Dear Mr Fenty

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 19/10/2005

UNLESS you have been away on holiday, you will be aware of the discontent regarding the issue of the Newcastle tickets. Discontent that is, by mainly those people who were unlucky enough not to have obtained a ticket.

On the Fishy, we have had a number of suggestions on how to prevent similar problems occurring in the future. Some have been sensible. Others would require the building of a new office, 3 full time staff and computer support.

So the question is; Should the ticket stub system presently operating be improved upon or replaced with a better and fairer system or should it be left exactly as it is?

To the best of my recollection, the ticket stub system has been in place for a number of years. It would also be fair to say that until recently, there have been no serious complaints about it, except perhaps about the number of stubs required or the nominated games from which stubs would apply.

On the other hand, it is good practise to review current practises from time to time to ascertain whether they continue to suit current or changing trends.

The one major suggestion to have come from this recent issue is the creation of a 'Loyalty' scheme similar to the one that operates at Scunthorpe. If you were to travel along this track, it would mean the issue of cards, the collection of fees and a change in ticket issue procedures.

I would therefore like to suggest to you a simple change to the system of issuing tickets.

1. First preference be given to season ticket holders and your sponsors, which is the current practise.

2. Second preference be given to members of the Grimsby Town Supporters Trust on a first come, first served, basis.

3. The remaining tickets be issued on a first come, first served, basis.

If you were to introduce this system, it would create a type of 'loyalty' scheme without the accompanying administrative problems of issuing cards and collecting fees. The GTST currently issue membership cards and collect joining fees.

As all funds raised by the trust eventually go to the club, it represents an increase in funds to the club and a saving in administration costs of a different 'loyalty' scheme.

This would also benefit the fans and supporters themselves. The Grimsby Town Supporters Trust is the only credible representative of the fans and supporters and this scheme would give them increased strength in numbers and a stronger voice.

With Blundell Park having a limited capacity it is impossible to cater for all those who wish to attend high profile games. Therefore, the club has to have a system which is not only fair, but has to be seen to be fair.

As the GTST represent the fans and supporters, their involvement in the issue of tickets would alleviate some of the fears of the fans.

There will, of course, be some who will not join the trust just as there are those who do not wish to buy season tickets, and they too have the right to make their own choice.

I am not suggesting that my idea is perfect but it will, at least, create a simpler system, bring additional funds to the club and increase the fans representation.

The current trends are that the fans and supporters are playing a more important role in football through the trust movement and it is through these trusts that their voice is finally being heard.

But only those trusts that work jointly with the clubs to achieve mutually beneficial aims will be successful.

This could be a golden opportunity for both the club and the trust to continue their co-operation and involvement with each other and to continue their joint aim of getting the club back on its feet again.

With the current successes and corresponding increase in income, this could be the appropriate time to cement further the bonds between the supporters and the club and get rid of the 'them and us' mentality, which is no longer valid.

Best Regards,

Billo

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