Quote Diogenes="Diogenes"Only if you don't count the first 23 years.
When I started watching Hull FC in the mid 80's I was in my early 20s and single. We played Sunday afternoons in the winter. I had a pass for several years.
Later I got married and had a family. Winter sunday afternoons were still not a problem though. We then switched to summer rugby and Sunday matches caused me problems.
When we moved the KC I didn't get a pass and attended as and when I could but when we switched to Friday nights I bought a pass again and have had one for the last 3 years.'"
Let's step back for a moment or two and analyse this "summer rugby" statement. I started watching Hull FC aged 6 in 76 when it was a "winter sport" the season ran from August (yes August) through to May. Now we have a "summer sport" our season runs from February ( winter) through to October if we are lucky. Then 4 nations into November ( winter) this leaves us with just June and July when we play now compared to then. August this year has barely seen us with games due to CC on 2 weekends which even if we had played I suspect would have been Saturday afternoon for both.
So do we actually play a summer sport? Or are you just making excuses?
As I see things AP intends to make things far more "family friendly" that means events like PITP and what we saw prior to the derby this year. The chance for a family lunch before hand etc. Non of this has to mean that your family have to watch the game.
It may even mean that on a freezing cold Sunday in March (I bet there will be a few) even April / May you will have something to do as opposed to watching the rain fall on your garden. Admittedly you could argue the other way, but don't be fooled with us being a summer sport as I see us playing far more in Winter / spring / Autumn than the glorious (sarcastic) summers we have here in the UK.
I am naturally as most know very happy with this decision. The stats on the crowds over 3 years don't add up as some think. 3000 down this year MIGHT be because its Friday night rugby (I said might) nobody can be certain. It could also be as AP said due to prices and also due to product on the park.
Wire don't suffer for having Sunday matches. Huddersfield don't either and come to think of it Cas have improved and they play Sunday. Catalans and Quins prefer Saturdays add in Wakey on Sunday and now us and suddenly turn around times argument goes out the window.
So not everyone will like it. That is a fact. I have grown to accept Fridays mainly by not going as its way too far to travel. My family in West Yorkshire don't go as often. Next season I see my parents sitting with 4 grandchildren, me my sister and her family and my family in west yorks. At least 10 people where it was 2 or 3 this year. If that's replicated across the board then AP will soon recoup his cash. While some will hate that its what he is in the business for after all.
I can also see the SMC benefiting which might help us negotiate a better deal. As things stand I know for a fact that the SMC get very little from food etc on. Friday as most have had their T.
Naturally Sky will come calling so we will get the odd Friday game which will mean I and many others will not be able to attend. But as many told me 3 years ago if you are a true fan you will adapt. I took their advice bided my time and now see a big light at the end of the tunnel.
The family / community club I love and have done for years is now coming back to me.