After a condemning report from the observations of a "drop-in" Reading fan at Boundary Park for last Saturday's game with Swansea, Sean Jarvis has offered a response to the criticism of the commercial enterprises presently on offer at the club. Sean openly confesses that he has serious problems on staffing issues and is trying to sort them for next year. His commercial team have sadly not performed as well as he had hoped. Combined with the loss of a member of staff who was sadly not replaced he has promised to look at the situation over the summer.The impartial observer said, "I am a keen football fan visiting friends in the area last weekend. Couldn't get a ticket for Reading v Sheffield Weds so went with my pal to see Oldham v Swansea. (Not the best football I've seen this season). Now back home browsing your web site and the comments relating to your commercial manager (on the message board). I take it that this is a voluntary unpaid post! I have a limited knowlege of the commercial side of football but couldn't help but notice the following on Saturday." The Reading fan went on the ask the following questions. Sean's responses are included:
Q1. No match sponser. Only ball sponser. I was led to believe that this could have been a crucial game if previous results had been better.
A1. The Match sponsor was Ogbourne limited but they wanted to have a signed ball and be called matchball sponsor - strange but you do get weird requests!
Q2. The official OAFC website appears to need a serious overhaul.
A2. I am hoping to have a look at this in the Summer - but we are ranked 25th in the FLi tables (arguably punching above our weight).
Q3. I always purchase draw tickets for a 'golden goal' or half time draw. As a visitor I was not presented with an opportunity to buy one.
A3. I will look in to that one - but this should happen.
Q4. The bars appear dirty (especially the floor) and badly stocked with a limited choice of beverages.
A4. I will look into this - but we do have a contract in place with JW Lees
Q5. As a regular visitor to championship grounds I also thought £20.00 was a bit steep for the facilities available and the quality of football. I was at Leeds last weekend and although I paid £25.00 I did not feel that I was being robbed!
A5. Pricing - this is something that is being reviewed over the season
Q6. Reading haven't always been a good side but we got our commercial and financial house in order and this then leads to success on the pitch. You've got some cracking people coming to your ground week after week. They deserve much better.
A6. Agreed - hopefully the new stadium will deliver this
I would like to thank Sean for his honesty and his commitment to look into these identified problems. His professionalism and availability to openly communicate with the fans is a credit to himself and the club and can only lead to better understanding of the problems of running a football club.