Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Sardis Road
By CardiffSteve
May 26 2012
You have to hand it to them. Everything was getting quiet in Cardiff Bluesland. Frankly, it was in danger of all getting a bit boring...
Suggesting that we play games at Sardis Road is the perfect way to get things going again. Excellent move Mr Holland. I was missing my daily dose of conspiracy theories and vitriol.
Now, there is a fairly reasonable argument in favour of playing in the valleys. Its only the LV Cup. In return for relocating some low profile games we possibly win some new fans from north of Cardiff.
After all - whether your team is regarded as a region, a province or a club – you should always try to broaden your supporter base. Anyone with an interest in rugby within 45 minutes travel time should be seen as a potential supporter.
Here's how I see things: The majority of people in Wales did not support a “first class” club prior to 2003. Top flight club rugby could be fiercely tribal, but the truth is that it was always a minority interest.
Its still the case that there are many people in South Wales who enjoy rugby but have no strong attachment to any Welsh Premiership or Pro 12 side.
And that's who Cardiff Blues should target - the people who support Wales and perhaps their local village team but have never had a strong bond with any top flight club or region.
There'd be nothing too unusual about Cardiff Blues attracting those supporters. Its important to remember that we HAVE attracted support from outside the city – particularly when things go right on the pitch. Anyone who was present at the Millennium Stadium matches in 2009/10 will be aware of that.
So why play in Pontypridd? Is it because we'd be taking games to where people can't normally get to our matches? Nah. Ponty is a half hour train ride away. With favourable traffic you could probably drive from Sardis to the Arms Park in under half an hour.
Its not really like Munster moving games the 60 miles from Limerick to Cork. No, the reason for playing at Ponty is because we know they've a history of not liking us very much. We're trying to disprove any notions that we're a “Cardiff only” side.
But why target a town where it can be guaranteed that a certain proportion of local supporters will be strongly opposed to us playing there? Isn't this likely to encourage animosity, not dispel it?
You can say that this is the point - the fixture will “build bridges”. But for many hardcore Pontypridd supporters, Cardiff Blues playing a “home” game at their ground will not build bridges at all – it will be more like a final slap in the face after the events of 9 years ago.
Others in Pontypridd may well welcome the fixture, but there’s a real chance that the negativity will dominate before and after the games.
Not helping matters is that these fixtures might be seen as an attempt to undermine Pontypridd MP Owen Smith's Valleys Rugby project. Far from “embracing” the valleys, we could be seen to be trying to fob Pontypridd off with a couple of LV Cup matches when Valleys Rugby are attempting to bring them much more.
As a marketing tool, playing at Sardis could backfire quite spectacularly. Instead of getting rid of any perception that we disregard the valleys, we could end up encouraging that view.
Understand, I'm not writing off the idea of holding events north of Rhiwbina. Of course Cardiff Blues events should be held outside the city. This has already happened with age group games, open training sessions, Royal Welsh show visits and so forth. More of that, by all means. If an official Cardiff Blues “A” side is ever formed, it should play matches at Abercynon, Treherbert, Barry, Builth Wells, Mountain Ash...
But a truly bold, exciting move would be to bring professional rugby to somewhere genuinely new. I'd be in favour of taking LV Cup games to Merthyr Tydfil's Penydarren Park.
Should it be a regular thing? No. If we begin playing all LV Cup matches away from Cardiff Arms Park, we wont be encouraging people to come to our stadium – we'll be encouraging them to demand even more games outside Cardiff.
But a one off showcase where we host a team like Harlequins or Leicester right at the head of the valleys, in a sizable town which hasn't hosted top class sport in many years – that’s something could create a real buzz. It could generate interest amongst people who may not have considered supporting us before.
Give a community something that it genuinely hasn't had before and we could create a lot of good will. Go to Pontypridd and try to take the place of a much loved local team and we're far more likely to do the opposite.
Got an opinion on this? Leave your comments below.
LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2012 16:09
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:26:17:09:30 by theArmsPark.co.uk Admin.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:26:17:09:30 by theArmsPark.co.uk Admin.
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: cardiffstu (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 18:17
Stupid idea unless it's set up to fail and the excuse of "we tried, they didn't want it" is the aim, at which point we can drop the nonsense regional bit and be Cardiff.
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 18:23
I suspect this thread is about to demonstrate why this is a @#$%& idea.
Its more likely to create divisions and new problems than solve anything.
Its more likely to create divisions and new problems than solve anything.
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: Londonwelsh (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 18:26
Well this is what they should have done years ago. Question is are the Ponty faithfull willing to get behind the Cardiff Blues?
I guess the proof is in the pudding but it may be too little too late now. Fair play to them for giving it a go at least.
I guess the proof is in the pudding but it may be too little too late now. Fair play to them for giving it a go at least.
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: Hairy P (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 20:16
Potential to fail horribly as the lv games are never great - however if there's a few ex-ponty young lads playing then they may come out to cheer them on - always part of the ponty family wherever they go
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: Rich. (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 20:24
I'm sure the Ponty faithful won't but there maybe some less diehard fans around who will go along. But I agree that we are seen (and should be seen) as a Cardiff and 'district' team in the way we always have. To seek to get Ponty diehards along you'd have to call the team ..... well Ponytypridd I should imagine - and I don't blame them for that; they have a very good Prem side which represents their town and plays in a competitive league against local sides.
To be really regional we'd have to go down the Ospreys route and beyond (calling ourselves SE Wales - not including Newport - Gladiators) and, erh, look how successful Ospreylia has been! That's not to say the idea of 4 fully pro teams playing in the HC and Pro 12 is a bad idea BUT the idea of creating regional teams where those regions don't realy exist just doesn't work. The only regional teams world-wide which seem to work are those connected with an existing region which those people living/from the region identify with (e.g. (Otago) Highlanders, Queensland Reds, Munster, Leinster etc). When you try to create a region where one doesn't exist in people's minds then it doesn't work. A few year's back there was talk of Bristol and Bath amalgamating and playing at Ashton Gate and being called the Western Bllues or something naff like that. You can be sure that the team would have got far less support than Bristol or Bath individually. Just look at the Os, if Neath had had the players the Os have had and the amount of success the Os have had (not bad in Celtic league to be fair) then, with a decent stadium, Neath would have got 10K plus each game and some people from the surrounding towns and villages would have come along as well.
For sure in days of old a good number of people from villages around Cardiff didn't refuse to come along and watch Gareth and Barry because the team were called Cardiff.
To be really regional we'd have to go down the Ospreys route and beyond (calling ourselves SE Wales - not including Newport - Gladiators) and, erh, look how successful Ospreylia has been! That's not to say the idea of 4 fully pro teams playing in the HC and Pro 12 is a bad idea BUT the idea of creating regional teams where those regions don't realy exist just doesn't work. The only regional teams world-wide which seem to work are those connected with an existing region which those people living/from the region identify with (e.g. (Otago) Highlanders, Queensland Reds, Munster, Leinster etc). When you try to create a region where one doesn't exist in people's minds then it doesn't work. A few year's back there was talk of Bristol and Bath amalgamating and playing at Ashton Gate and being called the Western Bllues or something naff like that. You can be sure that the team would have got far less support than Bristol or Bath individually. Just look at the Os, if Neath had had the players the Os have had and the amount of success the Os have had (not bad in Celtic league to be fair) then, with a decent stadium, Neath would have got 10K plus each game and some people from the surrounding towns and villages would have come along as well.
For sure in days of old a good number of people from villages around Cardiff didn't refuse to come along and watch Gareth and Barry because the team were called Cardiff.
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: Bored of all this (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 20:35
Was actually going to buy a ST next season not so sure now!
Would have felt ripped off it I'd already bought one, wonder if they will offer a refund.
Bet business club members will be flocking to Sardis - they moaned about CAP!
Would have felt ripped off it I'd already bought one, wonder if they will offer a refund.
Bet business club members will be flocking to Sardis - they moaned about CAP!
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: barry blues (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 20:51
LV to ponty.......local darbys and poss heineken to CCS.....both with non reserved seating what the hell has my well earnt money bought.... if this is confirmed I for one will be returning my season ticket b4 the season starts.
lets wait and see
lets wait and see
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 23:07
I'd like to know the motivation behind this. I can't see the Pontypridd faithful buying into it.
Ponty as a club are backing "Valleys Rugby" I fail to see how they can both back that and welcome the Cardiff Blues to play at Sardis Road.
Maybe this has been thrown it to set the Moggie amongst the birdies!?
Ponty as a club are backing "Valleys Rugby" I fail to see how they can both back that and welcome the Cardiff Blues to play at Sardis Road.
Maybe this has been thrown it to set the Moggie amongst the birdies!?
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: Bluestown (IP Logged)
Date: 24/05/2012 23:13
The Blues have to make the effort. If the valleys don't want anything to do with it then so be it, but at least the Blues can show they've made some effort. LV is not exactly great but it's a start.
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: smudgerblue (IP Logged)
Date: 25/05/2012 06:49
Just talk - Western Mail not the most accurate of papers!
Can't really see us moving games to Ponty land - the club have enough problems sorting out corporates at CAP let alone Sardis.
Don't think we'll see any games in the future at CCS (bad experience, we'll never be back), especially when we have a free go at the slightly bigger stadium next door.
The club/region need to re-focus effort on improving the 'experience' at CAP - I believe this is what they are doing (and long may it continue!!!
Can't really see us moving games to Ponty land - the club have enough problems sorting out corporates at CAP let alone Sardis.
Don't think we'll see any games in the future at CCS (bad experience, we'll never be back), especially when we have a free go at the slightly bigger stadium next door.
The club/region need to re-focus effort on improving the 'experience' at CAP - I believe this is what they are doing (and long may it continue!!!
Re: LV at Sardis
Posted by: Bluestown (IP Logged)
Date: 25/05/2012 14:15
Quote:smudgerblue
Just talk - Western Mail not the most accurate of papers!
Can't really see us moving games to Ponty land - the club have enough problems sorting out corporates at CAP let alone Sardis.
Don't think we'll see any games in the future at CCS (bad experience, we'll never be back), especially when we have a free go at the slightly bigger stadium next door.
The club/region need to re-focus effort on improving the 'experience' at CAP - I believe this is what they are doing (and long may it continue!!!
The corp event is not the same as the arms park for sure... and that's needed for the big cash.
Do you know what there plans are for that next year? haven't seen the prices myself but I guess they're dropping corp tickets by a lot.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2012 17:15
Edit: I have merged the LV at Sardis post with CardiffStee's article because they are practically the same.
On the topic of Steve's article above I think it's excellent. The point he makes is sound and I genuinely think he could be onto something. I know of a few Blues fans from Merthyr who didn't support Cardiff RFC, but since regionalism have followed the blues out to France and Italy!
In many respects, Cardiff fans (myself included) see The Blues representing the Valleys as Cardiff representing Ponty, when of course it's a far bigger region than that.
And I would would totally agree that we will never replace Ponty, but we can be something new and exciting for those who have never supported a top tier rugby side.
Very interesting article which I'm sure will stir up some debates...
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
On the topic of Steve's article above I think it's excellent. The point he makes is sound and I genuinely think he could be onto something. I know of a few Blues fans from Merthyr who didn't support Cardiff RFC, but since regionalism have followed the blues out to France and Italy!
In many respects, Cardiff fans (myself included) see The Blues representing the Valleys as Cardiff representing Ponty, when of course it's a far bigger region than that.
And I would would totally agree that we will never replace Ponty, but we can be something new and exciting for those who have never supported a top tier rugby side.
Very interesting article which I'm sure will stir up some debates...
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: smudgerblue (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2012 18:29
can't see it happening.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 26/05/2012 19:42
Quote:theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
...In many respects, Cardiff fans (myself included) see The Blues representing the Valleys as Cardiff representing Ponty, when of course it's a far bigger region than that...
This is an important point. The Lunatic fringe in Ponty (the minnority incidently) see this as a Cardiff V Pontypridd thing. They are, of course, wrong. Cardiff have accepted a development role in the entire region not just Ponty. So When do games go to Merthyr, Beddau or Builth Wells?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:05:26:19:44:07 by ATTR.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: smudgerblue (IP Logged)
Date: 27/05/2012 07:23
The region/club need to focus their energy on making the CAP their home again before thinking of taking games away.
Fans had their 'home' moved without any consultation - fans will need to be given time to regain and feel confident that the Cardiff Blues is moving in the right direction.
Maybe move games next season or the season after that - giving the fans plenty of warning - so they don't feel they are being dumped on again!
The Blues say they are listening - they need to continue to demonstrate this.
Fans had their 'home' moved without any consultation - fans will need to be given time to regain and feel confident that the Cardiff Blues is moving in the right direction.
Maybe move games next season or the season after that - giving the fans plenty of warning - so they don't feel they are being dumped on again!
The Blues say they are listening - they need to continue to demonstrate this.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 27/05/2012 14:33
This just strikes me as a lose-lose situation.
If, as expected, it goes badly and no one turns up what have we learnt? Is that experiment over, back to Cardiff RFC in blue and black? I doubt it.
If if were to go well and 5,000 turn up, then what? Do we agree to stage 50% of games at CAP and 50% at Sardis? But then what about Glamorgan, do we start taking games to the Memorial ground too?
The only outcome which benefits the club would be that people in and around Ponty enjoy what they see and decide that actually, after 5 years of not going to Cardiff to watch the Blues, perhaps they'll give it a go from now on.
If that happens Holland should be in charge of the WRU, not Cardiff Blues.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
If, as expected, it goes badly and no one turns up what have we learnt? Is that experiment over, back to Cardiff RFC in blue and black? I doubt it.
If if were to go well and 5,000 turn up, then what? Do we agree to stage 50% of games at CAP and 50% at Sardis? But then what about Glamorgan, do we start taking games to the Memorial ground too?
The only outcome which benefits the club would be that people in and around Ponty enjoy what they see and decide that actually, after 5 years of not going to Cardiff to watch the Blues, perhaps they'll give it a go from now on.
If that happens Holland should be in charge of the WRU, not Cardiff Blues.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Bluestown (IP Logged)
Date: 28/05/2012 17:27
Quote:theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
This just strikes me as a lose-lose situation.
If if were to go well and 5,000 turn up, then what? Do we agree to stage 50% of games at CAP and 50% at Sardis? But then what about Glamorgan, do we start taking games to the Memorial ground too?
Is that really a bad thing? I don't mind the games being shared around a region. Works for Munster. I know they have a different situation, but so what? Why throw the idea out?
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Neil (IP Logged)
Date: 28/05/2012 20:33
Why throw it out?
Because it is a@#$%&idea.
The fact that the ground at Sardis is unfit for pro rugby should be enough...
The fact that Pony RFC Ltd has aligned itself to the farcial 'Valleys Rugby' team project should be enough...
The fact that the borede have decided to return to CAP to save the team should be enough...
I wonder why they would even talk about such an idea. Where they egged on by RL et al.
They really need to make CAP work again.
If people want to support a team they will, it isn't any good trying to impose a magic 'area' onto them...
Several (large) shareholders have been meeting to discuss calling an EGM for not only this but the financial state of the company.
will they call the meeting?
We shall have to wait a little more I guess
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Because it is a@#$%&idea.
The fact that the ground at Sardis is unfit for pro rugby should be enough...
The fact that Pony RFC Ltd has aligned itself to the farcial 'Valleys Rugby' team project should be enough...
The fact that the borede have decided to return to CAP to save the team should be enough...
I wonder why they would even talk about such an idea. Where they egged on by RL et al.
They really need to make CAP work again.
If people want to support a team they will, it isn't any good trying to impose a magic 'area' onto them...
Several (large) shareholders have been meeting to discuss calling an EGM for not only this but the financial state of the company.
will they call the meeting?
We shall have to wait a little more I guess
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: cardiffstu (IP Logged)
Date: 28/05/2012 21:04
With the issues over the accounts I think it's time they dropped the whole Ponty farce for good.
They don't want Cardiff. Cardiff doesn't want them. Why do we still have to pretend this will ever work?
They don't want Cardiff. Cardiff doesn't want them. Why do we still have to pretend this will ever work?
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 28/05/2012 21:17
Quote:Neil
Why throw it out?
Because it is a@#$%&idea.
The fact that the ground at Sardis is unfit for pro rugby should be enough...
The fact that Pony RFC Ltd has aligned itself to the farcial 'Valleys Rugby' team project should be enough...
The fact that the borede have decided to return to CAP to save the team should be enough...
I wonder why they would even talk about such an idea. Where they egged on by RL et al.
They really need to make CAP work again.
If people want to support a team they will, it isn't any good trying to impose a magic 'area' onto them...
Several (large) shareholders have been meeting to discuss calling an EGM for not only this but the financial state of the company.
will they call the meeting?
We shall have to wait a little more I guess
Why would an EGM be needed with an AGM soon anyway?
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Bluestown (IP Logged)
Date: 28/05/2012 21:46
Quote:cardiffstu
They don't want Cardiff. Cardiff doesn't want them. Why do we still have to pretend this will ever work?
Then why do I see loads of teens/kids with blues tops in the valleys? Or are we just talking about older groups? Kids are the future, apparently.
As for the ground not being good enough - not what i'm told by a fair few who attend the ground. Bit of work maybe but for some games just fine.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 28/05/2012 22:52
Quote:BluestownQuote:cardiffstu
They don't want Cardiff. Cardiff doesn't want them. Why do we still have to pretend this will ever work?
Then why do I see loads of teens/kids with blues tops in the valleys? Or are we just talking about older groups? Kids are the future, apparently.
As for the ground not being good enough - not what i'm told by a fair few who attend the ground. Bit of work maybe but for some games just fine.
This "bit of work" - you're not suggesting we do Ponty's ground up for them?
Its ok for games where you'd expect a crowd of no more than 6-7,000 and no demand for corporate hospitality. The majority of that 6-7000 would have to be people happy to stand. I like terracing but people who've bought season tickets in the stand at CAP might not.
Season ticket holders - be interesting how that'll work if games go to Sardis. If there are (for example) 4,000 season ticket holders leaving only 2-3,000 tickets to sell- whats the point of moving the games?
Unless the games at Sardis are to be excluded from the season ticket.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: cardiffstu (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 00:14
Quote:Bluestown
Then why do I see loads of teens/kids with blues tops in the valleys? Or are we just talking about older groups? Kids are the future, apparently.
As for the ground not being good enough - not what i'm told by a fair few who attend the ground. Bit of work maybe but for some games just fine.
You probably see an equal number of Osprey shirts, maybe more Man Utd/Chelsea shirts although difficult to relate this to those who will actually pay to watch the "Blues". If Ponty are prepared to contribute financially to the region, upgrade their ground then there may be a stronger arguement for this sort of thing. As it stands they want the cake, the bun and a go on my Mrs for good measure!
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Bluestown (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 07:48
Yea, those kids huh! About time they started digging in their own pockets and making a contribution.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: cardiffstu (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 09:41
Nah, they should be free-loading students first 
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Neil (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 12:27
Quote:Bluestown
.....
As for the ground not being good enough - not what i'm told by a fair few who attend the ground. Bit of work maybe but for some games just fine.
Are they mad?
The pitch is of a poor standard esp when weather is bad.
The facilities are not what the CRFC Ltd board tell us IS required for modern(sic) audiences....
It is amdness that after having been forced into a u-turn of epic proportions that the board should consider further winding up rugby supporters
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Neil (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 12:32
Quote:cardiffsteve
Why would an EGM be needed with an AGM soon anyway?
Not sure what date you have for the AGM
But the reasoning behind an EGM call is that it would focus everything upon the issues raised in the EGM call.
There has been an occasion where an EGM & AGM have been held one after the other!!!
Not sure how common thta is though...
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: PontyBlues (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 17:20
I cant wait to travel up to Ponty on the train to watch the Blues play rugby. About time too.
And before I get slated for having an opinion that isnt Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff.
Thats how I feel. You cant change that and If you cant respect that then we will always be a struggling REGION.
Why do we always think we know whats best?
And before I get slated for having an opinion that isnt Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff.
Thats how I feel. You cant change that and If you cant respect that then we will always be a struggling REGION.
Why do we always think we know whats best?
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 17:58
Quote:fitzybear
I cant wait to travel up to Ponty on the train to watch the Blues play rugby. About time too.
And before I get slated for having an opinion that isnt Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff.
Thats how I feel. You cant change that and If you cant respect that then we will always be a struggling REGION.
Why do we always think we know whats best?
I'll endeavour to answer your query, but can you explain who "we" are?
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: smudgerblue (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 18:02
Sent this email to the Cardiff Blues over the weekend:
Dear Mr Holland
I have in the past week purchased a season ticket for the forth coming season on the basis of 'A Cardiff Blues season ticket gives entry to 11 regular season RaboDirect PRO12 matches, 3 Heineken Cup pool matches and 2 LV= Cup pool games plus any friendly matches.' as per your article on your website (http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5863.php) declaring a return to the Cardiff Arms Park, however, two recent articles in the Western Mail indicate that we may play two of these games at Sardis Road.
Surely this is the wrong time to be sending out mixed messages to the fans. Since the return of a couple of games to the Arms Park this season there has been continued speculation regards where the Cardiff Blues were playing their home games next season - you ended this speculation by announcing a return to the Arms Park. Good clear communication to the fans - the Cardiff Blues were starting to rebuild some trust. With the recent articles in the Western Mail, people may again by put off from purchasing a season ticket as there is some speculation to where some games may be played. With the recently announced move back, this is not a time to create additional uncertainty. I would imagine that the Blues would want to consolidate their move back home and try to maximise potential season tickets sale - new uncertainty makes this more difficult.
May I suggest that you restate that for the next season that all games (with the exception of cup knock out stages) will be played at the Cardiff Arms Park.
Also, if the two LV Cup games are being played at Sardis Road will I be entitled to a part refund of my season ticket as the product you have advertised would be what I purchased..?
Kind regards
Dear Mr Holland
I have in the past week purchased a season ticket for the forth coming season on the basis of 'A Cardiff Blues season ticket gives entry to 11 regular season RaboDirect PRO12 matches, 3 Heineken Cup pool matches and 2 LV= Cup pool games plus any friendly matches.' as per your article on your website (http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/5863.php) declaring a return to the Cardiff Arms Park, however, two recent articles in the Western Mail indicate that we may play two of these games at Sardis Road.
Surely this is the wrong time to be sending out mixed messages to the fans. Since the return of a couple of games to the Arms Park this season there has been continued speculation regards where the Cardiff Blues were playing their home games next season - you ended this speculation by announcing a return to the Arms Park. Good clear communication to the fans - the Cardiff Blues were starting to rebuild some trust. With the recent articles in the Western Mail, people may again by put off from purchasing a season ticket as there is some speculation to where some games may be played. With the recently announced move back, this is not a time to create additional uncertainty. I would imagine that the Blues would want to consolidate their move back home and try to maximise potential season tickets sale - new uncertainty makes this more difficult.
May I suggest that you restate that for the next season that all games (with the exception of cup knock out stages) will be played at the Cardiff Arms Park.
Also, if the two LV Cup games are being played at Sardis Road will I be entitled to a part refund of my season ticket as the product you have advertised would be what I purchased..?
Kind regards
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: smudgerblue (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 18:04
And got this response:
Thank you for your email and feedback. While the press may have announced a probable move to Sardis Road for the LV= Cup fixtures in the coming season this is not a message that we released or promoted through the press. While the matter has been discussed a number of weeks ago, no arrangements have been made and no meeting has taken place in regards to this suggestion.
Kind Regards,
Georgina Hughes
Cardiff Blues
Thank you for your email and feedback. While the press may have announced a probable move to Sardis Road for the LV= Cup fixtures in the coming season this is not a message that we released or promoted through the press. While the matter has been discussed a number of weeks ago, no arrangements have been made and no meeting has taken place in regards to this suggestion.
Kind Regards,
Georgina Hughes
Cardiff Blues
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: Bluestown (IP Logged)
Date: 29/05/2012 19:48
Quote:smudgerblue
And got this response:
Thank you for your email and feedback. While the press may have announced a probable move to Sardis Road for the LV= Cup fixtures in the coming season this is not a message that we released or promoted through the press. While the matter has been discussed a number of weeks ago, no arrangements have been made and no meeting has taken place in regards to this suggestion.
Kind Regards,
Georgina Hughes
Cardiff Blues
Sounds like they have been thinking about it then - and they are obviously not willing to rule it out. Sounds good so far.
Re: LV at Sardis & Cardiff Blues at Sardis Road: Why it's not a good idea.
Posted by: ATTR (IP Logged)
Date: 31/05/2012 07:34
Sourse at the club indicates that this story is a Western Mail fantasy and it has no creedence.
Alsothe accounts were due to be signed off yesterday so that stumbling block should be out of the way soon.
Alsothe accounts were due to be signed off yesterday so that stumbling block should be out of the way soon.