No underhand motive in new Family Stand
MACCLESFIELD Town chairman Mark Blower has told fans that there is no ulterior motive behind the new family area on the London Road stand.
The new area at the Moss Rose was introduced during the match against Torquay United last week, and Blower has re-assured supporters who have doubts about the decision.
“At the Torquay game last Saturday I was approached by a supporter expressing a concern about the decision to create a new family area on the London Road terrace,” Blower told the club’s official website.
“I’m also aware of suggestions that the football club may have had an ulterior motive that influenced this decision and I wanted to say that this is not the case.
“The club is very conscious that the future of Macclesfield Town FC relies on attracting young supporters as early as possible in their lives, in order to create a strong fan base for the future.
“Whilst we have an existing family stand, we frequently get feedback that although being close to the Mcllroy Suite means that it is a great facility, it puts a distance between the players and the young fans.
“Being close to the players is very important to young fans and an autograph or a ‘high five’ from a player or a member of the playing staff will live long in a young memory.
“That said, the club values all of its supporters and recognises that many have had a longstanding association with the football club and should have as much choice as possible as to where they watch matches.
“Three seasons ago, the football club decided to close London Road North for most matches. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, it was taken in order to save costs at a time when the club was in a far more difficult financial position.
“As such, in an attempt to create a family friendly area close to the players and also provide fans with their rightful desire to stand on the London Road side of the ground, it has been decided to re-open London Road North for all league games, as well as some selected cup fixtures.
“The area immediately behind the home dug-out will become a dedicated family area for children up to the age of 16 accompanied by an adult where appropriate.
“This will be officially launched in September to coincide with the new school year and the new season for junior football and other sports clubs who will be regularly invited to attend matches and stand in this area.
“This also makes it operationally easier for them to gain access to the pitch to form a guard of honour or participate in activities on the pitch both before kick-off and at half-time.
“I appreciate that such a communication may have been better before the season started.
“We hope that these procedures are respected without the need for additional stewarding and cost - we need to direct spend into the playing budget as far as possible.”