| Chairman's Christmas Message on 07:28 - Dec 27 with 3121 views | AtThePeake |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 11:03 - Dec 24 by RAFCBLUE |
I don't disagree with any of that and there are two complementary but linked avenues to those arguments of long term progression.
First is financial. How do you stop a club losing, on average, £18,750 per week at League 2 level without having to resort to the one-off FA Cup tie or player sale? That figure is after TV/EFL money, sponsorships and all the current inflows so until the whole game wakes up for all lower division clubs this issue will persist. It's telling that our loss per week is wage of just 1 top Championship or average Premier League player and if that doesn't show the gulf in priorities currently from those who run the game then I don't know what does.
Second is engagement. How do you persuade a bigger proportion of 220,000 population of Rochdale to give their local football club a go as a paying customer? The list of activities being done is impressive and the community trust is now getting some excellent recognition for their work, but without that recurring long term engagement that brings people in then there is not sustainability in that model.
You're right that these have been the problems at Rochdale since time began; it was ever the case. |
I'm starting to get wound up by how difficult it actually is to spend money on the club at the moment. All of December I've been trying to buy a bobble hat as a Christmas present - they're still not in stock. Yesterday I fancied watching the Tottenham game with a pint in the Dale Bar, but found out that the game wasn't being shown (a football fanzone without the football on - great!). And I had to find that out from someone I knew who was already drinking in there after kick-off, as when I rang up there was no answer. When I got to the ground I thought I'd grab something to eat, only to find out ALL of the vegetarian options had ran out in the Main Stand before kick-off. Oh and I noticed that our advertising board on Sandy Lane is still advertising season tickets. On Boxing Day!
I was chatting to one of the directors in the Ratcliffe a few weeks ago and talking about how my friends would rather sit at home and watch United/City than they would come to watch Dale and the director implored me to try and bring them along to a game. I've tried in the past, but how should I sell it to them now? You can get a crap, overpriced pint and watch highlights of previous Dale matches rather than the Premier League game being played at that time, you can't buy the club shop items you want, you can't get the food you want and you're watching the second worst team in the EFL. Oh, and it's £24 for a ticket in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Fancy it?
We can moan about unfair distribution of money in football, TV deals, player wages etc. all that we want but we can only blame ourselves for not utilising the revenue streams we have and for handing out ridiculous two year deals for below-par footballers. Look at Max Taylor. His inclusion in the EFL Trophy squads suggests he's currently fit, but isn't fancied by Jim Bentley. Here we have a player who isn't good enough for the EFL (I know a few think he might be, but if he can't get near this team then he clearly isn't) contributing nothing as a result, picking up a wage every week... and the good news is, we've done the smart thing and already extended his contract for next season! |  |
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 08:09 - Dec 27 with 3072 views | TalkingSutty |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 07:28 - Dec 27 by AtThePeake |
I'm starting to get wound up by how difficult it actually is to spend money on the club at the moment. All of December I've been trying to buy a bobble hat as a Christmas present - they're still not in stock. Yesterday I fancied watching the Tottenham game with a pint in the Dale Bar, but found out that the game wasn't being shown (a football fanzone without the football on - great!). And I had to find that out from someone I knew who was already drinking in there after kick-off, as when I rang up there was no answer. When I got to the ground I thought I'd grab something to eat, only to find out ALL of the vegetarian options had ran out in the Main Stand before kick-off. Oh and I noticed that our advertising board on Sandy Lane is still advertising season tickets. On Boxing Day!
I was chatting to one of the directors in the Ratcliffe a few weeks ago and talking about how my friends would rather sit at home and watch United/City than they would come to watch Dale and the director implored me to try and bring them along to a game. I've tried in the past, but how should I sell it to them now? You can get a crap, overpriced pint and watch highlights of previous Dale matches rather than the Premier League game being played at that time, you can't buy the club shop items you want, you can't get the food you want and you're watching the second worst team in the EFL. Oh, and it's £24 for a ticket in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Fancy it?
We can moan about unfair distribution of money in football, TV deals, player wages etc. all that we want but we can only blame ourselves for not utilising the revenue streams we have and for handing out ridiculous two year deals for below-par footballers. Look at Max Taylor. His inclusion in the EFL Trophy squads suggests he's currently fit, but isn't fancied by Jim Bentley. Here we have a player who isn't good enough for the EFL (I know a few think he might be, but if he can't get near this team then he clearly isn't) contributing nothing as a result, picking up a wage every week... and the good news is, we've done the smart thing and already extended his contract for next season! |
Agree with a lot of that. The commercial and retail side of the club obviously aren't working with any sort of foresight. We have a function room that is ideal for Xmas parties so decide to start advertising the designated December dates in November...it's far too late, businesses and works have already booked their venues and paid their deposits by then. The advertising should have been done in August/ September/October. I would imagine those party nights were poorly attended but it's the clubs fault for not being pro-active.
During the month of November, people start buying Xmas presents, early and mid December the tills are ringing and Xmas sales are in full swing. I think the first time i heard about Xmas merchandise in the club shop was a week before the big day...too late, the money has been spent elsewhere, stocking fillers and presents already bought and wrapped. Apparently there was a stock of Ian Henderson merchandise and calenders for sale but the fans were only informed days before Christmas...there's no excuse for that unless the stock had only just been dropped off at that time. Missed financial opportunities all over the club.
A Xmas draw was always a decent earner and generated plenty of interest. A supporters Xmas party for the kids and adults, with a appearance from Jim Bentley dressed as Santa with his helpers ( players) would have been a good family evening and fund raiser. If those things did happen i didn't see them advertised.
Then we have the bonkers scenario of not being able to just rock up on the day and pay via a cash turnstile. Yrsterday was Boxing Day, god knows how many people decided to not bother rather than faff around on line paying for tickets etc. The club must have money to burn..except they don't.
I brought a Oldham fan to the game with me yesterday, he wanted to watch a EFL or Premiership game in the bars before the game, i assured him he would be able to but i was wrong, instead he had to watch historic videos of past Dale games and was bored to death like everybody else. You go in Studds bar at half time to get the half time scores, none of the screens are showing them..why not?
It's New Years eve in a few days time, is there a function taking place in the Ratcliffe? Maybe a cabaret night with a buffet/ disco etc. The biggest money spinning night of the year and i'm not even sure if the Ratcliffe is open because i've not seen it advertised, if not then why not?
The debts are very worrying but there is scope to reduce or manage them a bit if we have people employed by the club who have a bit of savvy and can plan well ahead. It appears as though we don't though becase we are not even sweating the assets that we have at the club. It's a bit rich asking fans to help out at the club and volunteer to work free of charge when it appears some of the staff who are being paid seem incapable of doing even the basics right, common sense and advance planning seems sadly lacking..
If Bottomley had still been at the club he would have received pelters for all of this, suely their is enough staff at the club to get their heads together and sort theses things out. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 10:20]
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 08:34 - Dec 27 with 3023 views | Rodingdale |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 00:22 - Dec 27 by oddjob007 |
Can also add my own experience to this - found it impossible to get in touch with, what I recall, our largest ever commercial department to sponsor a game, and gave up in the end.
When the team is performing poorly they should be working twice as hard. Everyone wants to be associated with a winning team - no one really wants to be associated with a losing team. |
Another example: In early November I emailed the club regarding taking a hospitality box for the Colchester game in January - I got a response one month later in early December. In the intervening period I’d changed plans and a local restaurant will be hosting our event instead.
I haven’t been chased for a response.
I’ve taken boxes in the past and Messrs Duckworth and Fielding were, I have to say, much more responsive and helpful. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 8:39]
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 09:28 - Dec 27 with 2922 views | Dalenet |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 07:28 - Dec 27 by AtThePeake |
I'm starting to get wound up by how difficult it actually is to spend money on the club at the moment. All of December I've been trying to buy a bobble hat as a Christmas present - they're still not in stock. Yesterday I fancied watching the Tottenham game with a pint in the Dale Bar, but found out that the game wasn't being shown (a football fanzone without the football on - great!). And I had to find that out from someone I knew who was already drinking in there after kick-off, as when I rang up there was no answer. When I got to the ground I thought I'd grab something to eat, only to find out ALL of the vegetarian options had ran out in the Main Stand before kick-off. Oh and I noticed that our advertising board on Sandy Lane is still advertising season tickets. On Boxing Day!
I was chatting to one of the directors in the Ratcliffe a few weeks ago and talking about how my friends would rather sit at home and watch United/City than they would come to watch Dale and the director implored me to try and bring them along to a game. I've tried in the past, but how should I sell it to them now? You can get a crap, overpriced pint and watch highlights of previous Dale matches rather than the Premier League game being played at that time, you can't buy the club shop items you want, you can't get the food you want and you're watching the second worst team in the EFL. Oh, and it's £24 for a ticket in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Fancy it?
We can moan about unfair distribution of money in football, TV deals, player wages etc. all that we want but we can only blame ourselves for not utilising the revenue streams we have and for handing out ridiculous two year deals for below-par footballers. Look at Max Taylor. His inclusion in the EFL Trophy squads suggests he's currently fit, but isn't fancied by Jim Bentley. Here we have a player who isn't good enough for the EFL (I know a few think he might be, but if he can't get near this team then he clearly isn't) contributing nothing as a result, picking up a wage every week... and the good news is, we've done the smart thing and already extended his contract for next season! |
It does feel like we have lost the Team Rochdale cohesiveness. The way we treat fans at times isn't great. Take yesterday. Two young fans aged about 12 had been to get their tickets from the ticket office. Fan 1 got in through the turnstile. His mate behind him was stopped by a steward and was told that he wasn't allowed in without an adult. So the first lad who had been excited was now left inside the ground waiting for his mate and was nervous about what would happen next. Lets face it a football ground can be intimidating for a 12/13 year old who isn't streetwise. So I took it upon myself to shout back through to the steward and ask him why he had left a lad inside the stadium and excluded the other and he reluctantly let him in. If that is how we treat the young fans of the future, god help the club. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 09:36 - Dec 27 with 2897 views | HullDale |
A quick look on .co.uk shows we have 17 players without sponsors this season. That is more than half the squad, and I can guarantee that isn't all down to the claimed 'weakening of corporate demand for sponsorship and hospitality at the club'.
Boxes & hospitality remain unsold, we're still advertising season tickets on our own billboard in December, sponsors aren't being contacted or replied to, and it sounds like multiple fans' offers of help go ignored or get waved away.
I get its tough out there, and I'll be forever grateful to the BoD for saving the club through untold stresses and threats, but we can't afford a pity party and need to help ourselves through this. They are being let down by paid employees of the club, and are either ignorant to it or choosing to ignore it. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 9:37]
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 09:48 - Dec 27 with 2867 views | Dalenet |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 09:36 - Dec 27 by HullDale |
A quick look on .co.uk shows we have 17 players without sponsors this season. That is more than half the squad, and I can guarantee that isn't all down to the claimed 'weakening of corporate demand for sponsorship and hospitality at the club'.
Boxes & hospitality remain unsold, we're still advertising season tickets on our own billboard in December, sponsors aren't being contacted or replied to, and it sounds like multiple fans' offers of help go ignored or get waved away.
I get its tough out there, and I'll be forever grateful to the BoD for saving the club through untold stresses and threats, but we can't afford a pity party and need to help ourselves through this. They are being let down by paid employees of the club, and are either ignorant to it or choosing to ignore it. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 9:37]
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One of the Board members needs to man mark the commercial team. Show me your scorecards. Show me your prospects lists and contact strategies. Let me meet some of the big firms with you - a sponsor loves their belly being tickled. I want to see your KPIs every Friday to show me what has been achieved this week in terms of bookings, revenue, contacts. A high performnce culture is needed here because the club needs revenue now, not in 12 months time. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 09:49 - Dec 27 with 2860 views | Plattyswrinklynuts |
We have 7 (?) directors & 3 full time commercial employees. Where is the oversight/what targets are set? It’s surely time for a revamp of the whole operation. Perhaps splitting responsibilities for ground advertising / player sponsorship / exec box & lounges? All of the directors should be pushing the opportunities available.
How about a January sale on pre match meals / packages? Bit late for this season I know… Any ideas no matter how unlikely should be looked at, you could unearth a gem, who knows? Dissecting this thread at the next board meeting would be a start! And please, don’t take this thread as personal criticism whether you’re on the board or part of the commercial set up, we all want to see the club become more competitive & successful, the last thing we need is a bunker mentality developing as has happened in the past. |  | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:55 - Dec 27 with 2714 views | DaleBars |
Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would answer some of questions and comments raised in the forum.
Premier league games - The match at 12:30 was being shown on Amazon Prime and not BT Sports. This game incurred additional fees to be shown therefore we were unable to show it in the bar. With no sport on TV available, we thought it would be the best option to show previous highlights of Rochdale fixtures.
Yesterday Boxing Day was always going to be a busy match day for the bars.
Demand - The busiest period in all the bars around the ground is from 13:30. The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar are open from 11am.
Staffing - We are actively seeking staff but this can be difficult, we are only able to offer a 4-6 hour shift every other week to cover home matches. Some staff haven’t worked since our Harrogate game on the 3rd. Staff are passionate about our club as everyone on the forum.
Staffing on Boxing Day was reduced due to sickness or being unable to work. We was 5 members down across all bars around the ground. I am very appreciative of all our staff who worked extremely hard yesterday. Instead of spending time with family and friends, they were here trying to make the match day experience a good one.
Pricing - I would like to remind both The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar operates on the same pricing structure, if one bar is crowded please pop into the other side and check. It may be slightly quieter at the bar.
Drinks selection - Comments have been made around the selection of drink’s available. Our selection has increased from previous seasons with additional promotional offers.
Yesterday offers included a seasonal cask bitter. 2 bottles of MPA for £5 plus our standard lager and cider offerings. Reduced at £2.40 from 11-12:30 and 5-6 on match days.
Special offers on shots have also been introduced this season, this offer has been very popular and generates additional income.
Pre pouring has been mentioned previously, but can be difficult at times for space, when we tried this we received a number of complaints around the quality of the beer. This led to wastage through pouring away.
The Dale Bar you can place a half time order but we do ask you do this at the end when the bar is closing and before you exit to enter the ground.
Cleanliness - It was highlighted on the forum of blood in the toilets, If you do see anything out of the ordinary in our facilities please report to a member of staff at the time so this can be rectified.
Recent changes have also be made in The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar. You are not required to exit after half time and can remain inside. Yes, it would be better if the live feed is working. This is something we are aiming on fixing asap.
Feedback and suggestions are always welcomed. Being employed at the club for over 18 years, I am passionate about the bars but only recently taken the role from bar staff to management this season.
I can be contacted by email Anthony.Field@rochdaleafc.co.uk or feedback through the Dale Trust.
If anyone is seeking bar staff employment at the club please email us. We are always seeking to cover absences or additional coverage in areas.
Hope you had a great Christmas and wishing you a happy new year. Up the Dale. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 11:06]
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:58 - Dec 27 with 2707 views | Rodingdale |
I’d personally like to see Directors more visible on match days - the concept of the ‘Directors Box’ is outdated, the Board need to see and hear the frustrations when the Manchester Pale Ale runs out again, the food queues, the dreadful main stand toilets, the lack of half time bar service, etc etc. I only attend 6 or 7 home games - but I’ve not seen the chairman or any of the new board in the bar or around the ground on match days. Modern businesses encourage senior executive and non exec engagement with their customers. Taking your seat in the Directors Box at 2:55 isn’t going to cut it I’m afraid.
This thread could be from any time to time over the last 30 years, if we go all fan run then the behaviour of the leadership of the organisation HAS to change.
The feedback on this thread alone is gold dust - I’d be happy to be part of a group to develop these ideas - but the club has to be open not hiding in a Directors Box. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 11:08 - Dec 27 with 2684 views | 442Dale |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:55 - Dec 27 by DaleBars |
Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would answer some of questions and comments raised in the forum.
Premier league games - The match at 12:30 was being shown on Amazon Prime and not BT Sports. This game incurred additional fees to be shown therefore we were unable to show it in the bar. With no sport on TV available, we thought it would be the best option to show previous highlights of Rochdale fixtures.
Yesterday Boxing Day was always going to be a busy match day for the bars.
Demand - The busiest period in all the bars around the ground is from 13:30. The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar are open from 11am.
Staffing - We are actively seeking staff but this can be difficult, we are only able to offer a 4-6 hour shift every other week to cover home matches. Some staff haven’t worked since our Harrogate game on the 3rd. Staff are passionate about our club as everyone on the forum.
Staffing on Boxing Day was reduced due to sickness or being unable to work. We was 5 members down across all bars around the ground. I am very appreciative of all our staff who worked extremely hard yesterday. Instead of spending time with family and friends, they were here trying to make the match day experience a good one.
Pricing - I would like to remind both The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar operates on the same pricing structure, if one bar is crowded please pop into the other side and check. It may be slightly quieter at the bar.
Drinks selection - Comments have been made around the selection of drink’s available. Our selection has increased from previous seasons with additional promotional offers.
Yesterday offers included a seasonal cask bitter. 2 bottles of MPA for £5 plus our standard lager and cider offerings. Reduced at £2.40 from 11-12:30 and 5-6 on match days.
Special offers on shots have also been introduced this season, this offer has been very popular and generates additional income.
Pre pouring has been mentioned previously, but can be difficult at times for space, when we tried this we received a number of complaints around the quality of the beer. This led to wastage through pouring away.
The Dale Bar you can place a half time order but we do ask you do this at the end when the bar is closing and before you exit to enter the ground.
Cleanliness - It was highlighted on the forum of blood in the toilets, If you do see anything out of the ordinary in our facilities please report to a member of staff at the time so this can be rectified.
Recent changes have also be made in The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar. You are not required to exit after half time and can remain inside. Yes, it would be better if the live feed is working. This is something we are aiming on fixing asap.
Feedback and suggestions are always welcomed. Being employed at the club for over 18 years, I am passionate about the bars but only recently taken the role from bar staff to management this season.
I can be contacted by email Anthony.Field@rochdaleafc.co.uk or feedback through the Dale Trust.
If anyone is seeking bar staff employment at the club please email us. We are always seeking to cover absences or additional coverage in areas.
Hope you had a great Christmas and wishing you a happy new year. Up the Dale. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 11:06]
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Whilst people will of course be frustrated by aspects of what happens in the bars and maybe some of what you’ve posted, it’s both refreshing and a perfect example of how to engage with customers and fans.
This is exactly the sort of thing we need to see around all areas of the club. Ticketing, club shop, commercial.
It doesn’t have to be on this forum but it does need to be a regular, transparent form of communication. The club know they have to act now, to not do so would be making a massive mistake. Initially they could contact the Trust and arrange an evening at the club where interested fans can turn up, maybe break into groups with club personnel and begin to create a plan which can look at various areas which could improve with supporter input. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 11:37]
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 11:19 - Dec 27 with 2651 views | DaleBars |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:58 - Dec 27 by Rodingdale |
I’d personally like to see Directors more visible on match days - the concept of the ‘Directors Box’ is outdated, the Board need to see and hear the frustrations when the Manchester Pale Ale runs out again, the food queues, the dreadful main stand toilets, the lack of half time bar service, etc etc. I only attend 6 or 7 home games - but I’ve not seen the chairman or any of the new board in the bar or around the ground on match days. Modern businesses encourage senior executive and non exec engagement with their customers. Taking your seat in the Directors Box at 2:55 isn’t going to cut it I’m afraid.
This thread could be from any time to time over the last 30 years, if we go all fan run then the behaviour of the leadership of the organisation HAS to change.
The feedback on this thread alone is gold dust - I’d be happy to be part of a group to develop these ideas - but the club has to be open not hiding in a Directors Box. |
Hello,
Yes I understand the frustration of Manchester pale Cask running out. We only buy a 9 Gallon. This is because if we do buy two and do not sell out the second barrel, it will end up as a costly wastage. Cask you are only able to keep for 3-5 days after opening. We do have bottles of MPA, offering at 2 for £5 for the next home games. We also have Manchester Pale Ale on draught in The Ratcliffe. | |
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 11:31 - Dec 27 with 2584 views | golfaduffy |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:58 - Dec 27 by Rodingdale |
I’d personally like to see Directors more visible on match days - the concept of the ‘Directors Box’ is outdated, the Board need to see and hear the frustrations when the Manchester Pale Ale runs out again, the food queues, the dreadful main stand toilets, the lack of half time bar service, etc etc. I only attend 6 or 7 home games - but I’ve not seen the chairman or any of the new board in the bar or around the ground on match days. Modern businesses encourage senior executive and non exec engagement with their customers. Taking your seat in the Directors Box at 2:55 isn’t going to cut it I’m afraid.
This thread could be from any time to time over the last 30 years, if we go all fan run then the behaviour of the leadership of the organisation HAS to change.
The feedback on this thread alone is gold dust - I’d be happy to be part of a group to develop these ideas - but the club has to be open not hiding in a Directors Box. |
What a good post. Last season, I spoke to the Trust Director who promised me that he would be sat in the Main Stand rarther than the Directors Box. Shame it hasn't happened.
All the Directors need to engage with the fans by being visible. Take it in turns and have name badges visible so people know who they are. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 12:38 - Dec 27 with 2476 views | fourfourtwo |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:55 - Dec 27 by DaleBars |
Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would answer some of questions and comments raised in the forum.
Premier league games - The match at 12:30 was being shown on Amazon Prime and not BT Sports. This game incurred additional fees to be shown therefore we were unable to show it in the bar. With no sport on TV available, we thought it would be the best option to show previous highlights of Rochdale fixtures.
Yesterday Boxing Day was always going to be a busy match day for the bars.
Demand - The busiest period in all the bars around the ground is from 13:30. The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar are open from 11am.
Staffing - We are actively seeking staff but this can be difficult, we are only able to offer a 4-6 hour shift every other week to cover home matches. Some staff haven’t worked since our Harrogate game on the 3rd. Staff are passionate about our club as everyone on the forum.
Staffing on Boxing Day was reduced due to sickness or being unable to work. We was 5 members down across all bars around the ground. I am very appreciative of all our staff who worked extremely hard yesterday. Instead of spending time with family and friends, they were here trying to make the match day experience a good one.
Pricing - I would like to remind both The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar operates on the same pricing structure, if one bar is crowded please pop into the other side and check. It may be slightly quieter at the bar.
Drinks selection - Comments have been made around the selection of drink’s available. Our selection has increased from previous seasons with additional promotional offers.
Yesterday offers included a seasonal cask bitter. 2 bottles of MPA for £5 plus our standard lager and cider offerings. Reduced at £2.40 from 11-12:30 and 5-6 on match days.
Special offers on shots have also been introduced this season, this offer has been very popular and generates additional income.
Pre pouring has been mentioned previously, but can be difficult at times for space, when we tried this we received a number of complaints around the quality of the beer. This led to wastage through pouring away.
The Dale Bar you can place a half time order but we do ask you do this at the end when the bar is closing and before you exit to enter the ground.
Cleanliness - It was highlighted on the forum of blood in the toilets, If you do see anything out of the ordinary in our facilities please report to a member of staff at the time so this can be rectified.
Recent changes have also be made in The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar. You are not required to exit after half time and can remain inside. Yes, it would be better if the live feed is working. This is something we are aiming on fixing asap.
Feedback and suggestions are always welcomed. Being employed at the club for over 18 years, I am passionate about the bars but only recently taken the role from bar staff to management this season.
I can be contacted by email Anthony.Field@rochdaleafc.co.uk or feedback through the Dale Trust.
If anyone is seeking bar staff employment at the club please email us. We are always seeking to cover absences or additional coverage in areas.
Hope you had a great Christmas and wishing you a happy new year. Up the Dale. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 11:06]
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You need to persist with the pre-pulled pints. It is the only way you can deal with the volumes of customers to staffing ratio.
Pull them and ask customers if they want a pre-pulled pint of a fresh one. I’d wager 80% of customers genuinely aren’t bothered and just want a drink.
I can’t tell you how many people gave up attempting to buy a pint before the match and at half time yesterday.
That loss of income will fair outweigh any cost of waste.
You could probably sell off any overspill pints to some of the younger lads at a discounted price.
Appreciate you coming on here and taking the time to comment and reply. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 13:18 - Dec 27 with 2380 views | TalkingSutty |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:55 - Dec 27 by DaleBars |
Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would answer some of questions and comments raised in the forum.
Premier league games - The match at 12:30 was being shown on Amazon Prime and not BT Sports. This game incurred additional fees to be shown therefore we were unable to show it in the bar. With no sport on TV available, we thought it would be the best option to show previous highlights of Rochdale fixtures.
Yesterday Boxing Day was always going to be a busy match day for the bars.
Demand - The busiest period in all the bars around the ground is from 13:30. The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar are open from 11am.
Staffing - We are actively seeking staff but this can be difficult, we are only able to offer a 4-6 hour shift every other week to cover home matches. Some staff haven’t worked since our Harrogate game on the 3rd. Staff are passionate about our club as everyone on the forum.
Staffing on Boxing Day was reduced due to sickness or being unable to work. We was 5 members down across all bars around the ground. I am very appreciative of all our staff who worked extremely hard yesterday. Instead of spending time with family and friends, they were here trying to make the match day experience a good one.
Pricing - I would like to remind both The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar operates on the same pricing structure, if one bar is crowded please pop into the other side and check. It may be slightly quieter at the bar.
Drinks selection - Comments have been made around the selection of drink’s available. Our selection has increased from previous seasons with additional promotional offers.
Yesterday offers included a seasonal cask bitter. 2 bottles of MPA for £5 plus our standard lager and cider offerings. Reduced at £2.40 from 11-12:30 and 5-6 on match days.
Special offers on shots have also been introduced this season, this offer has been very popular and generates additional income.
Pre pouring has been mentioned previously, but can be difficult at times for space, when we tried this we received a number of complaints around the quality of the beer. This led to wastage through pouring away.
The Dale Bar you can place a half time order but we do ask you do this at the end when the bar is closing and before you exit to enter the ground.
Cleanliness - It was highlighted on the forum of blood in the toilets, If you do see anything out of the ordinary in our facilities please report to a member of staff at the time so this can be rectified.
Recent changes have also be made in The Ratcliffe and Dale Bar. You are not required to exit after half time and can remain inside. Yes, it would be better if the live feed is working. This is something we are aiming on fixing asap.
Feedback and suggestions are always welcomed. Being employed at the club for over 18 years, I am passionate about the bars but only recently taken the role from bar staff to management this season.
I can be contacted by email Anthony.Field@rochdaleafc.co.uk or feedback through the Dale Trust.
If anyone is seeking bar staff employment at the club please email us. We are always seeking to cover absences or additional coverage in areas.
Hope you had a great Christmas and wishing you a happy new year. Up the Dale. [Post edited 27 Dec 2022 11:06]
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Thanks for the response Dalebars. There was a live EFL Sky game yesterday lunchtime, Sunderland v Blackburn. A lot of people prefer the EFL games to watching the Premiership. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 13:49 - Dec 27 with 2312 views | DaleBars |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 13:18 - Dec 27 by TalkingSutty |
Thanks for the response Dalebars. There was a live EFL Sky game yesterday lunchtime, Sunderland v Blackburn. A lot of people prefer the EFL games to watching the Premiership. |
Hi,
We do not have Sky Sports. | |
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 13:58 - Dec 27 with 2271 views | TalkingSutty |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 13:49 - Dec 27 by DaleBars |
Hi,
We do not have Sky Sports. |
Thanks for that i didn't know, agree you are limited then. Thanks for your efforts anyway, there has been some improvements pre match in the Dale bar and Ratcliffe, the young staff in particular are all very pleasant. | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 14:43 - Dec 27 with 2161 views | bluevein64 |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 10:58 - Dec 27 by Rodingdale |
I’d personally like to see Directors more visible on match days - the concept of the ‘Directors Box’ is outdated, the Board need to see and hear the frustrations when the Manchester Pale Ale runs out again, the food queues, the dreadful main stand toilets, the lack of half time bar service, etc etc. I only attend 6 or 7 home games - but I’ve not seen the chairman or any of the new board in the bar or around the ground on match days. Modern businesses encourage senior executive and non exec engagement with their customers. Taking your seat in the Directors Box at 2:55 isn’t going to cut it I’m afraid.
This thread could be from any time to time over the last 30 years, if we go all fan run then the behaviour of the leadership of the organisation HAS to change.
The feedback on this thread alone is gold dust - I’d be happy to be part of a group to develop these ideas - but the club has to be open not hiding in a Directors Box. |
Firstly, I'm fairly sure that you'll agree Rod that the current Board of Directors have been brilliant therefore, purely in response to your interesting post - I suppose that the reason the Directors take to their seats in the Directors box at 14.55 is mainly due to their match day priority is to hob - nob in the Directors Bar with each other and the dignitaries of the opposition, I agree that the whole concept of the "Directors Box " is somewhat outdated but that's the way it's always been (us and them) and unlikely to change in the foreseeable, having said that I suspect that the general feeling is amongst the Directors is that there's no point in being a Football Club Director if there isn't any perks involved, for example, one being seen by others as being special, hob - nobbing with other special people and taking your personal seat in a special seperate area hassle free five minutes before kick off, of course the Directors Box doesn't keep the Directors safe from criticism however, as it stands there isn't much positivity around the Club and I doubt very much that the Directors will be keen to rub shoulders with Dale Fans in the Sandy and taking the flack! |  | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 17:20 - Dec 27 with 1966 views | James1980 |
Might a Commercial and Fan engagement forum which is also live streamed on social media be worth the Trust and the club arranging?
No questions off limit. | |
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 17:40 - Dec 27 with 1923 views | James1980 |
One of the railcards available in the south east allows discount for up to 4 adults and 4 children how about instead of the Your Card being just for the card holder it covers at least 2 adults and 2 children for matchday tickets | |
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:01 - Dec 30 with 1429 views | D_Alien |
Following on from this, an email has been received prior to the club advertising the recent share issue much further afield
It includes the following:
Chairman Simon Gauge added: “It has become essential that we look for outside investment. Anybody putting in this level of investment may want to take a controlling stake in the club at some stage in the future and the board are open to exploring how to facilitate this, providing the investor guarantees the future sustainability of the club. Significant due diligence will be undertaken as part of this process, both internally, and via all relevant EFL processes.”
It may well be that our current board of directors, who've done a fantastic job over a short period of time, have come to the conclusion that they've bitten off more than they can chew. I personally wouldn't blame them if indeed they have reached that conclusion
[Post edited 30 Dec 2022 16:02]
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:09 - Dec 30 with 1374 views | HullDale |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:01 - Dec 30 by D_Alien |
Following on from this, an email has been received prior to the club advertising the recent share issue much further afield
It includes the following:
Chairman Simon Gauge added: “It has become essential that we look for outside investment. Anybody putting in this level of investment may want to take a controlling stake in the club at some stage in the future and the board are open to exploring how to facilitate this, providing the investor guarantees the future sustainability of the club. Significant due diligence will be undertaken as part of this process, both internally, and via all relevant EFL processes.”
It may well be that our current board of directors, who've done a fantastic job over a short period of time, have come to the conclusion that they've bitten off more than they can chew. I personally wouldn't blame them if indeed they have reached that conclusion
[Post edited 30 Dec 2022 16:02]
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Now live on .co.uk:
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| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:16 - Dec 30 with 1331 views | fourfourtwo |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:09 - Dec 30 by HullDale |
Now live on .co.uk:
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The trolls have returned | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:37 - Dec 30 with 1214 views | DorkingDale |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:09 - Dec 30 by HullDale |
Now live on .co.uk:
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Desperate times I'm afraid...... | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 16:42 - Dec 30 with 1186 views | TyroneShoelaces |
Feel sorry for the new Directors. Non had any experience of running a football club but have given it a good shot. They’ve also had to find something along the lines of £1/2 million to see off MH. Money which could have been used to buy up most of the new share issue and gone into the Clubs coffers and not Botters and the rest who sold out to the Essex wide boys | | | |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 17:46 - Dec 30 with 1053 views | blackdogblue |
| Chairman's Christmas Message on 11:19 - Dec 27 by DaleBars |
Hello,
Yes I understand the frustration of Manchester pale Cask running out. We only buy a 9 Gallon. This is because if we do buy two and do not sell out the second barrel, it will end up as a costly wastage. Cask you are only able to keep for 3-5 days after opening. We do have bottles of MPA, offering at 2 for £5 for the next home games. We also have Manchester Pale Ale on draught in The Ratcliffe. |
I have been to theatres (Opera House in Mcr being the most recent) and the preparation of drinks caused some issues.
Here’s a different option I saw working quite well at Download & queues moved quickly..
The issues you face & have seen it myself is who’s next… then serving drinks & taking payment, whilst doing their job, the bar staff are not serving drinks quickly as they are here, there & everywhere either taking cash or looking for the card machine so when you stand back and assess the seven wastes (Tim Woods… apologies I work in manufacturing…..
Transportation
Inventory
Motion
Waiting
Over processing
Over producing
Defects (waste)
Can be applied to anything including the operation of serving drinks in a bar environment)
At Download it was different, staff just pulled pints, there was also someone there behind to get soft drinks or shorts / wine… once you got your drinks you moved to the side & paid someone different allowing the next person to get their drinks..
Was an excellent way of doing things to be honest…
Maybe worth a trial? [Post edited 30 Dec 2022 17:52]
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