The World Famous City Ground - Home of the PROPER WORLD‘S OLDEST LEAGUE CLUB

[Otis Redding]

We miss Rocka… when life comes on top, you could always know you could come on here and he’d lighten the load. Never met the bloke, but feel like I know him, somehow. Give him my regards and see if you can convince the owd bogger to get back on here and not let the bastards get him down

Well said RB. Rocka/Gary's positive contribution to this place is immeasurable.

 

[REDDERS78]

I dont think anyone would be for a big bowl stadium in the middle of nowhere. I think that statement everyone including me is pretty much in agreement with that.

What if we couldnt expand the WFCG for whatever reason and we moved to the Weir Sports Field on the banks of the Trent still. Than a direct tram stop to town and get there in under 10 mins. Than we had Buses running every 2 mins from there. The stadium is built in a terrace fashion and make it as similar to the City Ground as possible. Same aesthetic and within that ground have a sports village but you are correct dont fill it with franchises. Why dont we bring the classics with us? Bring Eva's if they want to come, bring Bridgeford Fish and Chip Bar. Bring the newsagent that sells the programs as well . Than add some new things to it like a new pub ran by Broady and Crossley. Than have a new sports bar called Cloughs like they have Shearers in Newcastle. I know that will never ever replace the City Ground but wont that at least sound like it will be good?

You see thats why I am open minded I have pretty strong red lines and I agree 99% with you with nearly everything but if a proposal was made like the one above I could get on board with that.

Im against any move BUT if the club found a City location no further away than our current one and it genuinley waa needed I would probably adapt my thinking. The one great thing is that fans from all over the country can get off the train and enjoy a few pints in town or on the walk to the ground, it makes the whole matchday ecperience special and is becoming very rare these days.

Anywhere in Gamston,Toton, Clifton or wherever and Id have no interest, couldnt give a shit if theres 20 buses or trams an hour either.

 

[EmmersonForest4]

Im against any move BUT if the club found a City location no further away than our current one and it genuinley waa needed I would probably adapt my thinking. The one great thing is that fans from all over the country can get off the train and enjoy a few pints in town or on the walk to the ground, it makes the whole matchday ecperience special and is becoming very rare these days.

Anywhere in Gamston,Toton, Clifton or wherever and Id have no interest, couldnt give a shit if theres 20 buses or trams an hour either.

No thats fair REDDERS, from my experience I used to live in Cinderhill and thats where my family are now. So I like to drive to my familys house than get the tram into town. Than sometimes I just get the bus from town to the ground. I like frequenting the Bell on market square. I could get onboard with a 10-15 minute tram ride from Market Square. That wouldnt diminish that experience for me. I would only really miss the lovely scene walking over Trent Bridge. I understand your thinking as well. We do have the best looking Ground in the country I feel.

 

[Lady Penelope]

If a move is forthcoming, some will feel so significantly disaffected that they will not attend (buying a season card for Notts is the extreme, I don't think too many will resort to that). The harsh reality though is that even more will attend, attracted by the newness, the ease of accessibility, and the sparkling facilities. That's what happens with a new stadium.

There are some folks now who go only rarely, some not at all, because of the state of the facilities. Forest will get some of them back I'm sure, and they will certainly attract newcomers (who will pay a premium for premier facilities) in such numbers that the stayaways will be greatly outnumbered.

That is how it is.

 

[Lady Penelope]

Im against any move BUT if the club found a City location no further away than our current one and it genuinley waa needed I would probably adapt my thinking. The one great thing is that fans from all over the country can get off the train and enjoy a few pints in town or on the walk to the ground, it makes the whole matchday ecperience special and is becoming very rare these days.

Anywhere in Gamston,Toton, Clifton or wherever and Id have no interest, couldnt give a shit if theres 20 buses or trams an hour either.

That's exactly why I have championed Eastcroft.

 

[REDDERS78]

Well said RB. Rocka/Gary's positive contribution to this place is immeasurable.

I'll second that, absoolute top fella is Rocka. Nicest bloke on the forum.

That story he wrote about his life as a youngster on here was absolutely brilliant, think its in LTLF Gold.

Hope he's okay, wheres Bonfy too?

 

[DizzyBala]

I thought the converted container idea was pretty good, right up until I found out it was for hospitality.

 

[Ashley]

I think regardless of whether you want a new stadium or not, moving to Toton (or any similar out of town location) is a dreadful idea for obvious reasons.

If we move away from the City Ground (which I certainly hope we don't), it has to be an accessible location near the city.

 

[TrentEndDr]

smog rolling in from the road

 

[Beeston]

Has anybody on here, in a professional capacity, have any idea how much it would cost to buy the freehold on the City Ground?

 

[Quntib Hollox]

….and would it count against PSR?

 

[Notcher]

Has anybody on here, in a professional capacity, have any idea how much it would cost to buy the freehold on the City Ground?

I've said for a while that it's never been about the lease it's about the freehold. By increasing the lease value it's thereby increased the freehold from approximately £10M to £40M

 

[forest_forever_99]

Great interview on Forest fan TV with Steve Battlemuch from the council, and very revealing. He details the different meetings they have had and what might be some next steps. In his words Forest have been offered the option to buy the freehold, and they couldn't agree on a valuation, but that the difference was maybe one less squad player bought so not insurmountable. After the interview in the Athletic good to get the council side and either forest playing real hardball, or they just want to move

 

[REDDERS78]

I was and took it very literally. We all love our club no matter what happens in the future.

Without getting into a debate you would do well to remember that sentiment when labelling fans as "plastics" mate, I mean seriously?

I'm as guilty as anybody with my rants and emotional tantrums on here, I'm happy to be called out too, I can be an absolute arsehole when Forest are concerned BUT I'm not an old fart that cant take change, I'm a business owner that has to adapt to change weekly, I just so happen to be THAT emotionally connected to Forest that I lose my shit at times.

Forgetting the WFCG redevelopment, I just do not see how a move to somewhere like Toton benefits the club, I'm not being naive or awkward, I want the best for the club too, its not a personal thing for me.....I just don't see how in gods name such a move pans out, it annoys me that anyone could.

Anyway, I apologise if I overstepped the mark earlier, you wound me right up with that comment though!

 

[bearwood red]

I've said for a while that it's never been about the lease it's about the freehold. By increasing the lease value it's thereby increased the freehold from approximately £10M to £40M

We got some advice on land valuation when our cricket club was trying to buy the freehold to our ground. (I realise the scale is completely different but the valuation principles are probably similar) The consensus seemed to be a multiple of something like 20-30 times the annual rent, which is not too far away this range. However, that implies that the land can only be used for its existing purpose. The City Ground is a prime riverside site, and I would think be worth much more if it could be developed for commercial/residential use.

Would love to know what the council are asking for the freehold.

 

[REDDERS78]

Worth remembering as well that not everyone who goes to games lives in Nottingham or the surrounding areas

Also worth remembering that 95% do, always have and always willl.

Its a no brainer when you do the fan maths really. I admire anyone that travels to games, but it is what it is.

Tails wagging dogs and all that.

 

[IvorThirst]

Great interview on Forest fan TV with Steve Battlemuch from the council, and very revealing. He details the different meetings they have had and what might be some next steps. In his words Forest have been offered the option to buy the freehold, and they couldn't agree on a valuation, but that the difference was maybe one less squad player bought so not insurmountable. After the interview in the Athletic good to get the council side and either forest playing real hardball, or they just want to move

The problem with Battlemuch is that he is a former Director of Robin Hood Energy, a complete failure that cost Nottingham Council Tax payers millions. He has no credibility in many peoples eyes after repeated attempts speaking to the media trying to defend Robin Hood Energy.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

Also worth remembering that 95% do, always have and always willl.

Its a no brainer when you do the fan maths really. I admire anyone that travels to games, but it is what it is.

Tails wagging dogs and all that.

The point I was making is any new ground out of town will need to cater for people arriving from afar, that's not prioritising the minority over the majority, it's just common sense

Where do you think some of these extra 20k fans that are going to fill a 50k stadium will be coming from?

 

[REDDERS78]

The point I was making is any new ground out of town will need to cater for people arriving from afar, that's not prioritising the minority over the majority, it's just common sense

Where do you think a lot of these extra 20k fans that are going to fill a 50k stadium will be coming from?

Why would any new ground need accommodate such a thing?

Were A Nottingham club, accommodate those that live in Carlton, Bulwell, Gedling, Tope Valley, Mapperley, Bulwell, Broxtowe etc first. If you moved away or attached yourself to the club after, tough shit.

Tail wagging dog again?

 

[Mr. Blonde]

Why would any new ground need accommodate such a thing?

Well there's the away fans for a start, but purely from a Forest point of view any new stadium we build would need to because there are plenty of fans who travel from places outside Nottinghamshire to go to games - I personally know at least four season card holders who don't live anywhere near Nottingham

But as a general point I think it would be extremely short-sighted to build a new 50k seater stadium but only make it easily accessible to people living in close proximity; it's perfectly possible to provide for both sets of fans, the two aren't mutually exclusive

If you think differently that's fine, but I suspect we'll have to agree to disagree

 

[REDDERS78]

Well there's the away fans for a start, but purely from a Forest point of view any new stadium we build would need to because there are plenty of fans who travel from places outside Nottinghamshire to go to games - I personally know at least four season card holders who don't live anywhere near Nottingham

But as a general point I think it would be extremely short-sighted to build a new 50k seater stadium but only make it easily accessible to people living in close proximity; it's perfectly possible to provide for both sets of fans, the two aren't mutually exclusive

If you think differently that's fine, but I suspect we'll have to agree to disagree

The current location is perfectly accessible for home and away fans though, hence why its a great away day.

I dont understand your logic to be honest. You dont build a stadium to interrupt or upset 95% of your fanbase, to suit a few people that moved away, whilst making it harder for away fans to get to and totally ruining the experience.

Yeah, I think differently on this one.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

The current location is perfectly accessible for home and away fans though, hence why its a great away day.

Just to be clear I don't want us to build a new stadium, I want us to stay at the City Ground and rebuild the Peter Taylor stand; as you say our current site and ground serves all sets of fans well enough

My point was if we were to move (which I'll say again, I don't want us to) any new stadium would need to provide for people travelling to games from afar, for the reasons I've already outlined

I dont understand your logic to be honest. You dont build a stadium to interrupt or upset 95% of your fanbase, to suit a few people that moved away, whilst making it harder for away fans to get to and totally ruining the experience.

That isn't what I was suggesting at all

 

[REDDERS78]

Just to be clear I don't want us to build a new stadium, I want us to stay at the City Ground and rebuild the Peter Taylor stand; as you say our current site and ground serves all sets of fans well enough

My point was if we were to move (which I'll say again, I don't want us to) any new stadium would need to provide for people travelling to games from afar, for the reasons I've already outlined


That isn't what I was suggesting at all

Fair enough.

 

[Munich and Madrid]

There's no persecution complex; I don't feel picked on and I'm quite big and ugly enough to deal with that - should I feel it's happening - be it in person or online. Thank you for your concern, mind.

The fact is . . . a very popular, knowledgeable and well regarded/liked - rightly so - forum member no longer engages here because of the absolute state of the place. You've called me out on it and said I'm incorrect - which is all well and good - but you've ignored my question to you as to how you deem that to be so in your reply and I'd like an answer please, without naming or drawing that person into the debate.

Let's not beat about the bush here; I don't like your style of moderation on this forum. I think it's too cliquey, political and opinionated but, that said, I wouldn't want to do it myself, I couldn't be arsed with it all, so I admire the fact that you - and your fellow mods - do it and it is, actually, appreciated and respected. I understand it to be necessary in terms of dealing with problems such as racism, sexism, all forms of bigotry, potential libel, etc and I do appreciate the need for it. But I think you need to learn how to separate your views - and perhaps even profiles - as a moderator and poster.

I've had numerous profiles on this site. The first I asked to be removed as this change, this turn of the forum from a light hearted, fun, edgy accompaniment to supporting Forest . . . and that's all it is, to me . . . . was beginning to show the signs of turning into the cess pit of polarised views and bullying that it is today. It went hand in hand with promotion, funnily enough, the influx of the new cohort of new and improved, Premier League, Forest fans! The next couple, returning after missing a bit of the content on offer here, the poster in question in particular, I took a more casual approach . . . and ended up being banned (well, I say 'banned' but what it actually seems you like to do is restrict a posters ability to sign in. There is no email to say "you have been banned, f*** off", which would be much more honest and palatable . . . just a time out on trying to log in. Confirm or deny, I don't care either way) for reasons anything other than those previously mentioned. Not me, not what I do . . . I just like talking in 'Notts Speak. You - and your fellow moderators don't, it would seem. Rules and regulations, eh? I don't claim to be an angel but anything I've done isn't to do with racism, sexism, bigotry, libel or any such thing; yew n yew mods jus' dewent lahk being' called aht on stuff, not yer, duck? Too aye 'n' mighteh forrit.

Anyway, there was another one who - rightly - got banned (properly) after a brief half hour on the site (Boutros Boutros Garibaldi, if you're interested) and now this one, feeling all familiarly dismayed at the absolute, thick as boxing day turds, that frequent the place. And I do, I really do, lay the blame for that squarely at your feet. You've allowed it to happen, you've allowed a clique to develop and you preside over the fat, fecking lot.

I've felt a slow release come over me as I wrote this, I'm ready to be banned/removed - no longer wishing or having any desire to be a part of this shit show - so do please go ahead! I do hope our absent friend comes on and says goodbye or - as it's apparently not true and, again, one of us is a liar - hello at some point. That is, of course, entirely up to him.

I'm oot.

I can only agree that when I came back to the forum and took a different view I was suddenly unable to access the forum. I had to sign in under another account to complain and get my previous account reinstated.

 

[Erik]

I've been busy all day - I have a job, and a life, so I only get to moderate this forum, as do the other volunteer moderators in my spare time.

I don't mind that, because the way I see it this forum has given me so much - Including some friends for life - that in reality it's a way of giving something back.

Sometimes it can be a right pain in the arse though.

So I leave it to the casual observer whether posters who post that they feel they have been censored or limited in some way (whilst admitting they have second accounts which, incidentally, is against the forum rules) are actually correct in that assumption when the same casual observer can see the posts suggesting that the moderation team is a vindictive group hell bent on suppressing voices they don't like.

There are posters on here with whom I have vehemently disagreed at times - Including some of the moderation team - But who I have always backed to the hilt their right to disagree with me and the moderation team (emphasis on team) who act as one, in full consultation and agreement with each other as a collective do exactly the same.

It is very rare that a poster is banned, or silenced, and then only when everyone agrees that all other avenues have been exhausted.

Put bluntly, there are other forums which serve a similar function to this one. Yet people choose of their own free will to join this forum, leave it and then join again - But with the seeming intent of doing so only to take cheap shots at a volunteer moderating team. Personally it saddens me to see that people feel the need to not only do that but actually take the trouble to register another account to do so after they left of their own free will in the first place. If you are fed up with things, or have had enough, simply don't log on. No need to flounce off.

Again, I leave it to that casual observer to decide whether they have a point or not or whether the mod team by and large get it right.