I stepped in to referee my son's Under 10 team's big match today, Holy Trinity Hawks v St James Harriers, two teams first and second in their league.
It was a great match played in the right spirit with two well drilled, enthusiastic kids and the hardest decisions the rookie ref had to make was a handball (against us)that lead to the first goal and a couple of over enthusiastic tackles.
Fast forward to the second half, we are 2-1 down and crawling all over them looking for an equaliser that would set us up nicely for the second half of the season after Christmas.
3 minutes to go we get a corner, our midfielder hits it and it ends up in the back of the net without another player touching it....a George Best moment, wild celebrations all round... but wait, the goalie and the away coach who was on the goal line said it had gone in through a gap in the side netting.....drama.... what the hell to do???, looked like a goal to me, easy to look like a cheating "homer" so I did the simple thing and asked the kid who took the corner.....answer : "It did go in through the side netting", no goal.... peep, goal kick and despite a couple of good chances Holy Trinity Hawks lose 2-1.
Well done Master B, Mum and Dad should be proud of you.
The great news is that the Thierry Henry Factor hasn't filtered down yet and kids understand the difference between right and wrong and that drawing or winning by a lie or cheating doesn't feel anywhere near as good as doing it the right way, long may it continue !
Saturday 12 December 2009
Wednesday 9 December 2009
Who would be a football manager?
It has been an interesting week for football managers with episodes highlighting the trials and tribulations of management at different levels in the English game.
Just look the scenarios of Messrs Pullis, Deehan and Magilton.
Pullis of Stoke City in England's Premier League was disappointed in his team's lack of guts at Arsenal last Saturday and decided on the spot that the previously approved Players Christmas Party would now only mean one day off not two....poor James Beattie stood up for his teammates heartbroken at the thought of only one night partying in the Smoke and allegedly got up close and personal with the Boss. Club back manager player probably on his bike in the January window.
John Deehan, assistant Manager of non league Kettering Town ( much loved as the first ever English club to have a shirt sponsor under legend Derek Dougan in the 1970's and fathers of an entire industry) gets the boot for making three substitutions,in an FA Cup replay against Leeds United, his manager was playing in goal at the time. In another throwback to the 1970's the owner was so annoyed at missing the chance of playing Man Utd in the next round, he chopped him on the spot. Manager backs assistant, but openly admits he really needs the job and the money, tough situation for him.
Now Jim Magilton of Championship side QPR, who had been on a great run but have stalled, has been suspended after another alleged close discussion with a player who had disappointed him in the performance against Watford. Owners suspend manager, backroom staff walk out in solidarity, player asks for a transfer.
The common thread is that all three are very experienced football men who have been around the block and seen it all in dressing rooms across the various levels of professional football.
A football manager does not have the same range of management tools available to him that managers in Industry and there are times when, in a man's environment the only answer is a full and frank man to man conversation.
Similar restrictions apply to managing upwards, with the quixotic behaviour of some owners presenting situations that they don't teach you at Harvard Business School.
Add to that the day to day pressure of managing extremely well paid athletes who have their own agendas and it is a real challenge.
Who would be a manager?
Just look the scenarios of Messrs Pullis, Deehan and Magilton.
Pullis of Stoke City in England's Premier League was disappointed in his team's lack of guts at Arsenal last Saturday and decided on the spot that the previously approved Players Christmas Party would now only mean one day off not two....poor James Beattie stood up for his teammates heartbroken at the thought of only one night partying in the Smoke and allegedly got up close and personal with the Boss. Club back manager player probably on his bike in the January window.
John Deehan, assistant Manager of non league Kettering Town ( much loved as the first ever English club to have a shirt sponsor under legend Derek Dougan in the 1970's and fathers of an entire industry) gets the boot for making three substitutions,in an FA Cup replay against Leeds United, his manager was playing in goal at the time. In another throwback to the 1970's the owner was so annoyed at missing the chance of playing Man Utd in the next round, he chopped him on the spot. Manager backs assistant, but openly admits he really needs the job and the money, tough situation for him.
Now Jim Magilton of Championship side QPR, who had been on a great run but have stalled, has been suspended after another alleged close discussion with a player who had disappointed him in the performance against Watford. Owners suspend manager, backroom staff walk out in solidarity, player asks for a transfer.
The common thread is that all three are very experienced football men who have been around the block and seen it all in dressing rooms across the various levels of professional football.
A football manager does not have the same range of management tools available to him that managers in Industry and there are times when, in a man's environment the only answer is a full and frank man to man conversation.
Similar restrictions apply to managing upwards, with the quixotic behaviour of some owners presenting situations that they don't teach you at Harvard Business School.
Add to that the day to day pressure of managing extremely well paid athletes who have their own agendas and it is a real challenge.
Who would be a manager?
Thursday 3 December 2009
Tiger Woods is not a robot after all.
So Tiger has come clean and issued a mea culpa over transgressions and sins, blaming the media for catching him on and kicking up a storm. Media commentary goes mad and speculation about sponsorship deals is rife.
The curse of the Gillette Three has Procter & Gamble marketing guys reviewing media spend commitments and Frau Federer on edge and checking her hubby's voice mails, and in certain sectors of the media and sports marketing world there is an unhealthy dose of schadenfreude that Mr Perfect has taken a fall.
So let's forget for a second that this is a major drama for him and his family and think about the Tiger Woods brand.....most of his endorsements are, (or have been) from heavyweight safe, blue chip corporate brands that appeal to the mass market of 25-54 year old males who follow golf..Gillette,GM, Netjets, Nike etc, Brands which fit the projected image of the corporate golf world.
Here's a prediction....his image among younger consumers will go from Boring Robot who plays perfectly and says nothing of interest other than the odd expletive of frustration on the course to Cool Guy, and you'll see some big new slightly edgier brand endorsements in the pipeline.
Looking objectively at it, it is not a surprise and he shouldn't be damned for his situation. He'll be back and maybe we'll all like him a little more as he's proved he is actually human after all.
The curse of the Gillette Three has Procter & Gamble marketing guys reviewing media spend commitments and Frau Federer on edge and checking her hubby's voice mails, and in certain sectors of the media and sports marketing world there is an unhealthy dose of schadenfreude that Mr Perfect has taken a fall.
So let's forget for a second that this is a major drama for him and his family and think about the Tiger Woods brand.....most of his endorsements are, (or have been) from heavyweight safe, blue chip corporate brands that appeal to the mass market of 25-54 year old males who follow golf..Gillette,GM, Netjets, Nike etc, Brands which fit the projected image of the corporate golf world.
Here's a prediction....his image among younger consumers will go from Boring Robot who plays perfectly and says nothing of interest other than the odd expletive of frustration on the course to Cool Guy, and you'll see some big new slightly edgier brand endorsements in the pipeline.
Looking objectively at it, it is not a surprise and he shouldn't be damned for his situation. He'll be back and maybe we'll all like him a little more as he's proved he is actually human after all.
Thursday 19 November 2009
It takes a big man to put his hand up when he's wrong
OK,first things first a confession, I'm Irish and I support the Irish football team and I'm a tad disappointed at the result of last night's World Cup Qualifier in Paris. Although I fully expected France to build on their first leg lead and win comfortably,the outcome was not a shock, the way it transpired was.
Thierry Henry; let's give him the benefit of the doubt on the first touch, it may have hit his hand, the second touch in which he scooped the ball round was blatant, clear and unequivocal cheating. Adrenaline took over and he couldn't help himself, pass to Gallas, un-zero, les bleus. 15 minutes later , tout fini, France off to South Africa, an average Irish team stays at home and goes off to the beach.
I wake up this morning, annoyed but hey ho, on we move, it was a game of football and nobody died. I'm lying in bed listening to a sports talk radio station when an irate caller said, "I'll never buy another Gillette product again"
Gillette spend millions a year using Henry, Federer and Woods in product advertising, all chosen for their clean images, character and manliness.
It leads to the question: Can we envisage the morning after the US Masters a similar debate on Tiger taking an air shot and denying it to the world's press.....highly unlikely....ditto Federer on a dodgy line call, can't see it.
Imagine the flip side. 10 seconds after the ball hits the back of the net Henry does the decent thing goes to the ref and says "Sorry, No I handled it" and becomes one of the world's greatest ever sportsmen, sports heroes and a genuine role model, France go on to win in extra time or on penalties and he is a global icon.
Wouldn't that have been something? How in awe would the world have been? Sponsors would have been lining up,a global hero to kids and adults alik.
Back in the real world, will an Henry endorsement ever have the same ring and is this his defining moment in terms of his personal legacy....?
Shame,,,,,,great footballer, but putting his hand up was a step too far
Thierry Henry; let's give him the benefit of the doubt on the first touch, it may have hit his hand, the second touch in which he scooped the ball round was blatant, clear and unequivocal cheating. Adrenaline took over and he couldn't help himself, pass to Gallas, un-zero, les bleus. 15 minutes later , tout fini, France off to South Africa, an average Irish team stays at home and goes off to the beach.
I wake up this morning, annoyed but hey ho, on we move, it was a game of football and nobody died. I'm lying in bed listening to a sports talk radio station when an irate caller said, "I'll never buy another Gillette product again"
Gillette spend millions a year using Henry, Federer and Woods in product advertising, all chosen for their clean images, character and manliness.
It leads to the question: Can we envisage the morning after the US Masters a similar debate on Tiger taking an air shot and denying it to the world's press.....highly unlikely....ditto Federer on a dodgy line call, can't see it.
Imagine the flip side. 10 seconds after the ball hits the back of the net Henry does the decent thing goes to the ref and says "Sorry, No I handled it" and becomes one of the world's greatest ever sportsmen, sports heroes and a genuine role model, France go on to win in extra time or on penalties and he is a global icon.
Wouldn't that have been something? How in awe would the world have been? Sponsors would have been lining up,a global hero to kids and adults alik.
Back in the real world, will an Henry endorsement ever have the same ring and is this his defining moment in terms of his personal legacy....?
Shame,,,,,,great footballer, but putting his hand up was a step too far
Monday 5 October 2009
PPV Internet Streaming of Ukraine v England Football Match is progress, not a drama
Today's announcement that the Ukrainian FA have sold the UK broadcast rights to the Internet streaming operation of Perform Group has been greeted with howls of protest from media and traditionalists that all England games should be broadcast on free to air television at best and digital broadcasters at worst.
A couple of points some to mind;
It is not an FA decision, the broadcast rights belong to the home federation and they make the call on the offers they receive from international broadcasters, so no point making a drama on the airwaves or in cyberland forums.
This medium will, with the convergence of technologies, be an accepted part of our sports media industry landscape and a way in which we consume sport,very very soon, so we need to test it as sports marketers, as broadcasters and importantly as consumers.
The game is a dead rubber as England have already qualified, so what better opportunity to introduce the concept?
Another example of the speed with which the sports media landscape is changing, next stop live streaming on hand held devices.
A couple of points some to mind;
It is not an FA decision, the broadcast rights belong to the home federation and they make the call on the offers they receive from international broadcasters, so no point making a drama on the airwaves or in cyberland forums.
This medium will, with the convergence of technologies, be an accepted part of our sports media industry landscape and a way in which we consume sport,very very soon, so we need to test it as sports marketers, as broadcasters and importantly as consumers.
The game is a dead rubber as England have already qualified, so what better opportunity to introduce the concept?
Another example of the speed with which the sports media landscape is changing, next stop live streaming on hand held devices.
Thursday 24 September 2009
can you blame sponsors for pulling out?
From the excellent www.sponsorpitch.com website anda very short blog from me, can you really blame them, who wants their logo all over images of blatant cheating? Clients always used to use the argument, " We don't want our logo on images of a crash"....
Hard to get brands into the sport when their sector is on its knees, easy way to give them an out.
Renault's sponsorship programme will recover but sports lawyers worldwide
will now working on a new clause....team corporate morality.
ING announced today that in light of the verdict of the World Motor Sport Council of 21 September 2009 concerning the events that occurred at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, ING will terminate the contract with Renault Formula 1 with immediate effect.
ING is deeply disappointed at this turn of events, especially in the context of an otherwise successful sponsorship. As announced on 16 February of this year, ING decided not to renew the three year sponsorship (2007-2009) contract with Renault F1 and to end its presence in Formula 1 after the 2009 season.
Earlier today, fellow Renault sponsor Mutua Madrilena, a Madrid-based insurance company, also cancelled its sponsorship of the French team with immediate effect.
Dubbed "crashgate," the wrath of F1 and its sponsors have come down upon Renault after it came to light that the team deliberately caused a crash in order to fix the result of Singapore's Grand Prix. ING had previously announced it would end its sponsorship of the Renault team at the end of this season
Hard to get brands into the sport when their sector is on its knees, easy way to give them an out.
Renault's sponsorship programme will recover but sports lawyers worldwide
will now working on a new clause....team corporate morality.
ING announced today that in light of the verdict of the World Motor Sport Council of 21 September 2009 concerning the events that occurred at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, ING will terminate the contract with Renault Formula 1 with immediate effect.
ING is deeply disappointed at this turn of events, especially in the context of an otherwise successful sponsorship. As announced on 16 February of this year, ING decided not to renew the three year sponsorship (2007-2009) contract with Renault F1 and to end its presence in Formula 1 after the 2009 season.
Earlier today, fellow Renault sponsor Mutua Madrilena, a Madrid-based insurance company, also cancelled its sponsorship of the French team with immediate effect.
Dubbed "crashgate," the wrath of F1 and its sponsors have come down upon Renault after it came to light that the team deliberately caused a crash in order to fix the result of Singapore's Grand Prix. ING had previously announced it would end its sponsorship of the Renault team at the end of this season
Thursday 17 September 2009
Cheating in sport, let's live with it?
Another day another cheating scandal in sport. Diving in football, false blood in rugby, staged crashes in Formula 1, mass indignation all around in the media and in general everyday conversation.
All these instances were about gaining an advantage, to win a game, to progress in a tournament or to win a race.
These examples reflect the pressure to compete, win and succeed whether the success is ensuring your team gets to the group stages of the Champions League(££££), the semi final of the Heineken Cup(£££) or wins a Grand Prix and sells more cars(££££££).
The pressure comes from the overriding need to deliver, on players, coaches/doctors and team management.
The Renault case is the most disturbing because a young man was allegedly asked to carry out the antithesis of his sport, crash the car rather than try to win, in the process putting himself and his competitors in potentially mortal danger.
All sad when looked through the rose tinted glasses of the Corinthian spirit that we try and engender in our kids as we teach them the importance and values of sport as a life improving activity.
Perhaps we need to add a new chapter to that book of sporting instruction. It would read something like this....when money kicks and sport becomes a business,all bets are off on the integrity front, people will do anything to win regardless of the impact on the sport and the hopes of fans and spectators, so expect it.
A simple and increasingly true perspective that perhaps we just need to acknowledge and live with it.
All these instances were about gaining an advantage, to win a game, to progress in a tournament or to win a race.
These examples reflect the pressure to compete, win and succeed whether the success is ensuring your team gets to the group stages of the Champions League(££££), the semi final of the Heineken Cup(£££) or wins a Grand Prix and sells more cars(££££££).
The pressure comes from the overriding need to deliver, on players, coaches/doctors and team management.
The Renault case is the most disturbing because a young man was allegedly asked to carry out the antithesis of his sport, crash the car rather than try to win, in the process putting himself and his competitors in potentially mortal danger.
All sad when looked through the rose tinted glasses of the Corinthian spirit that we try and engender in our kids as we teach them the importance and values of sport as a life improving activity.
Perhaps we need to add a new chapter to that book of sporting instruction. It would read something like this....when money kicks and sport becomes a business,all bets are off on the integrity front, people will do anything to win regardless of the impact on the sport and the hopes of fans and spectators, so expect it.
A simple and increasingly true perspective that perhaps we just need to acknowledge and live with it.
Monday 14 September 2009
Club Rugby at Wembley with Saracens
On a beautifully sunny Autumn Saturday I decided on a whim, after hearing a pre event radio interview to go to the Saracens v Northampton Saints Premiership rugby game at Wembley Stadium, the first club match to be played at Wembley in the modern era. £10 tickets for adults and £5 for kids was too good a bargain to ignore, and getting there was easy on the Chiltern Line.
With number 2 daughter interested neither in a a day out with Dad or the rugby but the pre match entertainment supplied by Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity, off we set.
The daytrip got even better when we met a friend from Beaconsfield Rugby Club who had extra tickets in The Club Wembley seats.
Leave aside the dull first half when two defences cancelled each other out,and this was a fantastic experience for which Nigel Wray, Chairman of Saracens must be congratulated. The club took a serious financial risk, £300k-400k in venue rental, depending on who you believe, and got the result they wanted with a crowd in excess of 44,000. They probably still made a loss but they made a huge statement of intent about the building of the Saracens brand as the London Tribe.
Apart from excellent weather , several factors contributed to a great experience; 44,000 people makes Wembley a great venue, not to busy and everything works so much better, queuing for access, trains, food and beverage, merchandising programme sales, betting etc.
Saracens created a crowd friendly,kid friendly example of experiential marketing where thousands of people of all ages sampled Wembley for the first time and many will have samples a Sarries home game for the first time.Excellent family entertainment with bands, dancers, and 100 kids on pitch side at half time.
The proof will of course be the numbers who become loyal or occasional paying cuatomers at Vicarage Road, on this experience they deserve to succeed.
Congratulations of thinking outside the box, Wasps, Irish and Quins will need to be careful they don't get left behind by the Saracens marketing campaign.
With number 2 daughter interested neither in a a day out with Dad or the rugby but the pre match entertainment supplied by Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity, off we set.
The daytrip got even better when we met a friend from Beaconsfield Rugby Club who had extra tickets in The Club Wembley seats.
Leave aside the dull first half when two defences cancelled each other out,and this was a fantastic experience for which Nigel Wray, Chairman of Saracens must be congratulated. The club took a serious financial risk, £300k-400k in venue rental, depending on who you believe, and got the result they wanted with a crowd in excess of 44,000. They probably still made a loss but they made a huge statement of intent about the building of the Saracens brand as the London Tribe.
Apart from excellent weather , several factors contributed to a great experience; 44,000 people makes Wembley a great venue, not to busy and everything works so much better, queuing for access, trains, food and beverage, merchandising programme sales, betting etc.
Saracens created a crowd friendly,kid friendly example of experiential marketing where thousands of people of all ages sampled Wembley for the first time and many will have samples a Sarries home game for the first time.Excellent family entertainment with bands, dancers, and 100 kids on pitch side at half time.
The proof will of course be the numbers who become loyal or occasional paying cuatomers at Vicarage Road, on this experience they deserve to succeed.
Congratulations of thinking outside the box, Wasps, Irish and Quins will need to be careful they don't get left behind by the Saracens marketing campaign.
Sunday 16 August 2009
FIFA World cup sponsorship 1966 versus 2010
My neighbour Keith Telfer was a match day steward at Wembley Stadium for a number of games during the 1966 World Cup finals and had been promising for some time to share his memorabilia including his programmes stewards passes and badges. We spent a very enjoyable hour reading his superbly well preserved programmes from the tournament and listening to stories of other big games at which he volunteered and ushered people to their seats.
Aside from discovering that England full back Ray Wilson was actually named Ramon, and that stewards had to be on site 4 hours before kick- off, the biggest discovery was the English FA’s Acknowledgements page- the mid sixties version of sponsor accreditation- in which they thanked the tournament Sponsors which for the sake of accuracy I copy here:
The Football Association World Cup Organisation wishes to acknowledge assistance it has received from many firms and organisations. The promotional success of the eighth Jules Rimet Cup competition has been aided by valuable contributions of services and facilities from many sources including:
The Royal Garden Palace Hotel, for making available the location for the FIFA Secretariat
The Imperial Typewriter Company, Limited for the provision of 750 typewriters for use in Press Centres and Press Working Rooms in all the staging towns and cities
Roneo Limited for the loan of duplicators
Umbro International Sportswear, for supplying the shirts, shorts and hose, and Adidas the football boots, worn by the 320 boys representing the 16 participating countries during the opening ceremony, each boy will retain his equipment as a momento of the occasion
Bridport-Gundry Limited, for providing the specially designed goal nets being used on all grounds staging World Cup final series matches
W.D & H.O Wills for supplying the briefcases and portable desks for the use of officials, press radio and television personnel
Note the loan of the photocopiers and the fact that the briefcases were supplied by a cigarette manufacturer
Compare this with the multi-million dollar 8 year, category exclusive sponsorship programmes, global activation, brand integration activities now operated by FIFA for South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 and smile at the simplicity and pragmatism of it all and how much our industry has grown in a mere 44 years!
Aside from discovering that England full back Ray Wilson was actually named Ramon, and that stewards had to be on site 4 hours before kick- off, the biggest discovery was the English FA’s Acknowledgements page- the mid sixties version of sponsor accreditation- in which they thanked the tournament Sponsors which for the sake of accuracy I copy here:
The Football Association World Cup Organisation wishes to acknowledge assistance it has received from many firms and organisations. The promotional success of the eighth Jules Rimet Cup competition has been aided by valuable contributions of services and facilities from many sources including:
The Royal Garden Palace Hotel, for making available the location for the FIFA Secretariat
The Imperial Typewriter Company, Limited for the provision of 750 typewriters for use in Press Centres and Press Working Rooms in all the staging towns and cities
Roneo Limited for the loan of duplicators
Umbro International Sportswear, for supplying the shirts, shorts and hose, and Adidas the football boots, worn by the 320 boys representing the 16 participating countries during the opening ceremony, each boy will retain his equipment as a momento of the occasion
Bridport-Gundry Limited, for providing the specially designed goal nets being used on all grounds staging World Cup final series matches
W.D & H.O Wills for supplying the briefcases and portable desks for the use of officials, press radio and television personnel
Note the loan of the photocopiers and the fact that the briefcases were supplied by a cigarette manufacturer
Compare this with the multi-million dollar 8 year, category exclusive sponsorship programmes, global activation, brand integration activities now operated by FIFA for South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 and smile at the simplicity and pragmatism of it all and how much our industry has grown in a mere 44 years!
Friday 14 August 2009
the vices of sports stars, new depths plumbed by Michael Vick
In the UK , we are used to sports stars excesses, e.g. drink driving, spending gazillions on a team ates birthday party,thousands on the horses, playing hide the sausage with page three girls etc etc...all fairly routine and boring News of the World fodder....imagine the headline "Premier League player vows to give organising Dog Fights and to campaign for dog welfare"
step up Michael Vick of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles
Vick Vows To Help End Dogfighting –, Michael Vick spoke out and told the world that he will now be an advocate to help stop dogfighting. He continued on to apologize once more for all that he has done wrong and admits that he was at fault for running an illegal dogfighting chain. Later this week CBS Sports’ James Brown who interviewed Vick commented that he felt Vick’s apology was sincere and that he was deserving of another chance on the field to prove so. Now keeping in mind that Vick has officially signed a short-term contract with the Philadelphia Eagles
and that the NFL is giving him another chance, do you think we will ever see Vick land a solid sponsorship agreement in the future? The Eagles think Vick will be a positive face for preventing animal cruelty in the community.
Sir, we salute you for Celebrity Innovation....you could not make it up
step up Michael Vick of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles
Vick Vows To Help End Dogfighting –, Michael Vick spoke out and told the world that he will now be an advocate to help stop dogfighting. He continued on to apologize once more for all that he has done wrong and admits that he was at fault for running an illegal dogfighting chain. Later this week CBS Sports’ James Brown who interviewed Vick commented that he felt Vick’s apology was sincere and that he was deserving of another chance on the field to prove so. Now keeping in mind that Vick has officially signed a short-term contract with the Philadelphia Eagles
and that the NFL is giving him another chance, do you think we will ever see Vick land a solid sponsorship agreement in the future? The Eagles think Vick will be a positive face for preventing animal cruelty in the community.
Sir, we salute you for Celebrity Innovation....you could not make it up
Friday 7 August 2009
Ashes Alcohol sponsorship bandwagon frenzy
Disappointing to see serious sports journalists in the UK jumping on the Silly Season bandwagon screaming that alcohol sponsorship should be banned because a few beered up English cricket fans gave the Aussie Cricket captain a bit of stick at the Birmingham Test.
A couple of thoughts:
The media can't have it both ways...righteous indignation at exuberant fans after weeks, no months, of over hyped media build up, from Beefy to Jerusalem to 2005.
The Aussies thrive on confrontation on and off the pitch. Ricky Ponting is a master of the mind games and a bit of stick from a pissed up Brummie isn't going to offend him.Google him to see how many sportsmanship issues over the year.
Australia is the home of cricket sledging, they invented that part of the game. Professionals of any sport that has taken them to Australia will attest to the lively interaction with fans.
Lastly, every organisation in the sport welcomes beer and other sponsors with open arms, from the media corps to the players to national federations to the global governing body.
Does having beer sponsors involved with the teams change the fan behaviour, not a jot.
Drinks sponsors are a key part of our industry.....not their fault, so jump off the bandwagon guys.
A couple of thoughts:
The media can't have it both ways...righteous indignation at exuberant fans after weeks, no months, of over hyped media build up, from Beefy to Jerusalem to 2005.
The Aussies thrive on confrontation on and off the pitch. Ricky Ponting is a master of the mind games and a bit of stick from a pissed up Brummie isn't going to offend him.Google him to see how many sportsmanship issues over the year.
Australia is the home of cricket sledging, they invented that part of the game. Professionals of any sport that has taken them to Australia will attest to the lively interaction with fans.
Lastly, every organisation in the sport welcomes beer and other sponsors with open arms, from the media corps to the players to national federations to the global governing body.
Does having beer sponsors involved with the teams change the fan behaviour, not a jot.
Drinks sponsors are a key part of our industry.....not their fault, so jump off the bandwagon guys.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
The Harlequins Blood Injury Mystery
I was at the Quins v Leinster Heineken Cup game which recently resulted in a one year ban for the player involved, winger Tom Williams and a £215k+ fine for Harlequins.
I recall the animation on the Leinster bench when Williams did his Ronaldo style wink to his bench as Nick Evans re-entered the fray at a point in the game when his kicking could have swung the game Quins' way. I put it down to a technical rules argument about whether a player who had already been replaced could re enter the game.
Little did we know that it would result in a huge fine for the club and a year long ban for the player.
It begs some interesting questions.....if he was using fake blood, did the coaching/medical staff give it to him? in which case why punish the player so harshly, surely it wasn't his call to use the alleged fake blood, presumably in capsule form?? Is fake blood a standard item in a physio's kit bag?
If the infringement did take place, why not punish the doctor or the physio, both of whom have been exonerated? and finally does it matter that much? Have the European Rugby Cup overreacted in trying to protect the integrity of the game, .....the penalties are indeed draconian....
I suspect an appeal will see reductions all round.
I recall the animation on the Leinster bench when Williams did his Ronaldo style wink to his bench as Nick Evans re-entered the fray at a point in the game when his kicking could have swung the game Quins' way. I put it down to a technical rules argument about whether a player who had already been replaced could re enter the game.
Little did we know that it would result in a huge fine for the club and a year long ban for the player.
It begs some interesting questions.....if he was using fake blood, did the coaching/medical staff give it to him? in which case why punish the player so harshly, surely it wasn't his call to use the alleged fake blood, presumably in capsule form?? Is fake blood a standard item in a physio's kit bag?
If the infringement did take place, why not punish the doctor or the physio, both of whom have been exonerated? and finally does it matter that much? Have the European Rugby Cup overreacted in trying to protect the integrity of the game, .....the penalties are indeed draconian....
I suspect an appeal will see reductions all round.
Tuesday 14 July 2009
when your football team are suddenly the rich kids
A slightly odd feeling as Manchester City splash another £25m on Carlos Tevez, a great buy as he is a real footballer, combining top class skill with the right attitude but it reinforces the barely credible position that we are now the financial powerhouse in the Premier League.
Zabaleta, SWP, Santa Cruz, De Jong, Kompany, Bridge, Given, Tevez, possibly Adebayor and goodness knows who else before the window slams shut in August.....compare this to not very long ago when we were in the old third division playing(and losing twice to) Wycombe Wanderers, with stars like Big Bob Taylor, God Bless Him!.
The debate over City and the new money is futile, it is what it is, our owners are the owners and they can if they so desire have a multi million pound star in every position.
Will we City fans for whom the phrase long suffering was coined, be comfortable as the new Chelski, who sooner or later everyone will resent as we (hopefully)start winning things and delivering against the current owners business vision and a few hundred thousand people's dreams?
How will we cope emotionally with the rich boys label? Will winning things make the spend irrelevant, especially if we do so in a cavalier style? or will we be a tad embarrassed a la Blackburn Rovers at buying success.
Being a City fan for 40+ years has presented many challenges.....let's see how this phase of being a Blue plays out....Interesting times.
Zabaleta, SWP, Santa Cruz, De Jong, Kompany, Bridge, Given, Tevez, possibly Adebayor and goodness knows who else before the window slams shut in August.....compare this to not very long ago when we were in the old third division playing(and losing twice to) Wycombe Wanderers, with stars like Big Bob Taylor, God Bless Him!.
The debate over City and the new money is futile, it is what it is, our owners are the owners and they can if they so desire have a multi million pound star in every position.
Will we City fans for whom the phrase long suffering was coined, be comfortable as the new Chelski, who sooner or later everyone will resent as we (hopefully)start winning things and delivering against the current owners business vision and a few hundred thousand people's dreams?
How will we cope emotionally with the rich boys label? Will winning things make the spend irrelevant, especially if we do so in a cavalier style? or will we be a tad embarrassed a la Blackburn Rovers at buying success.
Being a City fan for 40+ years has presented many challenges.....let's see how this phase of being a Blue plays out....Interesting times.
Monday 29 June 2009
The British & Irish Lions Phenomenon
I have watched several Lions Tours as a general sports fan,but with with my 9 year old son's increasing passion for the game giving me an opportunity to learn the game from the basics with him, plus a low level involvement in mini rugby administration I have come to appreciate the sport as a game rather than an excuse for a social beer.
Understanding the basic rules of a sport makes a difference to your enjoyment, and understanding the very particular spirit of rugby makes a massive difference.
A great example of this spirit is the current Lions tour, the best players from four countries sent off to Australia, New Zealand or South Africa knocked into a team over a very short period of time,and asked to take on a team that has been playing together for years in a high intensity three test series. On balance , they lose more than they win, making a series victory all the sweeter.
As a sporting spectacle the first two tests against the Springboks were top drawer, drama, physical battles, flowing rugby, big hits, injuries, referring errors, gouging, last minute mistakes and a last second winning penalty. Huge sporting drama on the field but it is the off the field impact of the Lions brand that has impressed me.
Media pundits claim a Lions tour will generate in excess of £100m in revenues in the host country, a phenomenal number for a tour by one team. Add to that replica merchandise ,sponsorship and television revenues in the home markets and the zeros keep cranking up.
After 20 years in sports marketing I am usually averse to the U word, unique- my usual line is that there is nothing in sport that is unique, it has all been done before- but this is different, I can't think of a similar concept in any other sport other than the European Ryder Cup team , which, whilst enjoyable for 3 days, doesn't have the same impact as a Lions tour on any level, emotional,sporting, marketing,or financial.
I tip my hat to the Lions business management team they have done a great job in driving revenues whilst protecting the incredible essence of the Lions brand at home and away.
Roll on 2013.
Understanding the basic rules of a sport makes a difference to your enjoyment, and understanding the very particular spirit of rugby makes a massive difference.
A great example of this spirit is the current Lions tour, the best players from four countries sent off to Australia, New Zealand or South Africa knocked into a team over a very short period of time,and asked to take on a team that has been playing together for years in a high intensity three test series. On balance , they lose more than they win, making a series victory all the sweeter.
As a sporting spectacle the first two tests against the Springboks were top drawer, drama, physical battles, flowing rugby, big hits, injuries, referring errors, gouging, last minute mistakes and a last second winning penalty. Huge sporting drama on the field but it is the off the field impact of the Lions brand that has impressed me.
Media pundits claim a Lions tour will generate in excess of £100m in revenues in the host country, a phenomenal number for a tour by one team. Add to that replica merchandise ,sponsorship and television revenues in the home markets and the zeros keep cranking up.
After 20 years in sports marketing I am usually averse to the U word, unique- my usual line is that there is nothing in sport that is unique, it has all been done before- but this is different, I can't think of a similar concept in any other sport other than the European Ryder Cup team , which, whilst enjoyable for 3 days, doesn't have the same impact as a Lions tour on any level, emotional,sporting, marketing,or financial.
I tip my hat to the Lions business management team they have done a great job in driving revenues whilst protecting the incredible essence of the Lions brand at home and away.
Roll on 2013.
Sunday 21 June 2009
European Athletics Shambles
With a young daughter recently interested in athletics, I tuned into the European Team Chamionships from Portugal this weekend and had the misfortune to watch a couple of the distance races where the European Athletics Association had decided in their wisdom to introduce a ' devil take the hindmost' concept at regular intervals in the long distance races, where the last placed athlete after x laps is hooked off the track.......incredible, shambolic, embarrassing and dreadful were the words that came to mind.
Athletes used to pacing themselves over 3000, 5000, or 10,000 metres are suddenly asked to sprint like...well actually, sprinters..... in the middle of a supposedly international class event....woeful television and shocking mistreatment of athletes.
next idea please, this one didn't work!
Athletes used to pacing themselves over 3000, 5000, or 10,000 metres are suddenly asked to sprint like...well actually, sprinters..... in the middle of a supposedly international class event....woeful television and shocking mistreatment of athletes.
next idea please, this one didn't work!
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Sonic branding at a major sports event
What an excellent innovation by Yahoo in their sponsorship of the Twenty20 cricket world cup where every change of bowler is marked by the broadcast of their iconic Yahoooooooooooooo! yodel.
A superb example of creating standout at the stadium and on the television and radio broadcasts,and using a piece of sonic branding to own a moment and a key part of the game.
Simple and highly effective.
A superb example of creating standout at the stadium and on the television and radio broadcasts,and using a piece of sonic branding to own a moment and a key part of the game.
Simple and highly effective.
Friday 12 June 2009
Ronaldo transfer is not a drama
So Ronaldo finally gets to fulfill his dream and his transfer to Real Madrid, the airwaves are full of comment from Platini calling it an excessive fee, nice to see him having a pop at a Spanish club for overspending for a change.
United fans calling in/posting calling him disloyal and they never liked him anyway, non United fans winding up fans of the English Champions, media such as Sky Sports News, which has to fill those hours somehow, is asking if Man Utd can survive without him.....PAH!
An indignant belgian powerboating friend posted that Football should now be ticked off the list of common sense sports, in a world of financial crisis £80m on a player who only plays twice a week and trains once a day, it is criminal.
Calm down, it's only a transfer of the World Player of the Year,United will win more than Real Madrid because Perez can't spell defence never mind spend money on one, and the Galactico strategy will work off the pitch as television revenues and replica kit sales will soar.
It is actually the perfect transfer: He gets to go to Madrid, United make a shedload of profit, their fans get to acknowledge that he has a dark side, Real are happy commercially,the rest of the premiership is happy as they won't have to face a truly outstanding matchwinner,goalies from Sunderland to Portsmouth will be delighted at free kick time and Fergie gets a slice of the money to fund a new centre forward.
United fans calling in/posting calling him disloyal and they never liked him anyway, non United fans winding up fans of the English Champions, media such as Sky Sports News, which has to fill those hours somehow, is asking if Man Utd can survive without him.....PAH!
An indignant belgian powerboating friend posted that Football should now be ticked off the list of common sense sports, in a world of financial crisis £80m on a player who only plays twice a week and trains once a day, it is criminal.
Calm down, it's only a transfer of the World Player of the Year,United will win more than Real Madrid because Perez can't spell defence never mind spend money on one, and the Galactico strategy will work off the pitch as television revenues and replica kit sales will soar.
It is actually the perfect transfer: He gets to go to Madrid, United make a shedload of profit, their fans get to acknowledge that he has a dark side, Real are happy commercially,the rest of the premiership is happy as they won't have to face a truly outstanding matchwinner,goalies from Sunderland to Portsmouth will be delighted at free kick time and Fergie gets a slice of the money to fund a new centre forward.
Saturday 6 June 2009
Twenty20 Cricket World Cup
I attended my first ever Twenty20 Cricket match last night as I took The Boy and two friends to see England take on the might of Holland at Lord's.
As a rule I am always suspicious of 'versions' of a game, e.g. Soccer Sixes, Rugby 7s as it's never quite the same as the real thing.
For cricket with its complexity, nuances and subtleties, I will make an exception, this was fantastic.
Despite the rain which forced the abandonment of the opening ceremony, which was no big disaster other than missing the lovely Alesha, the game was a fantastic night out.
Only 240 balls, all over in a three hour window, excellent big screen communication, music an integral part of the event that had fans of all ages shapes and sizes singing and bopping along, edge of the seat last ball drama as England suffered one of their most ignominious cricketing defeats ever (BBC.co.uk) and a supereb atmosphere as the large Dutch contingent partied and brought their brilliant Orange sporting gusto to the Home of Cricket.
The only blackspot was the exhorbitant pricing on Food and Drink......Pepsico are a tournamnent sponsor...are they happy at Pepsi at £2 and crisps at £1.10?????
we'll be back for more Twenty20.....with a picnic hamper
As a rule I am always suspicious of 'versions' of a game, e.g. Soccer Sixes, Rugby 7s as it's never quite the same as the real thing.
For cricket with its complexity, nuances and subtleties, I will make an exception, this was fantastic.
Despite the rain which forced the abandonment of the opening ceremony, which was no big disaster other than missing the lovely Alesha, the game was a fantastic night out.
Only 240 balls, all over in a three hour window, excellent big screen communication, music an integral part of the event that had fans of all ages shapes and sizes singing and bopping along, edge of the seat last ball drama as England suffered one of their most ignominious cricketing defeats ever (BBC.co.uk) and a supereb atmosphere as the large Dutch contingent partied and brought their brilliant Orange sporting gusto to the Home of Cricket.
The only blackspot was the exhorbitant pricing on Food and Drink......Pepsico are a tournamnent sponsor...are they happy at Pepsi at £2 and crisps at £1.10?????
we'll be back for more Twenty20.....with a picnic hamper
Wednesday 27 May 2009
web piracy
A media publishing contact mailed me last week to ask if I knew a person who had been in touch with him regarding a marketing package for a client in the USA. Why was this of interest to me? Thet person had used a version of my company name and more strikingly the words they had used in their introductory e mail about their company was taken word for word from my website, down to the descriptor of the services I offer......
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery or a cyber pirate?
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery or a cyber pirate?
Thursday 21 May 2009
Playtex moonwalk...sponsorship of the week
A friend of mine recently participated in the Playtex moonwalk, a Marathon distance walk which takes place at midnight and is in aid of Breast Cancer. Walkers train as per a running marathon and raise sponsorship to fund research.
Aside from a personal connection with this horrible illness and supporting our friend in her efforts,I was struck by the quality of the concept as an example of sports marketing CSR.
http://www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges/ThePlaytexMoonWalk
What a simple,clever example of ticking all the right boxes; a good cause, spot on targeting, PR, subtle branding, deep and meaningful engagement with the target audience......congratulations to whoever put this together, a great sponsorship,I wish I'd thought of that.
Aside from a personal connection with this horrible illness and supporting our friend in her efforts,I was struck by the quality of the concept as an example of sports marketing CSR.
http://www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges/ThePlaytexMoonWalk
What a simple,clever example of ticking all the right boxes; a good cause, spot on targeting, PR, subtle branding, deep and meaningful engagement with the target audience......congratulations to whoever put this together, a great sponsorship,I wish I'd thought of that.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Ferrari's threat to leave F1
Ferrari have been the main attraction in Formula One for over 50 years, a by word for the glamorous and sexy world of the sport. How many GPs use the famous red car as the base image of their marketing collateral? The majority.
Despite 20 plus years without a World Championship in the Pre Schumacher era, the Scuderia continued to epitomise the values of Formula One, making the collective heart beat faster in a way that world championship winning teams like Benetton, McLaren and Williams could never dream of. They spend a king's ransom on the Gestione Sportiva, the race team side of their business, easily outspending and out resourcing competitors.
Today we read of their threat to pull out of the Championship if the proposed spending caps are applied in next year's series.
Spoiled brats or righteous indignation that their R&D laboratory will not be as fruitful if budgets are limited?
One thing about the sport of Formula One, Bernie always wins in the end.
If they pull out for a year and have to come crawling back, who wins....Bernie.
If they leave and the world Championship is the most exciting for years, who wins...Bernie. Chances of the championship being a damp squib without them.....they aren't winning many points tghis season.
This is a high risk strategy and when the risks are high.....you guessed it..Bernie usually wins.
Read the game guys, the world is a different place in 2009, go with the flow when times are tough and when the belts are loosened crank up the spend again.
Despite 20 plus years without a World Championship in the Pre Schumacher era, the Scuderia continued to epitomise the values of Formula One, making the collective heart beat faster in a way that world championship winning teams like Benetton, McLaren and Williams could never dream of. They spend a king's ransom on the Gestione Sportiva, the race team side of their business, easily outspending and out resourcing competitors.
Today we read of their threat to pull out of the Championship if the proposed spending caps are applied in next year's series.
Spoiled brats or righteous indignation that their R&D laboratory will not be as fruitful if budgets are limited?
One thing about the sport of Formula One, Bernie always wins in the end.
If they pull out for a year and have to come crawling back, who wins....Bernie.
If they leave and the world Championship is the most exciting for years, who wins...Bernie. Chances of the championship being a damp squib without them.....they aren't winning many points tghis season.
This is a high risk strategy and when the risks are high.....you guessed it..Bernie usually wins.
Read the game guys, the world is a different place in 2009, go with the flow when times are tough and when the belts are loosened crank up the spend again.
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Rugby penalty shoot out...great idea or travesty??
I was on a kids' rugby tour this weekend and didn't have access to a television to watch the exciting Heineken Cup semi final between Cardiff and Leicester which featured rugby union's first ever penalty shoot out.
A friend's rugby mad wife updated us by text, btw far faster than any woman over 40 should be able to text, as we shared a well earned beer in the New Forest late afternoon sunshine.
What she neglected 2 txt was that each of the penalties in the shoot out was taken by a different player from exactly the same spot, as opposed to being taken by a regular place kicker from different positions.
Hard on the Welsh player who missed but hats off to the European Rugby Cup, the organisers, for a ground breaking innovation. Such drama, traditionalists will be upset and some have even called for a coin toss. Rugby is growing in popularity and the European Cup had played a huge role in that growth. Increased profile calls for solutions for drawn games that other top sports have evolved, including cricket, football and golf.
Not ideal after a gargantuan battle and 100 minutes of high impact rugby but great television.....and guess what pays the bills?
I hope I'm at a match soon that has a penalty shoot out.......
A friend's rugby mad wife updated us by text, btw far faster than any woman over 40 should be able to text, as we shared a well earned beer in the New Forest late afternoon sunshine.
What she neglected 2 txt was that each of the penalties in the shoot out was taken by a different player from exactly the same spot, as opposed to being taken by a regular place kicker from different positions.
Hard on the Welsh player who missed but hats off to the European Rugby Cup, the organisers, for a ground breaking innovation. Such drama, traditionalists will be upset and some have even called for a coin toss. Rugby is growing in popularity and the European Cup had played a huge role in that growth. Increased profile calls for solutions for drawn games that other top sports have evolved, including cricket, football and golf.
Not ideal after a gargantuan battle and 100 minutes of high impact rugby but great television.....and guess what pays the bills?
I hope I'm at a match soon that has a penalty shoot out.......
Marcomms companies at risk as clients seek bankruptcy protection
I read with horror of the supposed $58m in fees owed by Chrysler to their advertising agency.
Blue chip brand and blue chip agency in a long term harmonious relationship of strategic partnership then bang...chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
I suspect they'll get some /most of their money back but that is a hell of a hit to take no matter how big the agency or their holding company.
It makes you wonder how well protected agencies can be and how big a bad debt does it take to sink a big agency or their holding company?
Blue chip brand and blue chip agency in a long term harmonious relationship of strategic partnership then bang...chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
I suspect they'll get some /most of their money back but that is a hell of a hit to take no matter how big the agency or their holding company.
It makes you wonder how well protected agencies can be and how big a bad debt does it take to sink a big agency or their holding company?
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Is the sports world ready for Swine Flu?
(PROBABLY BEST READ IN THAT DEEP BARITONE VOICE USED IN MOVIE TRAILERS)
One really doesn't want to encourage panic, but the depressing thought is there, how many sports or entertainment event organisers have an crisis management plan in place for Swine Flu.?
The global footprint of major sports events for example means that we are all susceptible to disruption, cancellation and financial chaos if this thing kicks in the way the 32,899 news articles I found 5 minutes ago on Google are talking it up.
Think about it for a nano second....all major US sports, Formula 1,European soccer leagues, international cricket tours, motoGP, World Cup football, international tours by European soccer teams...if this things goes human to human in crowded spaces the risks, the potential losses, the busted guarantees....
I wonder how many organisations have in a folder a document called "How we will deal with major health threats post SARS?
I hope it's more than I think.
One really doesn't want to encourage panic, but the depressing thought is there, how many sports or entertainment event organisers have an crisis management plan in place for Swine Flu.?
The global footprint of major sports events for example means that we are all susceptible to disruption, cancellation and financial chaos if this thing kicks in the way the 32,899 news articles I found 5 minutes ago on Google are talking it up.
Think about it for a nano second....all major US sports, Formula 1,European soccer leagues, international cricket tours, motoGP, World Cup football, international tours by European soccer teams...if this things goes human to human in crowded spaces the risks, the potential losses, the busted guarantees....
I wonder how many organisations have in a folder a document called "How we will deal with major health threats post SARS?
I hope it's more than I think.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
rugby versus football.....the fan experiences compared
Over the last 10 days I have attended a Heinekin Cup Rugby Quarter Final;Harlequins versus Leinster, a UEFA Cup Quarter final; Manchester City versus Hamburg and an FA Cup Semi Final;Manchester United versus Everton all as a paying punter and with the "normal" fans rather than in corporate hospitality and was struck by the difference of the experiences and the effect each had on me as a fan or as a spectator.
Firstly the rugby, a great competition, a brilliant day out, easy access, fantastic atmosphere, friendly, warm, respectful, fans of both sides intermingling,fantastic cheerleaders,a couple of beers and a nice chat with the people around me,followed by an incrediby close game with a huge physical encounter on the pitch,and happily the Irish team squeaked it. An easy experience as a fan, a spectator and importantly as a parent as I had my 9 year old with me. My involvement; a fan of the sport
Fast forward to Manchester for City's biggest European game since the 1970's (sad, frustrating but true), no beer on site to help the nerves as City lay siege unsuccessfuly to the Germans' goal due to a quaint Uefa ruling re beer sponsorship ( I'm sure they sell beer at Uefa Chapions League Games??),jumping up and down at key moments, occassional team hugs with all and sundry, raucus screaming and chanting, criticism of players and management decisions, tearing out of hair,gnashing of teeth,(that was just me and my brothers) followed by a quiet resignation that goes with this job. Visiting fans were largely ignored as we focused on our own pain, game over,easy exit and a taxi back to the hotel for a pint of disappointment,a shot of resignation and a final round of squad improvement.My involvement; a fan of the team
Forward three more days, my role changed from fan of the sport, via fan of the team to a Dad providing a kid with what should have been one of those important and long lasting childhood memories of seeing his team (United) in a Cup semi.
First big shock, a weakened Unitd team, the boy felt cheated.Rotation rules.
Second,the naked aggression between both sets of fans on the transport system as we made our way to the stadium and to our seats;not actually United v Everton but city v city, Manchester versus Merseyside. Nasty,cruel, bitter, uncouth and crudely expressed. Not by any means exclusive to these teams but striking as they are not sworn enemies.
I had a few very uncomfortable moments with behaviour and vocabulary as far the the boy was concerned, he was frightened a few times by big scary men screaming and banging in his ear and I questioned the wisdom of exposing him to naked, foul mouthed bigotry based on football...he did however enjoy my discomfort at the songs that our united neighbours were, somewhat incongurously, singing about my team, you know the one, nick knackpaddy whack why don't City bob along home now>>>>. Everton had similar songs about Liverpool.
I was temporarily drawn into the classic cliche of a question, why do rugby fans enjoy the sport, the social experience and the game in a relaxed, beer fuelled camaraderie when football fans become beer fuelled foul mouthed bigots....? Why am I exposing a 9 year old boy to every swear word and sexual imagery I've ever heard and a few more, to a bitterness that has all Liverpudlians as thieves and hopelessly unemployed and all United fans as arrogant Northern boors or Gay Southern Tourists?
I quickly regained my senses, avoided all the cliches about tribalism, socio economic classifications, theories of footballers as Saturday afternoon Gladiators for the Industrial age, and realised that I knew what I was letting myself in for when I aggressively sought out the tickets.
The differences between the two sports and how they are "consumed" and enjoyed are fundamental,and rooted in social history and culture.
Would I like to enjoy a football match....there is no better sport on the planet..in the rugby style , yes indeed but "Our way" of watching football is totally ingrained in this society and no matter how much money goes into and out of the game, that's how we do it in these islands and it will never change.
Firstly the rugby, a great competition, a brilliant day out, easy access, fantastic atmosphere, friendly, warm, respectful, fans of both sides intermingling,fantastic cheerleaders,a couple of beers and a nice chat with the people around me,followed by an incrediby close game with a huge physical encounter on the pitch,and happily the Irish team squeaked it. An easy experience as a fan, a spectator and importantly as a parent as I had my 9 year old with me. My involvement; a fan of the sport
Fast forward to Manchester for City's biggest European game since the 1970's (sad, frustrating but true), no beer on site to help the nerves as City lay siege unsuccessfuly to the Germans' goal due to a quaint Uefa ruling re beer sponsorship ( I'm sure they sell beer at Uefa Chapions League Games??),jumping up and down at key moments, occassional team hugs with all and sundry, raucus screaming and chanting, criticism of players and management decisions, tearing out of hair,gnashing of teeth,(that was just me and my brothers) followed by a quiet resignation that goes with this job. Visiting fans were largely ignored as we focused on our own pain, game over,easy exit and a taxi back to the hotel for a pint of disappointment,a shot of resignation and a final round of squad improvement.My involvement; a fan of the team
Forward three more days, my role changed from fan of the sport, via fan of the team to a Dad providing a kid with what should have been one of those important and long lasting childhood memories of seeing his team (United) in a Cup semi.
First big shock, a weakened Unitd team, the boy felt cheated.Rotation rules.
Second,the naked aggression between both sets of fans on the transport system as we made our way to the stadium and to our seats;not actually United v Everton but city v city, Manchester versus Merseyside. Nasty,cruel, bitter, uncouth and crudely expressed. Not by any means exclusive to these teams but striking as they are not sworn enemies.
I had a few very uncomfortable moments with behaviour and vocabulary as far the the boy was concerned, he was frightened a few times by big scary men screaming and banging in his ear and I questioned the wisdom of exposing him to naked, foul mouthed bigotry based on football...he did however enjoy my discomfort at the songs that our united neighbours were, somewhat incongurously, singing about my team, you know the one, nick knackpaddy whack why don't City bob along home now>>>>. Everton had similar songs about Liverpool.
I was temporarily drawn into the classic cliche of a question, why do rugby fans enjoy the sport, the social experience and the game in a relaxed, beer fuelled camaraderie when football fans become beer fuelled foul mouthed bigots....? Why am I exposing a 9 year old boy to every swear word and sexual imagery I've ever heard and a few more, to a bitterness that has all Liverpudlians as thieves and hopelessly unemployed and all United fans as arrogant Northern boors or Gay Southern Tourists?
I quickly regained my senses, avoided all the cliches about tribalism, socio economic classifications, theories of footballers as Saturday afternoon Gladiators for the Industrial age, and realised that I knew what I was letting myself in for when I aggressively sought out the tickets.
The differences between the two sports and how they are "consumed" and enjoyed are fundamental,and rooted in social history and culture.
Would I like to enjoy a football match....there is no better sport on the planet..in the rugby style , yes indeed but "Our way" of watching football is totally ingrained in this society and no matter how much money goes into and out of the game, that's how we do it in these islands and it will never change.
Friday 17 April 2009
I really shouldn't be a Manchester City Fan
But I am , because as an 8 year old I was seduced by the colour of the kit, sky blue, white and maroon, and the brilliant play of players called Bell, Lee and Summerbee.... pure and simple..that is why I have had almost 30 years of pain. It all started off so well, FA Cup winners, league cup winners,European Cup Winners Cup (for younger readers ..that was a cup for the winners of national cup competitions ), runners up in the League, and then it all went Pete Tong in 1977...and it has been a southerly facing roller coaster ride ever since.
I was born a Belfast Catholic, we are born into supporting Celtic as our Scottish team...it's just the geo-political reality, no options, no choice involved, which is fine, it still works for me...and Cliftonville as our Irish team.....again no choice.
I did get to choose my English team, my Dad was a Man United supporter and George Best was my hero and remains the only man I ever loved other than my Dad, I cried when he died....but for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to choose Man United as my team....why Manchester City ?...God Knows, it would have been so easy, my three children are now all United fans, (They'll get their payback at the reading of the will)...I have lots of United friends, I worked for them as a consultant/supplier for 6-7 years but City are MY team. The blue shirt still makes my heart beat a little faster
I thought of the reasons for my choices as I sat with two of my brothers watching City beat Hamburg 2-1 lat night in the Uefa Cup quarter final, rich young athletes, international standard who can't shoot straight to save their lives... close but no cigar and I questioned again why City..?
I thought of the City "brand" as I watched our new owner's representative in the Directors box, photographed relentlessly by the snappers below, undoubtedly wondering about the strength of the business and the brand and the opportunity, when I spotted a little cameo that tied it all together. Mike Summerbee, one of the causes of my support was hosting a group of new fans from the UAE pitchside before the game, like a good matchday host, ensuring that the club photographers captured the guests' big moment and saw the excitement on their faces as they formed a team line up for photo...all good stuff, I hope they're still fans in 30 years. Part of me wanted to shout at him...it's all your fault!!!
Suddenly, the pre match hullabaloo finished, and event management hangers-on,self important tv production crews and girlies with clipboards and official jackets cleared and the whole fan thing became a reality.....it's about the guys in blue against the guys in red, on a beautiful green background and ahuge noise and the roller coaster ride begins again..
I wouldn't change it for the world.
I was born a Belfast Catholic, we are born into supporting Celtic as our Scottish team...it's just the geo-political reality, no options, no choice involved, which is fine, it still works for me...and Cliftonville as our Irish team.....again no choice.
I did get to choose my English team, my Dad was a Man United supporter and George Best was my hero and remains the only man I ever loved other than my Dad, I cried when he died....but for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to choose Man United as my team....why Manchester City ?...God Knows, it would have been so easy, my three children are now all United fans, (They'll get their payback at the reading of the will)...I have lots of United friends, I worked for them as a consultant/supplier for 6-7 years but City are MY team. The blue shirt still makes my heart beat a little faster
I thought of the reasons for my choices as I sat with two of my brothers watching City beat Hamburg 2-1 lat night in the Uefa Cup quarter final, rich young athletes, international standard who can't shoot straight to save their lives... close but no cigar and I questioned again why City..?
I thought of the City "brand" as I watched our new owner's representative in the Directors box, photographed relentlessly by the snappers below, undoubtedly wondering about the strength of the business and the brand and the opportunity, when I spotted a little cameo that tied it all together. Mike Summerbee, one of the causes of my support was hosting a group of new fans from the UAE pitchside before the game, like a good matchday host, ensuring that the club photographers captured the guests' big moment and saw the excitement on their faces as they formed a team line up for photo...all good stuff, I hope they're still fans in 30 years. Part of me wanted to shout at him...it's all your fault!!!
Suddenly, the pre match hullabaloo finished, and event management hangers-on,self important tv production crews and girlies with clipboards and official jackets cleared and the whole fan thing became a reality.....it's about the guys in blue against the guys in red, on a beautiful green background and ahuge noise and the roller coaster ride begins again..
I wouldn't change it for the world.
Monday 6 April 2009
A weekend of sports madness in Portugal
I have just returned from a short break in Portugal's Algarve, the usual fine weather,food and hospitable people.
I was struck by the planning madness or lack of it, that saw The Algarve host, on one weekend, the WRC Rally Of Portugal, the UIM F1 World Championship GP Of Portugal,a leg of the International Triathlon Series and an International Show Jumping Event.
Add to this The Portuguese Open Golf being played in Estoril in Lisbon and one had to question the co-ordination and planning that saw all the events converge.
Events that extend a tourist season and that avoid the busy summer season when hotels are full and selling at near rack rate makes perfect sense , but to have them all in one weekend, closely followed by the A1 GP the weekend after?
I'm not sure there are enough locals or tourists to go around...and the media can only cover so many events.
A little co-ordination would spread the load and the benefits
I was struck by the planning madness or lack of it, that saw The Algarve host, on one weekend, the WRC Rally Of Portugal, the UIM F1 World Championship GP Of Portugal,a leg of the International Triathlon Series and an International Show Jumping Event.
Add to this The Portuguese Open Golf being played in Estoril in Lisbon and one had to question the co-ordination and planning that saw all the events converge.
Events that extend a tourist season and that avoid the busy summer season when hotels are full and selling at near rack rate makes perfect sense , but to have them all in one weekend, closely followed by the A1 GP the weekend after?
I'm not sure there are enough locals or tourists to go around...and the media can only cover so many events.
A little co-ordination would spread the load and the benefits
Wednesday 25 March 2009
IPL to South Africa: Substitute Venues, a new hosting strategy
The decision to move the 2009 IPL season from India was the correct one, if the national authorities cannot ensure the safe delivery of an event or series and indeed deny permission, the discussion is a short one.
More interesting is the ability of the rights owner/organiser to relocate lock, stock and barrel to another country and the decison making process involved.
In the end the choice between England and South Africawas an easy and logical one, and one congratulates the IPL for moving so quickly to provide a reduced but very viable option for fans,teams, players, media and sponsors.
What this case raises is the issue of substitute venues for major events and championships/series....how many countries could have provided a serious option with stadia, transportation infrastructure, fanbase and most importantly the will to move soquickly to accommodate the problem and the opportunity?
There will undoubtedly be more examples of host cities or countries not being able to stage events for political, financial or security crises....the question is which cities/countries are geared up to provide an instant solution and is this a new strand in host city sports marketing strategies?
The decision to move the 2009 IPL season from India was the correct one, if the national authorities cannot ensure the safe delivery of an event or series and indeed deny permission, the discussion is a short one.
More interesting is the ability of the rights owner/organiser to relocate lock, stock and barrel to another country and the decison making process involved.
In the end the choice between England and South Africawas an easy and logical one, and one congratulates the IPL for moving so quickly to provide a reduced but very viable option for fans,teams, players, media and sponsors.
What this case raises is the issue of substitute venues for major events and championships/series....how many countries could have provided a serious option with stadia, transportation infrastructure, fanbase and most importantly the will to move soquickly to accommodate the problem and the opportunity?
There will undoubtedly be more examples of host cities or countries not being able to stage events for political, financial or security crises....the question is which cities/countries are geared up to provide an instant solution and is this a new strand in host city sports marketing strategies?
Friday 20 March 2009
"This is not wasted money"
A further interesting and disturbing debate in the US about companies, largely banks and other financial institutions who have been bailed out by the Federal Government under the TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Programme) continuing to use sponsorship as a marketing tool.
Former Presidential candidate John Kerry was so moved with outrage after a rescued bank sponsored a golf tournament, under an existing long term contract, and activated with a hospitality programme and a free concert by a pop star, that he proposed a bill that would fine CEOs of companies that receive TARP for an "idiotic abuse of taxpayers' money" in their sponsorship marketing activity.
Supporters rolled out the usual cliches that we in the sports industry have faced forever....champagne, limousines, junkets, lavish , freebies......
Actually he's wrong.......Yes, blatant excessive extravagance is just silly in the current climate and few intelligent hosts or indeed guests will be comfortable with a clearly over the top offer BUT, it is pointless inviting a client or prospect who could agree a contract or a transaction that could make a significant contribution to a company's turnaround if he watches the golf with a lemonade and a bag of pretzels, having taken a bus from the airport
The reason companies spend so much money in this area is that IT WORKS....the better it works , the sooner the rescued companies can pay Uncle Sam back...
Hats off to Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis who revealed that " for every $1 (70p) we spend on sports marketing, we get $10 (£7) in revenue and $3 (£2.10) in earnings. This is not wasted money."
Sports management and corporate hospitality are industries too, which employ hundreds of thousands of people , many of whom are in mid -to- low salary brackets and who pay tax , so they too are stakeholders in this game.
The smart people in our industry, sponsors and consultants will create events and hospitality programmes that are measured, realistic and tailored to the unique times in which we find ourselves.
Former Presidential candidate John Kerry was so moved with outrage after a rescued bank sponsored a golf tournament, under an existing long term contract, and activated with a hospitality programme and a free concert by a pop star, that he proposed a bill that would fine CEOs of companies that receive TARP for an "idiotic abuse of taxpayers' money" in their sponsorship marketing activity.
Supporters rolled out the usual cliches that we in the sports industry have faced forever....champagne, limousines, junkets, lavish , freebies......
Actually he's wrong.......Yes, blatant excessive extravagance is just silly in the current climate and few intelligent hosts or indeed guests will be comfortable with a clearly over the top offer BUT, it is pointless inviting a client or prospect who could agree a contract or a transaction that could make a significant contribution to a company's turnaround if he watches the golf with a lemonade and a bag of pretzels, having taken a bus from the airport
The reason companies spend so much money in this area is that IT WORKS....the better it works , the sooner the rescued companies can pay Uncle Sam back...
Hats off to Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis who revealed that " for every $1 (70p) we spend on sports marketing, we get $10 (£7) in revenue and $3 (£2.10) in earnings. This is not wasted money."
Sports management and corporate hospitality are industries too, which employ hundreds of thousands of people , many of whom are in mid -to- low salary brackets and who pay tax , so they too are stakeholders in this game.
The smart people in our industry, sponsors and consultants will create events and hospitality programmes that are measured, realistic and tailored to the unique times in which we find ourselves.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Are Governments who now own banks starting to dictate marketing spending policy?
Governments who own banks now starting to dictate marketing spend policy?
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article5860950.ece this is inevitable as governments who have bailed out banks and other financial institutions baulk as much on sports marketing spend as they do on bankers bonuses...
two sides to every story, taken in isolation the numbers can look big and some of the spend can look fluffy especially the B2B focussed sports deals that engage with small ( but highly targeted groups of clients), but that's part of the mix of where and how business gets done
These industries also have a dynamic and a model that depends on incentives and rewards..eg insurance sales, I know from personal experience the massive revenue generation opportunities around incentivising an Asian sales force with a trip to an English Premier League football match, serious millions of dollars of brand new, identifiable and measurable revenues.
Governments need to monitor the taxpayers investment BUT they also have to allow businesses to engage with their stakeholdrs in ways that deliver results. The biggest impact going forward apart from cancellation and non renewal of current deals will be the need for rightsholders and agencies to have 100% cast iron cases in pitching to this sector.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article5860950.ece this is inevitable as governments who have bailed out banks and other financial institutions baulk as much on sports marketing spend as they do on bankers bonuses...
two sides to every story, taken in isolation the numbers can look big and some of the spend can look fluffy especially the B2B focussed sports deals that engage with small ( but highly targeted groups of clients), but that's part of the mix of where and how business gets done
These industries also have a dynamic and a model that depends on incentives and rewards..eg insurance sales, I know from personal experience the massive revenue generation opportunities around incentivising an Asian sales force with a trip to an English Premier League football match, serious millions of dollars of brand new, identifiable and measurable revenues.
Governments need to monitor the taxpayers investment BUT they also have to allow businesses to engage with their stakeholdrs in ways that deliver results. The biggest impact going forward apart from cancellation and non renewal of current deals will be the need for rightsholders and agencies to have 100% cast iron cases in pitching to this sector.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)