not rocket science if a decision is made on pasess or season ticket books early enough. We're not dealing with thousands of passes here.
As Boxweir states. Why are we not trying to develop other revenue streams for 2012. The merchandising available in the shop leaves alot to be desired. Baseball caps, scarves, hats, signed pic/posters, polo shirts, t-shirts, mugs can all be sourced and supplied cheaply and sold at profit. What stock is currently in the shop? If the stock is not there on match days the fans cannot buy it.

If it means that much to you, maybe this is not the forum to air your concerns. Maybe a conversation with a club representative may assist you with your points. Speculating and querying club decisions on here to me has a negative edge and will not change anything. The club makes a money saving offer to fans and they query it, some even say there is a cash flow problem. Sometimes I wonder what the club has to do to make some of it's fans happy.

I got an e-mail?

Ilkley Cougar is entitled to his/hers oppinion just like everyone else on here domminence!! End of the day the majority of people on here only express concerns because they actually care about the club and want it to do well! Got to agree with Ilkley Cougar that the club dosnt do enough on the merchindise and marketing side.

Absolutely and I couldn't agree more. It is my opinion (which as you state I am entitled to) that this is not the place to start scaremongering or surmising about cash flow based on a marketing strategy. I also care about the club, but rather than contribute to the rumor mill I thought it would be a good idea to get a club comment. Read into that club comment what you want. My question to the last poster was merely about what impact airing your concerns on here will have. If you have a genuine problem with the club or want an answer go to the club and ask the question. I think the issue about marketing has been raised on here before which is valid.

Just one further point, I'm not sure many of the Cougar hierarchy actually go on this site so your unlikely to get an answer to the concerns raised.