2 Scottish League Clubs Scrap Programmes

[tommy]

Found this on another forum. Is this true? Is it a sign of the times?



Arbroath and Stirling Albion have both announced they will not be issuing programmes this season due to the losses incurred.

Stirling are producing a monthly magazine which will be on sale on match days. No word of Arbroath producing anything.

Hibs have announced they will produce full match programmes for games v rangers, Celtic and Hearts, but mini-issues for all other games.

Other clubs may well follow this lead.

[Jake]

[kcs]

As announced on Arbroath FC's website

http://www.arbroathfc.co.uk/

Sign of the times I guess.... low sales, increased costs
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[Tynie Topics]

Not good news, particularly in Stirling’s case who are now owned by their Fans Trust. I guess it is mostly down to the clubs enthusiasm to produce programmes in the first place rather than solely costs.

If small non-league clubs can produce quality programmes, then I’m sure the likes of Arbroath and Stirling can do likewise

A sad day indeed.
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[Auchinleckian]

It breaks a very important link between club and fan, and I'm surprised that Stirling at least have taken this stance. Perhaps they'll make team sheets readily available, which to me would be all that's really needed - or maybe there's an opening for a fan to do regular 4 page affairs?

It's strange that smaller clubs don't use ebay to flog their programmes.

From my own perspective, I sold the Stirling Albion vs Auchinleck Talbot in the 2009-2010 Scottish Cup on ebay and it realised about £8 (the 2nd and 3rd offers made it very profitable) as did the friendly vs Grimsby Town last year for which I got £13. Again, the 2nd and 3rd offers served me very well, as did the team sheets.

Whilst it wouldn't be perhaps viable for bigger teams I'm sure clubs that are struggling can make a more than a few hundred pounds a year doing this, especially if they get an understanding with away teams to help them out by signing say 10 programmes from every game for sale on ebay later? For a team like Stirling whose players played wage free during February last year, surely any income would be most welcome?

[Senior82]

I believe Carlisle produced a much smaller programme than other teams in the league last season

[WileBrownAstle]

Shame to hear about that.
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[tommy]

Auchinleckian wrote:

It breaks a very important link between club and fan, and I'm surprised that Stirling at least have taken this stance. Perhaps they'll make team sheets readily available, which to me would be all that's really needed - or maybe there's an opening for a fan to do regular 4 page affairs? It's strange that smaller clubs don't use ebay to flog their programmes. From my own perspective, I sold the Stirling Albion vs Auchinleck Talbot in the 2009-2010 Scottish Cup on ebay and it realised about £8 (the 2nd and 3rd offers made it very profitable) as did the friendly vs Grimsby Town last year for which I got £13. Again, the 2nd and 3rd offers served me very well, as did the team sheets. Whilst it wouldn't be perhaps viable for bigger teams I'm sure clubs that are struggling can make a more than a few hundred pounds a year doing this, especially if they get an understanding with away teams to help them out by signing say 10 programmes from every game for sale on ebay later? For a team like Stirling whose players played wage free during February last year, surely any income would be most welcome?

I whole heartedly concur with this. It just needs somebody at the club who is programme and ebay savvy then a nice small but invaluable income for the club can be made, which has the benefit to satisfy the programme collectors of these clubs at the same time. A win win situation. Perhaps Arbroath and Stirling should be aware of this thread. Could anybody on this forum step up to the challenge?

[Jake]

Good news, according to the Lichties-Mad forum, Arbroath have reconsidered and will be producing programmes for the coming season.