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Post by jordancampbell on Feb 25, 2021 10:33:17 GMT
All,
What, in your view, contributes to the creation of a perfect matchday programme/magazine?
I know some of you are avid collectors and may have a really strong opinion on this.
The Rovers programme has been of really high quality for as long as I can remember. Beautifully designed, thoughtful/interesting articles, and always accessible to the average punter. The commitment of the content and editorial team is incredible.
Any examples of good practice/quirky content from elsewhere in the Lower Leagues? I, for one, have always been keen on the Prof submitting a recipe and some supplementary pictures of his Saturday night fare.
Cheers,
Jordan.
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Post by rab on Feb 25, 2021 15:46:43 GMT
I'm not sure you should seek the opinions of programme collectors - they're weirdos. Many just want there to be a programme, whatever the content or quality. If it wasn't for the train journey home, I might not even read much of it.
In general, the programme should simply have as much Rovers content as possible. Looking back through old programmes is often the only way to find out information about the club at the time, so it needs as many editorials/ chairman's/ manager's views as can be included.
It's all very interesting...(that is to say, it isn't) having articles on such things as the East Of Scotland League, or book reviews, or recipes (!) or whatever else. But if I really wanted to know about these I'd consult the appropriate journal, website or cookbook.
Recent years' Rovers programmes are the best in the club's history. The great thing about the most recent (2019/20) programme is the colour cover of recent action photos - as opposed to the same standardised cover for every match (which used to be the case). The editorials, historical Rovers articles and the two pages of the season's fixtures/stats are also excellent. Any other content is a bonus. I don't think any significant changes are needed - more a case of 'keep up the good work'.
Oh, and let's be clear that online only programmes are an abomination. A programme is as much part of the fabric of a club as the stadium, players, team colours and supporters, as well as being an important piece of memorabilia. Some thing just don't work online.
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Post by jaydee on Feb 25, 2021 16:35:06 GMT
One thing I would like to see in the programme would be a return to fun interviews with players. Allows the fans the chance to get to know a wee bit more about the guys they are shouting at/cheering on (delete where applicable). 👍🏼
Also on the flip side, a shoutout to fans. Either interviewing them or if they are nominated by a friend who tells us a bit about why they deserve to be ‘fan of the week’ etc.
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Post by k70 on Feb 25, 2021 17:05:16 GMT
shoutout to fans. Either interviewing them or if they are nominated by a friend who tells us a bit about why they deserve to be ‘fan of the week’ etc.
Ok so what about the other half of the season after we have all been 'fan of the week'? 😁
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2021 17:09:27 GMT
How about a get to know the ref/linesman feature? 😬
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Post by jaydee on Feb 25, 2021 17:23:01 GMT
shoutout to fans. Either interviewing them or if they are nominated by a friend who tells us a bit about why they deserve to be ‘fan of the week’ etc. Ok so what about the other half of the season after we have all been 'fan of the week'? 😁 😂😂😂 perfect for this season... only 4 home games
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Post by charlestheoptimist on Feb 25, 2021 17:29:02 GMT
Was more of an avid collector when much younger when I had to get one for every match I attended. I think the programmes from ALL teams in the 1970s/80s and 90s were packed with local club history/stats and player profiles etc and were very much individual for that team and were good reads - I dislike the glossy magazine fair that most top clubs have now adopted and seem bland and very much their sponsors outlet now eg most Premiership clubs/Internationals etc - Thankfully what clubs in the lower league like Rovers have always done is appeal to their fanbase and continue to present good copy - Edinburgh City/Stirling examples of such - This year the match programme has been sadly missed from the match day experience
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Post by bucky on Feb 25, 2021 18:20:29 GMT
I must admit as I have got older I have bought programmes less and less and that is purely down to physical space to store them. I have two huge boxes in the loft. That being said I have still dabbled over the years and we have produced an excellent programme (shout out to Tee Kasule and others for slaving over the candlelight to produce an information packed programme).
I don’t think you need to mix it up too much. A word from the manager, Editor comments with latest club news, Info on the opposition, player pen pics, season and player stats. You could augment that with features on football in general maybe a bit on the Community work of the club. The programmes of the past used to delve into a wee bit of the club history plus games from 5 or 10 years ago.
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Post by exdalziel on Feb 25, 2021 22:04:49 GMT
As someone who has been a programme editor and regular contributor to my local semi pro club, it's nice to have plenty of choice. I always like a we've met before feature, highlighting previous games between the clubs etc. Having the same club history and player pics in there every week is a cop out and boring for the regular buyer.
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Post by chris on Feb 25, 2021 22:45:30 GMT
I'm a fan of the central page being the team in each game, you know the opposition down the left numbers along the top, with the players in the space,
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Post by chris on Feb 25, 2021 22:46:47 GMT
Lots of totally random stats about that weeks fixture and past meetings
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Post by Prof on Feb 25, 2021 23:13:08 GMT
OK - I'll go for Jordo as the VERY strict Editor. Me & Chris will be trying to keep him in line though!!!
Don't think a "Guess Prof's Saturday dinner" article would generate much interest though😀
As mentioned above I also really liked the centre page stats. Would love to see the return of those.
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Post by mildrover on Feb 26, 2021 0:01:31 GMT
I saw first hand for a couple of seasons the effort that went in to produce a high quality match programme every two weeks. Stephen, Bill and David produced miracles every fortnight and worked to tight deadlines to make sure there was a programme at the game on the Saturday. I know that others too put in the same effort over the years. However, I am a bit surprised that this discussion hasn’t touched on the issue of falling sales( a trend across football) and the fact that subsidising the programme is a drain on supporters trust finances.
Ronnie
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Post by Roy of the Rovers on Feb 26, 2021 0:15:18 GMT
"Losses" were always debatable as the programme garnered player sponsorships which wouldn't happen otherwise and the club did sponsorship deals specifying, or at least in the belief of the sponsors that they'd receive exposure in the programme too. Putting an exact figure to the latter is difficult or impossible.
Also it gave the Supporters' Trust an outlet.
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Post by new2rovers on Feb 26, 2021 8:08:00 GMT
It’s worth pointing out that currently that after many years of dedicated support both the designer and on of the sellers of the programme have retired from these activities
As Ronnie identifies it takes a lot of effort to produce the programmes and the efforts of all involved is appreciated. However, if the programme has to continue then the following will need to be identified;
Programme designer - responsible for collation of the articles, designing the print run, engaging with the print supplier, taking receipt of the programmes and arranging transit to the ground
Programme sellers - To assist TC on match days selling the programmes
Articles - Support of Bill and DH with materials for inclusion
In terms of costs and losses etc. Looking at the 2019 period if we include player sponsorships, the programme made a surplus of £1,800 in the year. If we don’t include player sponsorships the 2019 the loss was £600.
For the 2020 period there was a loss of £240 for 4 programmes.
It’s also worth pointing out that all surplus and loss are born by the Supporters Trust.
Whilst it’s encouraging to see a director of the club showing an interest int eh programme activity. I am surprised that 3 board members were in attendance at the supporters trust meeting on Tuesday and there was no discussion points raised by the club directors in relation to the programme.
Perhaps Jordan can clarify if he asking or raising this issue personally or formally on behalf of the club.
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