An open letter to Walsall FC
Friday 26th March 2010, 9:05AM GMT.
Walsall blogger Mark Jones wants those in power at the Banks’s Stadium to mull over his open letter before deciding whether to take on another season-ticket.
Dear Jeff and Roy,
In five days time the 2010/11 Early Bird Season Ticket offer comes to a close. I currently have £325 of my hard-earned cash sitting in a bank account ready to renew the season tickets for myself and my son.
The big question is do I actually want to spend that money on yourselves.
My heart obviously says yes, like it always has done. If I do choose to renew then it will be for the 25th consecutive season, pretty much my whole adult life. But maybe like Johnny, Sid and the boys all those years ago, I’m having ‘stuff the jubilee’ thoughts.
In addition to the 325 notes I may or may not stump up, there’ll be 25 or so match programmes to purchase just because I always have done, replica shirts to buy provided they are not as horrendous as they were a couple of years ago, along with matchday food and drink that will bump up my contribution to around £500 per annum.
On top of that my youngest son is starting to take a more active interest in the game, recently refusing – and with no prompting from me, although it did make me feel proud – to put any Wolves players in his Premier League sticker book.
Also my eldest son, in his mid-teens having experienced the euphoria of the Millennium Stadium as his first away trip but also scarred by the horrors of the Colin Lee era, may also want to come along again at some point.
So the point I’m making is this – Walsall Football Club will benefit financially from my support over the next 12 months, as it has done for many many years, but what are you going to give me in return?
Am I supposed to be thrilled at the prospect of another year of mid-table anonymity at best, with a squad cobbled together at the last minute, too small in number, lacking in experience and without sufficient quality to consistently challenge?
Will I be unable to properly judge the true abilities of the manager because of the severe restrictions he has to work under? Or have to keep watching with fingers metaphorically crossed every week as promising young players are over-played and struggle as a result.
Do you just expect me to turn up week in week out in a soulless, two thirds (or more) empty stadium, which we don’t even own, devoid of atmosphere, and just carry on putting up with it?
What are you – the owner and the owner’s mouthpiece – going to do about the malaise that is running through our club? When are you going to accept some responsibility for where we are at right now?
I don’t want to hear excuses about the recession, perceived apathy in the town, greedy players and agents, being a selling club, ITV Digital or whether or not there’s such a thing as a free transfer, because it is all debateable.
There’s been a recession in Shrewsbury and Colchester along with all the other towns and cities of the 22 League One clubs getting higher crowds than us. Look higher than that and, as the Ronaldo deal showed, even Manchester United are a selling club when the price and timing is right.
I don’t want to know about ‘downscaling’ ambitions, partly because that implies there was ever an ‘upscaling’ in the past.
Neither do I need to hear about the commercial activities, I happen to think they’ve always been an impressive contribution – it’s such a pity that pretty much that the first £350,000 made every year disappears from the club never to be seen again.
The issue of the rent should have been sorted out years ago. I don’t believe we will ever know the details of how we went from owning Fellows Park around 1988 to renting our current Banks’s Stadium two years later.
But we can all calculate roughly how much rent we’ve paid out, actual or index-linked, over the last 20 years and surmise how the club’s money could have been put towards buying the freehold.
We’re not stupid, don’t treat us like we are.
I am not convinced by the ‘model for other clubs’ and ‘well-run club’ mantras either. It’s more like well-worn and there’s around 2.7 million reasons for that.
If the club cannot manage financially, then what moves have you, the people in charge, made to rectify this?
Where and how hard have you actually looked for extra investment?
Have you ever seriously considered the long-term effects that the perceived lack of ambition has had on the income of the club? Upsetting your customers has never struck me as a bona fide business strategy.
So if or when I type in my pin number next week what am I asking for in return?
Not a refund, that’s for certain. Although I shudder to think how much money I’ve put in over the years, it’s about the equivalent of £500 a season over a quarter of a century and that’s not counting away travel.
But I’ve never asked for any of it back, nor would I want to.
You didn’t find me banging the counter of the club shop after Scott Dann’s departure demanding a ‘return’ on the money I’d put into the club, or having the nerve to tell the press that I was somehow entitled to it.
I know there’s no guarantee of success in football. We are unlikely to be in the Premier League in five years time. We will always have to sell players from time to time, and that’s if anyone’s interested in buying. But it should be when it’s good for us and on our terms, not anyone else’s.
I accept we’re not about to find 10,000 extra fans down the back of the sofa like Swansea or Hull did. It may take a long time to get the disillusioned supporters back and some may be gone forever, while we will probably only ever attract new fans a few at a time.
But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to see the club make better progress.
We don’t have to compete with the likes of Leeds, Norwich and Southampton but we should at least be keeping pace with the Colchesters of this world and trying to emulate the Scunthorpes.
What you can give me, and my fellow fans, is some respect. You can provide us with a sense that everyone from the ‘top’ down is pulling in the same direction.
I won’t take kindly to being deceived, hearing a constant barrage of excuses for not trying new initiatives, empty platitudes or broken promises.
A team that gives its all and a club I can be proud of once more shouldn’t actually be too much to ask for, should it?
If you’re not capable of even trying to deliver that to me, or alternatively going out and finding someone who can, then my head is asking me why should I bother?
Yours sincerely,
Mark Jones.
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i am not a Walsall fan but think this letter is spot on from a genuine, concerned supporter. I know other Walsall fans who undoubtedly feel the same.
As a Villa fan there are some questions I would ask – why is there no link up between Walsall and “larger” midlands clubs? We have players who would benefit both Walsall and themselves from this sort of relationship. Also, why do Walsall not any sort of incentive for season ticket holders of these “larger” clubs? Charging a small fee on production of the season ticket would not only swell the gate but there is also the added revenue from refreshments sales etc.
I for one, want to see Walsall progressing and will be interested in the response to Mark’s letter.
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Why do Walsall fans think Wolves is a derby match?!
We don’t care about you, never have done, never will do, so get a derby where the other set of fans actually care
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Hear, hear!
I might print that off as it’s EXACTLY my thoughts.
We don’t demand (or even expect) success. But we DO demand that everyone at the club at least tries to move us forward.
There is a ‘them and us’ feeling around the club and I, for one, do not blame the fans for it’s existance.
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Blog of the Year for me.
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Fantatic letter & like your thoughts Glen its just a pity it always falls on deaf ears by the old guard in charge of the saddlers…
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Top, top post Mark. Sums up a lot of fans’ feelings I reckon (certainly mine, a season ticket holder for over 20 years who is not going to renew for the first time).
Good response too Glen, though I think you will be waiting a long time before you see a reply to Mark’s letter! And therein lies the problem…
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Good Blog Mark, I would be very interested to see the reply but don’t hold your breath that it will be any more than the old crap regurgitated.
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I await the worn out cliches and meaningless narative in reply. Although I hope I’m wrong.
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I like this alot but what is the point you will never get the truth or answers that you like.
walsall fc is dead and as soon as you all see that you are all throwing your money away
please please please walsall fans dont line mr bonser’s pockets anymore
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Some good points Mark; well made too !!
I have stumped up £290 for next season but can we please see things change…………. a little bit ?? or it will be my last.
(sadly I do not think anyone really cares !!)
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Absolutely top post – echoes so many peoples thoughts/feelings regarding the current situation at WFC!!!
PS- FAO Mike
You seemed to care enough about us on 28th August 1999 when the great ’Sir jack’ came into for a mouthful (literally) – check the date in your ‘glorious’ history pal, now that WAS a derby game!!!
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Dont renew your season ticket. I am sick to death of your negative self pitying wingeing. Also get off Colin Lee’s back. You cant even recognise good times when you get them.
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Well said. It’s more than time for everyone to recognise the malaise that Bonser has inflicted on this club – the destruction of the one thing that fans will always hang on to – hope. We’ve got none left and I, for one, will NOT be renewing my season ticket to watch the pathetic drivel we have been “treated” to this season, with no hope of it ever getting better.
Jeff, in the words of Oliver Cromwell, “You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately … Depart, I say; and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!”
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Hit the nail on the head!!
Probably one of the most constructive, intelligent blogs I have seen.
It sums up everyones feelings towards the club at the moment.
Dont expect a reply though, all our criticism and opinions just fall on death ears.
We are another Chester waiting to happen.
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Well said Mark. Having supported the club through thick and thin over the last 50+ years I have rarely seen such awful performances as those at home this season. I am surprised we are not in the bottom 4 based upon what we have seen.
Whilst there is a lot of blame to cast I do believe that the Manager has to accept that the buck stops with him particularly on team selection and motivation.
It is very sad that the Board let Richard Money walk away rather than back him with some sensible investment. Just look at what he has achieved at Luton in a very short period.
I emailed Roy Whalley with similar comments to Mark’s Blog after the Yeovil home match. That contained the comment that for the very first time I would not renew my season ticket unless something changed for the better even if that was only handing the reins to Martin O’C for the remainder of the season to see if he could engender some excitement and spirit in the players to transfer to the fans. You won’t be surprised that I didn’t get a reply so don’t hold your breath. I am very well aware that Mark’s and my thoughts about non-renewal are widespread across the loyal fan base. None of us really want to make this stand but what else can we do?
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I think a bit of realism is needed here – For a club of Walsall’s stature mid table in league 1 is the best that can be expected. Its incredibly hard for clubs to even survive with players wages at the level they are at the moment. When you say “or alternatively going out and finding someone who can” – Do you seriously think that there is a queue of multi millionaires out there willing pump all of their hard earned cash into the club and change the fortunes of Walsall ?
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Well thought out letter Mark, it’s now time for the powers that be at Walsall make a supreme effort to attract new investment in the club to take us forward. As you said, if they can not do this then what are they doing?
Don’t let the club stagnate further please
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Echo all the sentiments above.
Any chance of having more than 3 players who have past adolescence next season Jeff?
I’d Love to renew my season ticket,And im not becoming a stayaway but i cannot watch this tripe that were fielding at the moment every week.
I dont blame the manager what chance does he have with the current budget? The sale of Scott Dann and Dan Fox,AND £0.00 reinvested in the playing side has caught up with your cash cow hasnt it jeff,Your not going to get that loan money back Jeff,Ever.And that is the only positive thing i can think of at the moment at Walsall fc.
In conclusion Get that Tacky cyprus souvenir wallet out of your pocket and Lets actually try this season,Not deceive people in pre-season buy signing 2 decent players and putting crap next to them,Actually try and not just try and look like your trying.
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Spot on Jonah, best blog so far. I await for Messrs Bonser and Whalley’s response. I might have a long wait me thinks. As for Mike,do you think any walsall fan has the slightest interest in you or your uneducated opinions? If do , i suggest you make a Drs appointments and get your delusions treated.
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I’m totally in agreement with Mark Jones’ excellent letter. I took the decision not to renew my own and my son’s season tickets after the 2007/08 season. I had been incensed when none of the Scott Dann/Daniel Fox transfer money was used for replacements and we had to look on helplessly as the spirit of the team drained away and the season went straight down the pan. That was bad enough, but when Richard Money concluded that he was wasting his time at Walsall FC, fell out with Mr Bonser and walked out, that was the final straw for us.
Nothing has happened since then to attract me back, yet we (and other family members) had held season tickets for many many years, too many to remember. There was not even a letter or e-mail enquiring why we had not renewed. Does the club not think it should research these things? If they can’t be bothered to find out why fans are so disenchanted, how can they expect to get us back at Bescot?
I constantly hear that Chris Hutchings’ playing budget is restricted because of the fall in attendances, and it’s the stayaway fans that are to blame for that. So why was there not the investment in the team when the attendances were higher? Can Jeff Bonser not see that the fall in attendances is due to the lack of investment and loss of hope amongst the previously loyal fan-base of 5,000-6,000 that has now diminished to 3,000-3,500?
Businesses must give customers a reason to support them, that’s the way it works. If the club gives us a product that’s worth supporting, then people like me will be back there without hesitation. But don’t expect us to turn up to support a club that gives us no entertainment, no hope and no sense that there is any ambition at the top.
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excellent letter, it will like all others i fear end up in the waste bin of the club secretary. we are locked into the current regime and we are also at the tip of a downward spiral…. like no other football club in the country our fans have finally ‘found out’ the management of the club. other clubs fans still beleive that they have futures and lofty ambitions however unrealistic. all these thoughts have gone for us… for too long we have been told we are a small club.. we have reached our limit, we are punching above our weight… the local papers and radio are constantly curtailing any hopes we have of success… and we now finally beleive it… the crowds in consequence are falling in the 2000 plus levels and without a massive re-brand/re/birth under a new chairman there seems no stopping it. other football clubs suffer financial catasphories but we have a catasphorie of self destruction…. the timer has been set and the clock is slowly counting down.
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The letter is pure genius-you’ve captured everything that needs saying and a great deal of people are feeling, myself being one of them!
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I gave up 18 months ago, after having a season ticket for 7 years running. i used to miss about 4 away games a season. now i dont go to 4 home games a season.
think what type of squad you could have with a extra £ 350000 a year.
whats the point.
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I am a Southampton fan and I have read this blog with true understanding. But in the words of someone clever “It is all comparative”.
The games that Walsall have been involved in, when they have succeeded in beating a “superior” side, are the games that remain a very special memory to those that were there. Ask a fan of a top team how often they have reached similar heights of euphoria that you have. If the likes of Walsall gradually disappear so will football fans across the nation. Yes, the Man Utd fan gets to see the greatest footballers playing for their team. Winning is the norm, how can they enjoy the game as those who reach euphoria on ramshackle terraces do. It is they that should envy. I don’t understand the people that own or run football clubs, but I dont expect them to have the passion.
What I am saying is, I think you should just enjoy your love of YOUR team.
You might think it is easy to support Southampton, but in my 40 years I have watched year after year of poor seasons and relegation dogfights. But the days that I remember are those big wins and our rare cup exploits. Granted Southampton and Walsall are currently miles apart financially and you might envy our position, but never think that I do not respect your team and the following. Please, for the sake of our game, renew your ticket and dont let the B******s get you down.
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absolutely fantastic blog and what a lot of Walsall fans are thinking. Unfortunately those that run our club don’t give a toss what the fans think or they would have done something to try and win back the supporters that are leaving in their droves.
Bonser proclaims to be Walsall’s number 1 fan so why is he continues to bleed us dry season after season? Doesn’t bother to show up to games and is happy to sit by and watch our club lose loyal fans that have been there through thick and thin.
I’ve not been to a home game since the end of 07/08 season I try to go to as many away games as possible to cheer the lads on. I won’t be returning to Bescot till we have someone in charge who truly cares about our club.
Oh and don’t expect a reply from RW I was told if I wasn’t going to home games I wasn’t entitled to an opinion, customer service of the pathetic kind!
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Nice sentiment enjarey, but you need a half decent team to produce those memories and its been a long while since we had one – the owners have even taken that away from the fans too, we have all had the don’t let them grind you down but there is only so much you can put up with and WFC fans have all reached that point.
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Unfortunatley i have to agree with Linda. The club take no notice of what the fans want. The only reason the changes have been made to the stadium suite on matchdays is because the club were told they would be able to make more money. I’ve been travelling to home games from Nottingham for the last 3 years and i’ve always said i would have a season ticket to financially and vocally support my club no matter what, i’ve got 1 for next season. What are the club actually doing to encourage new fans. I’ve had 2 leaflets in the last month from Notts County come through my door. Are we doing the same? Roy if you read this please respond to any of my emails from the last 12 months.
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Letter absolutely spot on. Attend the odd away game to cheer on my team. The heart would like me to attend home games, the head won’t let me, Jan 2008 was the killer, having invested in home/away games that season (as for 25 years), only to have it thrown back in our faces. The apparent contempt towards the fans is deplorable and so amateurish, to be almost laughable, if it wasn’t so serious. Wake up and smell the coffee WFC.
UTS
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What do you mean, the horrors of the Lee era? He was our most successful manager. I switched off from your boring drone after that.
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Great letter mark. I’m another saddler who agrees with every word. I lost faith after selling Dann, but continued to renew my season ticket. But not this time. I really hope you can keep the faith and spend your £325.
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superb letter totally saying what most of the supporters think. im a walsall fan of 46 years support and jan 2008 finished me,not the fact that fox and dann were sold but the fact that they were not replaced at all and a manager who had given us some hope was not allowed to take us any further and so left. i didnt go last season at all in protest and have been twice this against southend and leeds. im not prepared to put any more money into the coffers down there until there is a change of direction. im not prepared to see a team in my opinion cobbled together at the last minute of promising youngsters who will be sold at the whiff of cash, has beens, wannabys and never will be’s. i was proud to be a saddler and even took place in the demonstrations down at the town hall with barry blower, but im not proud now, my beloved saddlers are dying with speed, wake up jb and rw things need sorting fast, if only your resignations.
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good letter. Excellent summary of the situation the feelings and the frustration.
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