I went today. Took my 9yr old.
I bought season tickets last year, for the first time since the 90's. I fell out of love with football in general in the 2000's, and never stepped foot in a ground for years. Until I had a child and as he grew he discovered a burning love for football.
At 6 years old he told me that he wanted to support Man Utd.
I explained the folly of his decision and began to regale stories of the fantastic 90's at Hillsborough, and that fabulous 'first view' as the stadium comes into view as you enter high up in the kop.
Eventually, in the L1 promotion season, I took him to a few dales at the tail end of the season and got him hooked.
I bred a new generation Owls fan.
Through the 2 seasons with DR in charge, we went to most home games and a handful away (incl the famous Blackburn match) which cemented his love.
So....at Christmas time last year, I bought 2 season tickets so that I could continue to take him, but without for seeing what was about to unfold.
I've now been left in a tricky situation. Hot to manage his expectations and his general mood because we're likely to lose A LOT of games.
But if we don't go, firstly I've given up a wedge of cash for which I'll end up spending even more money elsewhere to keep him entertained at weekends throughout the season (why should I?)
Secondly, however you look at it, DC has taken the season ticket money already. I am powerless about that.
Thirdly. If we don't go for months and months, at his tender age he may well lose interest in the Owls and I'll never get to share these days with him again, even with our collective backs up against the wall as they are right now.
I've explained to him that we will not spend a single pound ever again in the stadium. Shop etc until DC is gone. He's on board with that. BUT, he's also upset today becausr he wanted to go into the club shop to get ME a little gift for my birthday next week, and I to'd him not to bother so that we continue to support the greater good. I felt awful for this.
He was also upset about missing the Leeds match, but we joined the boycott like most did.
So please, after reading the above, I hope some of the idealists on here will take a moment to reflect on how hard this situation is for many people, and stop criticising if they do not follow your own exact train of thought.
Yes, I would like to see an empty ground, at some matches, and if the Trust calls for a match boycott, I will support it.
Yes, I also believe the players need support this season for what they are doing in difficult circumstances.
Yes, I also think it makes zero difference to DC if season ticket holders go or not.
Their money has gone.
The only difference we can all make, is to not put any more money behind the tills.
I for one, will not renew for next season if DC is still here, and at that point, both me and my son will no longer attend, but until then, let me wear my black and gold shirt in protest.
Let me not spend a single £ in the stadium.
Let me join the vocal chants that were loud today and prolonged for vast periods, particularly during the first half.
Let me manage my kids expectations of a day out at the football where I no longer let him go in the shop to even have a browse at foitbal' stuff that he loves.
It breaks my heart what is going on.
We, like most, are already seriously affected by what is going on, and we actively support all the protests and actions.
But please, some of you, get off your soap boxes and stop preaching to others about what exactly they should or shouldn't be doing. It's really not as easy as some of you think.