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DARLINGTON - WHAT A WAY TO GO 29-8-08
Having read the message boards then I agree that a perfect response to the "fans" who don't attend would be for me to sing "wank, wank, wank" on air. Unfortunately this would probably mean that I had done my last show on any radio station. What a way to go though!!!
The Arena poses it's own unique difficulties being far too large for a club of Darlington's size. But even if the club had a sensible 10,000 seater it would still be pathetic to have only 3,000 at the games.
The so called hotbed of football is starting to go luke warm. There was 5,000 empty seats at Newcastle last weekend and Hartlepool are in danger of challenging Darlo for the smallest crowd at home games. It is actually worse there as they are in a higher division playing better opposition and unfortunately I have to admit playing a much better entertaining style of football and scoring goals.
It is also interesting to see that some of the message board posts are having a go at Dave Penney. That in my humble opinion is bang out of order, he has had to cut his cloth according to the budget, which was reduced because of the lack of numbers coming through the turnstiles.
I am looking with increasing worry at the form of clubs like Derby who must surely becoming close to sacking Paul Jewell. When the first managerial casualties of the season start to take place, don't be too surprised to see DP snapped up.
Short of giving the tickets away for free I am at a loss as to what the club might do, having said that the new commercial set-up at the Boro seems to have got the pricing right and have given the club back to the kids and the community. Even for a Carling Cup tie against First division opposition they managed to get 15,000 in.
I asked for fans to come on the show and tell me why they stopped going, we had an interesting debate between Shaun who goes whatever and Hutchy who no longer goes. Well I am on Shaun's side here. To be a true supporter you go whatever and whenever.
I know you can't go every week due to cost and work commitments but too many people in this area look for excuses not to go rather than just getting off their arses and supporting the team.
I am sure that they will be back out in their thousands preaching never ending support the next time a poxy "Save the Club" fund raising game takes place. By then it might just be too late.
Every club has it's part-timers and glory hunters. But if this club are ever going to progress or should I say survive they need more of the former and less of the latter.
I have been pleased with the initial reaction of many Darlo fans on the radio shows, I do however want more Darlo supporters to ring the show. So come on give me a call, even if it's only to have a pop at the Ref. If you are going To Macc give me a ring on the way home.
Please remember that if you missed my show, the highlights are available on the Pod-cast on www.alpha1032.com.
On Saturday as usual we will have meals and this weeks tickets for Sedgefield races next Tuesday to give away. You can enter the competitions NOW, this week's questions appear at the end of my Q & A column. Alternatively to enter tune in and give me a call on 01325 25 55 55 between 6 and 7 pm every Saturday evening or email me NOW on football@alpha1032.com or text me NOW on 81800 staring your text off with "goal", then leave a space and give me your answer and name and anything else you want to tell me.
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