Gloucester
Beyond our Ken - Glaws MD's shock message for fans
Ken Nottage
By Cherry Picker
December 30 2009
Just days before arguably the most important game of the season so far, Gloucester managing director Ken Nottage has been quoted as saying that success at the club is “up to the fans”. He could offer a defence that what he said has been taken out of context, but somebody, somewhere has made a massive cock-up, because those four words are absolute rubbish.
The quote comes in a long interview with the Citizen to cover the last ten years at Kingsholm, and on the Citizen website the article is headlined: “Nottage: Success is up to the fans”.
If this is what he really thinks, then it appears that Nottage has got things totally wrong and needs to join the rest of us in the real world.
Success at ALL sports clubs, especially professional ones, is down to the owners and the people those owners select to run the club both off and on the pitch.
The fans will support the club in numbers if their support is deserved.
It's the entertainment industry, Ken - put something on the punters will enjoy, and they'll pay to watch. Offer them rubbish, and they won't.
It's not rocket science.Anybody who thinks that fans will support a club whether it is successful or not and whether there is a recession or not is not tuned in to spectator sport.
Nottage is also quoted saying: "We need fans to support us in order to put the best team possible on the pitch.
"Tom Walkinshaw will only help us financially so far. The fans must keep supporting us if they want a top flight team in Gloucester.”
Hang on a minute Ken, let’s get this right.
Are you really saying that you think fans should turn up to watch any old rubbish because the money they pay to watch will help pay the bills?
Of course crowds help to finance a club, but there is a theory right now that Gloucester are getting bigger crowds than their form deserves – Saturday’s must-win home game against Wuss is close to being a sell-out, but that is not because the teams are going for glory.
It's because they are fighting for survival.
Give Gloucester a winning team, and the people of Gloucester will respond – it’s a known fact throughout club rugby in this country. But let’s not put the cart before the horse.
Whatever Ken Nottage really thinks, to say this, at a time like this just days after the Bath shambles and days before the big game against Wuss, is close to sporting suicide.
Most Glaws fans believe that the current team is under-performing and is not good enough. Many believe the coaching is to blame.
So what does the MD do? He tells the fans that success is down to them.
Not the best idea you’ve ever had Ken.
Meanwhile, there’s a match on Saturday when Worcester visit Kingsholm, and Gloucester really must win it.
Defeat will make KN look even dafter than he has managed himself, and even a win won’t be enough to rescue this sorry season – a lot more are needed.
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30/12/2009 13:03
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They had a hit with : "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us".
How very apt.
We won't win anything by spending money or cheering them on.
Its got to come from those that wear the jersey, and treat it with the pride it deserves.Blood, sweat and guts wins games - not fans!!
The interest from the fans is most definately there, is the interest from the owner and board? You cant blame the public for not paying 30 odd notes for a half decent seated ticket when they are being bored to tears.
Just about the only bit of sense he produces is in saying that Redpath should be judged on next season when he has a team of players he wants.
Let's just hope Glaws are still a GP side by then!
If he'd said 'the team are struggling and so to help them, we need all the noise and fervour you guys can give them', I might've understood... So - if he has been misquoted (let's face it: not every journo is scrupulous!), let him immediately clarify his words...
As it is, I think you guys might prefer to see him next Tuesday!
Cheers
Alec from LI
This however is the squad of players he has been dealt. I see signs of great things, and good youngsters coming from the academy but the team needs to gel and in the middle of a season already wracked with injury, there will be no respite. The Six Nations are only a few weeks away...lets hope it inconveniences our opposition more than us.
I'm sure that The GM's comments have been taken out of context, and no doubt he will clarify in due course.
This is exactly what is wrong with 'the men in suits'....They are somewhat detached from the reality of that is the rugby supporter.
All the lean times that Li have been through since 2002 even including our loss to you guys in the ECC in 2006 we have never criticised the fans for not supporting.
Look at Sarries this season, Mildly entertaing but nothing special but they are winning (apart from last week
) but their attendances are improving....
Just by the way Mr Nottage looks very like our own ex CEO Ian Taylor and he was a TW1t as well.
Glos fans are among the most loyal that I have ever come across ever since I have been watching top level rugby so I don't think you have to much to worry about!!
Happy New Year!!
If he felt the need to clarify, you'd think he would do it sharpish as a face-saving exercise.
Alec from LI, I love your alternative spelling almost as much as your forecast for next Tuesday.
