Season? What Season?
By Kimbo
January 5 2021
WITH the announcement of another country-wide lock-down this week, just what are the prospects of us long-suffering rugby fans seeing some live games this season?
The RFU's relatively recent announcement of a short structured season commencing in March always seemed illogical and somewhat unlikely given the rising incidence of Covid-19 cases, and this now seems to be just about dead in the water following yesterday's somewhat telegraphed announcement from No10 (Downing St., not the recently departed stand-off).
Those of us with reserved seats, and other slightly less definable real-estate at the Butts Park Arena, will probably by now be coming to the realization that we may well have chucked good money after bad.
But, is that really the case?
I have absolutely no idea what will happen to my unused 'assets' from the end of last season (was it four home matches cancelled in total?), and neither do I care. Wait. Didn't the club make an offer of free games for friends during the 20-21 season? Can't remember for sure, and can't be bothered to check. I think I said at the time that I really didn't mind what they did with the slack, and said to pass them on to deserving cases. Less fortunate souls who are normally unable to enjoy the BPA experience, and who may just be convinced to try it again. Maybe even look into buying a season ticket for future games?
Like I said, it's a bit hazy now, after all, it's been, what, ten months since we were allowed to watch our team?
But. That's the point I'm trying to make. Is it really good money after bad?
Emphatically NOT, if you love this club and wish to see it survive this turbulent period in history. Major sponsors and other backers do a fantastic job in keeping the club afloat, but it's just as important that us, the lowly punters, do our bit if we can.
I know, I know. Times are 'ard guv (tell me about it; my pension, supporting two of us plus an ailing mutt ain't really cutting the mustard), but – if you can stretch to a season ticket up-front, please do so.
If you can spare a few quid monthly on the Cov Lottery (linked from the Message Board), please do so.
Every little helps, as they say.
Cheers, and a Happy New Year, despite it all...
Kimbo: Standing in!
Season? What Season?
Posted by: Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 13:40
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:27:16:06:52 by Kimbo.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:27:16:06:52 by Kimbo.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Moosemagic (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 14:27
If any and all payments are used to keep the club afloat then count me in, I will continue to contribute. It must be so difficult for Jon, Nick, Chris , Liz , Eric and the rest of the team, trying to keep things going with no regular income, you can only applaud their efforts.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Paul Ingleston (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 15:08
Myself? I just want a chance to wear some of my still packaged new shirts to watch in at a Cov game! Sadly, cannot see that happening anytime soon. As has been said I would hope my cash outlay's are playing a bit part in keeping our club alive.
If, and it must be a big if, there are some fixtures and we could possibly be going down the live streaming route, I hope the season ticket money can be used as some form of payment for viewing.
I just want to see s Cov side playing again. For me, that would be a massive tonic in these anxious times.
If, and it must be a big if, there are some fixtures and we could possibly be going down the live streaming route, I hope the season ticket money can be used as some form of payment for viewing.
I just want to see s Cov side playing again. For me, that would be a massive tonic in these anxious times.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: covkid53 (IP Logged)
Date: 05/01/2021 21:20
I've been in the lottery since day one, I only hope my small contribution to club funds is of help. I feel sorry for Cov, not deemed elite sport so gets no government help and not able to play. I only hope the business insurance ?, rates holidays and furlough can save our club and others suffering equally as badly. All we can do is keep the faith I suppose 😌
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 11:00
The 'insurance' (sic) company has slithered out from under its responsibilities AFAIK.
Whether they had a crossed and dotted legal responsibility is moot, of course, but... morals?
Whether they had a crossed and dotted legal responsibility is moot, of course, but... morals?
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Cliff Bennett (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 16:57
Morals? That’s very sick joke and in very poor taste.
And all they now about ethics is that they think it’th a county north of Thuthith.
And all they now about ethics is that they think it’th a county north of Thuthith.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: longford tim (IP Logged)
Date: 06/01/2021 21:38
I had a heated discussion with a work colleague regarding football being played in an empty stadium. Obviously, there is no right or wrong here. My point was cancel all sport until the R rating is under 50. His argument was what football can he watch. I tried to point out clubs need revenue to survive, his point was Sky will still pay clubs for games televised. I guess peoples lives come first, so cut the country back as much as you can, whether you are a footballer, rugby player, warehouse worker or whatever your profession is. Just cut back until we get a clearer picture of where we can get to regarding a safe future. On that note, stay safe everyone
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:06:21:40:31 by longford tim.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:06:21:40:31 by longford tim.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Egg Timer (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 08:31
I just think we have to recognise that we won't have a season at all now. The noises the Government are making seem to indicate that there will be some sort of lockdown until the end of February (when the schools are suggested to be going back) and that restrictions will be lifted gradually.
So even if restrictions allow the squads to train, they won't be match ready for at least a 4 week period, making a May start the likely outcome. 6 games *could* be played over the weeks until the end of June, then the playoffs to ensure that Saracens get promoted, but in the event that anyone other than they win the Championship, it leaves little or no time for that side to sign players of premiership standard.
I just think we're more likely to see a scenario where they don't relegate (Tigers) for coming last and, depending on whether they want a 13 or 14 side Premiership, they promote Saracens and (probably) Ealing - as they seem to be shouting loudest (for the 400 people who watch them at home).
So even if restrictions allow the squads to train, they won't be match ready for at least a 4 week period, making a May start the likely outcome. 6 games *could* be played over the weeks until the end of June, then the playoffs to ensure that Saracens get promoted, but in the event that anyone other than they win the Championship, it leaves little or no time for that side to sign players of premiership standard.
I just think we're more likely to see a scenario where they don't relegate (Tigers) for coming last and, depending on whether they want a 13 or 14 side Premiership, they promote Saracens and (probably) Ealing - as they seem to be shouting loudest (for the 400 people who watch them at home).
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: covkid53 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 09:14
Indeed, the London based clubs and Londoncentric RFU seem to think clubs like Ealing with their 400 fans are better for rugby than Coventry, who we know have a following 10 times that of Ealing, with potential for 10,000 in the premiership. Clubs position in the ladder should be based on fan base, development of local rugby and sustainable business model, a club where finances are provided by rich benefactors who use a club as an ego trip needs to end. Manchester City are a prime example of buying success. In rugby we have Worcester, Exeter and others buying promotion to the promised land and usurping much bigger clubs trapped in leagues with a glass ceiling.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:07:09:55:08 by covkid53.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:07:09:55:08 by covkid53.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 12:56
Just in the interest of balance:
Ealing's home attendance last season: 903
Ealing's home attendance previous season: 1060
One of the lowest in the league, but hardly a tenth of ours!
Ealing's home attendance last season: 903
Ealing's home attendance previous season: 1060
One of the lowest in the league, but hardly a tenth of ours!
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Butts121 (IP Logged)
Date: 07/01/2021 21:05
And Ealing have, and will pull out all the stops financially trying to get into the premiership.
Cov on the other hand are trying to survive the pandemic and weren't anywhere near ready for the premiership, on and off the field, before this awful virus struck. It's a huge step up in every sense.
As for the season being potentially cancelled. For me, we all knew the club needed our money to survive and myself and many on here wilfully paid up in full back in the summer to help out.
However, all clubs are in the same boat. I'd be very surprised if the club just expected us all to write it off, and pay up again for 21/22, in fact it'd probably be a massive own goal. I don't think for a minute the board are that naive.
The fact supply exceeds demand on season tickets will mean the club will likely offer to roll it forward to 2021/22. Hopefully by then we have a full season of rugby to look forward to.
Cov on the other hand are trying to survive the pandemic and weren't anywhere near ready for the premiership, on and off the field, before this awful virus struck. It's a huge step up in every sense.
As for the season being potentially cancelled. For me, we all knew the club needed our money to survive and myself and many on here wilfully paid up in full back in the summer to help out.
However, all clubs are in the same boat. I'd be very surprised if the club just expected us all to write it off, and pay up again for 21/22, in fact it'd probably be a massive own goal. I don't think for a minute the board are that naive.
The fact supply exceeds demand on season tickets will mean the club will likely offer to roll it forward to 2021/22. Hopefully by then we have a full season of rugby to look forward to.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Kimbo (IP Logged)
Date: 11/01/2021 19:39
Quote:Hmm. Bet Glaws would swap with them right now.Egg Timer
I just think we're more likely to see a scenario where they don't relegate (Tigers) for coming last...
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: John Butler (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 09:46
March 6th is some 7 weeks away - not long.
My understanding is the Club are in full training, stand correcting if that is not true.
Equally all this leaves little for warm up games- Ealing, Saracens & Doncaster have gone there own route being it appear to be full time.
I wonder though, given all the current restrictions, which are tending to be tightened, making life even more difficult, where does this really leave the Championship season ?
How for example can Jersey be involved- by that I mean home & away ? Pirates, plus their opponents travelling big distances.
I very much doubt whether regular updates & advice are coming through to clubs from above as it were, that in itself would be a new innovation !
I am making a lot of observations, but confess I don't really have any helpful answers.
What are the thoughts overall ??
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:12:09:48:27 by John Butler.
My understanding is the Club are in full training, stand correcting if that is not true.
Equally all this leaves little for warm up games- Ealing, Saracens & Doncaster have gone there own route being it appear to be full time.
I wonder though, given all the current restrictions, which are tending to be tightened, making life even more difficult, where does this really leave the Championship season ?
How for example can Jersey be involved- by that I mean home & away ? Pirates, plus their opponents travelling big distances.
I very much doubt whether regular updates & advice are coming through to clubs from above as it were, that in itself would be a new innovation !
I am making a lot of observations, but confess I don't really have any helpful answers.
What are the thoughts overall ??
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:12:09:48:27 by John Butler.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Moosemagic (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 11:48
Interesting points John, but I still think that the over riding factor is how they get Sarries back into the Prem, any form of "league" being played will give them (the RFU) less of a headache, assuming that Sarries win it which I think is pretty much nailed on, despite Gooleys millions.
Without games being played then that gives the RFU a massive headache as indeed does all the talk of ring fencing the Prem for this season.
Will they cast Sarries aside and say tough? I doubt it.
Do they give them automatic promotion and face the wrath of Ealing and the Courts?
Do they promote both of them.
Again the only way out for them is by games being played in one way shape or form, get Sarries back up, no relegation and then ring fence.
All my own musings.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:12:12:08:28 by Moosemagic.
Without games being played then that gives the RFU a massive headache as indeed does all the talk of ring fencing the Prem for this season.
Will they cast Sarries aside and say tough? I doubt it.
Do they give them automatic promotion and face the wrath of Ealing and the Courts?
Do they promote both of them.
Again the only way out for them is by games being played in one way shape or form, get Sarries back up, no relegation and then ring fence.
All my own musings.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:01:12:12:08:28 by Moosemagic.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: Cliff Bennett (IP Logged)
Date: 12/01/2021 16:23
Please forgive my cynicism but I see the nefarious influence of the Aah Eff You in the arrangement of the triangular tournament between Ealing TF, Sarries and Donny. There is something extremely fishy and suspicious about the latter two clubs playing each other and poor Donny are there simply to make weight and to deflect any criticism of the arrangement. To me, what it means is that, when Sarries win the tournament (as is most likely) and in the absence of any other games in the Championship or between Championship clubs, the Aah Eff You have an immediate cop-out to justify their ability to declare Sarries the promoted club to the Premiership. It’s that simple.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: John Butler (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2021 12:23
And if they finish second, Ealing as well in an enlarged Premiership.
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: CovBlueLou (IP Logged)
Date: 14/01/2021 15:59
Quote:CharlieBravo
Please forgive my cynicism but I see the nefarious influence of the Aah Eff You in the arrangement of the triangular tournament between Ealing TF, Sarries and Donny. There is something extremely fishy and suspicious about the latter two clubs playing each other and poor Donny are there simply to make weight and to deflect any criticism of the arrangement. To me, what it means is that, when Sarries win the tournament (as is most likely) and in the absence of any other games in the Championship or between Championship clubs, the Aah Eff You have an immediate cop-out to justify their ability to declare Sarries the promoted club to the Premiership. It’s that simple.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought along these lines.....
Re: Season? What Season?
Posted by: CovBlueLou (IP Logged)
Date: 16/01/2021 16:47
Well Ealing beat Saracens today in the opening game 27-26.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.