Banners & Chants at Sixfields

[The Gentleman]

The problem is always this: let's find some common ground to stand on as long as it's my bit of common ground.

Really? Is it just me and a select few who want Coventry back in Coventry and playing at the Ricoh?

 

[Astute]

Really? Is it just me and a select few who want Coventry back in Coventry and playing at the Ricoh?

This is about all we agree on.

The problem we have is the different ideas we have on what could help. Those that go to Northampton will never admit that no 'home' fans would help with even more media attention which would put extra pressure on SISUE and the FL. We have even had someone today who has taken the piss out of the hilliers all season saying he would stand on the hill if there was thousands also doing so. Someone who accuses others of double standards. Then he wonders why we will never be together as one.

 

[torchomatic]

And similarly we have someone who says they wouldn't dream of abusing anyone or telling anyone what they can or can't do yet "likes" the posts of those who do just that. Seems double-standards is a pretty common trait in these parts.

This is about all we agree on.

The problem we have is the different ideas we have on what could help. Those that go to Northampton will never admit that no 'home' fans would help with even more media attention which would put extra pressure on SISUE and the FL. We have even had someone today who has taken the piss out of the hilliers all season saying he would stand on the hill if there was thousands also doing so. Someone who accuses others of double standards. Then he wonders why we will never be together as one.

 

[Astute]

And similarly we have someone who says they wouldn't dream of abusing anyone or telling anyone what they can or can't do yet "likes" the posts of those who do just that. Seems double-standards is a pretty common trait in these parts.

As I said earlier I 'like' posts that I agree with or that make a good point or that I find funny.....including posts from yourself. Should I not 'like' your posts as you are a STH?

And I think you will find that I don't 'like' abusive posts.

 

[Sky Blue Pete]

Just to clarify I've never been to sixfields like most of our support but I am surprised people haven't stoood up and sung or shouted what us going on or can't we come home etc etc

 

[sky blue john]

I take it 15pages on and its a no regarding banners and chants from the sixfields supporters trust????

 

[Otis]

Don't even need to chant. Banners right behind the goal calling for us to return to Coventry would be right in the media and onlooker eye.

 

[standupforcity]

Don't even need to chant. Banners right behind the goal calling for us to return to Coventry would be right in the media and onlooker eye.

Spot on Otis...

 

[thaiskyblue]

pretty sure sisu would remove " the fire hazards ".

 

[standupforcity]

Don't even need to chant. Banners right behind the goal calling for us to return to Coventry would be right in the media and onlooker eye.

Agreed indeed...although a return to the Ricoh might be better...'return to Coventry' gives them a get out to say they'll be building elsewhere (in Cov..ha ha) and we must hang on etc etc ...

 

[Otis]

Agreed indeed...although a return to the Ricoh might be better...'return to Coventry' gives them a get out to say they'll be building elsewhere (in Cov..ha ha) and we must hang on etc etc ...

I think that every City fan not attending Sixfields would be heartened upon every tv highlight showing banners behind the goal in support of us coming home.

Think that would really resonate with the City faithful stayaways and could ease friction between those attending and not attending. It would give a sign that we are all in this together and bring fans back closer.

Can fully understand that if nothing at all is going on at the games that, that could be seen as some sort of acceptance of the move, whether it is or not.

 

[Jack Griffin]

Don't even need to chant. Banners right behind the goal calling for us to return to Coventry would be right in the media and onlooker eye.

Followed swiftly by their removal by elephantine 'security' persons no doubt..

Remember this...
[video=youtube;EDdyDfTNsrM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDdyDfTNsrM[/video]

 

[Otis]

Followed swiftly by their removal by elephantine 'security' persons no doubt..

Remember this...
[video=youtube;EDdyDfTNsrM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDdyDfTNsrM[/video]

That's the Ricoh Arena though and that's an anti-Sisu banner. I am talking about banners behind the goal remarking that our home is in Coventry, not statements against the owners.

 

[cochese]

I attend sixfields and haven't vocally protested because I am yet to see anything that is aimed at both SISU and the council.

Chant SISU out? Who takes over?
Boycott the games? How does this affect the council?
Demand a return to the Ricoh at all costs? Then we will be back to where we started and SISU will have no chance of selling up.

As soon as a campaign actively targets both council and SISU, and doesn't affect me supporting my football club, then I'm on board.

 

[Jack Griffin]

That's the Ricoh Arena though and that's an anti-Sisu banner. I am talking about banners behind the goal remarking that our home is in Coventry, not statements against the owners.

Just thought it would give the compliant Sixfields super fans a clue about what sort of passion they should have..

 

[bigfatronssba]

I attend sixfields and haven't vocally protested because I am yet to see anything that is aimed at both SISU and the council.

Chant SISU out? Who takes over?
Boycott the games? How does this affect the council?
Demand a return to the Ricoh at all costs? Then we will be back to where we started and SISU will have no chance of selling up.

As soon as a campaign actively targets both council and SISU, and doesn't affect me supporting my football club, then I'm on board.

Are you angry that CCFC is playing outside of Coventry?

 

[simple_simon]

I attend sixfields and haven't vocally protested because I am yet to see anything that is aimed at both SISU and the council.

Chant SISU out? Who takes over?
Boycott the games? How does this affect the council?
Demand a return to the Ricoh at all costs? Then we will be back to where we started and SISU will have no chance of selling up.

As soon as a campaign actively targets both council and SISU, and doesn't affect me supporting my football club, then I'm on board.

Hence why our club is in such a state, Fisher and SISU think that a lot of the fans are behind his plan, by not protesting you are fuelling his cause.
Yes the Council are not innocent but they cannot demand SISU talk to them or make a decent offer, if those going made it clear they are not happy then Fisher and Co would have to make changes. Also if Sixfields were empty the FL would have to get of there arses and make the parties talk.
In the meantime, you just sit in an empty stadium doing nothing and watch our club die.

 

[Otis]

Just thought it would give the compliant Sixfields super fans a clue about what sort of passion they should have..

They are not the 'compliant Sixfields Super Fans.' I think you will find that they are now known as the 'Sixfields Few.'

They are going to go down in history alongside the 'Birmingham Six' and the 'Guildford Four.'

 

[shmmeee]

I attend sixfields and haven't vocally protested because I am yet to see anything that is aimed at both SISU and the council.

Chant SISU out? Who takes over?
Boycott the games? How does this affect the council?
Demand a return to the Ricoh at all costs? Then we will be back to where we started and SISU will have no chance of selling up.

As soon as a campaign actively targets both council and SISU, and doesn't affect me supporting my football club, then I'm on board.

Why not just bring your own banners against the Council if that's what you believe the problem is?

I just don't get the complete apathy towards the situation. I was amazed at the reaction at the Stadium Forum, simply because I'd always assumed that those that went to Sixfields were as passionate as the rest and wanted their club home. However that was not the feeling put across, especially with some talking about "the others" meaning those who don't go and several joining the hate parade on the Ricoh.

Can I ask by the way, as you're here. What you'd like the council to do and how you see the next 10-20 years panning out for the club if they did that?

I don't want to start a fight, just trying to understand all viewpoints.

 

[shmmeee]

Are you angry that CCFC is playing outside of Coventry?

It seems to me that the anger on that side is directed towards the Council. As far as I can tell (and I await cochese to correct me) they pretty much follow the story peddled by Fisher et al.

 

[bigfatronssba]

Why not just bring your own banners against the Council if that's what you believe the problem is?

I just don't get the complete apathy towards the situation. I was amazed at the reaction at the Stadium Forum, simply because I'd always assumed that those that went to Sixfields were as passionate as the rest and wanted their club home. However that was not the feeling put across, especially with some talking about "the others" meaning those who don't go and several joining the hate parade on the Ricoh.

Can I ask by the way, as you're here. What you'd like the council to do and how you see the next 10-20 years panning out for the club if they did that?

I don't want to start a fight, just trying to understand all viewpoints.

My thoughts exactly.

I have respect for those that protested outside the council house, even if I don't agree with their viewpoint, because at least they tried to do something to bring our club home.

This whole I will join a protest when everyone in it has the exact same viewpoint as me is half the problem.

 

[bigfatronssba]

It seems to me that the anger on that side is directed towards the Council. As far as I can tell (and I await cochese to correct me) they pretty much follow the story peddled by Fisher et al.

That's not very balanced is it?

 

[Otis]

Think most people believe the council have played their part in this debacle.

I would just expect to see some banners at the Sixfields games saying Coventry City belong in Coventry. That is not taking sides or having a go at Sisu, it's just stating that the fans there don't want us to be playing there either.

Any outsider watching the highlights will just think everyone there accepts our playing in Northampton and that there is a degree of apathy.

Would be great to see 3 or 4 banners behind the goal calling for the club to return to Coventry. No taking sides, just a plea to return.

 

[bigfatronssba]

Think most people believe the council have played their part in this debacle.

I would just expect to see some banners at the Sixfields games saying Coventry City belong in Coventry. That is not taking sides or having a go at Sisu, it's just stating that the fans there don't want us to be playing there either.

Any outsider watching the highlights will just think everyone there accepts our playing in Northampton and that there is a degree of apathy.

Would be great to see 3 or 4 banners behind the goal calling for the club to return to Coventry. No taking sides, just a plea to return.

I don't see how anyone can disagree with a word of that.

 

[shmmeee]

Think most people believe the council have played their part in this debacle.

I would just expect to see some banners at the Sixfields games saying Coventry City belong in Coventry. That is not taking sides or having a go at Sisu, it's just stating that the fans there don't want us to be playing there either.

Any outsider watching the highlights will just think everyone there accepts our playing in Northampton and that there is a degree of apathy.

Would be great to see 3 or 4 banners behind the goal calling for the club to return to Coventry. No taking sides, just a plea to return.

I think fuzzy language has a lot to answer for here. When you talk about "this debacle" some people go back to Richardson, some even go to Hill, many go back to Sisu taking over, but for me all we're talking about is the move out of Coventry. Not the financial state of the club. Not previous misdemeanours. Just the fact that we currently don't play in Coventry.

Now some will say that all the other things play a part, but if that's so why did it come to a head last season when none of those things changed?

The trigger was action by Sisu. I don't see how anyone (even those who think Sisu are spotless and it's the evil council) can argue with that. Sisu made the decision that the way to remedy other issues with the club (whoever caused them) was to move them to Northampton.

For me it's a bit like me going to the Dr with an ingrowing toenail and he chops my leg off. Then on pops edgy and AndreasB to tell me that the leg coming off is my fault because I didn't tend my nails properly. Well in a way yes, but the far bigger problem is the fucking Doctor who went overboard to solve said problem.

If we could just stick to that we'd be OK. That was the message at the march. Instead we've allowed the debate to be widened to the entire viability of the club and who is to blame for that.

 

[cochese]

I'm angry that the club has found themselves in this position, but I feel that just venting my spleen against everyone and anything who I think is to blame doesn't really do any good or will affect what is going on.

I want to see a solution whereby I can believe that in 10 years time I can have a club that I can be proud of again. I don't believe that getting another rental deal is how that will happen, and I'm pretty sceptical about building a new stadium too. SISU buying the Ricoh? I'm yet to see evidence that the council would sell, and that the club would really benefit from the deal.

I almost find myself unwillingly drawn to the idea of a new stadium, simply because it's the lesser of all evils and in my mind the most likely thing that will happen.

But no, I'm not happy about it.

 

[shmmeee]

I'm angry that the club has found themselves in this position, but I feel that just venting my spleen against everyone and anything who I think is to blame doesn't really do any good or will affect what is going on.

I want to see a solution whereby I can believe that in 10 years time I can have a club that I can be proud of again. I don't believe that getting another rental deal is how that will happen, and I'm pretty sceptical about building a new stadium too. SISU buying the Ricoh? I'm yet to see evidence that the council would sell, and that the club would really benefit from the deal.

I almost find myself unwillingly drawn to the idea of a new stadium, simply because it's the lesser of all evils and in my mind the most likely thing that will happen.

But no, I'm not happy about it.

Curious you say you don't believe another rental deal would make you have a club you are proud of. What makes you say that?

 

[Hobo]

I guess so, that is why they have gone to a football match? If they wanted to watch Rugby they would be pretty stupid wouldn't they?

But if they don't agree with the move to Northampton, to go and support it is pretty stupid also, especially without a visual or vocal protest.

At least the people on the hill are travelling In order to protest.

 

[cochese]

Curious you say you don't believe another rental deal would make you have a club you are proud of. What makes you say that?

I just think we would be at the mercy of ACL again. Get promotion, rent goes up, surviving only of the revenue from ticket sales from supporters who haven't really shown up consistently in great numbers over the last 20 years. SISU hang around because no one wants to buy a football club that only has a golden share as an asset. Continue in mediocrity.

 

[cochese]

But if they don't agree with the move to Northampton, to go and support it is pretty stupid also, especially without a visual or vocal protest.

At least the people on the hill are travelling In order to protest.

We support the team, not the move.

 

[skybluefred]

Personally I'd like to see those who go to Sixfields, taking advantage of the situation to demonstrate with chants and banners. I'm sure even they would rather see us back at the Ricoh, so instead of just accepting the round trip to Northampton as 'it is what it is'....they should be letting sisu know that even they are unhappy, to put it mildly. As a non-attendee I've made enough suggestions on here about protest ideas, and this is another one for Sixfielders to think about!

Another idea if enough fans would get involved--imagine if upwards of 20,000 vehicles clogged up the centre of Northampton and stopped locals from enjoying their usual Saturday thing. The Police would be pulling their hair out,
and nothing would be able to move. Might make them review the idea of CCFC playing in their town.

 

[shmmeee]

I just think we would be at the mercy of ACL again. Get promotion, rent goes up, surviving only of the revenue from ticket sales from supporters who haven't rarely shown up consistently in great numbers over the last 20 years. SISU hang around because no one wants to buy a football club that only has a golden share as an asset. Continue in mediocrity.

But surely rent would only go up on promotion if that's the lease we agreed to? You say the "mercy of ACL" as if they have at any point in recent times been unwilling to support the club. I'd be interested to know what lead you to that viewpoint.

I actually did the analysis of our average attendance since the turn of last century and actually, it's fairly consistent with success. We lose roughly 5k for a relegation and gain roughly the same or a bit more for a promotion, then it starts to atrophy without further success. I think in this particular chicken and egg situation the club has to provide the product first.

The problem with our club goes back well past the Ricoh. We were £60m in debt upon relegation. We overspent and never got that debt under control. We then had a ground in HR that didn't provide enough revenue to support a modern club so moved to the Ricoh then immediately sold the revenue there as well.

You talk as if (and again stop me if I'm wrong) Sisu will just sell up because that's how they want to realise the value in the club and make back their investment. But isn't it just as, if not more likely, that they will simply mortgage the Ricoh/new ground and leave the club with the debt? Sure it makes the club less sellable, but if they've got their cash back why do they care? I am especially worried that comments from Fisher in private I've been told about (can't stand people of Coventry) and frankly the way the whole thing has gone down mean that there is quite a bit of bad blood between Joy and the City of Coventry. In a situation where she wouldn't make much more from selling as she would from liquidation, I wouldn't put it past her to do it out of spite.

That's what worries a lot of people. I, like you, want a sustainable club going forward. If I'm honest I think that there are two routes to that:

- CCC agree to hand back the 50% of ACL as originally agreed on a long lease with low rent guaranteed. (Even this one relies on us getting out of the debt to Sisu somehow)
- We go bust and start again.

If we build a new ground we're stuck with lower revenues then the Ricoh and will have the problem as you said of relying on ticket sales alone. If Sisu get the freehold there is nothing ensuring that the club is protected and they can load us with debt.

I'm also concerned as to who on earth would buy us in L1 for £60m. Is there any record of any club at our level going for that kind of amount, own ground or not?

 

[Sky Blue Kid]

cochese......SISU hang around because no one wants to buy a football club that only has a golden share as an asset.( Continue in mediocrity).......................................................................................................The last 3 words is what will happen if SISU build their 12k stadium.

 

[Hobo]

My thoughts exactly.

I have respect for those that protested outside the council house, even if I don't agree with their viewpoint, because at least they tried to do something to bring our club home.

This whole I will join a protest when everyone in it has the exact same viewpoint as me is half the problem.

Exactly PROTEST is PROTEST and there are too many just sitting on the fence sniggering at other people's ideas...it won't work. It won't work because half of you give in and let the situation roll over you.

Why not have a big protest where some blame SISU and some blame CCC....it's the fans suffering. The only voice you and I as fans have is ourselves. I don't understand why they don't have banners at Sixfields?

Someone said it would spoil their enjoyment of the game, what chanting at a football match? Then people complain of a lack of atmosphere?

Only you can bring them home.

 

[skybluefred]

We support the team, not the move.

In this instance supporting the team is also supporting sisu, the people who took CCFC from our City.
Because they are being allowed to get away with it means there is little or no chance of a return to
our home City.