Stevenage Safety Officers Response

Quoted from Kristine

Trust aren't resting, I'm not resting, FSF won't rest and I'm sure the club will look to reach the correct conclusion too.

Quoted from RichMariner

They're in a tough situation, made tougher by their poor attempt at a response yesterday.

Apologies for the lengthy post but I used to work in a PR team and these are my thoughts/observations on the story.

In all my time working in that PR team I only had one occasion when the story went national (much in the way this has).

We weren't able to cope with all the phone calls, emails and requests for info. I learnt a lot from that experience and so far I'm seeing Stevenage make the same mistakes.

Firstly, don't take ages to reply. At the very least, act quickly, show you're working fast. Even if you can't say much, just tell people you're taking it seriously and looking into it. NEVER attempt to point the finger at anyone else, even if you think you have fair reason to.

The EFL pretty much did this with their statement. It was more of a holding statement but it's what was required.

The national media are relentless (particularly the Daily Mail). We had people sitting outside our offices, writing down number plates of cars parked outside, threats of doorstepping and all sorts.

Not saying Stevenage will have to deal with that, but basically I'd be surprised if they're able to cope alone with this. They'll probably need support from an external PR agency, which will cost them a bit.

Basically I think they underestimated how far we'd take this. Massively. We're not just a few football fans whinging on social media - as a collective we're a force to be reckoned with. The Trust has done excellent work bringing this story to the attention of football fans across the country. It's a much wider issue than just being 'over-frisked' by bully stewards.

It's generally good practice not to share your complaint with the media until after you've given the 'accused' a chance to reply.

However, in this instance, I have no sympathy. Stevenage didn't give our fans a chance to enjoy the match - a match we paid good money to see - so they can lump it. Why should we treat them with respect when they showed us none?

The thing about this case is that the damage is done. I'm not suggesting the Trust and others involved can put their feet up, because they shouldn't. What I mean is, in most people's eyes, Stevenage now have a reputation for dodgy stewarding because of the media coverage.

Mud sticks - as we know from Derbyshire Police's account of so-called damage we didn't cause in Chesterfield.

Also, if any CCTV footage comes out that shows stewards feeling female supporters' bras, then that's their reputation damaged HUGELY. Because under no circumstances is it ever reasonable to check bras as part of security checks at football matches.

Airports, maybe. Police arrests, yes - in certain protective conditions. Once any image of any bra touching sees the light of day, well, I'd rather not be Stevenage's safety officer, let's put it like that.

Quoted from Kristine

One of the aims will be an apology yes.

I have spoken to a couple of SLO's yes and both confirm stewarding issues although not to the scale or like that we had.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Than you Kristine, have you recovered from that pillock on Twitter calling you "sweet cheeks" on Twitter earlier?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Are you apologising to Pompy (sic) who will not be going to Stevenage as they're in a different league?  

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Are you apologising to Pompy (sic) who will not be going to Stevenage as they're in a different league?