Why don't we give all Barnsley fans a free ticket, a dedicated away pub just around the corner with the bar bill paid, an Oyster card on top up, the Palace dancing birds in their end (actually no give them the Covered Lower) and the Millennium Suite with hand shandies from Airman at half time ?
Why don't we give all Barnsley fans a free ticket, a dedicated away pub just around the corner with the bar bill paid, an Oyster card on top up, the Palace dancing birds in their end (actually no give them the Covered Lower) and the Millennium Suite with hand shandies from Airman at half time ?
Steady on, I wouldn't over do it, just do that for the big boys like us in case things goes tits up in the future
Why don't we give all Barnsley fans a free ticket, a dedicated away pub just around the corner with the bar bill paid, an Oyster card on top up, the Palace dancing birds in their end (actually no give them the Covered Lower) and the Millennium Suite with hand shandies from Airman at half time ?
Steady on, I wouldn't over do it, just do that for the big boys like us in case things goes tits up in the future
Ben Mansford (Barnsleys CE) was on Radio Sheffields local sports show Saturday evening, then again on last night, he's absolutely livid about what happened down at the Valley, he's actually wanting CAFC to compensate the fans financially
AB, from what I've read I get the impression that Barnsley (or some representative of the club or fans) is expecting Charlton to refund all their travel expenses. I think it's only fair that the club refunds the cost of the tickets (and as you suggest I don't think there was any doubt that we would have done that) but I don't think Charlton should be liable for the away fans travel costs - just like Rochdale didn't give you back the £100s you spent in 2010/11.
I think the club statement emphasising that the tickets will be valid for the re-arranged fixture, while not mentioning the refund that is available, is a little misleading, and probably deliberately so (they are running a business, after all), but other than a mistaken judgement on Thursday I'm not sure what else the club could have done differently - especially bearing in mind the new ownership being in it's infancy. Clearly they could throw money at it, and 'buy' everyone's forgiveness but that is not practicable or affordable.
The statement was not as eloquent as the one you put on the VOTV website, but bearing in mind they didn't know the game was going to be called off they probably had a few other things to be dealing with in the short term.
What other things were a higher priority than managing the reputation of the club and its relationship with supporters?
I'm not as familiar with the running of the stadium as you would be, but I would hazzard a guess that there would be things that would need to be taken care of once the club had announced that the game was off.
Don't get me wrong I do agree that the club could have been more apologetic but the game was called off and the web site and twitter were updated. I can't, personally, think of anything else that they could have done to appease fans that were going to be disappointed by the game being off. No money or arse kissing would have made me pleased the game was off. I don't see the point in slagging the club off, personally. They tried to get the game on and failed.
I would hate to have customers that are as demanding and critical of every mistake the club makes. Frankly I sometimes wonder if some of the Charlton fans live to have a pop at the club.
AB, from what I've read I get the impression that Barnsley (or some representative of the club or fans) is expecting Charlton to refund all their travel expenses. I think it's only fair that the club refunds the cost of the tickets (and as you suggest I don't think there was any doubt that we would have done that) but I don't think Charlton should be liable for the away fans travel costs - just like Rochdale didn't give you back the £100s you spent in 2010/11.
I think the club statement emphasising that the tickets will be valid for the re-arranged fixture, while not mentioning the refund that is available, is a little misleading, and probably deliberately so (they are running a business, after all), but other than a mistaken judgement on Thursday I'm not sure what else the club could have done differently - especially bearing in mind the new ownership being in it's infancy. Clearly they could throw money at it, and 'buy' everyone's forgiveness but that is not practicable or affordable.
The statement was not as eloquent as the one you put on the VOTV website, but bearing in mind they didn't know the game was going to be called off they probably had a few other things to be dealing with in the short term.
What other things were a higher priority than managing the reputation of the club and its relationship with supporters?
I'm not as familiar with the running of the stadium as you would be, but I would hazzard a guess that there would be things that would need to be taken care of once the club had announced that the game was off.
Don't get me wrong I do agree that the club could have been more apologetic but the game was called off and the web site and twitter were updated. I can't, personally, think of anything else that they could have done to appease fans that were going to be disappointed by the game being off. No money or arse kissing would have made me pleased the game was off. I don't see the point in slagging the club off, personally. They tried to get the game on and failed.
I would hate to have customers that are as demanding and critical of every mistake the club makes. Frankly I sometimes wonder if some of the Charlton fans live to have a pop at the club.
Image by: PA Charlton and Barnsley supporters will be offered free coach travel to the rearranged Championship fixture, the club announced on Monday afternoon Iain Liddle reports
Charlton and Barnsley supporters will be offered free coach travel to the rearranged Championship fixture, the club announced on Monday afternoon.
The two sides were due to meet at The Valley on Saturday, January 11th, but the match was postponed two hours before kick-off by referee Iain Williamson on safety grounds, following an inspection.
Charlton reinforced a three-step process on Thursday afternoon which is designed to avoid a repeat of the situation where fans from both sides had to curtail their journeys to south-east London prior to the fixture.
The club have previously apologised to supporters from both sides for the events of January 11th and now, following conversations with the board – led by non-executive Chairman Richard Murray, a plan has been agreed to make it easier for all affected to attend the rearranged fixture.
A free Valley Express service will be running on the day of the rearranged match (date TBA), with the same pick-up points as on January 11th, which means all supporters that attended the postponed match from London, Kent and parts of Sussex and Surrey can enjoy free return coach travel. Fans will need to book their place via the usual Valley Express system at least three days in advance of the match and will need to provide proof of purchase from the original fixture.
The club has also offered coach travel to Barnsley supporters by supporting the cost of a coach for the Barnsley FC official travel club and a coach for other supporters via the Courthouse Reds Supporters Club.
Two coaches will depart from south Yorkshire on the new date, which is yet to be confirmed and can accommodate return travel for approximately 100 fans. Tykes fans should contact their club’s ticket office to enquire about reserving their spot on one of the coaches. The Courthouse Reds will make their own arrangements for members.
Chief Operating Officer Steve Bradshaw said: “I am pleased that we are able to offer free travel to supporters and am grateful to the board for making it possible.
“I have written to Barnsley Chief Executive Ben Mansford to make him aware of our offer and also been in touch with Courthouse Reds in Yorkshire.
“Fans are aware that Charlton Athletic operates within tight financial constraints but we have taken the steps we can to ensure that as many fans as possible can attend the game and I look forward to seeing all those that can attend there on the evening.”
The club has announced that all tickets for the original fixture will be valid for the rearrangement.
Charlton supporters looking for ticket refunds should bring their tickets to the Valley commercial centre, or send them in via post, and must be received at least 24 hours before the date of the rearrangement.
Barnsley fans seeking refunds should deal directly with the Tykes’ ticket office.
This is the right thing to do and I'm glad the club has got there. I would say, however, that the club is not in a strong position to resist a refund on Valley Express to people who cannot attend the rearranged date unless it provided a completed coach journey to The Valley on January 11th. Most people will have boarded but not arrived. You can't reasonably charge someone for a service that wasn't provided in full, but I am guessing they realise that and aren't saying because they don't want to encourage coach refunds.
In general Valley Express numbers are significantly lower for evening games.
Yes well done CAFC, my friend who travels up from the coast was at Orpington when the heard. I am sure he will not be coming to the midweek game but will appreciate the gesture.
Perhaps i'm not understanding this? But i drove 40 miles to find the game cancelled. Then drove 40 miles home. I am a season ticket holder and therefore cannot prove i had a ticket for the game. So how does this compensation deal help me?
I dont have an alternative plan, but the club have given free coach travel to the local supporters that are least affected and the Charlton fans that suffered the most (ie those thay live the furthest) don't get any help.
That said they didn't have to do anything and I don't think they should have.
Traveled with my son (both season ticket holders). We live in from Grantham in Lincolnshire, 4.5/5 hour return trip. Also can't do rearranged night game due to work commitments and travel time. We'll get sweet FA. So much for loyalty.
Perhaps i'm not understanding this? But i drove 40 miles to find the game cancelled. Then drove 40 miles home. I am a season ticket holder and therefore cannot prove i had a ticket for the game. So how does this compensation deal help me?
Traveled with my son (both season ticket holders). We live in from Grantham in Lincolnshire, 4.5/5 hour return trip. Also can't do rearranged night game due to work commitments and travel time. We'll get sweet FA. So much for loyalty.
You genuinely have my sympathy, but what do you expect ?
Charlton to "shell out" for 15,000 expenses claims ?
I dont have an alternative plan, but the club have given free coach travel to the local supporters that are least affected and the Charlton fans that suffered the most (ie those thay live the furthest) don't get any help.
That said they didn't have to do anything and I don't think they should have.
The people who use Valley Express are not local - they tend to live at least 30 miles away and in many cases double that. Very few people who use the coaches live within 25 miles of The Valley. Of course there are other people who live just as far if not further away, but they didn't buy their travel from the club.
What do you want the club to do? Refund everyone's petrol? You've got to be realistic.
I'm simply asking. What compensation is there for me. Having driven 80 miles on a fools errand? Clearly i have a 'ticket' for the game when it is re-arranged (assuming i can make it) Yet someone who travelled originally, by 'Valley Express' will get a free ride next time. Perhaps those of us that travel independantly were just as inconvenienced as those who use the coaches?
Perhaps i'm not understanding this? But i drove 40 miles to find the game cancelled. Then drove 40 miles home. I am a season ticket holder and therefore cannot prove i had a ticket for the game. So how does this compensation deal help me?
It doesn't. The same as the rest of us (bar possibly 500 coach travellers).
Covered end. Perhaps you'll explain how owning a season ticket proves i travelled to the game against Barnsley, or indeed any game.
It doesn't. But you said "I am a season ticket holder and therefore cannot prove i had a ticket for the game."
Never mind.
O/K i didn't express it perfectly. I most humbly apologise to you. I'll try again;
I cannot prove that i attempted to use the ticket within my season ticket book, that would have gained me admisision to the game V Barnsley How's that?
Comments
Don't get me wrong I do agree that the club could have been more apologetic but the game was called off and the web site and twitter were updated. I can't, personally, think of anything else that they could have done to appease fans that were going to be disappointed by the game being off. No money or arse kissing would have made me pleased the game was off. I don't see the point in slagging the club off, personally. They tried to get the game on and failed.
I would hate to have customers that are as demanding and critical of every mistake the club makes. Frankly I sometimes wonder if some of the Charlton fans live to have a pop at the club.
Image by: PA
Charlton and Barnsley supporters will be offered free coach travel to the rearranged Championship fixture, the club announced on Monday afternoon
Iain Liddle reports
Charlton and Barnsley supporters will be offered free coach travel to the rearranged Championship fixture, the club announced on Monday afternoon.
The two sides were due to meet at The Valley on Saturday, January 11th, but the match was postponed two hours before kick-off by referee Iain Williamson on safety grounds, following an inspection.
Charlton reinforced a three-step process on Thursday afternoon which is designed to avoid a repeat of the situation where fans from both sides had to curtail their journeys to south-east London prior to the fixture.
The club have previously apologised to supporters from both sides for the events of January 11th and now, following conversations with the board – led by non-executive Chairman Richard Murray, a plan has been agreed to make it easier for all affected to attend the rearranged fixture.
A free Valley Express service will be running on the day of the rearranged match (date TBA), with the same pick-up points as on January 11th, which means all supporters that attended the postponed match from London, Kent and parts of Sussex and Surrey can enjoy free return coach travel. Fans will need to book their place via the usual Valley Express system at least three days in advance of the match and will need to provide proof of purchase from the original fixture.
The club has also offered coach travel to Barnsley supporters by supporting the cost of a coach for the Barnsley FC official travel club and a coach for other supporters via the Courthouse Reds Supporters Club.
Two coaches will depart from south Yorkshire on the new date, which is yet to be confirmed and can accommodate return travel for approximately 100 fans. Tykes fans should contact their club’s ticket office to enquire about reserving their spot on one of the coaches. The Courthouse Reds will make their own arrangements for members.
Chief Operating Officer Steve Bradshaw said: “I am pleased that we are able to offer free travel to supporters and am grateful to the board for making it possible.
“I have written to Barnsley Chief Executive Ben Mansford to make him aware of our offer and also been in touch with Courthouse Reds in Yorkshire.
“Fans are aware that Charlton Athletic operates within tight financial constraints but we have taken the steps we can to ensure that as many fans as possible can attend the game and I look forward to seeing all those that can attend there on the evening.”
The club has announced that all tickets for the original fixture will be valid for the rearrangement.
Charlton supporters looking for ticket refunds should bring their tickets to the Valley commercial centre, or send them in via post, and must be received at least 24 hours before the date of the rearrangement.
Barnsley fans seeking refunds should deal directly with the Tykes’ ticket office.
Read more at http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140120-free-coaches-for-barnsley-clash-1305150.aspx#3tXvcewzHrWu828B.99
In general Valley Express numbers are significantly lower for evening games.
That said they didn't have to do anything and I don't think they should have.
You have a S/T but can't prove you had a ticket for the game.
Charlton to "shell out" for 15,000 expenses claims ?
15,000 x say £30 = £450K.
I'd rather have a couple of loans please.
Clearly i have a 'ticket' for the game when it is re-arranged (assuming i can make it)
Yet someone who travelled originally, by 'Valley Express' will get a free ride next time.
Perhaps those of us that travel independantly were just as inconvenienced as those who use the coaches?
Never mind.
I cannot prove that i attempted to use the ticket within my season ticket book, that would have gained me admisision to the game V Barnsley
How's that?