As a football club, we recognise supporters are our lifeblood. Since 2013, our average attendance has increased by about 150%, which is a remarkable increase and with the new and improved 1899 Club, we not only want to want to offer supporters unique prizes and experiences, but we also want to massively increase the levels of communication and information that is outputted about the 1899 Club.
The recent survey conducted by the Green Army told us that you wanted greater transparency around the funds in the 1899 Club and changes in the prizes. We have listened to your feedback and hope that you feel your feedback has been implemented.
Firstly, the 1899 Club will be coordinated by Scott Gibson. Scott has been working within the football club for a number of months in a voluntary capacity and has focussed on ensuring the draw has taken place monthly and on the pitch at half-time in games. Scott will continue to work with Dan Rolls to ensure the 1899 Club reflects the views of the fan base.
The 1899 Club funds are your money, held in trust by the Club to support the manager in giving the fans the best possible team. This is your opportunity to directly influence what you see on the pitch.
In the near future you’ll see monthly updates appear on the website and social media where you’ll be updated on future prizes, the balance of the account and how money is being spent.
£100 Numbers Draw
The £100 draw is now the “one in a thousand draw”. If your number is chosen you win the prize. If the number chosen has not been allocated, then the prize increase by £100 each month until it is won.
Fan Experience Draw
Everyone who joins the 1899 Club will get one entry into the fan experience draw. This ensures everyone gets a fair chance to win a prize here, no matter how much you put in.
Fan experience prizes to include (but not limited to) the following:
- A signed team photo
- Two seats on the team coach for an away game
- Hospitality for two in the Tommy Hedley suite
- A signed ball
- A signed shirt/training shirt
- Be in the team photo
- £50 drinks voucher for the social club
- Interviewed for match day programme/website
- Be the Assistant Manager for a pre-season friendly
- Present an award at the Clubs’ presentation night
- £50 voucher for the Club Shop
Speaking on the 1899 Club, manager Graham Fenton said: “This pre-season more than ever we’ve had to utilise the 1899 Club because of how the market has gone in this area, the amount of money which is getting put about, we’ve had to dip into the 1899 Club funds regularly to get good players over the line.
“It’s vital for us building a squad to have that fan support, the 1899 Club to rely on at times. To be able to make those packages to the players more attractive whether it be through the signing on fees, the accommodation, different help with this and that, it’s vital for us to dip into.
“We’re hugely grateful to the 1899 Club for their help and developing the squad over the off-season.”
He further added: “It allows the supporters to be invested more, obviously investing their own money into this, investing in the football club, they want it to do well and without their help and the backing this off-season trying to recruit players would’ve been a hell of a lot more difficult than it has been and it’s already been pretty tough but without their help, it would’ve been close to impossible.”
If you would like to join the 1899 Club or have any questions in relation to the relaunch, please email scott.gibson@blythspartans.com.