Real Madrid for Tallafornia

[dcfcsteve]

Such negativity.

I'll wager that in 10 years time you'll see that there are lots of young fans in Tallaght who will be able to say that they got hooked on Rovers from the first time they went to see them play against Real Madrid in 2009.

I think tbhis match is a good thing - but I'm not convinced it'll convert a lot of kids who are there to see Real Madrid/Ronaldo, not Rovers being completely outclassed by them.

Out of curiousity - how many reading this got into the LOI through a Friendly ? It was the atmosphere at a very mundane league game (vs EMFA) thats got me hooked - not one of City's numerous glamour friendlies at the time.

If big name friendlies were all that was needed to get kids hooked on the LOI, we'd have crowds double what they are already.

[Dodge]

Out of curiousity - how many reading this got into the LOI through a Friendly ? It was the atmosphere at a very mundane league game (vs EMFA) thats got me hooked - not one of City's numerous glamour friendlies at the time.

I know plenty of Pats fans whose first game was a friendly. For some going to this, whose parents etc weren't club supporters, they won't be even be aware there are league teams in Ireland. Next month they will.

The only downside to the crowd attendign the game for Rovers is that the tickets were sold on the internet and therefore the geographical spread of attendees mightn't be as Tallaght based as they like.

But if they get 5 extra fans it'll have been worthwhile

[Duggie]

come on lads get real. its one thing going out to see rovers v real madrid, its another going out on a rainy fri evening in dec to see rovers v bray. this friendly has absolutely no impact on future supporters IMO. make as much out of it and move onwards and upwards.

[Dodge]

come on lads get real. its one thing going out to see rovers v real madrid, its another going out on a rainy fri evening in dec to see rovers v bray. this friendly has absolutely no impact on future supporters IMO. make as much out of it and move onwards and upwards.

I can only speak from Pats experience.

It mightn't bring even 5% of the crowd, but if it brings back ANYONE its a good thing. ANd it has certainly brought people back to Inchicore

[pineapple stu]

Can't believe anyone's suggesting the friendly will attract no new supporters at all.

[passinginterest]

There's plenty of people out there who's first game was a friendly or big European night, Shels might not have seen the immediate impact of the bumper Deportivo crowd, but, I'd bet if you go across to Shelsweb and ask you'll find a few who'll admit it was their first game. It might not make an immediate noticeable impact but it imprints the League of Ireland in the minds of younger fans, I'd defnitely credit hearing about Liverpool and other big teams coming over for pre season games as bringing the league to my attention far more than any of the occassional games or highlights that were on the telly. The other thing that took my interest was players from the successful underage teams like Colin Hawkins and Thomas Heary signing for Pat's. For people outside of traditional League of Ireland areas I don't think you can underestimate the importrance of big name friendlies and signings in terms of raising general awareness of the league and potential future supporters.

[marinobohs]

come on lads get real. its one thing going out to see rovers v real madrid, its another going out on a rainy fri evening in dec to see rovers v bray. this friendly has absolutely no impact on future supporters IMO. make as much out of it and move onwards and upwards.

While I doubt it will lead to all or even most of the fans who attend the Madrid game going every week it will heighten the profile of Sham Rovers (and indeed the League) and therefore it is a good thing. Irrespective of how much they make (money or new fans) it is a good and imaginative initiative by Shams.

[Dodge]

Irrespective of how much they make (money or new fans) it is a good and imaginative initiative by Shams.

I'll have to preface this and point out that I've said this is a good thing for Rovers all along BUT

It didn't require any initative on their part at all. They were approached by platinum long after it was agreed that Madrid were coming, and even after Platinum couldn't agree a deal for the use of another non LOI ground

[marinobohs]

I'll have to preface this and point out that I've said this is a good thing for Rovers all along BUT

It didn't require any initative on their part at all. They were approached by platinum long after it was agreed that Madrid were coming, and even after Platinum couldn't agree a deal for the use of another non LOI ground

No aurgument so.Shams INVOLVEMENT and PROMOTION of Madrid game and Hibs and Newkie games are good for them and the League (good publicity) irrespective of where the initiative came from.

[Duggie]

it would also be great if it wasnt a 10-0 massacre aswell.

[seand]

it would also be great if it wasnt a 10-0 massacre aswell.

Well if Real aren't going to play their big guns that's a chance they take. Gary Twigg is on fire, after all.

[mypost]

Did'nt think hoops had fans old enough to remember playing in the Champions League .

Well we do. Many years ago admittedly, but at least it was when there was no pre-qualifying involved.

enjoy your friendly in your one stand.

We will enjoy the game in our sold out 4-sided stadium. You can enjoy your game too, in front of rows and rows of empty seats/terraces.

in reality the majority of people are going to see madrid. once there gone so will the other seven odd thousand.

Are they? At least half of the ground, if not more, is full of home fans only. Most of those go every week.

[rerun]

I'll preface this by saying I think that Rovers getting well established (again) and having a massive glamour friendly is a fantastic thing, but here's how I think it will play out...

Tallaght stadium sells out for the game, and continues to get decent crowds for the year; Game ends 7 - 1 to Real (no surprise there...)

12 months from now Rovers discover that the friendly actually COST them money and they are on the verge of bankruptcy (again) with most of the money being sucked up by the ground owners, promoters and other hangers on. Be very careful hoops, be very careful...

I hope I'm wrong.

[Dodge]

12 months from now Rovers discover that the friendly actually COST them money and they are on the verge of bankruptcy (again) with most of the money being sucked up by the ground owners, promoters and other hangers on. Be very careful hoops, be very careful...

I hope I'm wrong.

Rovers are being paid a fee. Their only outlay will be merchandise which i assume the fee will cover.

So basically, your wish has come true and you're wrong

[marinobohs]

[quote=mypost;1184963]Well we do. Many years ago admittedly, but at least it was when there was no pre-qualifying involved.



We will enjoy the game in our sold out 4-sided stadium. You can enjoy your game too, in front of rows and rows of empty seats/terraces.



Obviously shams have invented glamour friendlies in Ireland ! The fact that you appear to favour a glamour friendly over Champs Lge qualifier shows the minnows you have become. Do'nt forget to doff your cap to the nice men from Madrid

[rerun]

Rovers are being paid a fee. Their only outlay will be merchandise which i assume the fee will cover.

So basically, your wish has come true and you're wrong

Wouldn't be the first time I was wrong but this is Ireland and in this country we seem to have the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory or find some way to end up paying over the odds for something...

Let's wait and see. You're assuming that after the game some besuited gentleman will call by with a big cheque and that will be that. Will the temporary increased capacity incur any unforeseen expenses, insurance, etc. that the hoops will end up having to fork out for?

[fergalr]

Will the temporary increased capacity incur any unforeseen expenses, insurance, etc. that the hoops will end up having to fork out for?

No.

For the umpteenth time - this event is being run by Platinum 1.

[pineapple stu]

In fairness, if ther's a contract there, it seems a clear case of Platinum 1 run the whole event, take on the whole risk and cut Rovers an agreed cheque at the end of it.

[mypost]

you appear to favour a glamour friendly over Champs Lge qualifier.

Well the nation seems to prefer glamour friendlies too. The 1200 extra tickets sold out in roughly an hour yesterday morning.

Still haven't seen too many sold out reports of the "big" CL qualifiers yet.

[Dodge]

mypost once again speaks for the nation.