jw1739 Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 Agree Melburnian, I don't want our club to have the feeling of a Western Bulldogs or North Melbourne - just surviving and living from hand to mouth. We need to have that dreaded word "ambition". Maybe at least with the fan representative group the clubs is finally understanding that to make the next step it needs to fully engage and learn from ideas generated by the membership. PS: I've followed Footscray from a very early age and I know what living without hope feels like. Agreed. When in Rome do as Rome does. We're in the A-League - we need to be competitive in the A-League. Otherwise no point in being there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melburnian Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 My club, Newcastle United had a similar thing with a ten year season ticket offer. Worked unbelievably well. Then again, they would sell out three St James Park if they had the chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belaguttman Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 2. The club is looking at an early membership renewal almost straight after the season finishes. Membership has been appalling so far, We can't expect to drive beyond 7k members when the membership only becomes available 1-2 months before season start (at best). This is good that it is going to be started earlier, hopefully will give a stronger foundation to get people into it. Just need to look at getting more then just those renewing onboard earlier. Bozza. This is a competitive market. People want value for money. Why would you rush to renew membership unless you are going to get either a significant discount for doing so or have a better idea of what the squad will be and therefore our Premiership chances are likely to be next season? Perhaps it would help if the club didn't become invisible over winter. How about organising 'meet the player days', and an affordable dinner for members to hear the coach outline his summary of the season and plans for the next season (not just a $500 a plate banquet for bored corporates), but for early renewing members. Keep a public profile, as new players are signed, invite paid up members to meet them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malloy Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 Starting earlier means that the keen ppl will sign up straight away. Which leaves you with the not as keen and the ppl who circumstantially cant get a membership at the time. With the club knowing who these ppl are alot earlier it gives them more time to work on them to renew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malloy Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 As a side note people should be renewing their membership as soon as financially possible regardless of the players we have or dont, regardless of who is the coach and regardless of where we finished on the ladder or how well we did in finals in the previous season 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexiano Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 Brilliant idea on signing up early. Strike whilst people are still keen. Hopefully co-incides with a decent finals run. And if not, big deal. An early bird discount is paramount, and I was surprised when they both did it this season and how few took up the offer. Hopefully getting in early, they can catch the worm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSK_47 Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 (edited) As a side note people should be renewing their membership as soon as financially possible regardless of the players we have or dont, regardless of who is the coach and regardless of where we finished on the ladder or how well we did in finals in the previous season And if things are a bit tight, dont forget you can go on a pay a bit each month plan. Thats what we do in our house Edited March 7, 2013 by KSK_47 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bozza Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 As a side note people should be renewing their membership as soon as financially possible regardless of the players we have or dont, regardless of who is the coach and regardless of where we finished on the ladder or how well we did in finals in the previous season This. Out of likes.As a side note people should be renewing their membership as soon as financially possible regardless of the players we have or dont, regardless of who is the coach and regardless of where we finished on the ladder or how well we did in finals in the previous season And if things are a bit tight, dont forget you can go on a pay a bit each month plan. Thats what we do in our house This is also something that should be public knowledge, currently you have to know about it through word of mouth. I only found out about it because someone told me. Should be an option for people on that piece of paper! (Or at least should be an option for renewing members after paying for their first season... bare minimum) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attack11 Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 I want to be honest with all Melbourne Heart supporters, fans and members. I am not interested in what happens before the game or after the game, all I care about is the football side of things. A winning team, is what brings me to the games and what makes me buy my membership every year. Whilst I think that all the before game initiatives and post game initiatives are great A winning culture is what I am looking for and what I will support. Do I expect the heart to win every game? No of course not. But how we play week in week out should reflect all of us as a club and in our 3rd year we should be far more competitive that what we have been ... If we make the final potentially on 34pts it would be the Lowe's in A-league history, now how can I be supportive of that, just scraping through is not what we should be about and we should definitely not be proud of that. There is not one team in the world that has attracted members and supportets because of there off field initiatives. Its Sports and in sport there are winners and loses and all I want is for my Melbourne Heart to be a winner... That's my opinion for whatever its worth ... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 I want to be honest with all Melbourne Heart supporters, fans and members. I am not interested in what happens before the game or after the game, all I care about is the football side of things. A winning team, is what brings me to the games and what makes me buy my membership every year. Whilst I think that all the before game initiatives and post game initiatives are great A winning culture is what I am looking for and what I will support. Do I expect the heart to win every game? No of course not. But how we play week in week out should reflect all of us as a club and in our 3rd year we should be far more competitive that what we have been... I think you'll find that the club (and indeed the A-League and FFA) is continuing to focus on one particular demographic, thereby largely ignoring the others. That's a risky strategy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red or Dead Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 Also, keen on the multi year, would you need to limit the years? Could just be a case of "We sell multi year memberships, you tell us how long you want to commit to" That said, I am on a payment plan that simply renews so I am pretty much down for this anyway heh. No, you wouldn't need to limit the years, but I think people respond more readily to the multi-choice answer (e.g. Choose your membership option. Tick or select 1,2 or 3 years) rather than an open-ended question (How many years would you like to renew for?). Also, on the basis that the longer you renew for the cheaper the rate should be, it would be more difficult to decide what rate applied if the question was open-ended. KISS principle, I suppose. Renew by the end of April for 1 year and get 10% off, renew for 2 years and get 15% off, renew for 3 years and get 20% off, renew for 5 years and get 25% off!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natalie182 Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 Renew for 10 years and get 100% off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red or Dead Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 1 year = 10% 2 years = 15% 3 years = 20% 5 years = 25% 7 years = 30% 9 years = 35% 10years = 40% 40% discount sounds reasonable for a 10 year membership! A B Reserve seat instead of being $400 it would be: (400 x 10) x 0.6 = $2,400 upfront! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natalie182 Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 But I'm not sure what the club would rather. I am the sort of person who will be guaranteed to be a member for the rest of my life no matter what. So if there's no other option, I will just pay full price each year. Then the club will get that extra 40% out of me. But some sort of discount for early renewal seems fair. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 I don't think it's reasonable to expect discounts of magnitudes such as 40%. People are forgetting both rising costs and inflation, both of which will increase membership costs each year. Further I doubt that the club would be prepared to go beyond the present agreement with AAMI Park and MOPT. I would have thought something around 10% would be a reasonable discount for a 3-year renewal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red or Dead Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 Fair enough Natalie, I'd say I'm in the same boat so if it helps out the club and myself - I wouldn't mind just a 10% discount for early-bird memberships every year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 But I'm not sure what the club would rather. I am the sort of person who will be guaranteed to be a member for the rest of my life no matter what. So if there's no other option, I will just pay full price each year. Then the club will get that extra 40% out of me. But some sort of discount for early renewal seems fair. I am too but this sort of deal could lock in the 'maybe I'll renew' types. Those of us that will keep coming back will just get the benefit. Ultimately it depends on the proportions of each as to whether it's worth it to the club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torn Asunder Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 Great discussion on the early membership opportunity. This will be fed back to the club and hopefully they proceed with the initiative, look at multi year deals and early bird discounts. At the Representative meeting the club were keen to find out what supporters liked best, and disliked most, in terms of watching Heart at Aami, based on where you sit in the stadium. If the forum can get some form of consensus on the best and worst things / experiences, this will prove useful... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sash Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 (edited) I dislike loud ground announcers telling me to 'GET BEHIND YOUR MELBOURNE HEART!' and constant loud music and shit on the PA. Half time at the Sydney game was like being tortured. Obviously, I really like it when our players score goals and I dislike it when other players score goals. As long as they keep that situation happening regularly, I'm not too fussed. I like the trumpet, instruments, flags, banners, noise from Yside, and new song is all great. So don't be afraid to let the fans create the atmosphere. That's about it for me. As mentioned, an altered logo as per the one above would be really good. Edit: And just wanted to mention one more thing. The time players spend going around the ground after the match signing and having photo's taken is great. I know all teams probably do it, but the players should never forget how important that personal contact is, especially for kids. Bolton in particular is fantastic. But a lot of the players do it very well. Edited March 8, 2013 by Sash 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSK_47 Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 Please ask them to stop playing the "boom boom" heart beat noise over the pa during breaks in play. Its horrible and tacky 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted March 8, 2013 Report Share Posted March 8, 2013 I dislike loud ground announcers telling me to 'GET BEHIND YOUR MELBOURNE HEART!' and constant loud music and shit on the PA. Half time at the Sydney game was like being tortured. Obviously, I really like it when our players score goals and I dislike it when other players score goals. As long as they keep that situation happening regularly, I'm not too fussed. I like the trumpet, instruments, flags, banners, noise from Yside, and new song is all great. So don't be afraid to let the fans create the atmosphere. That's about it for me. As mentioned, an altered logo as per the one above would be really good. Edit: And just wanted to mention one more thing. The time players spend going around the ground after the match signing and having photo's taken is great. I know all teams probably do it, but the players should never forget how important that personal contact is, especially for kids. Bolton in particular is fantastic. But a lot of the players do it very well. I agree Sash except I actually thought the new mc did far better than the old one. His enthusiasm helped the atmosphere IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bozza Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 I dislike loud ground announcers telling me to 'GET BEHIND YOUR MELBOURNE HEART!' and constant loud music and shit on the PA. Half time at the Sydney game was like being tortured. Obviously, I really like it when our players score goals and I dislike it when other players score goals. As long as they keep that situation happening regularly, I'm not too fussed. I like the trumpet, instruments, flags, banners, noise from Yside, and new song is all great. So don't be afraid to let the fans create the atmosphere. That's about it for me. As mentioned, an altered logo as per the one above would be really good. Edit: And just wanted to mention one more thing. The time players spend going around the ground after the match signing and having photo's taken is great. I know all teams probably do it, but the players should never forget how important that personal contact is, especially for kids. Bolton in particular is fantastic. But a lot of the players do it very well. I agree Sash except I actually thought the new mc did far better than the old one. His enthusiasm helped the atmosphere IMO. Personally I couldn't stand his over the top, loud and high pitched voice constantly booming over AAMI Park. Dude needs to remember he has a MIC... Doesn't need to scream everything! It was even noticeably annoying while watching the replay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 I completely agree with the sentiments expressed above by Sash and others. The screeching and the loud music over the PA does nothing for me whatsoever. Let the fans make their own atmosphere the way they want to. I quite like the song (but let's get the timing right) and the way of introducing the Heart players, but I can't see why we can't be a bit traditional and first have a word of welcome to the visiting club's players, officials and fans. At half-time I would like to hear any club announcements and news - just as examples, reference to the Fans Representative Group and how to contact them if you want to make a suggestion etc., what community work we might have done during the week, any video interviews we've done with club officials or players, etc. etc - a farewell video from any departing player (e.g. Aziz) or a welcome video for any arriving player (e.g. Marcel), and a tribute to a player reaching a milestone (e.g. Thommo's 200 this week). There's a lot that could be done in this respect that would resonate with supporters and make them feel part of MHFC. And I don't think we have to have the PA going non-stop at half-time. If there's nothing to say for a few minutes, then say nothing. Just a few ideas to consider. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kontra.11 Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 At half-time I would like to hear any club announcements and news - just as examples, reference to the Fans Representative Group and how to contact them if you want to make a suggestion etc., what community work we might have done during the week, any video interviews we've done with club officials or players, etc. etc - a farewell video from any departing player (e.g. Aziz) or a welcome video for any arriving player (e.g. Marcel), and a tribute to a player reaching a milestone (e.g. Thommo's 200 this week). There's a lot that could be done in this respect that would resonate with supporters and make them feel part of MHFC. This is great stuff.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEARTinator Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 At half-time I would like to hear any club announcements and news - just as examples, reference to the Fans Representative Group and how to contact them if you want to make a suggestion etc., what community work we might have done during the week, any video interviews we've done with club officials or players, etc. etc - a farewell video from any departing player (e.g. Aziz) or a welcome video for any arriving player (e.g. Marcel), and a tribute to a player reaching a milestone (e.g. Thommo's 200 this week). There's a lot that could be done in this respect that would resonate with supporters and make them feel part of MHFC. This is great stuff.. Yes completely agree. We should be using half time and the large video screens to promote ourselves more effectively - please please listen HeartFC HQ ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kontra.11 Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 (edited) While they are at it, would love if there was no after goal music and no overbearing mc. "Ticker" can go as well.. Fans are showing the way and it has been great that the club has listened and followed so far. Edited March 9, 2013 by kontra.11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
True Until I die Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 need a new goal song for next season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 need a new goal song for next season CHASE THE SUN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Libero Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 more of dis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
True Until I die Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 great, but is adelaides goal song Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted March 9, 2013 Report Share Posted March 9, 2013 Who cares? Multiple clubs use YNWA. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torn Asunder Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 Ok guys, next topic... The club's Identity. What do we think it is? (i.e. a family friendly club that is accessible to all Melburnians that operates for the love of the game and strives to give back to Australia in terms of Football) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSK_47 Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 What we think it is, or what we think it should be/like it to be? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torn Asunder Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 What we think it is... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Libero Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 win at home to keep the fans happy. lose away so we get some media attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jw1739 Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 Ok guys, next topic... The club's Identity. What do we think it is? (i.e. a family friendly club that is accessible to all Melburnians that operates for the love of the game and strives to give back to Australia in terms of Football) My feeling at the moment, and which has intensified as this season has gone on, is that MHFC is an A-League football club that has an emphasis on community engagement, especially with groups that might be classed as 'disadvantaged', and the development of football with junior players, preoccupied with novelties - barely a week seems to have gone by without some new 'initiative' or 'theme' for home matches - and that many of these are directed at the Twitter/Facebook demographic whilst ignoring others. I don't fundamentally object to all this, but I regard all this stuff as peripheral to what IMO ought to be the fundamental objective - that of being a force in the A-League. To me it's all back-to-front - first we should focus on the football, establish the Heart as a force in the League, and then go into all the other stuff. IMO the peripheral stuff has caused us to lose intensity both on and off the field - results, membership, recruitment of players - you name it, our image is overwhelmingly one of mediocrity. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEARTinator Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 (edited) Some words that come to mind that the general public might use to describe us: Non-threatening, nice, small, "Heart who?" , "Oh, not Victory". We have probably done a very good job at grass roots level and we should acknowledge that. The latest fan engagement activities have also been very welcome. Good job. To really lift our profile and membership/attendance, the club has to move towards a more aggressive profile that emphasises winning silverware and not putting up with mediocre results. Unfortunately that would have meant terminating JA as coach. Sorry but SydneyFC did not put up with Crook, the Roar with Vidosic and the Tards sacked Mehmet and then Magilton and finally got their man Ange. Edited March 10, 2013 by HEARTinator 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kontra.11 Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 And changing coaches has done nothing for either Brisbane or Sydney. JA has the smallest budget in the league to work with. I think he has done ok.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defibrillator Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 While they are at it, would love if there was no after goal music and no overbearing mc. "Ticker" can go as well.. Fans are showing the way and it has been great that the club has listened and followed so far. Yet again, discrimination against a minority!!! As a ranga myself, with a ranga daughter who comes to the games with me, we applaud the Heart for their promotion of a minority group via their mascot Ticker. The lad is an inspiration!! Get Gordon Strachan as manager and Paul Scholes as the marquee i say!! Go the blood nuts!! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEARTinator Posted March 10, 2013 Report Share Posted March 10, 2013 (edited) And changing coaches has done nothing for either Brisbane or Sydney. JA has the smallest budget in the league to work with. I think he has done ok.. I guess what I'm saying is that a hard-nosed Board who are focussed on results would probably see and act differently. Edited March 10, 2013 by HEARTinator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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