If you could assume that crowd income was directly related to team quality, then (if we could get the same Sky money as everyone else, we have enough crowd at 8K to be comfortably mid-table.



Of course in any given case, you can't assume this, and in our case we are not on the same Sky money.

I think there are a lot of things to be considered when speaking about attendances. The quality of the team, and results are always a big part of it, as is having 'big names'. The local economy has much to with it too and the ability of the club to promote itself, as it did in the late nineties.



To me, the biggest difference between the late nineties and now is the much smaller number of schoolage people; they seemed to make up almost a third of the crowd back then. Virtually all the pre-match stuff, rides, and competitions around the ground, were aimed directly at the kids. Can't actually remember whether we got the kids interested first and then themed the entertainment to match or whether it was the other way round, to be honest - but it worked.



To be honest, I'd suspect that the youngsters of today would be up for the same thing, if it were presented in the right fashion and if the 'gameday experience' lived up to any hype - and I don't think that is all about just winning, btw.

Think the previous regime made a big mistake when, at same time they brought in cheap season tickets for adults, they also started charging the kids that were previously getting in for free. New admin has reversed this and iirc increased age to 12? Where free admission is available. Don't think they've done enough to promote this, maybe understandably last year with hiatus of takeover and season tickets going on sale. Hopefully there'll be a bigger marketing push to get the younger end back this year.

I certainly hope so. Personally, I don't think you can overestimate the effect of getting kids interested when they are young.



One of the things the Caisley regime got spot on was to market the club to the younger end. I remember back then, [ievery[/i adult season ticket came with a free 'junior' ticket, and I know for a fact that three of the youngsters who got those free tickets from me are [istill[/i adult fans now - it's a matter of sowing and reaping the rewards.

When I was playing junior rugby, the amateur teams received season tickets for all the players. This went on until I turned 16.



I went to nearly every home game, and I think your right, I don't think I cared too much about the results back then.

Announcement 7am tomorrow... According to @bullsofficialRL



Gaskell??

Probably

Yep.

Good.

[url=http://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news__video/article/8552/bulls-net-gaskellConfirmed. 2 Year deal[/url



And it's another signing for FC who's under 25. It would seem that the plan is of the long term variety.

I'm really happy with this signing, much like George and Ferguson, Gaskell is a player I enjoy watching. However, I don't know why but I don't feel comfortable about him being played in the centre. I just don't see it.

Best signing so far imo.I think Gaskell had his confidence knocked at Saints but has untapped potential.The sort of half back we need with a bit of pace,vision and a decent kicking game.

Good signing imo.