We urge all fans to read this; it’s handy information about what is happening at the club on Saturday and forthcoming games.
The club released today via their website (HERE) information regarding Saturday’s game against Grimsby.
Besides a test for the first team as Big Jim gets the squad into shape, it’s also a test for new systems at the ground to be tried (hopefully successfully) and to gauge where, if any, areas may need tweaking.
In discussions with the club, the Trust was able to appreciate the efforts being made to trial new systems. We are aware of the considerable effort that has gone into planning and overseeing this match. It will be challenging, and we appreciate this. We ask our members and fans in general to be patient.
Mr “Sods Law” will no doubt be around; he always is when new things happen. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work on and refine our systems. After all, if this leads to a better fan experience, we all will be happy!
The Trust was able to catch up today with RAFC Managing Director Andy Duff to gain a deeper insight into Saturday’s game and his approach. This approach will hopefully hone procedures for other home games.
Here is what Andy said to us today,
Our game, RAFC v Grimsby is very much a test event. We have new stewards inside the stadium and car park, a new matchday ticketing system, new access control on the turnstiles (being tested today, Thursday), new scanners etc. Joining us will be both Fanbase and NCP (turnstile installers), whose staff will be on site for the day and over the weeks ahead as we tweak and adjust a few things.
Regarding the stewards, Jeff (CEO of CSG) will be here personally for the first few fixtures. There will be a lot of stewards here on Saturday, as well as at the United friendly, so the pool of new staff can be briefed on their roles and understand the stadium layout. Chris (Garland Operating Officer at the COA and Ground Safety Officer) and I spoke yesterday. Once the onboarding is complete, we anticipate that the number of stewards deployed will be lower than in previous seasons for all matches deemed low risk and where we expect fewer away fans. We now make the deployment decision internally, as Chris has taken on the role of Matchday Safety Officer, so these costs are managed internally control.
Finally, all matchday staff will be wearing accreditation as we can’t expect new stewards to know who are club staff and who aren’t as we go around the stadium.
So, to recap as the Trust sees it
1) There will be friendly turnstile operators available on the day to help, opening at 2 pm. This will also be their first time using the new matchday ticketing system, powered by Fanbase. Please be patient with us—there are new scanners, new software, and new team members, so a few hiccups could happen. However, rest assured that any issues will be promptly resolved. Just a reminder: supporters can buy tickets online up until kick-off, and these will be saved to your phone for easy scanning at the turnstiles. You can also purchase tickets in person at the Ticket Office and Club Shop on matchday.
2) Furthermore, Stewarding, as announced previously HERE, is now with a new company, CSG (Controlled Solutions Group), and they will be the club’s official partner for the upcoming season. As Andy mentioned above, there will be a significant stewarding presence around the stadium on Saturday (Training), so we ask members and fans to be patient on the day. It’s not only us who will be getting to know our new stewards; many will be with us at the COA for the first time. Good-natured, friendly banter is always welcome, but as everyone settles in, please be patient. Ultimately, it’s for our safety and enjoyment.
3) For our wonderful supporters attending hospitality and using the 1907, we’re excited to introduce a friendly new team at reception! They’ll be here to greet you, guide you, and ensure you have a fantastic time not just on Saturday but at future games too. Joining us will be Ruby Loynd, our new club fan liaison officer, who has been recently brought in from the Trust — with our full support! She’ll be working alongside Kirsty Hodgkinson and Jammie Stoddart, all dedicated to making your experience warm, welcoming, and enjoyable.
Any feedback, whether positive or negative, that supporters have after our test event should be sent to fanservices@rochdaleafc.co.uk.
The Trust will be available before and during the game, the Trust desk will be set up in the Dale bar as normal
. As usual, any fans who want to raise issues with us and represent them on their behalf should contact us in the normal way.
Finally, all matchday staff will be wearing accreditation as we can’t expect new stewards to know who are club staff and who aren’t as we go around the stadium.
Click HERE for ticket details.