Anyway, as predicted earlier, there were a few predictable moans overheard. So, for exiles to read, and indeed the discussion of others, here are my honest reflections. I hope they're taken as constructive, rather than moaning.
It's not big enough. Obvious, we knew it before today anyway, and it won't always be sold out, but it's true. There is the demand, and we need to work quickly to ensure we build on the momentum for the move home. I think this would be best done openly as soon as possible, with fundraising targets and publication of the plans for how the ground could be expanded. It was a little frustrating to see kids who couldn't see what was happening. I've never seen that at HP, and it was obviously mitigated to a great extent by the grass banks, which whilst they didn't officially count to capacity, people did use. They're the future of the club, we have to make it a matter of priority to make provisions for them.
I didn't go myself, but a couple of mates went to the toilets, and both complained the queues were very silly and were gone a long time. We'll need another set of toilets. I think that's clear, and will presumably be covered in plans to expansion.
The bar situation is silly. I stood in front of the clubhouse and walked past after the game. There were around ten people in there, and it's clearly a massive space, where all the tables had been cleared out from. This requires a rethink, and some careful negotiation with the rugby club. The current situation is crackers, all parties could make money, and supporters would use the facilities. It also has toilets, which were off limits to most, which if we resolve the bar issue, could take the pressure off the others.
The dugouts... Which I'm loathe to moan about, given how the money was raised... Are silly. They're unnecessarily tall, deep and frosted. What it caused a vast congestion of people around that side of the pitch craning to see past them. Some left because they couldn't see, which is sad, even if I don't understand that mindset. Lowering them down a step or two would be the obvious solution to me anyway.
I heard grumbles about the cost of food. Frankly, I'd pay 3 quid for a Taylor's pie. Hats off to the club for using a great local business. I'd far rather pay 3 quid for something that's great quality, than 2.50 for frozen rubbish. Tea and coffee stands seemed to be doing a brisk trade and that is good to see. It's all money for the club.
I haven't had a full read yet, but the programme is ace, top quality for this level, and a top souvenir for the day.
The segregation seemed a bit mad... We gave a lot of space to only 250-300 Halifax fans, which exacerbated the problems in the home end. That barrier should have been moved further around. I didn't drive, so can't comment on the car parking situation, but traffic on the roads wasn't bad at all.
Cheers all, Merry Christmas and up the Quakers.
