Our Average Attendance

[Richard Hearn]

Quote[/b] (CSWICKFORDSHRIMPER @ Jan. 10 2005,13:42)]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 10 2005,10:40)]

Quote[/b] (Wessex Blue @ Jan. 10 2005,09:39)]The Jobson years had an effect on support as well, there were plenty of people who were put off of coming to the Hall because of the way VJ ran the club.

Sorry, but I believe this comment is bollox. I'd guess that less than 10% had any inkling of what was 'allegedly' going on and substantially less than 10% probably stayed away 'in protest'.

I recall Stan Collymores 1st game the supporters called for a boycott cos of Vic Jobson and his handling of the clubs fans...
Supporters where asking telling people to stay in the pubs and not go to the game I still went and we won 3.0 I think?but only just over 3300 turnup for the game and missed one of the best games of the season ..

my point is that season we averaged over 6000 home gates, but alot of true/loyal supporters boycotted many games cos of Vic Jobson

I was vice-chairman of the "United for Southend" pressure group at that time and indeed boycotted the game (inevitably it was a cracker) but the point is that many people did not attend because Vic managed to alienate everybody with his bombastic brinkmanship, even "U for S" who, it should be remembered were formed initially to help Vic in his battle with the council. It was only after having delved into things that it became clear that it was Vic who was the problem. The only real thing he did for the club was wrest it from Anton Johnson but he retained Johnson's lieutenant, John Adams, on the payroll. However, he put many off watching or supporting the club with his anti-fan tirades and there were people involved with "U for S" then who no longer attend, even now.

 

[BoyWonder2]

Can you tell me what the point of boycotting a Southend United game was? Surely, the only people affected by this is Southend United. They would be the only sufferers of a boycott. They would miss out on needed revenue through gate receipts, programmes, food & drinks, possible merchandise sales etc.

Seems like a ridiculous idea to me.

 

[TrueBlue]

Quote[/b] ]Can you tell me what the point of boycotting a Southend United game was? Surely, the only people affected by this is Southend United. They would be the only sufferers of a boycott. They would miss out on needed revenue through gate receipts, programmes, food & drinks, possible merchandise sales etc.

Seems like a ridiculous idea to me.

I think it was a crule to be kind approach let Jobson know that the supporters would not be messed about if the club lost money through gates thats what they were prepared to do to have their voices heard!

 

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (seenyeva kryevyetka @ Jan. 10 2005,16:48)]I was vice-chairman of the "United for Southend" pressure group at that time

Ive still got my t-shirt

 

[CSWICKFORDSHRIMPER]

Quote[/b] (BoyWonder2 @ Jan. 10 2005,17:09)]Can you tell me what the point of boycotting a Southend United game was? Surely, the only people affected by this is Southend United. They would be the only sufferers of a boycott. They would miss out on needed revenue through gate receipts, programmes, food & drinks, possible merchandise sales etc.

Seems like a ridiculous idea to me.

too be honest there was not much left Supporters could do it was was the castards last stand scenario...I went to the game but never felt good about it as lots of friends never, noone wanted the club to lose money, but Vic Jobson had a power game and was banning supporters with a voice..I think the Echo got banned as well for having letters published by supporters etc...

Never lose the Faith...

 

[Richard Hearn]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ Jan. 10 2005,17:33)]

Quote[/b] (seenyeva kryevyetka @ Jan. 10 2005,16:48)]I was vice-chairman of the "United for Southend" pressure group at that time

Ive still got my t-shirt

So have I, although it seems to have shrunk massively in the interim.

 

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (seenyeva kryevyetka @ Jan. 10 2005,16:48)]

Quote[/b] (CSWICKFORDSHRIMPER @ Jan. 10 2005,13:42)]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 10 2005,10:40)]

Quote[/b] (Wessex Blue @ Jan. 10 2005,09:39)]The Jobson years had an effect on support as well, there were plenty of people who were put off of coming to the Hall because of the way VJ ran the club.

Sorry, but I believe this comment is bollox. I'd guess that less than 10% had any inkling of what was 'allegedly' going on and substantially less than 10% probably stayed away 'in protest'.

I recall Stan Collymores 1st game the supporters called for a boycott cos of Vic Jobson and his handling of the clubs fans...
Supporters where asking telling people to stay in the pubs and not go to the game I still went and we won 3.0 I think?but only just over 3300 turnup for the game and missed one of the best games of the season ..

my point is that season we averaged over 6000 home gates, but alot of true/loyal supporters boycotted many games cos of Vic Jobson

I was vice-chairman of the "United for Southend" pressure group at that time and indeed boycotted the game (inevitably it was a cracker) but the point is that many people did not attend because Vic managed to alienate everybody with his bombastic brinkmanship, even "U for S" who, it should be remembered were formed initially to help Vic in his battle with the council. It was only after having delved into things that it became clear that it was Vic who was the problem. The only real thing he did for the club was wrest it from Anton Johnson but he retained Johnson's lieutenant, John Adams, on the payroll. However, he put many off watching or supporting the club with his anti-fan tirades and there were people involved with "U for S" then who no longer attend, even now.

Fair comment - can't argue with that one - I didn't boycott and saw a cracker though.

Someone else made a comment about Anton Johnson. I've been coming since 73 and I don't remember average gates of around 10,000 even then, though I do remember one packed out game at home to Crystal Palace.

Wasn't Anton early 80s by which time it was the state of the team that was causing the masses to stay away.

 

[Richard Hearn]

Quote[/b] (CSWICKFORDSHRIMPER @ Jan. 10 2005,17:34)]

Quote[/b] (BoyWonder2 @ Jan. 10 2005,17:09)]Can you tell me what the point of boycotting a Southend United game was? Surely, the only people affected by this is Southend United. They would be the only sufferers of a boycott. They would miss out on needed revenue through gate receipts, programmes, food & drinks, possible merchandise sales etc.

Seems like a ridiculous idea to me.

too be honest there was not much left Supporters could do it was was the castards last stand scenario...I went to the game but never felt good about it as lots of friends never, noone wanted the club to lose money, but Vic Jobson had a power game and was banning supporters with a voice..I think the Echo got banned as well for having letters published by supporters etc...

Never lose the Faith...

Exactly so. It was seen as the only way to demonstrate to Vic our anger at his total contempt for supporters. He was losing us money hand over fist at the time anyway so botcotting one game was hardly going to jeopardise the club further. Anyway, at the time Vic announced that "he" was the club so it seemed very appropriate action. Maybe "BoyWonder2" didn't live through this period? If he had he would have known just how strong feelings were.

 

[Proud Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (Javea Shrimper @ Jan. 09 2005,22:30)]

Quote[/b] (Proud Shrimper @ Jan. 09 2005,22:05)]96/97 was our Div 1 relegation season wasn't it?

Indeed it was.

Do you still have nightmares?

WS

Yes...do you? I've woken up in a cold sweat more than a few times also dreading a return to the custard splat shirt - the onw we always went down in!

 

[Upminster Blue]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Jan. 10 2005,18:24)]Someone else made a comment about Anton Johnson. I've been coming since 73 and I don't remember average gates of around 10,000 even then, though I do remember one packed out game at home to Crystal Palace.

Wasn't Anton early 80s by which time it was the state of the team that was causing the masses to stay away.

Average gates of over 10,000 was probably a bit OTT but I believe we regulalrly got crowds of over 10,000 in the early to mid 70s.  If I remember I'll look it up tonight.

Crowds dropped off during the late 70s and all the way to the mid 80s.  Even the record breaking 80/81 team didn't pull in more than 5-6,000 except for the odd key game.

The real dark days were the mid 80s.  Admittedly the football was none to good (re-election anyone?) but I think Anton Johnson nicking the Xmas club money and generally running the club into the ground had a bigger effect.  Average crowds of only 1,900 in 84/85 (with a "high" of less than 3,000 and a low of 1,006 rattling around Roots Hall's then 30,000 plus capacity).  Crowds noticeably jumped when Johnson left, helped by some better football (Riachard Cadette  

).

 

[Javea Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (Guest @ Jan. 10 2005,08:38)]

Quote[/b] (Jávea Shrimper @ Jan. 09 2005,23:46)]

Quote[/b] (footymad13 @ Jan. 09 2005,23:44)]... whilst we are providing entertainment then fans will come. And then we the chance to add to our fanbase that sticks even when times are hard.

I could be pedantic and ask what happened to the 16,000 or so extra souls who "supported" Southend United in Cardiff?!

WS

From looking around the crowd I suspect a fair few have become regular supporters.

Still not 16,000 though ...

WS

 

[Javea Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (BoyWonder2 @ Jan. 10 2005,17:09)]Can you tell me what the point of boycotting a Southend United game was?

When you're told that "there's another 91 clubs in the League you can go and support if you don't like it", people tend to react ...

WS

 

[Richard Hearn]

Quote[/b] (Javea Shrimper @ Jan. 10 2005,21:06)]

Quote[/b] (BoyWonder2 @ Jan. 10 2005,17:09)]Can you tell me what the point of boycotting a Southend United game was?

When you're told that "there's another 91 clubs in the League you can go and support if you don't like it", people tend to react ...

WS

Probably Vic's most 'classic' quote. It certainly endeared him to the fans.

 

[BoyWonder2]

Sounds like a lovely fella.

seenyeva kryevyetka,

When was this period? I certainally wasn't visiting the Hall around this days so I can't really comment on it.

 

[Smiffy]

the late 80's early 90's was a very interesting time to be a southend fan, it was protests galore!!.

Still remember the sit down protest in the centre circle some time in the 90's over something, anyone remember what? was it the chipmunk?!!...

 

[Thenewblue]

Ah Alvin! Now thats a man I detest! Anyone listen to Wignall on the commentry for Hull - Col Ewe game? Said our home form cost him his job??! I felt the general home and away form kinda did it for him I think!

 

[Smiffy]

there was also numerous protests in the Roots Hall car park in the 90's, which at times did get very nasty, including a market stall being thrown on jobsons motor!!!.

 

[Thenewblue]

What did he drive? Any damage done? Whats he upto now? Still alive?

 

[Richard Hearn]

Quote[/b] (Thenewblue @ Jan. 10 2005,22:44)]What did he drive? Any damage done? Whats he upto now? Still alive?

Seem to remember he always had a new jag, paid for by the club. Uncle Vic has now joined his ancestors, hence we can now say what we like about him!

 

[BoyWonder2]

Quote[/b] ]Anyone listen to Wignall on the commentry for Hull - Col Ewe game? Said our home form cost him his job??! I felt the general home and away form kinda did it for him I think!

And whose fault is that? I thought our away form was equally as bad, if not worse, than our home form. Too be honest though, I've blanked most of it out.