Hello and welcome to the results of our annual supporter survey! Firstly, thank you to everyone who took the time to complete what was our girthiest survey so far. In total we gathered 119 responses, which was slightly down on last year. On the subject of last years results, you can find those here should you wish to compare this years results yourself.
As in previous years, any of the comments sections that were answered with ‘no/NA/Dunno’ or any other sort of none answer – they were taken out for the sake of presenting the responses clearly. Anyway, too starta of, we’ll begin with the usual breakdown of who’s completed the survey.
For the most part it’s similar to last year in some parts, however the number of people who previously considered themselves to have attended ‘most games’ has dropped a bit. The big stand out however is the increase in the ‘i’ve stopped going’ category compared to last year.
| Any additional comments on the season ticket or admission prices you would like to make? |
| Season tickets are priced slightly higher than some local teams. But they probably needed to be. |
| Will hospitality prices stay the same |
| I get that people wanted to see the prices as low as £10 and around that, but they have to remember that its their club and it doesnt have a backer pumping money in – those days are gone now and if they want decent football, they have to accept that change from £20 for an adult and child is still decent value. |
| I think these prices would have been good when we were in National League North or even if we hadnt been relegated again. However as the previous regime made it £15 I am happy with the reduction and the price of the season ticket makes it more attractive. |
| Season ticket price is very fair , and pay on the day is fair aswell, concidering our ground compare to some of grounds well be visiting charge £9-10 |
| Will there still be student tickets available next season? |
| I think the addition of Blue Light discount will tempt more to buy season tickets. |
| Admission prices spot on. Need to increase with inflation each year. Season ticket prices very generous with the number of games it works out you get free. Id include a donation option like weve had recently and advise fans that this is there if they want to pay more/ help further towards the running of the club. |
| I think a lot of people won’t come unless the tickets are closer to £10 |
| Once or twice a season give tickets to the local schools to get the local kids to take an interest |
| How much is it at Blyth Town? Morpeth? Abit of a joke to be honest £10 adults maybe yes |
| Discount in club shop for season ticket holders |
| Season ticket seems ok (15 games roughly), but £12 would have been better last season…. we are in lower division now so that doesnt quite make sense? |
| We should not be charging more than BT |
| Very pleased with the season ticket prices. Admission prices fair if we are aiming to compete at the top end of table too! |
| First time ever that a real incentive has been provided to buy a season ticket. I would buy it anyway but hopefully this will increase season ticket sales. |
| Think addition of blue light is a good idea |
| Hard to say if the tickets are fairly priced. I’ve no idea what the squad will look like. The new board couldn’t have got it much more wrong on the recruitment post takeover. |
| £12 for the level of football is to expensive |
| Should maybe offer an early bird price |
| concessions should include Blue-Light card holders and Vets – Veterans that is, not people who destroy animals and charge |
| A good balance between revenue and supporter fairness. |
| We’ll be the highest in the league. We need performances to match. If not I worry attendances will suffer. |
| Day to day admission too high – season ticket price good but after the shit show of previous seasons whos going to risk the money for one? |
| No |
| Poor that this is the first time ppl have known of prices and not released by club themselves. |
| Should be discounted rate for tickets bought in advance |
| You will get the usual whingers going on about cost of living after sinking their 3rd £4 pint of the day! It’s a choice and an affordable one |
| Charge the same as Dunston, Ashington etc |
| Are season tickets available yet? |
| I live in Mexico but come to the matches when I can. The price sounds reasonable. |
| I think £12 is too high for this league but any less would be too drastic a loss for the club |
| Under 16 season tickets |
| More incentive for young supporter to attend matches by providing cheaper season ticket prices for juniors. |
| Maybe £10 per adult. £150 season ticket. |
| Would like the club to sell a half season ticket this year. Maybe at the discount of two games. |
| As we were very close to folding last season I dont mind paying a bit extra if it helps the club |
| I’m fine with the new prices. |
| to much for the amount of home games there is |
| Should be in comparison with other teams in this league. Not paying the equivalent to the teams in the national league north. |
| Admission prices should be £10 |
| WOULD NOT BUY A SEASON TICKET AFTER THE WAY THE CLUB WAS RUN FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS TONY PLATTEN AND KEVIN SCOTT ARE A DISCRACE FROM A SUPPORTER WHO HAS GONE SINCE 1969 MAN AND BOY |
| Lower prices can attract more customers who then spend more at the ground |
| Couldnt be fairer, thankful fans voices have been listened too |
| I think the gate admission price should have been 10.00 pounds and 6.00 pounds, although I shall endeavor to attend games whenever I can, given that l have supported the club for over sixty years. |
| Should have been £10 to match other local clubs |
| childrens should be less |
| Would have been willing to pay extra for a seat. |
| £10 adult would attract more supporters |
| Think its over priced for the standard of football, especially after the last few years of poor performances |
Rating the catering was of course a bit more difficult this year, due to the constant changes we saw there. Nearly 40% of supporters appear to have not used the catering facilities since then though, which is up by almost 15% on last years survey.
With catering having been a long standing issue and seen plenty of change in recent years, the responses above appear to indicate a good number of supporters have given up relying on the catering offered at Croft Park. Hopefully we can change that going forward, with the introduction of the new catering facility.
| If you answered yes, what sort of catering options would you like to see offered? |
| Local produce and products from local businesses |
| More pies |
| Hot chocolate for the winter hardly any grounds do it. |
| Your standard football classics such as burger and chips etc. but some specials and the good old street food from time to time would be a welcome addition. Look at what people are leaving the ground for and try to incorporate that into the offerings. |
Pies, Chips and Burgers stuff like that |
| No fucking cakes! Just the standard food really just do it well. It doesnt have to be a gormet curry or burger just get the basics right. Maybes some smaller versions for the kids at a cheaper rate. |
| Homemade stuff, burgers chips etc, nice bit curry or chilli and loaded fries |
| Various different styles of catering vans, e.g. Chippy, Indian etc |
| Topped chips, wrapped €˜to go food. Focus on margins and getting positive attention for the food truck. |
| Big fat greasy burgers |
| Generic match day food at a reasonable price |
| Chips, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Pies |
| Choice of Vegan or at least Veggie options – local brewer’s beer/ale offering |
| pork and gravy buns, pies |
| Something other than burger & chips |
| Affordable prices for standard burgers and hot dogs. Still profit can be made |
| Just different variety every week really |
| A vegetarian option would be good |
| More outlets so queues shorter. |
| Edible food |
| Homemade pies, maybe something spartan/greek themed like a gyros |
| Fish and chips. Pizza. |
| No strong opinions |
| More than just pies, burgers etc |
| Quaility food got to b edible n not have to cost u a kidney to pay for it. Also bring back bovril .. |
| Any hot food. Burgers/pies/hot dogs etc. bottle bar has been brilliant but the lack of hot food vendors has been the shortfall |
| Curry, noodles |
| Salt/pepper chili chips |
| Vegetarian |
| Burgers, hot dogs, pies, chips, donuts, drinks etc |
| If we do good pie/burger/chips we won’t go far wrong. |
| Hot/cold drinks, pies, chips, burgers etc |
| Simple stuff, chips, burgers and hotdogs. |
| Keep it basic, chips ,pies etc |
| Chicken Curry, chips |
| Pie, mash and gravy Curry and rice |
| Shys pies. Proper beefburgers |
| hot dogs |
| A good selection of locally sourced ingredients burgers ,chicken and beef and maybe curry. |
| Sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers chips etc. |
| Decent quality burgers, some decent coffee would be nice. Maybe a few specials for variety . |
| traditional “matchday” food but of a higher quality than we’ve had in recent years. paying a slightly higher price for better standard of food should go hand in hand |
| Burgers/pies/chips etc. football bait |
| Scran van classics. Burgers chips, pies etc. Just needs to be quick service. Ideally separate queues for hot food and drinks |
| Pies |
| Just something tasty would be a start. Lots of different types of food vans out there now do some research and see what works and what you get best profit margins on |
| Hot fogs, burgers chips pies |
| Bacon sandwiches |
| Hot dogs burgers chips meal deals |
| Keep it basic so service is fast |
| Chicken Burgers |
| Variety, even if it is different options each game, doesn’t need to be huge or vast menu, eg pie fillings vary from game to game, |
| Basic things like chips pies burgers etc |
| Standard fare |
| Keep the pies and other nice and easy options chips burgers variety of sauces like curry and gravy |
| Burgers/chips. |
| vegatarian please |
| Shy’s pies with mushy peas. Usual burger, hot dog, chips with proviso they are a decent quality. |
| Indian/Greek street food |
As in previous years, the clubhouse scores fairly well. As ever there appears to be little to no issue with the pricing, though like previous years, we see plenty of feedback regarding redecorating the club – which is already set to happen this summer.
| What sort of events would you like to see at the social club going forward? |
| Talk ins |
| Tribute bands or race nights |
| I liked the race night which was on last season |
| Quiz night would be good and even just it opening on a week day regularly. We also need to give it a chance and not be put off from trying it if there isnt huge numbers from day one. It will take a little bit of time and teething issues, but if its the right offering, people will come. |
| evenings with former players events like that |
| Open for midweek matches eg. Champions league and Newcastle games |
| Tbh I dont go out much through the week so it would take a lot to get me out but I think we defo need more talk ins with ex players whether it be Blyth players or Newcastle players. Comedy nights always do well |
| Quiz nights, race nights bands |
| Bands, talk ins |
| More post match entertainment, more effort to retaining post and pre match crowds |
| Talk in with ex sportspeople |
| Talk ins, live football, more availability for functions (I know people have used other venues because the clubhouse couldn’t facilitate their event) |
| More talk ins similar to Peter Beardsley, Tom Wade, etc. Continue with the Quarterly Meetings there. Green Army events. |
| Football talk ins |
| more sports being shown (e.g. football rugby), karaoke nights, bingo |
| Band nights & fundraiser nights for the club |
| Bands |
| Events that can involve groups of people and fundraising for the club. Like quiz nights, bingo nights, darts/pool night (can have the players Vs the supporters). Race night, poker nights. |
| An evening with or meet and greets |
| Luce music, football nights |
| Quizzes, events for people who struggle socially |
| Unsure if allowed but streaming away matches, especially on Tuesday nights. Could get a few punters in for that |
| Live bands, regular quiz, race nights |
| Live bands |
| Local turns |
| Talk ins |
| More talks with players and a look on the past of Blyth |
| Music |
| Bands + entertainment to raise funds for the club |
| More ex player talk ins but more recent players. The likes of Peter Beardsley etc have all been seen numerous times. A bit of a hard sell now??? |
| Talks from ex professions or even ex spartans players / managers |
| Any that bring money into club |
| Talk-ins. They work well for Blyth Town, and it seems the Beardsley one went pretty well. |
| Talk ins with famous players |
| Footballer talk ins |
| Clubs have pretty much had their day in the North East. That said probably guest speakers primarily football related. |
| More talk ins with ex players, charity events, end of season awards, Christmas stuff, events for kids |
| Fundraisers for the club |
| More sportsman’s dinners, the Peter Beardsley night was brilliant. |
| Live music |
| Quiz nights, live music, charity related events and comedy nights |
| Dont know |
| Events that help the club earn money. Sportsman’s dinner, talkins etc |
| Entertainment, singers Talks Kids fun days |
| More talk in nights |
| Pool,darts and domino nights to raise funds. A bit old fashioned, I know. |
| Live musi. Discos. Talk ins |
| bingo |
| bingo |
| Quiz |
| Live bands and talk ins . |
| comedy, social gatherings, open mic nights, bands, poetry evenings, food taster nights, help for older people on-line, knitting, chatting, language clubs, why cant you think of these things? |
| I don’t drink, so unlikely to visit. |
| Talk ins with ex pros |
| Quiz nights for example £5 buy in. Clubhouse take half, winners take half |
| Talk ins |
| Bingo |
| More love event nights like screened boxing nights, champions league etc, advertised properly |
| Music |
| More talk ins Kit launch Race night |
| More guest speakers, nostalgia nights ie rerun of famous duo wins with players speaking |
| Music |
| Live music |
| Fund raisers |
| None just football |
| Not sure what would get people in |
| Live football match. Family friendly days |
| Live Green army Podcast |
| quiz |
| I’m an exile so it’s not really applicable |
| Family events like meet the players for the kids |
| Better outside seating for matchdays. |
| Football quiz nights, Sports Quiz nights |
| Not race nights poor turnout |
| Player talk ins |
| Match day events. |
| More interaction with fans and playing staff |
| Live music. More evenings with players |
| More events with former Newcastle/Spartans players – some reunions ie treble winning team etc/speakers |
| Maybe a quiz night |
| More ‘live’ music (Solo,duo, trio acts) |
| More sportsman’s nights, themed events for kids/junior teams eg Halloween party, Christmas party |
| Live music |
| Not sure. Dont live close enough to go. |
| No interest |
| Bingo , entertainment and music. Willing to pay a fee |
| TALK INS AND FUNDRAISING EVENTS |
| More non league games shown |
| Events of any kind to raise money |
| Only go in on a match day |
| Player meet and greet for kids |
| No strong feelings |
| Bands after games |
| na as we live 225 miles away |
| I have never really engaged with the social club since the days when the licence required users to be members. |
| Anything economically viable that would attract customers – easy to say, difficult to do. |
| Talks/Sporting Dinners |
| Talk ins |
| What changes (if any) would you like to see in the social club? |
| Needs a massive redecoration. Some actual Spartans memorabilia in there wouldnt go a miss. |
| None |
| Bit of air freshener to get rid of the musty smell |
| It needs modernising and a bit of TLC. Theres bits of decor and random pictures here and there which havent been updated in 20+ years. The DJ area could also be utilised more with some new additions and used a little more. |
| good lick of paint |
| A bit more modernised with club themed memorabilia and photos |
| A bit of modernisation would be good, the toilets look the same as they did when I was a kid. Overall though I love our club house and prices are really reasonable. |
| Just a fresh tbf but its getting that , maybe a bit more a football feel to it |
| A revamp (Fresh coat of paint, new furniture) |
| Slightly better decor |
| Brought into the 21st century. Lick of paint new chairs |
| Needs a freshen up, toilets included. Not sure if the pool table is still there or not? |
| Refurbishment of some areas within. Some areas look like they need some tender loving care |
| general maintenance like dusting and repainting. improvements to womens toilets (issues with flushing) |
| Better quality pints Ive had numerous bad pints in there and other people I know have said the same |
| None it’s pretty good |
| Lick of paint and uograde the toilets |
| Pass |
| U-shaped seating booths. |
| a jukebox/live music on. Like a wake majority of the times |
| It needs to be refurbished. Been the same forever. |
| No strong views |
| Wouldn’t really change anything as the layout etc is good |
| More morden seating, bar and decor |
| Needs a spruce up |
| Trying to queue for drinks and get served at half time or right before KO is awful. A better laid out entrance exit. |
| Dart board, decent pool table (not sure I remember the last time I seen the current one used). Just a bit of simple modernisation would make the world of difference, needs a lighten up |
| Decor needs improving, more screens |
| I dont really use the Club as much as I did. I would probably have a pint but the group of folk I watch the game with dont drink and its not a game changer for me. |
| Men’s toilets improved |
| Brighten up interior &toilets |
| New speakers |
| It’s getting a refurb, so think that’s pretty much it. |
| Don’t use club |
| Redecoration, some lighting outside as the car park area is very dark when leaving. |
| Refurbishment as its very dated |
| Modernisation |
| A total refurbishment |
| dart board |
| Bring back Carling |
| The doors taken down making it one big room and total refurbishment of the toilets. |
| Total redecoration, split into usable areas, improve the bogs |
| I don’t drink, so unlikely to visit. |
| to make it more of a football club, with more memorabilia on display. some of the decor doesn’t go in line of the feel of a football clubhouse |
| A good paint |
| More tvs |
| Clean the lines. Lick of paint and decor to match 2025. It’s like stepping into the 60s. I’m amazed the smoking ban is even in force in there. |
| Craft beer on draft |
| New tables and chairs. Get rid of the flowers on the wall and make it more about blyth. Get some light in the room from outside |
| Could do with a refurb and better layout |
| Toilets are very shabby |
| Lick of paint here and there / room is too dark.. Go to Blyth towns social club and see the difference . Thats a proper set up inside and out . |
| Drinks promotions |
| Just seeing the 1st team playing with confidence and the fans giving them a lift |
| It needs modernising |
| A total refurbishment to create a more welcoming venue. |
| I’m an exile so it’s not really applicable |
| A decent clock for all to see on match days. |
| More food |
| Mor photographs of players past and present. |
| I believe results will give a better experience and buzz prior and after match days |
| Better lighting |
| None the staff are brilliant |
| No Changes, its fine as it is |
| Decor – happeneing, better outdoor area – long term goal really |
| Fine as it is |
| INCLUDE ALL AGE GROUPS MY SON PLAYED FOR BLYTH SPARTANS JUNIORS AND WE USED TO BE NOT WELCOME EVEN THOUGH WE SPENT MONEY I KNOW THIS IS A NEW BEGGINING BUT PREVIOUS OWNERS DID NOT LIKE CHANGE OR IDEARS I HAVE KNOWN KEVIN SCOTT ALL MY LIFE AND GONE TO MATCHES WITH HIM WITH MY BROTHER AND OTHERS BUTI CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE MESS THE CLUB HAS ENDED UP IN |
| Make sure the sweet machine is full |
| It needs a lick of paint and freshening up |
| The beer is now too expensive for a football club. Why has it increased so much in 1 season? |
| Lighter inside always seems dark |
| it is really nice as it is. |
| Nothing springs to mind. |
| Any improvement would come with a price so as it stands none considering the budget |
| Modernised and better lagers on tap |
As in previous years, the club store and online store scores really well. From the feedback, it’s clear some cheap/small bits of merchandise need to be considered – as well as some Viz products and some retro items,
| What changes (if any) would you like to see in the store and/or online? |
| Some smaller and cheaper items would be nice |
| More stock options would be nice. Some bits arent always available online but are in the shop. |
| Retro shirt range eg. Viz remakes if possible |
| More variety, needs to create merchandise to appeal to a wider market, seems as though the stock only has €œ40 year old football fan€ in mind |
| More indepth sizing info, I know this puts a lot of people off purchasing shirts. |
| Online to replicate store more. I note some products in store that arent online. |
| Would love an update/reissue of the t-shirt with the big Spartans logo in the middle- black, green and white options |
| open during half time |
| More merch for pets & infants |
| Pretty good, good range for the size of club we are |
| More variety of training things and better sizing |
| Different options in sports wear tops/pants |
| The way the ecommerce side of the website has been set up leads to a very poor user experience. Feels like the new website was rushed, and it’s not very professional. |
| Price review |
| The club shop and staff is a strong point for the club, wouldn’t change anything |
| More Viz related merchandise |
| Ive used the shop on match days several times since the CIC was formed. Very happy with scarfs, hats, mugs and bits and bobs bought. |
| Measurements given online (eg chest) |
| More products |
| Open at HT |
| Smaller pocket money priced objects for bairns to buy. E.g. colouring in books and pencils, a ruler. Pencil cases. For “adults” -Tea towels, beach towels, fridge magnets etc. |
| Nothing to add its well run, a real plus point of the club. |
| Car air freshener. Lanyards. |
| None. Club shop is good |
| Bigger range of merchandise |
| More variety of training kits . Pijamas! |
| Make the store easier to access on non matchdays. Like when collecting new shirt etc |
| I think the store is very good and extremely well ran by the volunteers – just want to say thanks to them for their efforts! Only idea maybe being some prints of croft park |
| Maybe Spartans Christmas & birthday cards, plus more things to promote the club |
| Things like club pennants, glass tankards, retro badges, fridge magnets. little things like that so when people come to the shop they will see other things they have in and buy those as well. |
| More cheap stuff to bring in the younger generation. |
| Dont know how but a bit bigger |
| Keep using and restock the 125th anniversary stripes jersey particularly in larger sizes if staying with Errea |
| Raffle players jerseys or put up signed jerseys to buy at set prices |
| maybe a couple of vintage shirts |
| Nothing springs to mind. |
| Where would you say you get most of your information and news about the club? |
| Green Army |
| X or Facebook |
| Green Army socials |
| Word of mouth and social, when its there that is. The website is a solid offering and has been polished up well, but the social is severely lacking in a lot of areas and gives an amateur feel. |
| Twitter or X whatever you call it |
| X or Facebook |
| Green Army, Facebook pages, clubs media needs vastly improving and fans need kept up to date with comings and goings as last season I didnt even know wed lost players signed players until the team sheet came out |
| Green army |
| Twitter / Facebook |
| Green Army, Facebook, Twitter |
| The club are slow at getting information out and don’t engage enough with supporters, so when there is news most people have heard someway or another. |
| Social Media however I look around and we do have an older following and think we could maybe do more to inform them in different ways. Physical newsletter drop offs (depending on costs)? |
| Green Army twitter/x |
| from other fans group chats / twitter |
| Online |
| Green army |
| Twitter/facebook |
| Facebook/green army |
| Rolls |
| The clubs Twitter account |
| Social media |
| Social media |
| Website or socials |
| Facebook and X |
| Twitter / X |
| Other sites we are too slow getting posts n articles out |
| Green Army Social pages Fb & Twitter |
| Word of mouth. Media has been rather poor and a severe lack of updates and promotion |
| Look at other clubs and take the best ideas, more focus on advertising games, more focus on players |
| Facebook and Twitter |
| Internet, contact with friends |
| Twitter/GA |
| Green Army |
| Twitter/Facebook |
| Facebook/word of mouth |
| Often out if date information.Need to inform supporter very regularly |
| Word of mouth or Davey Hanson |
| Facebook, down at club |
| Blyth council bait room and Niall Bromley |
| Website |
| FB |
| green army/twitter |
| X |
| Facebook, X |
| Although it’s not very up to date when it eventually comes out it’s okay. Facebook is better. |
| whatsapp from others |
| Twitter/Facebook |
| Green Army FB and via friends. BSAFC official site offers nothing really that we don’t already know |
| X, Facebook and usually around the place on matchdays |
| Green Army |
| Social Media word of mouth |
| Other fans |
| Twitter and word of mouth |
| Social media |
| Website |
| Green army because our media is shite |
| On twitter |
| Social media |
| X was once twitter |
| Facebook, twitter |
| From X |
| Website |
| Social media |
| Twitter/X |
| online |
| Facebook pages |
| Social media |
| Green Army site |
| X/ twitter Liam Allen |
| X and website |
| Fan pages (green army) |
| Green Army web site. |
| Facebook/ social media |
| Twitter (X) and facebook |
| The clubs’ facebook/twitter and to be honest the green army’s accounts |
| Club website (when there’s something on) it needs to be updated more say every monday during the ‘close season’ like progress reports on the new lights,changing rooms etc. |
| Inconsistent and we seem to avoid bed news |
| if any where x/twitter but no-one posts anymore |
| X,and club website |
| X and other clubs websites. Like Morpeth about the pre season games. Were always last to find out. Still need to be more open and honest. |
| X |
| i have family and mates who go to the games and i use the internet every day to find out information |
| Club site, friends and the clubs social media local news paper |
| Facebook fan groups |
| Social media |
| The club site. I don’t use any social media platforms (ie ‘Facebook’, ‘Twitter’ etc). |
| Facebook, the website is rarely updated, very poor. |
| Friends |
| official site and green army site Spartans soul |
| Club web site |
| X, website. |
| Social Media pages |
| Social media |
| How could the club improve on how it advertises home fixtures and sponsorship opportunities? |
| Let people who can actually spell do the job. Need someone to actually put some effort in as well. |
| Flyers around Blyth |
| Just post ahead of time to get people aware. Posters in pubs or just online earlier |
| Start by posting about them would be good. Theres so much inconsistencies around the digital output in general, its kind of frustrating to see. Match reports not being put out until almost a week after games, no real updates from the board at the end of the season reflecting, no retained list, nothing on whats going on behind the scenes etc. I think the community element of the club is being lost and fans feel distant at this point. I guess most people wouldnt know about the sponsorship opportunities (aside from match day) and have the club even considered them? Social media sponsors, YT highlight sponsors, shirt, sleeve, shorts, travel etc. |
| More posters in shop in and around the area of Blyth, also on the the social media platforms |
| Promote the games days in advance not just the morning of the game |
| Keep the signs up to date around Blyth if we still have them as Ive not noticed them for a while. Regular posting, post every Monday follow it up later in the week and again first thing on a Saturday |
| Getting a lot more media out there its been poor last few years |
| Not sure |
| More proactive posts. Post more about the sponsors so that they see more value for money (and so that the club can charge more for the opportunity). Months Fixtures at a glance also, maybe include a €˜last time we played etc. |
| Match previews out 2 or 3 days before the match not the night before |
| It’s the core supporters who turn up every week, the club aren’t attracting new fans. The information the club puts out goes to the same people time and time again. |
| I think we need to create a database of all local companies and engage more. Well be able to determine who is and isnt interested and adopt a more targeted approach. I personally booked hospitality a fair few times after takeover to help club and noticed in programme the number of blank spaces for Ball Sponsor, Match Sponsor and MOTM Sponsor. A dedicated section on website for this perhaps with all fixtures and sponsors listed and contact local businesses/ RAFFLE Option that Dan Rolls set up for one match. Also, have hospitality booking option on Website rather then waiting for contact. Sometimes you dont hear back. Bring Player Sponsorship/ Shirt Number Sponsorship. Also sponsorship of social media/ Live commentaries to cover costs of equipment/ travel. |
| Greater advertising in the Blyth new build areas and beach area |
| make a tiktok to attract younger fans |
| More regular social media posts, posters in shop/pubs around Blyth/Cramlington etc |
| more social media posts about the sponsors |
| More around the town |
| Advertise it on different days in the week |
| Need a big billboard at Croft Park facing outside advertising fixtures. |
| By being consistent |
| Regular posts on newspaper/news website. Radio. Link in with vloggers. More signs around town/billboard. Schools/sports centre |
| Make use of local channels, speak to the community and business owners. Work with local organisers and really think about how to engage the wider community. |
| Posters in shops, pubs etc |
| None |
| Give posters to local companies and make local schools (primary and secondary) advertise games or even let schools sponsor the club |
| There are many outlets we need to use them all |
| Can’t fault it |
| Much more on social media. More updates on youtube? Pre-match news to build up match. Particularly at home. Player/Manager interviews? |
| Think it does okay |
| posters in shops (old school advertizing) get post out quicker utilze social media better. |
| Better coverage on socials and reinstate / update the old advertisement boards on the beach and lavrock, perhaps one around Asda as well |
| Pre-game build up from midweek on socials. Sponsorship offers maybe once a month (promotional weekend to try and invite new sponsors along) |
| Exploit online, social media more. Advertise at bus stops, train stations etc |
| Keep the website fixture list up to date |
| Across all social media formats, public buildings and retail outlets. |
| Flyers in major shops, e.g. Asda, Aldi etc. More social media use. |
| Flyers/posters around town. Longer buildup to bigger games and monthly upcoming fixtures around town and online |
| Advertise in local shops, pubs and restaurants etc. |
| More social media posts prior to games. Also engage with fans if they ask a question about an upcoming fixture. |
| More signs around the district |
| Without spending money probably just social media output. If willing to invest, a fixtures board on cowpen road and or laverick hall road that were kept up to date would really help in my opinion. |
| Bards advertising future fixtures on roads into Blyth |
| Be proactive, countdowns to big games. Link to buy next games ticket on match report. |
| Social media, Facebook, posters around blyth |
| Just more often and at a set time every day |
| Create positive social media output |
| Need to be more pro active in the community. Need to go to schools clubs ect |
| offer more deals like buy a ticket bring a friend free as this would get more new faces through the door. and they might be inclined to come back |
| use all social media accounts |
| Some kind of board’s at certain points in the town a better version of what was being used. Earlier information on the home games not the day before. |
| better marketing and better product |
| Posters in shops, cafes, supermarkets like the old days. |
| Local signage. New train station. The basics really. |
| there’s always more can be done but I don’t think it is badly advertised |
| Needs to be all over social media |
| Liaise with local businesses more, use of upcoming cinema and beach foot traffic |
| Better use of notice boards, bill boards, fly posters |
| Fixture board |
| Mention them more on social media for a start and not just the day before as some games last season. |
| Signs on lavorock hall road and cowpen road |
| More regular matchday advertisement posts. Nit just the morning of the match |
| Posters |
| More on social media and posters etc around blyth |
| A lot is to a converted audience. Need to get out to the new builds in blyth and try and get the people who have moved into area involved. They’ve got money so prices are not an issue. Link up with schools (not just free tickets, get players/staff doing PE sessions). Get promotion space at beach where loads of people are (not just on the road opposite) |
| Use more social media |
| More posters put out in surrounding areas cramlington / ashington etc |
| Local community Facebook pages rather than just the Blyth spartans page |
| Use all websites available |
| Not sure, people would go if the team were better, I don’t think advertising necessarily matters |
| Unsure |
| Greater social media with quirky and amusing posts |
| More active on social media |
| don’t know |
| Definitely need to use every social media channel you can |
| Not sure |
| None |
| The official web site is terrible, info when shown is late, needs more up to date info |
| Posters in shops windows and in public places so people know when Blyth are playing |
| I always liked the upcoming fixtures board, maybe an additional couple of them on other routes into town |
| More social media interaction |
| Posters in shops ect. |
| More social media posts and local shops |
| Maybe signs around town. Leaflets. Deals like free pint with ticket etc |
| Think its hard to improve on social media – advertising at the two new stations at the time could be an idea |
| Get as many email addresses from supporters so you could send a weekly updates |
| Match day posters for small businesses(A4 Size), & maybe something like an A2 size posters for the kids who can fill in the games played (league,cup,friendlies) leaving them blank for the kids to fill in themselves when they are played (set a price of £1) |
| Better social media, boards around the town, |
| im not in marketing am i |
| Not sure |
| More texts and emails and posts on more social media sites. |
| No improvement |
| More posters up |
| I HAVE NO ANSWER |
| Think for the resources available theyre doing just fine |
| More posts and better quality |
| Better at highlighting the next match with links for tickets (for example in match reports). More posts leading up to home games, including what’s on offer in the clubhouse |
| Not applicable |
| More boards on the entry to the town. Posters in shop windows. A big board outside the ground etc. |
| Update/modernise fixture board in field at south beach. Add one above Plessey Road entrance, so many people and so much traffic passes that entrance. Amazed club have never considered it. Put club sponsors on it so they get seen. |
| maybe go around local schools promoting the club |
| More prominent roadside boards. Try to get into the new railway stations before Blyth Town. Improve the timing of the changes/updates of the boards. More attractive boards – Morpeth’s for example are much more prominent/visible. |
| Doing a good job on that point I think. |
| Is it possible to link fixtures to mobile calendars? |
Based of the above responses, it’s clear the clubs media output and the way the club is marketed are things that probably need to be improved on.
Hospitality is something we surveyed for the first time – which may not have been relevant to most supporters however, it’s definitely provided some interesting feedback.
| Its okay |
| I really like it. I bring 5 family members each season |
| We did last game of the season and it was really good, a lot more people in then the last time we done it. Relax the rules about drinks we came in just before the final whistle and were told we would need to wait until final whistle so we just left and went through to the bar. Change it to serve snacks on arrival and food at full time. Its a bit much having fish and chips at 2pm |
| Think its very fair for what you pay and what you get |
| Terrible drink options, Asda branded crisps, rushed experience after the game. |
| Its a good package. Have an option to book online rather than be contacted. I liked the manager overviews post match. I also liked the idea of Dan Rolls Raffle which happened for one game so somebody got their admission cheaper and club still got their money. Should be utilised if no take up for a game to guarantee the revenue as it drives interest from those who wouldnt necessarily part with the money |
| get a postmix tap put in as the bottled drinks aren’t great. bigger selection of spirits e.g. rum. overall really good value and the staff are always amazing. |
| Good |
| Different food options. Always had fish n chips |
| Promote man of match sponsor better, its a unique and good option to market |
| No it was good |
| I think the match day hospitality experience is superb |
| Seams good but dont know |
| Better food offer |
| Went last game of the season as part of 1899 benefit. Absolutely smashing, staff work their socks off. Deserve medals. |
| No idea |
| I like it. |
| Was the irfran era but it was far to expensive for what you got: |
| Revamp the meals instead of the usual on offer. |
| A better food option. |
| Its a bit of a joke to be honest – canned drinks and all the old brigade walking around like they own the place – embarrassing – and Ive sponsored a match so had to apologise to 32 people afterwards for it being so crap |
| Decent but always seem in a hurry to get rid of you after the match |
| It’s a great deal. |
| Allowed in a bit earlier |
| Not been but me and friends were tempted this season however the football was just too grim |
| Get more guest participation with mini competitions and engaging host. |
| More food post match. |
| Okay for the money more choice of food sick of fish and chips |
| No I enjoyed it, was really good. |
| A change in the food offering, has been the same for years, needs mixing up, even if it varried during the season. Proper presentations from player/management, invite a for.er player every now and again to talk to people – pete will do anything for a free drink |
| It’s pretty good. |
| Not applicable. |
| I felt you took my money and gave little back. No thanks, no presentation, nothing like it used to be, but a lot more expensive for a lot less. |
| Good for the price bearing in mind it is designed to make money. |
| Think this is good value for money, could just do with longer period for alcohol if possible, even if the cost increased slightly |
| What (if any) changes would you like to see made to Croft Parks facilities? |
| Get rid of that daft fanzone thing, more hospitality options, new bogs, new PA system and bogs next to fed shed |
| Generally, theyre pretty good for the level |
| Keep track around the ground of outdated advertising eg. Photos of Curry and Milburn outside of the club shop despite them leaving the club throughout the season (aware it is just to promote the shirts) |
| Again toilets could do with a bit of an upgrade and kept a bit cleaner bit thats partially on the fans. |
| New toilets and the catering container up and running |
| Improvements to the toilets (sorry) and more of a welcome when you come through the gates at Croft park. |
| Bird Poo cleaned off the seats and handrails |
| Toilets need some attention, couple of extra bins to help keep the place tidy (behind the goals especially) |
| Keep on top of maintenance. Toilets starting to feel a bit dated. |
| Already in hand with the food hut – great news |
| more bins and benches in the outdoor area |
| Refresh of the toilets |
| Better toilets |
| Toilets improved |
| More toilets and just for the ground to look less run down |
| Better toilets, especially for women |
| Toilets in the shed |
| Improved toilets |
| Toilets on the Broadway side, Broadway stand not impeded by concrete walls blocking views, better spaced out seating in main stand, exit route from Broadway stand around back of Croftway End to avoid congestion at full time. |
| Just a bait hut is whats its lacking, sick of the over priced burger van |
| Shed stand/PA |
| Toilets |
| Better toilet facilities |
| Can we have actual toilets instead of Portercabins |
| Better toilets |
| Decent toilets at the Plessey end as the ones there at the moment are rotten and dropping to bits |
| Toilets repainted |
| Food upgraded .better toilets .PA system is terrible . |
| Sort the toilet blocks out, update and freshen them |
| Toilets could do with a revamp. |
| Digital scoreboard |
| PA system needs updating so I can make out what’s being said |
| Toilet facilities are not too good. |
| Improve toilets, cleanliness of them |
| It’s fine |
| Less bird shite on railings/terraces |
| Most of the changes are well under way. Updated toilets after the current changes are complete. |
| New toilets, more catering outlets |
| Refreshing old painted surfaces, more bins in the stands. |
| Decent toilets play attractive football |
| Separate place for teas and coffee rather than one big queue |
| Toilets around ground |
| Modernisation or just a face lift |
| Better toilet facilities |
| New toilet facilities on the Broadway side of the ground. Electronic scoreboard. Could also be used to advertise sponsors |
| toilets need refurbished |
| Those fences either side of the main stand to be removed. Better toilets. |
| Toilets |
| Will be interested to see if in house catering is an improvement, and dare I say more realistic prices. |
| Suspect we’ll be by far the best in NPL East. Nothing to add |
| I generally go for the football mainly so don’t use the facilities, other than the clubhouse but the toilets could be improved on and also the tannoy isn’t that great. |
| Toilets need sorting |
| A spruce up |
| Better ground access and toilet facilities for Broadway side of ground |
| Tannoy improvement. |
| A few barriers in fergy stand would be handy for us old gits to lean on 😅 |
| New PA system needed. Clean the bird shit off the railings in the stands. |
| P.a system its rubbish not clear its been rubbish since I was a kid |
| Better catering and toilets. Maybe tannoy that you can hear |
| PA System needs renewing |
| Toilets are a joke ! Rating out of 5 is a 1 ! The least you expect is hand soap ! Dryers need replacing and the odd toilet roll would come in handy at times ! Not a lot to ask for really ! Porta cabin ones should be replaced ! |
| PA system |
| Happy with the facilities |
| The ladies toilets are an embarrassment and the pa system is terrible |
| Better toilets |
| Better sound system |
| New PA system |
| A separate place to buy tea/coffee |
| Comfy seats |
| PA system is awful. Can’t here it clearly away from the main stand. |
| None its the Wembley of the north |
| Toilets could do with work |
| The Ferguson stand updated with a better view on both sides, and metal barriers for crowd safety, |
| Short term – Better toilet facilities |
| better entrance facilities |
| I think the ground is great, toilets etc are good for our level |
| Better toilets |
| Nothing comes to mind at the moment (sorry) |
| Toilets next in line for a face lift I think |
| clean toilets |
| More disabled facilities |
| Upgrade the toilets and re tarmac around that area. |
| Fine for our level |
| I WOULD LIKE A KIDS AREA TO KICK A BALL AROUND WHEN THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN WATCHING THE GAME AS THEY ARE NOT DOING ANY HARM BUT ARE STILL SUPPORTERS OF THE TEAM |
| More toilets |
| Stop people standing around the port of Blyth stand |
| Toilets need a make over. |
| Hot water in bogs |
| Toilets could be improved. Think the additional barriers on the East side of the ground should be removed, this could add more on the gate. |
| Public Address system is atrocious, has been for years, can’t hear a word that is being spoken. Toilets, need to be cleaned and stocked. |
| Toilet facilities are poor and signage around ground is none existent, nothing indicating where things within ground. Also signage on entrances about admission is shocking and should be more professionally produced |
| better choice of food |
| The PA system is awful |
| Nothing in the short term given the likely cost of any improvements. Croft Park is one of the better grounds and a decent team is a bigger pull than any facilities. |
| Better toilet facilities |
| Made that point last year, a 3G pitch would allow more fixtures (Juniors/Women/Reserves) to take place having the clubhouse open more often which would attract revenues. |
| Think it needs to be more welcoming for kids even if kicking a ball on the 3G pitch. Not sure why this was stopped but I would never bring my daughter as she would get bored whereas going to other no league clubs there are areas for her to play whilst I watch the football |
Like previous years, most people seem happy enough with the ground, but calls for better toilet facilities and a general ‘tidy up’ seems to be the main talking points, as they have been in previous years. As for the PA system, that’s already in hand.
| What could the club do to improve on the matchday experience for supporters? |
| Ban that drum |
| Better pre match music |
| No shouting through the tannoy |
| Aside from the social club, theres not much to entice supporters in ahead of kick off. The fan zone is a bit of a mess in all honesty. Its such a wasted space and needs to be reconsidered and done properly with music, food and entertainment offerings. Bands in the clubhouse would be great and encourage people to head down early – weve seen it first hand at FC United and it was a great atmosphere. Get in local breweries and do guest ales with a beer festival now and again. Getting a matchday playlist where fans and players can contribute would be good to see, local schools developing murals or artwork to get parents and families down early, rotating food vendor specials etc. |
| a competitive squad |
| Push the halftime draw around the ground. Different halftime events eg. Fan penalty shootout, brief talks with legends |
| Ive always said we should have a half time segment on the pitch, just daft things like a cross bar challenge or some stuff to keep the kids entertained |
| Get us a team that can win 🤷€™‚ï¸ðŸ¤£ |
| Not much |
| Better food vendors/offering. A tannoy that doesnt sound like its underwater. More mentions/displays in Croft park about our history to promote the €˜community side of things |
| Not get relegated again. Players and management staff talking to fans after the game |
| Tannoy, better music choices pre game (usually very uninspiring), food, toilets. Some wins would be nice |
| A tannoy that works. Its been painful at times. |
| Need more profile for kids/women’s teams – half time competitions for kids – |
| win a game |
| Half time entertainment on the pitch |
| Improve the toilets |
| Half time entertainment – crossbar challenge with home and away supporters |
| Pass |
| Win more often. |
| The football |
| Winning a game would be a start |
| Honestly, improve the PA system. It’s terrible. |
| Better tannoy system its easier to hear it in my garden a mile away than it is in the stand |
| Entice a kids zone so family’s can enjoy their day out |
| Always look forward to going, the match day experience is good enough for me |
| Match day experience is fine really and what you would expect at this level. A win would be nice mind. |
| Better PA system |
| WIN some games.make things more accesible |
| Croft park is good as is |
| sign players wholl win us some games |
| Win games. On pitch entertainment needs to be foremost |
| PA |
| A PA system you can here, so poor its almost pointless. |
| Better ‘on field’ product. New tannoy and speakers, difficult to hear what being said over it and been like that for years. |
| Better results (obviously). New/better tannoy system. Allow fans to submit music requests for match day playlist. |
| Ban the drum |
| Win some games. Honestly don’t know how we went backwards from Irfan and Howard. Win some games and everything seems that little bit brighter. |
| No idea |
| Encourage supporters to clean up after themselves and take pride in our ground and facilities. Maybe try to incentivise the young supporters to assist with litter picking. |
| Play attractive football |
| Better PA, a bar in the ground |
| Do something for kids on 3g before games(eg injured player or player thats not named in team to help) have donation tub if want to throw in odd change for this |
| Good football |
| Improved catering and toilets |
| Have a winning team… the rest will fall into place..Could have a mini Spartan as mascot for the kids. Better sound system. |
| upgrade the tannoy |
| get the fans involved and win games |
| Win |
| toilets |
| All turnstiles accept pre purchased tickets/ cash/ card. |
| Play better football. That is essentially why we attend games and support the club. |
| as mentioned, I mainly go for the football so I’d guess my matchday experience could be improved watching better quality football and maybe even win a few games |
| The team! |
| Bloody win, hell even score |
| Some form of pre match and/or half time entertainment either in clubhouse or within ground |
| Better music. Better announcements. |
| The experience will get better when the football improves |
| Speculate to accumulate with playing staff. Winning games improves the general feel of the place. Won’t win games paying peanuts or playing kids on dual reg from the alliance even in this lower league. Not sure what the answer is but needs something to drag people out of the clubhouse before 2.58 |
| Lower ticket prices |
| Improve pa system |
| Win |
| Get more people along |
| Prize draw for hospitality |
| New tannoy / team line up made available to see before start of match like in the old days / sheet put up in club house . |
| PA systrm |
| Just concentrate on the team for now |
| See comments above |
| More off the field activities |
| better pa system |
| Do more for younger fans. Half time games, face painting etc |
| Family events |
| Change the handing over of cash to a Stewart for sitting in the stand.Cash is now not carried by most people. |
| Win |
| A winning team |
| PA system so you can understand whats being said |
| Tannoy is awful |
| Free match day programs. |
| Providing supporters with a squad that is willing to fight for the badge and start getting results |
| Make music abit louder. Food and drink deals with tickets will get fans in too |
| Have a weekly 50/50 draw |
| Maybe have a section for the kids ( the ‘Swamp section’ in the P.O.B stand) instead of them having the freedom of running up & down the steps and forcing the seated supporters to move to let them in the seats only for them wanting to leave to run around the stand. this happens alot and fans infront of the directors box are moving to other parts of the ground, there’s been more empty seats in this part of the stand this season finished than last season, purely because of the kids ( i’ve seen the people who use to sit there in the social club and they all have said they only left cos of the kids). |
| Allow mascots not just from the junior teams |
| Its nothing like it was 3-4 seasons ago. No atmosphere as we have been absolutely atrocious. Crowd has currently lost interest. Only the seasoned fans are going and you can hear all their conversations in their little groups as even they arent taking much notice. So sad. |
| Improve tannoy |
| Maybe more half time activities |
| BEING HONEST WHEN I GO TO A HOME MATCH I WOULD RATHER GO TO THE WALLAW OR THE MASONS ARMS AS WE HAVE A BETTER MATCH DAY OUT AND FEEL MORE WELCOME |
| Cheaper entry |
| Nothing think for the level the clubs are everything works fine |
| Aside from win not much |
| Mascot opportunities for kids. |
| New tannoy is welcome. |
| A new public address system. The one at the moment is virtually non existent. |
| Tidy the place up. It’s a great little ground, but it’s looking unkept. Things just left all over the place, the horrible ‘temporary’ fencing around the main stand it looks awful. |
| Ground cleaned, some areas have seen better days. Guest food vans. Former players invited back as guests of honoured and introduced to crowd |
| chance to meet players |
| Better PA |
| Better tannoy system |
| More bar areas in the ground |
| Stop getting rid of fans who try to create an atmosphere |
| What (if any) feedback would have for the 1899 Club? |
| Let me win lol |
| I just love Scott and what he has done |
| It can seem confusing with which iteration were onto but in general its essential. |
| Its been a massive positive over the past few years. Its really helped the club and needs to stay |
| Easier and more accessible payment options but this is apparently being looked at. |
| Set a stretch target and double the contribution that the club currently receives to further help the budget. Not everyone uses social media. Make it landing page on website. Get an article in Northumberland News (that comes from County Hall), Pinned on social media and attend local events (carnival/ Blyth Live) to promote and get people signed on |
| Brilliantly run – sets an example on transparency for those involved via emails |
| Nothing |
| Good |
| Pass |
| Detailed breakdown of where money spent |
| It is going fine plig it more |
| Good feedback |
| Very happy, Scott also deserves medal. Market as hard as you can. |
| Great work |
| Fine as is, maybe different prizes each month |
| Used to be a member! It didn’t work in its primary goal to bring in better players. No accountability for poor use of funds and now it’s just used to plug gaps made by previous poor decisions. |
| It is doing a good job |
| Needs to be pushed more on all social media and match days |
| I think the club has been pretty well organised. |
| I never win, lol. |
| Well run, trusted. Nothing to improve on |
| Not joined yet but will be doing so shortly |
| Keep up the great work |
| Not sure what it is |
| Got a hell of a job right now |
| It’s well ran |
| Unsure |
| Great work! Many improvements seen recently |
| Think its very well organized. Keep sharing details on how the money has been spent where its possible as keeps you engaged and motivated to contribute. |
| Keep it up, just keep banging the drum, highlight what it has and does pay for so people feel more involved |
| Needs to be more available on line to join in. Not the usual contact the person A or contact the general manager etc. All of these things need a complete modernisation . Where still quite prehistoric really. |
| I AM NOT A MEMBER AND IT IS POOR VALVE FOR £100 A MONTH PRIZE MONEY AND WHEN IT STARTED IT WAS TO BUY BETTER PLAYERS FOR THE TEAM AND LOOK AT THE RUBBISH WHAT PLAYED FOR BLYTH SPARTANS IN THE LAST 7 YEARS WE ARE THE ONLY TEAM TO MAKE BUGUET CUTS GOING FOR PLAY OFFS FROM NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH THANKS TO TONY PLATTEN |
| Membership drive |
| Well run. Valuable. |
| Not sure what this question is? |
| Improve the PA and play less music |
| Seems to be working well – credit to Scott for keeping it viable in difficult circumstances. |
| Not sure if it gives enough back for what you put in |
| How could the club improve on how it communicates with supporters? |
| Get news out on time Far too slow to find things out |
| Talk to the fans about what’s happening in around the club |
| Keep people who have been or are on the board from telling socials what they think eg: tinder annoying he was leaving on twitter at 11pm and mick booting off with people after a drink on socials |
| More regular, honest and transparent updates. Circle back to earlier points on this. |
| possibly doing a monthly update on the clubs website on whats going on in around the club |
| Regular updates from the board regarding what is being done behind the scenes. It started off well but the communication slowed in early 2025 |
| I think the open nights are great but for me its the day to day squad updates that we are missing. Things like the boxing event nobody was updated on that then it didnt happen. |
| Monthly newsletter |
| Inform supporters on signings, more behind the scenes information instead of just dropping it on us on matchday |
| Again, more proactivity rather than reactivity. Sometimes the club is impatient to put things out like match reports, while some days they take ages to come out – it seems unplanned and chaotic, A bit more consistency needed – Monthly newsletter or mailing list updating fans one (non confidential) minutes. Trust minutes too for transparency on that they are discussing . |
| Monthly newsletter to keep fans more updated |
| As mentioned above, the club is slow to communicate and we’re not posting enough to keep engagement alive. The club never responds directly to fans questions on social media and has allowed management, players and board members to get in confrontational arguments on social media. |
| Comms have been great in my opinion. Make use of the newsletter facility on website. Not everybody is on social media. Weekly reviews on a newsletter email. Monthly reviews in print to those who subscribe to newsletter and choose that as their preferred method of communication. |
| Worth streaming the quarterly open forum |
| more transparent budgets |
| More regular social media updates regarding the club |
| Let us know more by just posting things on social media. Easy fix. Never know what’s happening with the club. Even on match days don’t know what injuries we have, opponent insight etc. |
| Actually act on things that are valuable and give supporters more opportunity to give feedback |
| Better social media |
| Retained list |
| Possibly live stream AGM meetings for fans who cant attend |
| Make it better. Be more transparent. Don’t expect to know everything, but honestly, it’s been diabolical |
| Get match day teams out earlier ! |
| Making sure we can update our website more efficiently |
| Its fine |
| From November 2024 the communication from the club to the fans has been exceptional |
| The open forum should see communication improve. A good move. |
| I think it does a good job through you guys. |
| Take notice of fans surjestions n observations |
| Monthly overviews of things |
| Frequent updates, no matter how small to keep us updated on how things are going behind the scenes and what is being done to act on supporter concerns |
| Online forums, surveys |
| Online forum for those who can’t make it on the night(live stream) |
| Social media rules the life of many these days. Should find a systematic way of feeding information to supporters on a regular basis. |
| More emails |
| Better socials, more frequent communication and better advertisement of games and events ether via official club or supporters trust |
| Unsure |
| More updates as to what’s going on. Weekly or monthly update would be a huge step forward to letting fans know what’s going on. |
| Better use of social media, regular email newsletter |
| More frequent and faster posting on social media. |
| Up to date information |
| The open forums have been good with the last one excellent. It’s the day to day media around players joining, leaving and general what’s going on what let’s us down |
| Better social media and up to date website what states who does what job roles |
| Just be open, clear and regular |
| Monthly/weekly newsletter or suchlike with updates on team news, financial updates. Get members of the team/ mamaging staff/board on the Green Army podcast if possible. Maybe a regular item. As and when the podcasts resume like. |
| Keep people more informed of future home matches not just advertising it on a Friday night before the Saturday |
| more social media communication as it only seems to be on match day and the day before and after where there is really posts |
| tell as soon as possible |
| Just keep up with the quarterly talks and more up to date information on the website. |
| It doesnt communicate now – so anything would be an improvement? |
| Don’t know. |
| Stop hopping onto social media to attack genuine opinions of supporters might be a good start. Feels like a closed shop still. We can’t be a community club without trust, openness, mutual respect & transparency. |
| regular scheduled updates on social media and even news letters around the club on matchdays? |
| Be open and honest – I mean what the hell was last season? Basically gave up at Xmas and all we got was pretending everything is ok. |
| Listen more and actually take comments on board, more QandAs |
| Up to date website |
| News board. Interviews. Behind the scenes coverage. Deals. Club shop item of the week/month. Free draws. |
| Regular updates |
| More up to date news on platforms like facebook or their website |
| Genuine honesty, still a lot of cloak and dagger cryptic nonsense even since November. Tell us what we need to know. Stop parading round like everything is fine if it isn’t. Execs and playing staff not verbally abusing fans online for voicing an opinion. |
| I think it’s good |
| Dont call supporters dicks would be a start |
| More frequent updates on things like Injuries |
| Be clear on the plan. Be transparent on the expertise and what’s needed if missing any skillets. Have a regular update email keeping fans informed on what’s happening and what is coming up. Could easily get a massive mailing list of people and an email on the Friday might just get them down for the game Saturday |
| Communicate earlier everything seems to take a long time to be announced |
| Improve media team . |
| Regular updates on squad |
| Someone in charge of communication |
| The match day programme could convey more information |
| Unsure |
| Having a main official spokespersons |
| Way more activity on social media. Plasters werent announced at end of season and never any injury updates |
| Better and quicker info online and via social media. Higher quality writing for match reports etc. |
| As a minimum have a monthly update from the board. |
| We have heard nothing about retained players or anything about playing recruitment. All other local teams at this level have started there recruitment for next season.Where is the manager,he has been aloof since the end of the season. |
| I think the club is improving communication with supporters but still needs work. |
| Its |
| Close off replies to stop bickering between fans |
| Proper social media man/woman with interaction with fans/comments/info etc |
| Through its website. |
| Continue to provide open session which has been the case over the past 6 months |
| monthly newsletter or email |
| Maybe some regular posts on social written by the chairman on what is trying to be achieved and how they feel things are going on a semi regular basis. Maybe a monthly post on what we are doing |
| Can’t answer that. |
| The message has been clear but media output was terrible so there was little news about anything towards the end of the season |
| tweet more not once every week |
| As previously mentioned. |
| No improvement |
| Leaflets |
| TALK TO SUPPORTERS AND LISTEN TO THEM WHETHER THEY ARE RIGHT OR WRONG WITH THERE IDEARS AS YOU DO NOT HAVE A CLUB WITH OUT SUPPORTERS |
| More openness |
| If any criticism is received on social media people within the club can rightly defend club without labelling fans €œdickheads€ or resorting to sending private messages (hopefully this has now been resolved with change of manager) |
| Could do with easy to read posts and better communication maybe videos or something alog those lines |
| I think the recent open forum was unique in it’s level of detail about the club’s situation. How that is communicated more widely is tricky. |
| The aftermatch game reports can be posted very late so maybe that could be an issue to be looked at and improved a little. |
| You promised openness and more communication. It just hasn’t materialized. If anything it’s worse than it was previous. How can other clubs have such great up to date websites, with regular information and we have virtual silence? |
| Monthly news letter. Use its social media platforms for more updates. New floodlights currently going in and nothings been put out. League allocations issued and club acknowledged it 4 days later ! |
| the communication is terrible. even worse than the previous owner. no info as to which players have left, who is being kept on for next season. never any updates on players injuries. |
| I rely on the web site which has not been as useful as in past seasons, understandably.. |
| Improvements already have been made with open forums and openness of communications. Provide board meeting minutes (redacted as appropriate) with bullet points of agenda items discussed. |
| Don’t think it can, excellent after November |
| Be more transparent in terms of Budget. Feeling like we will never fight at the same level as our oppositions, 3 level down from 3 seasons ago and still other clubs seem to get their business done quicker than Spartans. Leaving us fighting to attract players late on |
| Mailing list? |
| If you have any final comments or feedback to add, please leave it here. |
| Community club is a to way concept |
| Bring on the new season |
| More initiatives for season ticket holders, even little things such as 5% off in club shop. |
| Can we have a retained list please |
| As much as off the pitch is improving I just hope on the pitch does this year |
| Howay Blyth |
| I love this club I do it has been in my family for so many generations but something doesnt feel right and its a shame. We just want our club back and to make a big change in regards to the team forget about youth quite clearly that doesnt work at this level a little more experience is needed |
| Keep communicating with the fans |
| White away strip please. |
| Roll on August. Howay Blyth |
| Heard we have no retained list? What a stupid idea, surely if we dont declare who we are keeping and whos leaving managers from other teams are going to come fishing for our players. Also why should I buy a season ticket when I dont know whos event going to play for us |
| Much better since community club |
| Please try and work with the fans more closely. Make better decisions financially, and get rid of Tom Wade. |
| Just glad to have a club to support, many thanks to the hard work put in by the officials and volunteers when they took over in November |
| Invest in playing side win games and the fans will return.. |
| Improve social media massively |
| “Build it and they will come”. Need to win back the fans that have deserted the team and headed to watch rivals in our new league. |
| I don’t live locally anymore so can’t get to many games. When I do, I enjoy them (ignoring the quality on the pitch) Fabulous programme btw |
| I think the club is heading in the right direction however must not think it can drop off during off season. Keep fans updated during the time off as best it can and keep pushing community aspect. For example some presence at local events (VE DAY, Blyth Battery, blyth Live etc, are ideal places to engage with fans and spread the word) and advertising and cooperation with smaller local businesses. |
| Please put the football as the top priority. Planning on doing stuff for the Community is great, but shouldn’t take away why we’re all here which is the football. Felt after the takeover the football was an after thought. |
| Stop forcing fans to answer all questions on here |
| Thanks to everyone involved at the club at all levels and to the spartans trust. Rome wasnt built in a day, i am confident we are on the road to recovery. |
| Ive sad enough |
| Just need a good team. 6 years of pretty poor teams |
| Have pitch square sponsors again and maybe ground area sponsorship. Including sponsorship squares for changing room,and rest of rooms downstairs |
| After last season you certainly know now what to do so learn from the mistakes |
| I really appreciate what the board has done, saving the club. |
| Back the management to put together a team that can hit the ground running at the start and the fans will come |
| howay blyth |
| Good luck for the next season. |
| You have a loyal and dedicated fan base and a massive plot of land in the middle of Blyth – there’s never been a focus on how you can draw more income from what you already have that isnt football – please get someone into the club that can ramp up the entertainment side of what you do – there should be business meetings booked, a restaurant ran by someone else, party nights, matchday experiences and more – 07813919052 |
| Good luck for new season! |
| Let’s hope 25/26 is better than 24/25 |
| hopefully we can put the last 2 seasons behind us and start to see some positives next season but this will be all dependent on the quality of squad we start next season with |
| Club is in free fall. Needs to get a grip. Last six seasons or so have been utterly dreadful. Ruined Saturdays more often than not. How some of those players lasted the full season simply beggars belief. They had thrown the towel in a Xmas and they were still expecting £15 for basically a Northern League standard (and a poor standard at that). Fairly angry with the club to be honest. Feel a bit taken for granted whilst all sorts of shenanigans must have been playing out in the background. Howay Blyth. |
| Remove the supporter barriers around the dugout side of ground. Poor looking, untidy and seem to serve no purpose. |
| The football this last couple of years has brought the whole match day experience down, if the football improves then I’m sure the whole atmosphere around the club would |
| Media output last season was appalling. Grammar and spelling shocking. Made us a laughing stock regardless of what was going on on the pitch. Beggars can’t be choosers but still some fans ruining the matchday for everyone else. Getting our own catering sorted is a MASSIVE step forward and one we’ve been calling out for for years. Competition for players is going to be extremely tough with players voting for whoever throws the most money at them so need to be spending enough to build a competitive team at least or all of the hard work to improve croft park and clear debts etc will be in vain and we will continue tumbling down the leagues even further. #howayblyth |
| Brilliant work from the trust. Well done lads. |
| Shambles of a club |
| Why have 16 plus prices went up to 7 pound |
| Think I’ve said enough |
| Need to announce players in as soon as possible to keep supporters on board |
| Can we sign some new players at least a month before the season starts this season as opposed to the week before like last season . |
| Good luck |
| Really hope things improve, I love coming to Croft Park but it’s difficult convincing others! |
| The club unfortunately failed to adapt to the modern day local football culture and was left behind, hence why it is in this current position. The off the field experience is just as important, if not more important than the on the field experience, which needs to improve. |
| Keep up the good work |
| I love Blyth Spartans and I am happy to see the excellent efforts being made with the new ownership. Hoping for better times next season. Thanks for all that you are doing. |
| Best of luck for next season,hope we can make it to promotion. |
| Letter forecast or something similar to raise some money for the club |
| Keep the web site updated. |
| Clubs are providing retained lists – we are not Clubs are providing pre season friendlies – we are not Clubs are signing new players – we are not I believe a fast start was needed once the season was over, it seems not to be the case. |
| Just maybe make tickets £10, £150 season ticket. More matchday deals and offers |
| Get good |
| Wheres the retained list ?. Whos new? Need to see all of this before we bother buying season tickets. Or hardly any will be sold. Other clubs are already selling them. But as usual were like the donkeys tail |
| I think things are ok at the moment |
| I LOVE FOOTBALL AND SUPPORT 2 TEAMS BLYTH SPARTANS AND LEEDS UNITED WITH MY BROTHER STEVEN AND WE ARE WELL KNOWN AT BLYTH SPARTANS AND HAVE GONE TO MATCHES SINCE 1969 BUT THE LAST 7 YEARS HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT AND I HOPE WE HAVE A BETTER SEASON AND CAN MAKE US A BETTER TEAM AGAIN IN THE FUTURE THANKYOU PAUL FRETWELL |
| Make this question optional |
| Good luck for the season ahead I shall be buying a season ticket for both me and my son. Hopefully we can be competitive and bounce back to where we belong in no time |
| After the season finished it seems the vlclub amhaven’t done loads in terms of social media and next season. If you look at a Newcastle Blue Star they’ve had interviews with managers and players best moments of previous season (could be difficult for us) but something likr that would be nice to show the club are atill there and get some excitement reasy for next year |
| The club needs go use social media more go promote matches bar opening times etc. There were occasions last season when the team line up wasn’t even posted. |
| Haway Blyth |
| The only other thing I would like, obviously, a decent squad, remain in the ‘Northern Premier’ league and to progress further up the pyramid. Having said all that, as I stated above, I have followed the club through thick and thin for over sixty years and I hope to remain so for the next sixty ( lol)!!! |
| Media output needs to be much better so behind what other clubs put out for smaller fan bases. |
| to be honest we mostly go to away games as we are 225 miles from Blyth but we did attend home games at the end of the season and really enjoyed it, apart from the 9 hours of driving! |
| Credit must be given to all those who have saved the club from going under. Expectations of supporters going forward must now be managed in line with what appears to be extremely limited financial resources. |
| Once the new website became operational updates stalled particularly with the ever changing squad members. News can be slow to be updated on website. Add more player/match stats. I appreciate all work is dependent upon volunteer media resources. In the immediate short term the priority is to get a squad in place in time for a proper pre season such that it can at least compete. This is easily the main way to get fair weather supporters back. In recent years we have had a knack of getting a big gate in for a match and then underperform thereby losing any momentum. |
| Think the club really needs to focus on getting families and young kids in. Theres a whole generation of kids who just cant get tickets for Newcastle games which needs to be focused on. At the moment I would never bring my daughter but have started going to other non league games as its more appealing to take her. Also during busy periods Xmas/ Easter there has to be some form of discounts for multiple games. Especially at Xmas I think people would buy 3 games for £25 amount as a Xmas present. Way of guaranteeing people through the door and giving something back to the community |
Once again, thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. The football club will reviewing the above report at the next board meeting.