By Andrew & Steve Collins
June 30 2005

Let's make the Blues a better region! It's an obvious aim, but is it realistic? With help from my dad Steve, I looked at how the Blues can develop away from the feild and become a proffesional, modern club, one us fans can be proud of.

Before i start this article, i would like to point out that I will be looking at how the Cardiff Blues brand can become more regonised. This has nothing to do with on-pitch success, just things that we as a professional, Capital region should brush up on.

What happens on the pitch is definitely down to the team of coaches’ players etc.  However off the field the club/region lacks anyone with the required level of attention to detail who can improve our image to our own players and supporters as well as visiting teams, their supporters, referees and the press.

Point 1
Look around the members bar.  If our club is truly forward looking, why aren’t there portraits of any of the current era of players on display?  Surely long serving members such as Martin Williams or Rhys Williams should be honoured with portraits and other players should aspire to joining this elite group.  The current situation suggests (albeit subliminally) that we don’t value our current crop of great players (or that all our good times are resigned to the past). The top players are our best asset we need to show that we value them.

Regardless of our recent form, we have 3 Lions on tour this year, 7 Grand Slam winners and in recent years have been graced with the likes of Nigel Walker, Mike Rayer, Martyn Williams, yet there is no serious regonition to their great atchivements and club service.

Point 2
A working scoreboard isn’t much to ask but is the minimum level of detail required to help portray a professional outfit. Other facilities are shabby and could do with some attention,for example the club house toilets, the old welcome signs need a lick of paint as does the stadium.

Point 3
I notice visiting some ground such as Landsdowne Rd at last years match with Leinster, flags were provided on the seats and made quite a spectacle when the crowd began to wave them, which i still have.  Why don’t we try this for a big Heineken Cup game? It adds a good atmosphere and really makes the match feel important.

Point 4
Our trophy room looks jaded and should be updated to include more recent memorable events, the different styles of jerseys worn by famous players even video clips of games on view etc.  Many members and young fans never get to see this room I believe it should be open to them as well as visiting supporters to appreciate on match days if only for a hour or so.

Besides, it needs to be updated by the end of this year, with a big gap for when we win the Celtic League and Heineken Cup!

Point 5
I know from talking first hand to many referees that we are considered the worst club at welcoming and providing them with an escort before and after the game.  Many feel this is because we are arrogant because of our past status in welsh rugby.  It wouldn’t take much to turn this perception around.  This view is also shared by many supporters who all seem to have a story to tell. You find better hospitality at minor clubs like Llanherren, Dunvant and Glamorgan.

Point 6
It would feel more of a club if the players all made an appearance in the clubhouse and dispersed for a chat with fans after the game. In all fairness this is something the players usually do, i have spoken to players a number of times up there, and even had a drink from Jamie Robionson. However this should become a regular thing,allowing youngsters to meet their heors, and other fans to chat to the players.

Point 7
The Western Mail and Echo press are relentless at giving us a hammering, sometimes they may have a point but it is not balanced journalism.  I don’t need to give you examples I am sure.  What is their gripe?  How can we get them on board? Sorting out the press may give a more posative feel throughout the region.

Point 8
Press conferences. Now that we have an excellent press room in the Vale Training facillity, we should use it. Come november, i would expect it to be bustling with press and news cameras as we welcome Xavier Rush to the club. Lets make a big thing of him, we did not market the Matt Cockbain or going back the Iesytn Harris signings well enough. Getting the media involved is free advertising, a player of his calibre would only add intrest to the club and particularly his debut match.

Point 9
More offers in the shop/bar to encourage people to come to the match early and splash come cash. Before the kick off, have promotional things such as '3 for 2' on beer or '£5 Supporters Jersey' in the shop.

Point 10
The marketing of the club in the last 2 years has been pathetic. The 'Be Passionate, Be Blue' slogan had no reference to the club and looked like a perfume advert. At the end of last season we saw the type of marketing we need, the 'Magnificent 7' poster, it gave us as fans something to be proud of and those who aren't current fans a chance to see the kind of quality we have to offer.

These points all hinge on the success of the club as i mentioned before, but The Morfa stadium will boast soem excellent facillities, portraits of players, trophy room featuring the Celtic League Cup, working scoreboards and generally new seats, clubhouse etc. to keep up with them, we need to refresh the Arms Park.

If you have any points, feel free to post them!