Robert Osbourn’s “View from the ‘Van” “THE TIME HAS COME”, THE WALRUS SAID, “TO TALK OF MANY THINGS”

Robert Osbourn’s “View from the ‘Van”

“THE TIME HAS COME”, THE WALRUS SAID, “TO TALK OF MANY THINGS”

Lewis Carroll’s fabled character was musing on life in general and we, as Cambridge United supporters may be turning our minds to a consideration of the many things which have happened to us recently.

Such as the remarkable run of league form which has transformed things from rock bottom and winless in mid-September to confidently placed in a playoff place at Christmas and the late turnaround of fortunes in the replay at Dover and the completeness of victory against higher placed Coventry which provided the opportunity to host Leeds in Round 3 of the FA Cup.

The club took the view that it should be regular supporters who would benefit from having the opportunity to purchase tickets for a match which had the potential to more than sell out the stadium, in no time at all. A system of priority purchase, beginning with season ticket holders and CFU members and moving on to fans with credits under the loyalty scheme and those with a track record of purchasing tickets was implemented, to seek to limit sales to genuine fans.

Away supporters were restricted to one stand, so that home fans could take up 3 sides of the ground, even though Leeds fans might well have snapped up anything on offer, and tickets did not go on general release. A sell out, with a terrific atmosphere resulted and those present were, generally, well satisfied.
However, this did mean that some people who would consider themselves as regular fans were not able to get tickets for the Leeds match and, regrettably, some took out their frustration by venting their feelings on staff and volunteers working at the club. From speaking to some staff and from personal observation of some exchanges, I would say that such abuse is wholly unacceptable.

Those working in the ticket office and club shop often work beyond their contracted hours during busy periods to help supporters. Most volunteers have other jobs and use their leave to help provide a service or come into the club after they have finished work.
 
One issue that has emerged, as a consequence of the Leeds game is the importance of regular fans having their details on the club’s database, as this is used to determine eligibility for tickets etc. Some fans, understandably, buy their tickets on matchdays and do so without declaring themselves, but this can lead to exclusion when high profile matches come along, and I would encourage all regular fans to get themselves on to the system. It is not always possible to satisfy everyone’s preferences, however, usually due to outside influences, such as the constraints sometimes imposed by opposition clubs.
 
The ticket office opening hours are shown on the web site. When there are changes these will be released in advance on the News page of the web site and via social media. Match tickets are sold online in advance of the game or, in the case of cup ties, as soon as possible with the relevant entitlements. There are occasions when the full allocation of tickets for an away match cannot be taken by up the club straight away for various reasons or when a cut off on sales needs to implemented.
 
Staff want to help you, but sometimes, they need you to help them. Please bear this in mind before you criticise.
 
COYU’s
Robert