I am both a fan and supporter of Hull FC.

But as a supporter what do we actually want from the club ?

For me, these are some of the reasons - these are in order of importance:

1. To be entertained
2. To watch us be successful
3. To feel part of a community
4. To beat our rivals
5. To sign/develop players who can make the above happen
6. To be financially sound / not go bust

However, for the people who run our club, the order is probably:

1. To be financially sound / not go bust
Joint 2nd - Everthing else

A sporting club is effectively a business - they need a healthy balance sheet above all else.

However where a club differs from a business is when it comes to customers.

A business will lose customers if
- the product is poor
- the product doesn't offer value for money
- there are better alternatives

A club will lose a FEW customers (supporters) for the same reasons BUT
the majority will support them blindly, through thick and thin, in ANY KIND OF WEATHER.

And that is where the club have us by the balls.

So what if we offer a poor, dull, boring style of rugby - our customers will stand by us.
So what if only make one play off game in 3 years - our customers will stand by us.
So what if we never see our rising stars reach their potential - our customers will stand by us.

We are the OLD FAITHFUL and they know that.

In their eyes, as long as the turnstiles are ticking and the replica gear is selling, we are a successful club.

I think it is wrong to label some people who make a stand with their feet, a lower class of supporter.

They still care about the club - they've just had enough of what the club defines as acceptable product.

Because how many people would have renewed their season passes if the only new signing we had was a winger from Harlequins ?

Yes, Westerman has cost us £150k, but at £200 a pass, that's only 750 passes.

Hey Big Dave, with this rationale the Dobbins will have MILLIONS of fans and supporters out there

well summed up that to be honest !! what always rips me off is those who DONT go who spout as if they are experts though!!, they always know the finances , contracts and details of the club but never attend (or rarely) they in my opinion are not fans but simply online anarchists

Or bitter twisted ex players who wont show their real name cos its not held very highly in the deep rich history of this amazing club

People support the club through choice. They are not 'grasped by the balls' whilst doing so.

Basically this has turned in to a super dooper uber fan debate,

who has the biggest dad?

I never had a choice

have to agree with these sentiments, i have renewed today but cant say that im really looking forward to the season, cant see any real chance of trophies or being entertained. Have i renewed with blind faith yes. I can understand people choosing games next year its expensive to sit through 80 minutes of dross.
We have to go back to Mcraes days for real entertainment. 2005 cc win was fantastic but the league campaign was at times very boring.
I did not realise i would be charged two pounds for each pass when i was paying with switch/visa these payments are immediate and i have not been charged before using this card, the guy said you can pay by cheque and you would not have had a charge, thought cheques were dying out. Felt a bit ripped off by the club, why two pounds each pass on one transaction?

So you are saying the club can get away with not providing us with a sub standard team so long as they throw in a couple of treats from time to time?

Westerman also needs a good wage, the government will want their share of pass sales, do the SMC take a % of season ticket sales over a certain amount, do you honestly think that the Westerman fee will be paid for in increased season ticket sales this year?

With the heavy investment in youth and sound financial structure of our club do you think they are looking at long term gain and not short term rewards?