Queens v Arbroath 21st December

[aloreburn]

Let’s start a match thread nice and early for a change.

Arbroath have had a good start to their championship campaign and will be a tough nut to crack. Dobbie was fit to play yesterday and hopefully Pybus will now be available also after his the concussion he received during training. Not expecting a big crowd due to it being so close to Christmas. Just under a thousand home supporters attended our last match against Partick Thistle which must be a major concern for the BOD’s. How long can that go on before we consider part time football again

[Ftivano1]

With it being the last Saturday before Christmas coupled with the fact Arbroath will not bring many fans I expect this will be the lowest league attendance of the season but the important fact is Queens really need 3 points as Partick Thistle's mini revival gathers speed and
and the other two teams below us Alloa and Morton play each other..

[Auld_Chippy]

I recall a few fans thinking a draw up at Arbroath on the first day of the season was a bad result as "they're only a part time club and newly promoted". I think Arbroath's results, performances and current position show they are a good team, hard to beat, who play to their strengths with a good work ethic. It won't be easy on Saturday, we'll hopefully be at full strength and can show a bit of determination to battle for points. Turning up thinking you'll win won't be acceptable. A poor result/performance and more fans will probably drift away.

[jardi]

Auld Chippy, - Queens must turn up as though they are playing the Old Firm.

Sadly, - the crowd will not reach 1000, - but we should kind of make up for it on the 4th of January, - when Dundee Utd should bring about 1000 fans down for that.

[Ftivano1]

Yes Jardi would not be surprised if they bring more as they took 3,000 plus to Arbroath on Saturday although it is, of course,
far nearer than Dumfries.

[ALBERTZ_11]

Referee...Grant Irvine

AR1...Daniel McFarlane

AR2...Michael Addy

[jardi]

That's a remarkable number, - although its the equivalent of us going to Annan.

Nevertheless, Dundee Utd have two massive home games, this Saturday against Ayr, and the following Friday against Dundee. What we need is for them to win both preferably, - but definitely the derby and then for them to be so desperate to see their club again that they come down here in great numbers.

There's one major factor in our favour for a large away support and that is that many are still on holiday, and they will be desperate to get away from the house, the wife and the kids for a few hours.

The only fly in the ointment would be a forecast of snow, - or heavy rain and gales.

So fingers crossed for Dundee Utd to win the derby, a mild forecast with no gales, and you might just sneak 1500, - which would really help to boost the coffers and make up for this Saturday's attendance.

[scooby_blue]

That's a remarkable number, - although its the equivalent of us going to Annan.

Nevertheless, Dundee Utd have two massive home games, this Saturday against Ayr, and the following Friday against Dundee. What we need is for them to win both preferably, - but definitely the derby and then for them to be so desperate to see their club again that they come down here in great numbers.

There's one major factor in our favour for a large away support and that is that many are still on holiday, and they will be desperate to get away from the house, the wife and the kids for a few hours.

The only fly in the ointment would be a forecast of snow, - or heavy rain and gales.

So fingers crossed for Dundee Utd to win the derby, a mild forecast with no gales, and you might just sneak 1500, - which would really help to boost the coffers and make up for this Saturday's attendance.

I’d honestly like to know why our home attendances have slipped in recent years. With one of our best players ever playing for us you would think crowds would be up. It’s so frustrating for the club and as has been mentioned above , part time football may have to return due to our financial situation. Being knocked out all 3 cups at the first hurdle hasn’t helped the situation.

[jardi]

Scooby, - you've hit the nail on the head. Cup competitions whether we like it or not are the life blood of this club and it keeps the occasional supporter interested, - again whether we like it or not.

Too many people were scathing of the occasional supporter, -when instead they should have nurtured them.

It's a shame for Dobbie, - as he is a class act, - but too many inconsistent performances (by the club) have damaged our league position as well.

4th spot is still attainable in this league, -but we have to treat every game like a cup final to get there, - and then not let down the extra fans who turn out.

It's a vicious circle that Livingston learned a couple of seasons ago, - but that's how they got out of the championship, through hard work and consistency.

[Auld_Chippy]

I’d honestly like to know why our home attendances have slipped in recent years. With one of our best players ever playing for us you would think crowds would be up. It’s so frustrating for the club and as has been mentioned above , part time football may have to return due to our financial situation. Being knocked out all 3 cups at the first hurdle hasn’t helped the situation.

I think the crowds started to dwindle even before Dobbie came back, maybe a slight upturn when he first returned but nothing significant. What is driving some away, and keeping others away imo, is that even with Dobbie there is no significant improvement in our performances or signs of progression, indeed Dobbie's goals have only succeeded in keeping us up in the Championship, not acted a springboard to better things. Performances in Cup competitions over the past couple of seasons have also been disappointing on the whole, we've struggled to see off clubs from lower divisions and obviously have suffered defeat at the hands of some of them. Unlike most other forms of leisure and entertainment football maybe has a bit of an emotional pull for supporters but even that isn't strong enough if people simply aren't being entertained.