Pre Season Predictions

Quoted from nealeardleyscrossing

Your plastic issues are ridiculous, how do you think fan bases grow? If we hadn't grown our fan base - We'd be accused of not buying into it - We could have grown a whole generation of supporters and we should be applauded for that. Your attendances are poor because your team is poor - Get better players, your crowds would return - Would they be plastics?.

Our average for this season will be nearly 10k which is fantastic has your average ever been 10k?, and next season - if they increase the capacity as they are looking at could be even higher - With some big clubs in League 1.

We've drunk this league, 2 years after coming up from the NL, next year will be tough - and I would take finishing in the bottom half now, especially with some very big clubs in there. I am sure we will meet again but I think it will be some time - Until you make it a more attractive proposition coming to Grimsby I do fear for you a bit. I think next season is massive for you - You could easily drop with the team you currently have, though Whitehouse will score goals from Midfield.

But what about the 100 or so seasons prior to your recent up turn?...were was you so called fan base then??.
The same happened with Hull City, while riding high they came out the woodwork in droves to get drunk on the highs but as soon as the lows came along they disappeared back into the drains and unless you keep going in the right direction I feel you'll do the same...
So plastic fans??..yes you have loads, we have an hardcore of 3500 that have been there through thick and thin...as someone else put ."where were you when you were sh!the"??
This isn't aimed at you particularly because I will say you normally respectful, insightful and very seldom gloat about your current fortune, it's idiots like the person that started this thread that I despise..

I get your point, but Hull to take you example, are still doing well, I obviously remember them coming to our place (Normally trying to smash it up) so it's not that long ago they were where we are.

But my point was it has to start somewhere - Lincoln have really promoted the family idea at the club, so I think we have already sold 3.5k Season tickets for next year - It will be three years we have had decent crowds. But to compete next year we will need more money and for Danny to be shrewd in the market, or we will struggle.

Luton were okay because they had players that were already good enough - But we would need 4/5 decent players in my opinion. Accrington always benefit from being in such a key area for talent - Loans from others, but I think they will come back down.

These things always go in cycles so the key is to enjoy it while you can and more importantly, build on it if you can.

It just so happens that the downward cycle we are on has lasted 20 years with no sign of it stopping, let alone reversing.

We never really built on our success in the 70's 80's and 90's, we just had good managers and good teams but once they leave the whole thing is built on sand. Try not to make the same mistakes.

Quoted from SalsaE70

50 years an Imp... if that makes me a plastic, how many years have you been a Cod?????

If you knew anything about us you would know we are Haddocks,

We send Cod to pheasants like you who do not know anything about fish.

I have got 65 years in so trump your 50.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

These things always go in cycles so the key is to enjoy it while you can and more importantly, build on it if you can.

It just so happens that the downward cycle we are on has lasted 20 years with no sign of it stopping, let alone reversing.

We never really built on our success in the 70's 80's and 90's, we just had good managers and good teams but once they leave the whole thing is built on sand. Try not to make the same mistakes.

I hope we don't, but who knows what will happen, we have our ceiling, and I am not sure its not where we are going to be next year. Some fans talk of the championship, but look at some of the teams in there..

A decent CA diary on the growing gaps between us:

http://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=7100

Interesting piece and does illuminate the fact that small steps culminate in a far better fan experience.
It misses out in the fact that the 2 C’s spend a lot of time personally in the schools and even train the Notts County girls U12’s !... they have embraced the City, it’s history and just get it....

Where can I see this list of 40 initiatives they have implemented.

Having lived here for 42 years. I have never before witnessed the level of interest in the Chimps as there is at this time. That includes the Graham Taylor era in the mid seventies and the best team they have had in my lifetime which was the early 80’s under Colin Murphy.

Whilst the Crowley’s are a significant factor the major momentum was generated by the excellent cup run and the facts that “fans” could not get a ticket. Your CX was straight in with his six game discount ticket etc. and the snowball started rolling. The reason I put fans in inverted commas is I have loads of mates who previously attended one game per season (v Town) who were able to get tickets whilst other mates who probably attended 15 games a season throughout the tough times missed out. Moving forward and not wanting to miss out both sets bought season tickets and the snowball expanded with a trip to Wembley and the play offs and now promotion.

Historically Lincoln have never moved forward when they have had decent sides with that early 80’s team the prime example when their reserve side included the likes of Stuart Naylor, Gary Strodder, Phil Turner, Wayne Biggins and Diddy Gilbert all of whom had good professional careers with two joins us Mariners during their career.

All I know is we have not had crowds like theirs for over 30 years even during our regular stint in the Championship and am I jealous too bloody right I am and sick of hearing about the bloody Imps but can’t blame them as they are making full use of their success by generating extra income through crowds, commercial activity and new board members, illegitimates 😄

Quoted from SalsaE70

You reckon....??
Where will they go ??

Compared to you lot he will find a big club like Burton