No room for people on the list for a few years, in a "firt come first served fiasco" Read all about it on NTLSPORTS.COM

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

Answers

Thats a damn disgrace Rik! I feel for ya but you're right, it's all about money and they obviously have no sense of integrity at all. But, what are you to do mate, they have control and they know it.

Pete

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

Rik, it`s just a total disgrace! As you may have seen from my posting, Yelli and I aren`t really in a position to take up the option this year. But, in any case, by the sounds of it, our applications arrived well after most of the rest had gone out. OK, it`s not such a big deal for us - we live on the South Coast for God`s sake, so we were hardly likely to make it to every home game! But I do feel gutted on your behalf. If anyone deserves a season ticket it`s you - such a great ambassador for NUFC - you must be feeling truly deflated. I just hope that you`re lucky and someone doesn`t renew their seats, and that you get really good ones.(:o(

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

Just out of interest Rik - I received two applications, one made about four years ago, and one about 18 months ago. No postmark on either letter, both arrived yesterday (Thursday 13th). Date on the letter - 6th July. No rhyme or reason to this at all!(:o|

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

If this situation is accurate, as reported, it is an absolute utter disgrace.
Having been one of managements biggest critics post- SJH, I find this display of utter incompetence quite simply beyond comprehension. In ANY other business heads would roll, absolutely no question about it, and this fiasco will take one hell of a lot of explaining.
My real thoughts and sympathy are with those, like our Rik, who appear to have been totally and utterly SHAFTED by the Management of our beloved Club. These 'people' have demonstrated once again - despite all their empty rhetoric - they truly don't give a flying fuck for the everyday fan - who remember is a CUSTOMER of their business.
IMHO, if the facts as presented prove accurate, this is one fiasco too far. Something must be done - but right now I'm in shock, and need the facts confirming. I'm still having difficulty believing that even this lot could preside over a cock-up of this magnitude.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

I totally agree with you there Clarky. I feel really choked for people like Rik. As I said, it`s not such a big deal for us down here, but for someone who would attend every game, it is a crying shame.(:o|

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

It stinks Rik!

Maybe Tre can pass you some of these email addresses he has (Mick Wadsworth etc). Mind you've probably got more cantacts than most of us.

Why not add a support page for us to add our email addresses to on your NTLSPORT page.

I really am sick for you.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

Galaxy,
I hope you'll excuse my anglo-saxon vernacular in my earlier post. I try to avoid gratuitous bad language, but I was (and am) really incensed over this dreadful situation.
Apologies to anyone else I may have inadvertantly offended.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

No problem here Clarky, we are all thinking it. You just put it on paper.

Pete

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

RIK

I hope you don't mind, but I have copied the linked letter you point at and I have sent it in an E Mail to the Webmaster at NUFC and asked them to forward it to the relevent area for a reply so that we can run the story on the Daily Toon website.

I have also copied Rogan Taylor and Bobby Robson into it as someone I spoke to the other day reckoned that he had mailed them at that address and had got replies back....so it is worth a try.

I also chucked in my BBC address as that can sometimes 'pull a few strings' - nothing worse than the poss that Anne Robinson could be after them eh!

As I said, I hope you don't mind me cutting across you, but as you so rightly say, this is on PR cock-up too far.

Watch this space, we'll keep you posted!

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2000

Clarky, a definate reason for strong language, if ever there was one! (and BTW, it`s not unheard of for me to let rip!)(:o)

ITK - great ideas! And twee as it sometimes can be, what`s wrong with getting Watchdog involved? It is probably the quickest way to find out how many others have been let down.

Rik, after seven years, then this fiasco, I hope they find you seats in the Royal Box (if there is such a thing!)(:o|

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Rik, When things like happen, shout it out load to anybody and everybody.

Every address you have if you want anyone else to write, give us the address and we will join in.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

If you don't mind , i'll be cutting and pasting some of the comments from here onto a web page. I would like to see how many others are affected, so if anyone knows of anyone who has had the application forms sent late, or (like pit_Bill) not had an application form sent to them. I realy would like to here about it. Also to Softie on another thread you sugest that it could be something to do with lost details on a database. They did seem to lose my details, but when I queierd them in March 1999, they gave me the same number as I had initially had, without me telling them what it was. The same thing happened to Pit Bill, they had his exact number and admitted that they didn't know why he hadn't a form. The numbering system starts at 001 and goes up to over 200,000. My number was in the 80,000s and Bills was in the 70,000s. These are probably season ticket enquiry numbers. The fairest way would have been to send out letters to the 9,000 with the lowest numbers first, and wait for replies, before asking any others higher up the list if they would like to reply. I am considering what to do next, One of the Fanzines is putting the story on the front of his publication next week, The Daily toon are doing there bit, I've yet to hear from The Evening Chronicle or Alan Robson at Metro Radio, and I've lost Mark Jensens (the Mags) mail Address. ANy one who knows anyone who may be able to get this some attension please do their bit. the URL again is @ http://www.ntlsports.com

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Unfortunately, this doesn't surprise me.
Sorry to all concerned but I think that says it all.

What about that staement about SJP being open to everyone, when the young kids nad the unemployed and those on low incomes would be able to get in and see games and buy tickets on a match by match basis? Well you can all f**k off.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

I am still waiting to hear from Pit Bill, He hasn't been on here since news of the sell out broke. I hope he hasn't done anything drastic like applied for a ticket to the Stadium of S**te. I am seriously contemplating going down to Darlington.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

I've just added this BBS page to my site. It's called N.T. L

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Rik,
I'm still struggling to think what meaningful action could be taken over this crime against some of the most loyal,long-suffering fans. I will probably write to David Stonehouse so that he is at least fully aware of the situation.
How do you feel about discussing it with the SOS people? I realise they're not exactly popular on here, but they do have first-hand current experience of dealing with our so-called management (tossers) and might be able to advise on tactics.
I have recently been in communication with a guy who is directly involved in setting up the NUFC Shareholders Trust - I intend to ensure he/they are also aware of this latest fiasco. I know the SOS people have been involved in the Trust discussions, so I could ask this guy to get you a contact with SOS. Let me know if you would like me to go ahead.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Rik, giving you your original waiting list number back and still screwing it up is unforgiveable.

If they are too incompetent to handle a weighting system on a single waiting list (I'm operating 30+ concurrently at work which also involves the same courses being offered in different locations which would be the equivalent of knowing that since an applicant for a season ticket at SJP has taken one at SoL instead I can cross him off the SJp list) then the very least they have to do is ensure that everyone receives the forms on the same day. I have routinely mailed out 16,000 sets of application forms with 2 people helping which involved franking them myself on a manual feed machine so I'm simply not prepared to accept that there is some technical difficulty preventing them doing the same.

It's a disgrace. Even worse is that I won't feel comfortable going to the match knowing you deserve to be there ahead of me. Therefore, if you don't receive satisfaction from the club I will sell you mine (at face value of course). I've been on the list a little over 2 years, you've been on for 7. If the poxy club aren't interested in fair play then it's down to us.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Rik , Well this is all a bit difficult to take in , but not to comprehend . I think the captive audience nail was hit right on the head . The most unfortunate thing about all this is the apparent fervour with which the team is associated with at the moment , and rhetoric from various quarters that this year NUFC will really complete . I suppose that it makes all this is a little more difficult to bear considering the time and effort put in to get tickets , travel to away and cup games , not forgetting the inevitable trips to wembley and the heartache associated with it all . Im not going to suggest any more methods of getting to the club , as firstly they have been broached , and secondly some routes appear to reap no fruit , ie directly with the officials involved . However your normally happy demeanour seems to have been impregnated with doom and gloom ; and more noticeably i presume has your sons . A day i llok forward to is taking my son/s to see Newcastle play as my father did . The only offer i can make you as an exile is the use of my tickets when i am not around , and genuinely hope you will take up the offer .. scant consolation i know but feel its all that can be offered . Hardly the point i know , and i wish you all the success in the world in getting through to these tyrants . I for one believe that working in a senior role in the ticket office at Newcastle would earn rich rewards from undrhand and scurrilous behaviour , and its only too apparent that its rife .... how can that be stopped ? Criminal inquiry perhaps , because that is exactly what this kind of thing is , criminal . Maybe Rogan Taylor could addresse this . I dont know you personally but see the effort you put into all things NUFC and genuinely believ you and your lad should have the chance to watch the Toon together and im sure myself and other BBS'ers will be the first to offer you tickets this season . Good luck . : - (

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Haven't had much time to check what's been happening for the last week, then I find this. Can't think of anything to say that hasn't been said before and more eloquently than I could. If I can help in any way, let me know. I know that I'm not going to make all the games this season, so I'll keep you and your lad in mind.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Softie, thanks for the kind offer, but I must decline, It's your seat and you are entitled to it. As for Alan's remarks about the SOS, I know Mick Edmonson (recently of Pennyfloaters Euro song fame) Very well. I was talking to him in my shop on Wednesday and he couldn't believe that they could / would make such a gaff. His best mate is Mark Jensen of the Mag, So I reckon they will come out on the side of the fans like myself, who have lost out due to the clubs, uncaring incompedance. Just a footnote, It's my Birtday today and no one bought me a spell chicker.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

RIK

Have just E Mailed Micahel Bolam (aka Biffa) at NUFC.com to a)try and get them involved to put it on their site and b) to see if he has got Mark Jensen's E Mail address.

I have also got hold of the bull by the horns and am dragging things together to present it to the Watchdog people, see if they are interested.

Will keep you posted.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Feel for you Rik and all in the same boat. We, wor lass and myself are in the same position. Exactly the same thing happened to us - received application forms on Thursday 13th July, letter dated 6th July. We have only been on the waiting list for about 4 years. We have not yet been told of the selling out of the tickets.
We cannot believe the incompetence and crassness of the management.
We agree that they cannot be allowed to get away with this even though it's sickening to think this will invove our beloved club in more bad publicity. Surely they are guilty of misrepresntation - what does any reasonable person mean by a waiting list if not being dealt with in a chronological sequence. This was not a waiting list but a lottery! It does indicate the need for a supporters representative group as Rogan Taylor is proposing. If this goes ahead, we should ensure that this is the one of the first issues they raise with the Board!

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

I E mailed Niall Mcenzie last night, He don't think he will be very sympathetic. As for watchdog, Isn't that going a bit far, after all It's only a bliddy ticket. and I have no RIGHT to a ticket. It's up to them who they sell them to. There reply will simply be "We sent all of the applicatiions out on 7th July on what we considered a fair first come first sserved basis. Everyone who didn't recieve them on the 8th July should complain to Royal mail" I know they didn't send them all out on Friday, but I can't prove it, and even if it was the Royal mails fault, it's the person who authorised the First come , first served policy. Would that be Mr Russell Cushing, director of football admin? After all he signed the letter.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

RIK,It doesn't look good for me cos you put your application in two days before me. BTW Bill has received his allocation (J 201 in the Milburn Stand if memory serves me right) and your application went before him, that is why I think if you shout loudest you will get satisfaction. It is a terrible thought but it may be the concession ticket that they are dubious of, knowing they could fill it with an adult; short-termism at it's ugliest.

At this rate I should find out about mine on Monday, I'll keep you posted.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Rik, I've e mailed you my take of woe. Had a right go at someone in the marketing department.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Sounds like a fiasco far bigger than 1 or 2 people 'accidentally' being looked over. Very right to make a lot of noise about it! It would be very interesting to see just how many people this has affected. Especially those who've been on the list for more than a year or two. I've not worked with databases that much, but hearing Softie's explanation makes this situation even more unbelievable. sure the club know they've got a captive audience, but I would hope that the more people speak out about these continuing pr disasters they might actually begin to realize they'll have to clean up their act....and surprise, surprise!..it really wouldn't take much. As I said earlier, the least they can do if there's really no more ST's for this season is to put everyone back on the waiting list IN ORDER so those who've waited longest have first priority on tickets next season.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Like everyone on here, I'm in shock. And I am SO Angry I can't believe it.

At their lack of consciousness. At their lack of professionalism and ineptitude. How CAN they be so THICK ? We've learnt never to expect respect but this is off the Wall.

Is it right Pit Bill is in the same boat ? I don't have any info really. Same outrageous behaviour from NUFC administration and management. And how many more stories are there outside this bbs with no chance of doing anything.

This is War. This is the final insult.

I accept that from out here I may not know everything - I don't know Pit Bill as well as I do Ricardo and we go back.

I do know that Rik is a Geordie who has been waiting for SEVEN YEARS for the right to have a seat in SJP for himself and his son to watch the Lads.

And who put his heart and soul with his unique daftness into the Award-Winning Best Fans Website in the Premiership, 'Rik's Place' (which the idiots don't even see or use.)

We have to organise. More of that later...only on here quickly now because of the seriousness.

RIK, if you are reading this, GET OFF THE INTERNET AND CALL ME AROUND 6PM, UK time, if you can please.

Plans will be made in a calmer and colder frame of mind....God help them when the Geordies really decide to stand up for one of their own. I have already spoken to Pauline at the shop and I haven't stopped spitting blood since I heard the news.

Off now. United we stand - divided, those bastards will continue to treat us the way they do. (I'm trying to be a lady about this but it ain't easy !) Enough is enough.

HOWAY THE BBS.

val.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Forgot to say that it Doesn't Have to get the stage of our poor benighted Club's name being dragged through the press again.

But there will be way. Remember that old Serenity belief. That you 'Accept the things you cannot change and Change the things you cannot accept".

I believe this is the latter.

val.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Amen to that val! Let us know what we can do to help!

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Have just written to almost everyone about it - even Alan Shearer (well, these players need reminding about fan suffering, particularly since, had he been less lucky, Big Al would have been in the same position as Rik).

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Thanks everyone, but what we must remember is it isn't just about getting me and True and the others on here , tickets for next season, It's about finding out just how many people are in the same boat and trying to get them to find seats for all of us. Perhaps they could do this by returning part of the Milburn stand (#1375 bit) to normal priced tickets, as I can't believe that all of these seats have been taken. If they have then the only alternative (if they really have sold out) would be to open a section made out of the away fans enclosure and offer those like me a season ticket for this area at a reduced price, with the understanding that I may have to move for games if the away fans take up there full allocation. I believe the area for Away fans take up 3,000 seats, and only 4 or 5 clubs would bring that many fans. It's not ideal, but it is a solution for next seaon. I think alot of people in the heavens may not take up their option to renew in the Level 7 area in 12 months time, when they see the poor view that they are getting from up there.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Could you let have those addresses, Dougal ? Thanks a lot.

In fact, can some wonderful and clever person volunteer to make a File of all known addresses, faxes AND e-mail addresses of every Player, and persons that might have influence if reached and circulate it to whoever would asks for it ?

This is just intelligence at this stage (and I can't do it myself right now so I realise I've got a Nerve asking . )But if everyone contributed, we might surprise ourselves and it would be certainly worth compiling.

Direct contact details are needed, at least as many as possible. Swifty, where's your taxi driver, then ?!!!!

val.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

I noticed a posting about Pit Bill, correct me if I'm wrong, but he read about my situation, and having not received his application form rushed up on Wednesday night (after they would have received mine) and has now been given a seat in the area that I applied to be in. I don't for one moment begrudge him this, as he's also been on the list for a long time, It just raises the point about me applying for one for me and one for my son (AT A LOWER PRICE). A club committed to seeing more youngsters in the ground wouldn't exclude my application due to it having a lower value to the club financially , would they? -- Rik (rik@ntlsports.com), July 15, 2000

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

In order to draw peoples attension to what is going on, For most of the day I've been pulling off postings on this thread and pasting them into a page called No_Tickets_left. Which is linked on the bottom of my web sitehttp://www.ntlsports.com That way our private discussions can be open to the public if and it's a big IF, some of you out there can direct those that may be able to help to the page, so they can understand what's happening Alternatively send your E mail adrreses' belonging to those in power, to Val and she'll direct them there.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Val, will do.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

By the way val I will be off the phone line at 17.50 I promise...

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

This is the final insult

Val is absolutely spot on. Sorry to correct you Rik, but this is

NOT

just about a bloody ticket: this

IS

about the way these Goons have, and continue to, treat

US

, the REAL fans of NUFC - THEIR customers.

Something MUST be done to waken these b@st@rds up and make them start treating their fans/customers like human beings instead of dog turds.

Finally, to again quote Val -

THIS IS WAR!

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

THIS IS FROM ALAN, WHOSE COMPUTER IS BEING BITCHY.

"...k'ing incompetent bastards ! Its time for FAN POWER now !!! The SCUM supporters (the real ones) put a stop to that bastard Murdoch, surely us Geordies, together, can get rid of Russell Cushing (the w*nker) and the rest of the motley crew !!!!!!! Fifties Fan.

ps SO sorry, Rik. And Happy Birthday.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Rik/Val, I said in your posting "Borthday Thread" I will always be in your debt, this is truly sad and I gone over the postings on here to see if I can offer anything new. There is a pattern to what all the contributors are saying, sending emails to players is a emotional knee jerk reaction that will just receive the Mark James treatment. I had a bit of a set to a few years back with one of the ,if not biggest multinationals. Bluntly they and legal eagles were correct but morally the guy in charge at work place was wrong, a lying two faced pillock. I think I have enough street cred and embarked on a policy of disinformation, within two weeks it was believed by management that Buff had a Sunday morning pint each week with Alec Salmond , leader of the SNP. House of Commons Business Card left on my desk just where the barmpot of a HR Advisor would see it on his visits. A letter from Alec to the then Chairman of the Company, one armed golfer linked to the rail ways!!!, I got my money, I was not entitled to it. ITK may be going down the right route, its how you do it. I would like as it has never been aired on here, the name of the MP, email if possible, address whose parish SJP is in. Will think of something if I get the information.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

ITK, Ken, Time to think, rubbish me if it is not worth a try, I can take it, just an idea but I need you to put it into motion. Need to cut n paste Rik`s story, along with accompaning letter laying it on, that although we feel its a great programme if it is possible the justified sight of Rik and young Rik receiving their two tickets in the audience would be a welcome change from the long lost insurance pay outs. If and it is a big if they act on it and the researchers get to work, IMHO that the matter will be sorted on the QT to avoid further embarrassment after recent fiascos. I refer of course to Miss Carol Vooderman and Find a Fortune, looking at the humane angle, As Val says "The battle is on"

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Waiting List

Our definition:
A method of distributing tickets in an orderly and fair manner based on the chronological order in which you apply. The natural wastage of deaths, emigration, changing personal circumstances and loss of faith should result in a continuous turnover season by season and the waiting list is a transparently fair manner in which to redistribute the vacant seats.

Their definition:
A simple market research tool which tells you exactly how much you can increase your capacity by and still sell out.

Even the term 'elightened self interest' seems to be beyond this lot. There are none so helpless as those that won't help themselves.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000

Val, I've emailed you the info I've got.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2000