Leaderboard

I think I may have mentioned it before, but the reason were not packed near every game is cos the SFA neglected the potential of Highland football for too long. It was what, a little over 100 years the SFA had to elect any of the highland teams in, and all because of the apparent A9 conditions, they chose not to, which in turn, sent all fans wanting league football off to Aberdeen or Glasgow, and in turn, causing glory hunters who adamantly support Celtic/Rangers/Aberdeen, yet haven't even set a toenail into any of the grounds. C*unty have the exact same problem, but it's easily disguised by the fact the stands are so small, it looks like more seats are filled. I really can't pinpoint when all our fans ditched us, looking through highlights of many a game on YouTube, the North and Main stands were pretty full no matter who we're playing. Looking at the North Stand, especially the section I sit in, on YouTube, there's absolute tons of people, now, there's a mere handful. It's really disappointing to see how much of the general public will turn out for one game, then a slight drop in results and those "fans" scatter like cockroaches. The Premiership, and making a consistent effort to push for Europa League spots, is going to bring the fans back. The coefficient has made it all the more likely another spot in Europe will be coming to the league. That said, I don't like dampening our achievements, but I think the lack of Rangers gave us the chance to snag a Europa League spot. We did (nearly) do it a couple years before, but were hauled back by a loss to C*unty. Robbo has been one of the most successful managers we've ever had, he managed to secure back to back Scottish Cup Semis in the early days of our Premiership campaign, again last season, and hopefully, this season too. If he manages that, and we get through the Playoffs, I'm certain we'll get bums on seats (and hopefully more pies, considering there's rarely enough ?)

It would be an interesting statistic how many ST holders make every game a season but the benefits you talk about mean spending more to get a small % back (not everyone wants to spunk out more on hospitality food, drinking at the bar or merchandise). Plenty ST holders around me cant make every game and many probably only manage 50-70% for various reasons, including TV and rescheduled midweek games among some. Start doing promos regular and I'm sure many will look at the economics and decide PATG is better so they can get those free deals too - so how does that help the club?

What discounts do we get other than 10% off the club shop? That's all I'm aware of.

My view is who gives a feck and a slight frustration that vultures circle when positivity is achieved. If I seriously wanted to invest I would feckin ask !!

Also critically what are the benefits of investing into ICT25 as a business (or individual) would be. It's fine indicating an initiative but people read that feel positive then switch off again as its not got the details available - as a business owner if it states investment benefits outweigh costs - whats planned, is it advertising, free hospitality, exclusive member only events. As with any investment what is on offer as a return must be transparent otherwise its dismissed (or just another donation in this case).

PWYC and free ticket schemes are only worthwhile if they provide a long term positive effect on footfall which unfortunately they haven't in the past. Offering cheap or discounted/free tickets for a single game as a promo could be seen acceptable but to many ST holders they feel penalised by these events as ultimately they end up paying more per game over a season than walk-up's do - especially if they have a kids ticket and then they are thrown about schools for free. Do these types of promo too often and ST holders will be better binning them and just doing walk up all season - afterall what (if any) reward does the loyalty of paying upfront every year get fans? Schemes like PWYC should be considered for cup games where everyone can have the same advantage - afterall its not like we even get free entry to any of these with a ST anymore. The club has to offer more outwith just the plastic seat and game on show (for £20-30), the thought of going to the football should feel like an event or something to look forwads to - not done out of duty or (in the case of ST holders) just because we have already paid for it. Better promotion, advertising and facilities need to be looked at - its been said so many times before, ICT (like many Scottish clubs) do the bare minimum and rely to heavily on fan loyalty when there are so many more avenues to spend the every reducing disposable income individuals/familes have.

Wonder how much the membership is going to cost...

That sounds very positive.