I didn't renew my pass this year, after 42 years of buying one; and doing most away games quite recently.
Had planned to attend the odd game, but haven't and being frank do not miss it at all given the utter garbage served up for the previous five seasons. It is not about losing, it's the complete lack of pride in the shirt shown in that time; and the way it sucked all of the passion out of me, until I sat there for the last few games last season emotionless, distracted, and wondering why I had turned up.
Reasons for not renewing are multiple, but principally:
The total disconnect by the club, and arrogance they showed to me and others of the same ilk when we were kicked out of W12 in what was a transparent money-making move. The bitterness imparted by looking at the seats we used to sit in every match being completely empty while we were pushed into the North stand fuelled a huge resentment that has not faded.
Then to be told at renewal this season that for the derbies we would be moved out of our section to elsewhere in the stadium (at the clubs discretion), with no guarantee of being together, to enable them to sell our section to Rovers fans added a whole new tier of seething resentment, and for some of us was the final straw.
The two of our group that remained tell us how pre match and halftime have extremely loud music blaring away, making conversation impossible unless they go to the concourse.
Add into this the years of "jam tomorrow", the implied threats of "stick with us or the club might die", basically the constant lies and deceit.
The regular significant money I spent in the club shop also ended this season.
Given the fact that Ruby League has been suffering a lingering death for years, it is beyond comprehension how a club can treat any customer like this - although that's rhetorical, as they clearly took the fanbase for granted.
My personal decision was based on the fact I would not accept this level of abuse in any other part of my life, and was sick of being viewed as a cash cow.
.
I've seen Hull win the League, the Challenge Cup, the John Player, the Floodlit Trophy, the Yorkshire cup; and have also seen us drubbed, relegated, and almost disappear thanks to Lloyd.
I even did some sponsorship when possible through a former employer.
I remain a Hull FC supporter, like all of the generations of my Hessle Road family have been; I just don't go to games any more; and given the lingering bad taste described above, am not sure what could convince me to go back.
I've had health problems, my parents are unwell, I have a wife and kids and have been hit financially by covid and brexit. I still buy my pass and go to games though so unfortunately no sob story from me guys.
I did stop going to away games a few years back though because we invariably lost
Quote="Marcus's Bicycle"That includes me today but it was by accident not design. I cycle to every home game from Sutton Park as I did today. I set off late as I like to get there as late as possible to avoid the pre-match entertainment. Tragically half way there I got a flat tyre. Massive dilemma, what do I do? I thought I'll chain my bike up and get the bus in to town and walk from station. Waited no buses so and I thought feck it and "bouled" my bike home and watched it on telly. I think I made the right decision.
The trials and tribulations of supporting Hull
'"
As a fellow cyclist, I feel your pain buddy!!
That tell-tale 'bump-bump-bump' sound as you realise it's puncture time!! Yes, all of we cyclists have been through it, on more than one occasion probably
I've had a few walks home, 'bouling' the bike along with me, ignoring the smirks from various passers-by
As you say mate, you didn't miss much by not being there yesterday, and looking at it positively you were home a good deal quicker after the final whistle than you usually would!
And you got to miss all the hassle in town yesterday, what with 'the session' around Marina and all the shenanigans caused by the knuckle-draggers getting over-excited in the summer sun.
I've a spare inner-tube if you get stuck next time buddy
The amazing thing is that I got a puncture cycling to the last home game as well!! incredibly that's the first one I've ever had cycling to home games and I've done it for years. Fortunately I got it when I was already in town so apart from the ball-ache of "bouling" it back home I got to see the game. Good job I did it was a cracker. It's a bit odd it's almost as if my bike doesn't want me to go to the games!!
As you say luckily I avoided the "patriots" in town. Nothing says "we want our country back" more than smashing shop windows and looting it's contents... All filmed so lets hope they get their day in the dock.
Thanks for the inner tube offer mate but I've just ordered a stack of them from ebay with a puncture resistant tyre as well!!
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