Sale fans are revolting
Gigg Lane, Bury
By Sarah Braide
June 9 2002
The fans are revolting. Keith Jones is, like many other supporters, angry at the proposed name change, ground change, matchday change and lack of communication from the club to the fans. So he's pushing an SOS (Save our Sale) campaign.
He has launched an SOS (Save our Sale) campaign to get Brian Kennedy et al to start listening to the protests of Sale supporters. And after a demonstration at the Gloucester game and publicity in the Manchester Evening News, the campaign does seem to be getting some attention. This is the article Keith sent to the press:
SAVE OUR SALE - Don't Bury Sale Sharks
After the best year ever in Sale's long history - second in the Premiership, Parker Pen trophy winners - the end of season excitement has been marred for stalwart Sale fans by the news that owner Brian Kennedy is considering moving the first team to a new home at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Sale has become THE team to watch in the Premiership - the quality of the players and rugby played is clearly a result of the hardwork and investment Kennedy and his team have been prepared to put in over the last three years. However, rugby is changing and Kennedy knows (and so do the fans) that to develop rugby in to a real force in the North West he will have to take the team on to new heights.
The fans who displayed their grievance with the move to Bury at the last home game on Sunday were not protesting about the need to move - everyone recognises that Heywood Road is not big enough. The demonstration was about the lack of consultation with the fans and the feeling that not all the options have yet been fully considered.
The protest was about:
SAVE OUR SALE - don't bury Sale - campaign organiser Keith Jones commented that the protest was well-meant in the knowledge that Sale has to change. As he says '' We (the fans) want the club to be even more successful - but we want all the fans to enjoy that success. Our belief is that there is sufficient will, resources and opportunity to develop something locally in Trafford. Brain Kennedy has changed the club - making it one of the best teams to watch - he had the good grace to come down on to the pitch to talk to us today and explain his position. He has promised to hold a fans meeting when the issues can be fully discussed and everyone can have a say - let's hope he is true to his word!''
Carole Hassam, Chief executive of Trafford Council, confirmed that talks were in progress with Mr. Fox, CEO of Sale Rugby, who has been more than supportive of looking for a solution.The fans at Sale live in hope that Brian Kennedy, Carl Fox and Carole Hassam can come up with a LOCAL SOLUTION.
To join in the SOS - don't bury Sale campaign e-mail SOSkjones@hotmail.com (tel 0161 976 6911) or visit the messageboard and in particular this thread.
This action has brought the issue to the attention of the Manchester Evening News who have launched a debate on the subject:
Sale's name change: fans have their say
- why Gigg Lane? - a round trip of over an hour, Friday night rugby will make it impossible for hundreds of youngsters to go to the games.
- are there no more local alternatives? - Trafford should be doing all it can to secure the future of Sale - the name and the glory bring great recognition for the region, helping to attract visitors and business.
- TALK TO THE FANS - make sure we all understand the pressures, opportunties, alternatives and need to move from Heywood Road.
- KEEP SALE's link with rugby - Sale has been playing rugby for over 140 years - keep the name, the identity, the brand.
RU debate: Sale's name change