floyd__streeteReading Abbey [i]They have to charge a nominal amount, it helps to give them an idea of how many people are likely to turn up, how many staff to employ and what stands /car parks to open.
Absolute, total baloney.
How many stands to open up? The lower west holds, at a guess, around 4,000..... the crowd would never be any more than that for a reserve game. How many staff to employ? 3 in the refreshment stand, two operating the turnstiles at most.
Why do they "have to charge a nominal amount" exactly? My entry for reserve games last season as a STH was free - why take away about the only privilege we have as a STH?
Last season the reserve games were in the afternoon and the staffing levels were as you say but they expect the reserves games this season to be more of an occasion. It will be the focus of the 7s scheme as there are no longer first game tickets available and also for some people who can no longer come to home games anymore.
Whether expectations will be fulfilled only time will tell but they really are expecting the attraction of the opposition and the only real chance of free tickets will mean that attendences will be very different to last season's reserve games.
