Forest Matchday programme - your feedback wanted

[Professor Wolfgang Schnell BSc. PhD.]

I have had a season ticket for donkey’s, but have never received a digital match-day programme? Any idea on how I can rectify that?

It's one of the settings on your online MyForest account.

Log in and update your profile - click on "update preferences". In the "Club News" section of your account - I have everything ticked as "Yes" and I receive the programmes. I'm not sure which one of those individual settings is the one that works, but it's definitely one of them.

The email with the link to the programme should also contain links to all of them for the season so far.

 

[Lady Penelope]

With you on that. Those Shoot-style Q&As were usually the best part of the programme when I was a regular buyer in the 90s (I don’t think I’ve bought more than a dozen since then but never mind).

There was often a question about what the player’s girlfriend thought was his most attractive feature. Ian Woan: “My bank balance.” Kevin Campbell: “That’s unprintable!”

As Peter Crouch said when asked what he would be if he were not a professional footballer: 'a virgin'.

 

[Lady Penelope]

It was the portacabin thing in the Main Stand car park when I started collecting programmes. I’ve just checked and I have all the away European programmes you mention, thanks to having a regular programme order at the time with (my predecessor as a columnist) Peter Tozer. For the Athens one mine isn’t a card but a small, rather flimsy paper 4-pager with little more than the AEK crest and the teams in, as you say, Greek script. Maybe it was a reprint or copy of the card? I also have a separate 4-pager the same size as our home programme, also yellow and in Greek, which I think was created by the late Keith Mellor of the All Our Yesterdays emporium in Carlton. I remember trying to make sense of the Arges Pitesti programme a year or two later when I was doing O level Italian alongside my A levels, as Romanian, being another Romance language, has some similarities with Italian. I’ve got both the red and orange programmes for the final as well as a special edition Malmö published.

I’ve looked at old programmes before in my programme features, but usually for games against the day’s opposition. There might be some mileage in a future season in just looking at particular items of interest from my collection, even if they aren’t connected with the opponents.

A programme article about 'old programmes' would be of interest.

My Dad sold his collection so that he could afford to go to Munich, it was not a time when he or many others were at all wealthy. Mrs Thatcher was creating havoc, He avoids driving through Grantham as he can't stand the sight of her statue.

Dad had an extensive collection, and I think it was Keith Mellor who bought them, I'll ask. He tells me that he inherited, from an uncle, the complete collection of Wolves programmes when they played top European sides under the lights at the Moulinex (sp!). Honved, Spartak Moscow, spring to mind, and no doubt Dukla Prague turned up in their away kit. He also had a programme issued by Bourne Town when Forest played there as a part of the deal to bring a young Peter Grummitt to Forest. Our forward line that day included David Pleat apparently. Dad's sad that those programmes had to go, but needs must ...

 

[Strummer]

Spartak Moscow, spring to mind, and no doubt Dukla Prague turned up in their away kit.

That‘s all I want for Christmas.

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

A programme article about 'old programmes' would be of interest.

My Dad sold his collection so that he could afford to go to Munich, it was not a time when he or many others were at all wealthy. Mrs Thatcher was creating havoc, He avoids driving through Grantham as he can't stand the sight of her statue.

Dad had an extensive collection, and I think it was Keith Mellor who bought them, I'll ask. He tells me that he inherited, from an uncle, the complete collection of Wolves programmes when they played top European sides under the lights at the Moulinex (sp!). Honved, Spartak Moscow, spring to mind, and no doubt Dukla Prague turned up in their away kit. He also had a programme issued by Bourne Town when Forest played there as a part of the deal to bring a young Peter Grummitt to Forest. Our forward line that day included David Pleat apparently. Dad's sad that those programmes had to go, but needs must ...

My dad said he cleared out a load of old programmes when he got married. That was in 1957, so they would probably have gone back to the 1930s. I think he might have regretted this once I started collecting them in the mid 70s (though not as much as I regretted it!)

As I might’ve mentioned before in these pages, he also always said he had the autographs of the 1948 touring Australian cricket team, Bradman and all, but we never found them. Someone somewhere has unexpectedly come across them stuffed into a book or down the back of a drawer and inadvertently denied me part of my inheritance!

But to return to the subject of old programmes, maybe we could run a series next season where fans tell programme-related stories such as yours? Either about one specific significant programme or more general memories and tales about the programme.

 

[Bryn Gunn]

I have my uncles old collection besides my own, all pre 1988.
They’ve been boxed up for years and I should go through them at some point because I know some have players autographs on them since my uncle sat at the front of the main stand.

Getting a football programme was a priority for me in my teens, it gave you something to read about your beloved club during the week before the saturation of online content and Sky sports.
Some of us tried to collect one of every club and I remember Sutton Town AFC had a small programme hut open on match days that sold all sorts from non league to Scottish teams. A cup of bovril and a few Heart of Midlothian FC football programmes in the pocket whilst watching a non league match was a good haul at 13 years old.

Apologies I can’t add anything of much use as I haven’t read a football programme in years but it’s an interesting thread I will follow

 

[thermopyl]

two bits of feedback

it's low to moderately interesting. As an earlier poster said, better interviews with players (not the normal PR bollox), reflections on past games between the teams, updates on WFCG improvements etc - ie more interesting content would make me reach for it more

i try to remember to download so i can read once i'm in the WFCG ; but invariably i forget. This is my biggest obstacle - the lack of WIFI in the ground (Trent End) so i can download and read before the game / half time. Appreciate thats not feedback on the programme per se, but content always has consumption linked to it - and lack of WIFI means i often cant consume

you should also ask folks where they typically read it - might give you some ideas for how to boost readership & engagement

 

[Strummer]

I am heartened that there are more fans of the mighty Half Man, Half Biscuit on this Forum!

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

I am heartened that there are more fans of the mighty Half Man, Half Biscuit on this Forum!

You’ll be even more heartened to know that I once smuggled a lyric of theirs into a programme article a few years back. I referred to the venerable footballer-turned-presenter as “Bob Wilson, anchorman……”

All together now:

“I’d like to meet Einstein and buy him a beer
And I’d love to meet the bloke who had the bright idea -
Bob Wilson, anchorman”

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

two bits of feedback

it's low to moderately interesting. As an earlier poster said, better interviews with players (not the normal PR bollox), reflections on past games between the teams, updates on WFCG improvements etc - ie more interesting content would make me reach for it more

i try to remember to download so i can read once i'm in the WFCG ; but invariably i forget. This is my biggest obstacle - the lack of WIFI in the ground (Trent End) so i can download and read before the game / half time. Appreciate thats not feedback on the programme per se, but content always has consumption linked to it - and lack of WIFI means i often cant consume

you should also ask folks where they typically read it - might give you some ideas for how to boost readership & engagement

Thanks. The wi-fi thing is well-known, of course, but is still a valid concern, be it in terms of accessing an online ticket or reading the programme.

 

[Lady Penelope]

My dad said he cleared out a load of old programmes when he got married. That was in 1957, so they would probably have gone back to the 1930s. I think he might have regretted this once I started collecting them in the mid 70s (though not as much as I regretted it!)

As I might’ve mentioned before in these pages, he also always said he had the autographs of the 1948 touring Australian cricket team, Bradman and all, but we never found them. Someone somewhere has unexpectedly come across them stuffed into a book or down the back of a drawer and inadvertently denied me part of my inheritance!

But to return to the subject of old programmes, maybe we could run a series next season where fans tell programme-related stories such as yours? Either about one specific significant programme or more general memories and tales about the programme.

Good plan. I'll ask dad, he'd love that.

I've also got a good few football club Xmas cards, in the days when clubs sent such things to each other. They came to me via one or two intermediaries from Peter Taylor's collection of such things.

 

[Steve B]

I’ve got Zurich & Frankfurt away programmes from 1967 somewhere in a box. Frankfurt one is worth a few ££’s.

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

I’ve got Zurich & Frankfurt away programmes from 1967 somewhere in a box. Frankfurt one is worth a few ££’s.

Yes, they’re rare and sought-after. I don’t have them and don’t recall ever seeing them on sale anywhere.

 

[Steve B]

Yes, they’re rare and sought-after. I don’t have them and don’t recall ever seeing them on sale anywhere.

Wish I could say I was there, but I’d be lying.

 

[Cloughie1975]

Wish I could say I was there, but I’d be lying.

Although it would have been a bizarre sight in Zurich to see Forest lining up for extra-time only to see the opposition doing a lap of honour knowing they had won on the away goals rule.

 

[Joe Baker's Dog]

A programme article about 'old programmes' would be of interest.

My Dad sold his collection so that he could afford to go to Munich, it was not a time when he or many others were at all wealthy. Mrs Thatcher was creating havoc, He avoids driving through Grantham as he can't stand the sight of her statue.

Dad had an extensive collection, and I think it was Keith Mellor who bought them, I'll ask. He tells me that he inherited, from an uncle, the complete collection of Wolves programmes when they played top European sides under the lights at the Moulinex (sp!). Honved, Spartak Moscow, spring to mind, and no doubt Dukla Prague turned up in their away kit. He also had a programme issued by Bourne Town when Forest played there as a part of the deal to bring a young Peter Grummitt to Forest. Our forward line that day included David Pleat apparently. Dad's sad that those programmes had to go, but needs must ...

My dad & a couple of his mates liked to go to grounds when they first played a game under floodlights - so he went to Wolves, Stoke City & Port Vale - not that he supported any of them.

 

[Flaggers]

The early 80's "At home with...." (player's name) series were [as per my vintage memory] really good - it enabled some sort of connection between the fans and the players.

As others have mentioned - Ken Smales's (and latterly Paul White's) matchly columns were always informative and insightful, and showed a slightly different side of the club - always worth reading, those. Something similar wouldn't go amiss

 

[Steve B]

Although it would have been a bizarre sight in Zurich to see Forest lining up for extra-time only to see the opposition doing a lap of honour knowing they had won on the away goals rule.

There’s a photo somewhere I’ve seen with the Forest players on the pitch waiting for extra time while Zurich were celebrating.

 

[Gyros Peter]

Last time I bought one (for my old man) I was surprised by the price - it's stayed pretty low. That said it's the old school folk who like them I think, so keeping them cheap is a good thing.

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

Last time I bought one (for my old man) I was surprised by the price - it's stayed pretty low. That said it's the old school folk who like them I think, so keeping them cheap is a good thing.

Yes, it had been £3 for many years, without checking I’d say ten or more, until it went up to £3.50 this season, though it has had more pages in previous years. I’d happily pay £4 for more pages and improved content, though I appreciate some might not agree as football is a very expensive pastime for many people. I can remember the outcry in the middle of the 1973/74 season when it went up from 6p to 7p!

 

[Gyros Peter]

Yes, it had been £3 for many years, without checking I’d say ten or more, until it went up to £3.50 this season, though it has had more pages in previous years. I’d happily pay £4 for more pages and improved content, though I appreciate some might not agree as football is a very expensive pastime for many people. I can remember the outcry in the middle of the 1973/74 season when it went up from 6p to 7p!

I thought it was cheap for what it is, and I'd personally be happy to pay more though, like I said, for me they are more of an old timer thing and therefore should stay as low as they possibly can as imagine lots of the folk buying are pension age (or kids) - wonder if the club have any data about the ages of folk buying them as I could be way off?

Content wise I think we should have more advertising for trade services from our worlds best full back! (Ola Aina carpentry perhaps?)

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

I thought it was cheap for what it is, and I'd personally be happy to pay more though, like I said, for me they are more of an old timer thing and therefore should stay as low as they possibly can as imagine lots of the folk buying are pension age (or kids) - wonder if the club have any data about the ages of folk buying them as I could be way off?

Content wise I think we should have more advertising for trade services from our worlds best full back!

I remember that. It had his home phone number in as well! Very different times…

I don’t imagine they have data as to who buys the programme in person at a match as there’s no way the sellers can record those details, but the club will have data on the members and SC holders, of course. Looking at who is queuing to buy one or reading one in the stand (it’s handy to have something physical you can read when you can get no phone signal…) I’d say the vast majority of readers are 50+, which I think is a shame as, for all the convenience of reading stuff on phones and iPads, it’s an emptier experience compared with having an actual physical artefact in your hands. (Same with records - I’ll remember where I bought a particular album years later but won’t have the same connection with something I’ve downloaded.)

 

[Gyros Peter]

I remember that. It had his home phone number in as well! Very different times…

I don’t imagine they have data as to who buys the programme in person at a match as there’s no way the sellers can record those details, but the club will have data on the members and SC holders, of course. Looking at who is queuing to buy one or reading one in the stand (it’s handy to have something physical you can read when you can get no phone signal…) I’d say the vast majority of readers are 50+, which I think is a shame as, for all the convenience of reading stuff on phones and iPads, it’s an emptier experience compared with having an actual physical artefact in your hands. (Same with records - I’ll remember where I bought a particular album years later but won’t have the same connection with something I’ve downloaded.)

I remember buying them as a kid - was just one of those things you did. I've always bought my lad one when he's been with me, just because I think it's something that should continue really - one of those little parts of football that make the matchday experience. While I flick through my dad's if I go with him, I don't buy one unless I'm buying it for my lad or him. Maybe I should just to help keep things ticking over...

Agree with your views on things in the hand, though think the world is probably going the opposite way. And they may be right with the environmental aspect.

 

[Ian Moore Gone Little]

As some of you will know, I contribute to the matchday programme. With sell-out crowds and digital programmes sent to SC holders and members the readership is probably the biggest it’s been for a long time, so I think it’s in the club’s interests to make sure it is something people want to read and enjoy. As with everything else about the club I’d like it to be the best it can possibly be so I have offered to canvas supporters’ views on the programme and collate the feedback. I’m hoping we’ll include some sort of survey in the programme itself but I said I would also get the opinions of people here and in my branch of the Supporters’ Club.

So I would welcome your comments about the programme, including but not limited to:
- what do you like?
- what don’t you like?
- what would you like to see more of?
- what would you like to see less of?
- what would you like the programme to include which it doesn’t currently have?
- given the cover price had been £3 for many years before this season’s 50p increase, would you accept a further price increase (those who buy the physical programme) for more pages?

Basically, I’d like any constructive feedback that might help improve the programme. Apart from being a contributor I am not otherwise connected to the club, but apparently a new staff member will soon be starting with responsibility for the programme (the editor also currently provides web and social media content so is understandably stretched a bit thin at times) so I would hope some changes could be implemented if not this season then in time for next season.

Finally, there are regulars in this forum with lots of interesting Forest memories and stories, so if anyone might be potentially interested in contributing to the programme either regularly or as a one-off do please let me know.

Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has offered their views. I thought I’d just ask again now for any more opinions and in a few days I’ll send the collated comments to the editor. Thanks.

 

[PTFD]

There are too many adverts. In days gone by Ken Smales used to write very newsworthy notes on pages 2 and 3 and there also used to be a very interesting letters page that was not always sugar coated in favour of the club.
The programme tokens were also a route to Wembley tickets in the past.

This was especially the case for the FA Cup match against Luton. Less content and more adverts for the same price as any other matchday wasn’t great to be honest and not worth the purchase.

I quite enjoyed Marples Musings from a few season’s back, always an original take and I would like more in depth featured player interviews but it seems like the club is priortisinf social media content which reaches a wider audience and is much improved recently to be honest.