Quote bren2k="bren2k"You're more cynical than most; I think the answer to your question could easily be yes, given a decent matchday experience, good facilities and, crucially, a team that gets some results.'"
I know what u r saying, but I call it experienced not cynical. As someone who has been involved in various fund raising schemes over the last 20+ plus years I know what Wakefields fan base is like and how mean spirited many of our fans are. It's nothing to do with Ted either it goes way back. I could give you numerous examples but I will give you just one to prove it,
Squadbuilder! Leigh RLFC inspired us by gaining 1000 members paying on average £1 per week towards young local players. Both their and our Squadbuilder were fully independent of the club. This was common knowledge, we leafleted, e-mailed, advertised in the match day program and had lot's of free publicity on here, in the LE and the WE. We pushed it for years eventually being able to offer executive boxes as a prize. We had our own fanzine 4foxsake and a website on which you could join/donate on line. It was even linked to the club website. We also ran commemorative dinners.
The dinners and the fanzine (for a while) did ok though the price and content of the fanzine came in for endless criticism - to the point where the editor and myself had had enough. The dinners were always the same generous people, These same people were by and large the only ones who donated weekly and that is why as far as I'm aware we never got much above a hundred members of squadbuilder - never the 1000 tiny little Leigh managed.
A lot of Wakefield folk are full of it, they want everything for nowt. They always have an excuse, Ted, the credit crunch or they never knew (biggest lie ever).
AG will be happy for now, but eventually he will want your money to help push the club forward, and IMO he's in for a shock. When he asks all those people who are praising him now ....when he asks for help... just watch the tumble weeds. Maybe he will get a honeymoon period and might jolt a few into action but it won't last.
Cynical, maybe but until I see the rank and file put their money where their mouth are rather than the usual gang I'll stay that way, Whilst ever I come on here reading posts slagging off volunteers like Wisca I'll remain convinced that there is a large element at this club whoas I say are full of it.
Sorry to bring the mood down but that's the truth in my experience.