- Joined
- Oct 25, 2004
- Messages
- 4,923
Superb points.The group gets my backing! The mere notion that there's a negative response towards PNE Underground, be it fans on here, or social media, aligns with us being a distinctly average football club, with fans who would rather be negative than positive - 60 years outside of the top flight confirms as much.
I am no longer passionate about Preston North End, due to a change in personal circumstances as I've got older, not helped by zero incentive to remain engaged as a fan from a very mediocre offering on the field, and an awful experience off it.
If that is to change, it's going to be thanks to a group like PNE Underground acting as a catalyst for improvement. Having been involved in PSG2000 for a brief time and attended many fans forums down the years, the disconnect between the club and supporters is when the fans lose sight of their role in the club - it is not to be scouts or tacticians, which is what has always happened in the past. Fans with an "I know best" attitude, which PNE Underground MUST have front and centre as they aim to work with the club.
When dealing with a megalomaniac like Peter Ridsdale, you have to work with him, not against him and telling him and his staff how to do their jobs would only end in the same way that past fans voices have. If PNE Undeground only views its role through a lens of "anything off the pitch or training ground," there's a real chance that the club could be receptive to a fans voice. I think the ISA is the best example of this with the momentum they brought to Deepdale in the early 90s, which ultimately acted as a catalyst to improvement, both off the pitch initially and eventually, on it, which I think was in large part thanks to the awareness and appeal they created.
Anything other than positivity towards this movement from fans is obstructing the single common goal of all PNE fans, one of progress - whatever progress may eventually look like. It could be a PNEIPA and Bowland pie, or a pitcher of Fosters whilst watching the 12:30 Premier League game in the old football museum, right through to an ultras section on the kop - whatever it takes, I'm behind, as should all fans as good things happen through solidarity. When we're galaxies apart from the Premier League and many teams in the Championship, from a financial and fanbase perspective, we have to look at where marginal gains can be obtained and right now, a small group of fans looking to cause disruption, is the best chance of anything positive happening beyond another mid-table finish and departing the cups at the earliest possible opportunity, with a half empty stadium and away fans account often accounting for 25% or more of attendance.
Best of luck, PNE Underground.
I believe everything is in play. A suggested application for a standing area, un reserved seating areas too.
Working together will be the only way.