Voices of the fans: Our trust survey results and comments

A healthy proportion of Bluebirds’ Trust members took part in a recent survey and the results sent to all members via e-mail.

“We worked through and analysed the main points,” said Trust Chair Steve Herbert. Over 150 of our members filled this in, which gives you a reasonable steer on some of the supporters’ views.”

Most questions related specifically to Trust matters with questions regarding general supporter concerns also shared.

Trust Travel take up of the under 16s scheme by members was a healthy 32% and the amount travelling to games matched the general increase this season. There was high praise for the service from those who use the buses with over 60% rating the service excellent and only one person having a negative experience. ‘Reliable, good value for money, good people and well organised’ said one respondent.

However, there were also some suggestions; with regard to a nominal charge of five pounds to each accompanied under 16. One or two questioned the sustainability of running buses at a substantial loss to some games.

Members were very clear on priorities with ‘Maintaining and increasing the 10% stake in the club’ very much at the top. Board representation, then providing travel were the next two some distance behind.

One much discussed subject among supporters and one we have had correspondence on was the club’s insistence that under-15s be accompanied, by an adult into Holker Street. The fact over 30% were ‘unsure’ perhaps shows what a complex issue this is.

One of those unsure said,” some of these U15s can be a bit of a pest but I do worry we can tar them all with the same brush, a lot just follow some of the leaders. Its a hard task to solve, possibly go round some of the schools and speak to them try and see what they have to say?”

Just under a quarter thought that the under fifteens rule from the club was a good idea. One comment was “I understand that certainly events appear to have forced the club down this route and that if they can’t behave then the club needs to act especially when it’s tarnishing the clubs reputation.”

Another was more forthright, saying, “something had to be done to stop the kids running riot. They thought they could do what they want. It is not the 80’s. Good to see the club standing strong by their decision. “

However, the largest group, 42%, disagreed with the club decision. “all should be not punished due to a couple of people getting too excited. It was not that long ago, we were pulling crowds of less than 1000 and the town was awash with young fans in Man United kits… these days you see Barrow kits on kids everywhere you go. It’s easy to lose a crowd and hard to build back,” said one supporter.

Another was equally frustrated, saying “stewards waiting at gates telling kids of 16/17 they can’t come in is ruining the potential generation of fans coming through our gates. The clubs stance seems to be radio silence on actually addressing the problem but seem to paper over the cracks of it.”

A nineteen year old said, “very unfair, the minority spoiling it for the majority. Yet the club still blame the whole age bracket!”

Other fans agreed, citing double standards and age discrimination. “Wrong move by the club, can’t single out a whole group of 97% -well behaved kids because of the actions of a few. Why not ban all over 60’s after the alleged racist abuse the other week in the main stand?”

Our members were far more supportive, of the club, when it came to issuing life bans to miscreants, with 53% for and only 16% against. There were some concerns raised and most of the comments came from the 30% who chose ‘Other’.

“Football clubs should follow the lead of the courts of criminal justice system. Following a conviction and a football banning order longer term club bans may be appropriate if the act breaches the clubs values (racism etc)”

Fans were then asked to volunteer for roles in the Trust and were then given the opportunity to make any other comment.

Communication needed improvement for a number of respondents, such as “would be nice if we were a little more aware of what is going on. For example the extra seating. All we get told is ongoing. I understand we can’t know everything but surely we can be told when it is happening and a drawing showing where the plan is for it to go. Just a little more info.”

There was recognition of the Trusts balance as both supporter representative and co-owners. “The Trust is a vital bridge between the club and the community. As a de facto Board member has a difficult job in maintaining the balance between communication and confidentiality. But it must always err on the side of the community because if it doesn’t it will increasingly less relevant.”

The role of the Trust in line with the new Community Trust generated some questions such as,” How does this new Community Trust fit in with what the Bluebirds Trust is doing? It would be understandable for the Trust to let the CT do all of the community stuff and concentrate on travel and matchday stuff but clarity of boundaries would be welcome. Who does what etc ?,”

There were a wide range of operational requests, from better safety rails in the stand to the return of Holker Gold or equivalent, which will be passed on to the club.

Finally, there were many complimentary comments about the work of the Trust as a whole. One comment said, “I would also like to just say thank you to the trust for all your hard work that the trust do every day for fans & the club I love. You are very much appreciated; please keep up the good work, thank you.”

The whole survey, with comments, can be viewed on the Bluebirds Trust website.