Bobs PHN interview on line now

[Stewart]

Im not on about the money that was just one example of Bob stating one thing as fact then in the next breath stating the opposite.

Stewart asked me what I wanted to do and I stated that 'I would like Bob to stop telling us one thing then a few days passes and he tells us the total opposite.' then I came up with examples from the past few weeks to back up my wish.

I also asked you another question, which you haven't answered!

Situations change. Do you believe that his comments should reflect those changes or that once made they must be adhered to, regardless?

[baby 55]

I personally believe that promises and statements should not be issued in a rush just to satisfy the fans.

I hope that answers your question Stewart

[Stewart]

I personally believe that promises and statements should not be issued in a rush just to satisfy the fans.

I hope that answers your question Stewart

No actually I think it's a cop out!

If I tell you today that I have no money but then win the Lottery tomorrow, do I still say I have no money on Monday or should I alter my story to fit the new facts?

[jayboy (SSHOF)]

Just to add also when he says the season ticket money has gone but then later says the season "Tickets" are safe then he has not changed anything. From the beginning he and the management have constantly stated Season Tickets will be safe!

[AvsJohn]

Not to be a pessissimist but there are several things in here that worry me considerably and I would be grateful if someone could possibly provide answers to the following questions that I have:

1) What is the car parking at Magna like?
2) Does Magna have an ice plant that is capable of providing us with a decent sized and playable rink as well as providing all the other paraphenalia (a Zamboni for instance) and the required expertise to maintain this surface?
2a) If Magna does not currently have an ice plant that is capable of this, how expensive would one be to buy\hire the required equipment and staff required to maintain this - I assume this cost would be borne solely by the Steelers organisation (as I imagine it would be of little benefit to Magna to have such a facility otherwise), seeing as how we required the bank to ride in at the "11th hour and 59th minute" (Bob's words used in the Radio Sheffield Interview the other night) and this is (according to today's Star) only enough to make to the start of the season, how do the club anticipate meeting this cost whilst also meeting the costs incurred of the day to day running of the club during the season? I'm also assuming this ice would remain down for the duration of the season for the team to practice on and for advertising space on the ice surface to also be sold - this increasing the maintenance and running costs of the facility whilst bringing little (to no) additional revenue (through the likes of public skating).

And perhaps most importantly in my eyes

3) I was at Abbeydale for the Fans Forum. Bob said the relationship was getting better, as demonstrated by the high number of weekend dates we had been able to confirm - and maybe I'm a bit of a cynic and maybe because I've only seen this written down rather than heard him say that I'm reading more into it but - what have the league seen and shared during their liaisons with the Arena that has caused the position to deteriorate? If it was solely over the ownership issue, can we expect a joint statement from both the Arena and the Sheffield Steelers that the contract is signed and sealed in the next few days?

I know some people on here will accuse me of 'having an agenda' or whatever, but the truth of the matter is I really don't care who owns it, or who they employee behind the scenes, I just want to continue to have a hockey team I can go watch on a Saturday night rather than watch the 'reality' TV tripe that BBC and ITV pass off as 'entertainment'.

John

[John123]

Not to be a pessissimist but there are several things in here that worry me considerably and I would be grateful if someone could possibly provide answers to the following questions that I have:

1) What is the car parking at Magna like?
2) Does Magna have an ice plant that is capable of providing us with a decent sized and playable rink as well as providing all the other paraphenalia (a Zamboni for instance) and the required expertise to maintain this surface?
2a) If Magna does not currently have an ice plant that is capable of this, how expensive would one be to buy\hire the required equipment and staff required to maintain this - I assume this cost would be borne solely by the Steelers organisation (as I imagine it would be of little benefit to Magna to have such a facility otherwise), seeing as how we required the bank to ride in at the "11th hour and 59th minute" (Bob's words used in the Radio Sheffield Interview the other night) and this is (according to today's Star) only enough to make to the start of the season, how do the club anticipate meeting this cost whilst also meeting the costs incurred of the day to day running of the club during the season? I'm also assuming this ice would remain down for the duration of the season for the team to practice on and for advertising space on the ice surface to also be sold - this increasing the maintenance and running costs of the facility whilst bringing little (to no) additional revenue (through the likes of public skating).

And perhaps most importantly in my eyes

3) I was at Abbeydale for the Fans Forum. Bob said the relationship was getting better, as demonstrated by the high number of weekend dates we had been able to confirm - and maybe I'm a bit of a cynic and maybe because I've only seen this written down rather than heard him say that I'm reading more into it but - what have the league seen and shared during their liaisons with the Arena that has caused the position to deteriorate? If it was solely over the ownership issue, can we expect a joint statement from both the Arena and the Sheffield Steelers that the contract is signed and sealed in the next few days?

I know some people on here will accuse me of 'having an agenda' or whatever, but the truth of the matter is I really don't care who owns it, or who they employee behind the scenes, I just want to continue to have a hockey team I can go watch on a Saturday night rather than watch the 'reality' TV tripe that BBC and ITV pass off as 'entertainment'.

John

The Steelers were never responsible for the costs of the ice plant, zamboni etc for the Yes Project, nor the Arena, so why should they be at Magna?

[AvsJohn]

The Arena are responsible for the ice plant as they use it for other events (ie Dancing on Ice, Disney on Ice) and therefore is a necessary component of their business plan.

At the Yes Project the leasee of the Unit would be responsible for the equipment that goes in and the maintenance of that equipment (the management company that run Centertainment aren't responsible for the projectors in the cinema or the bowling equipment in the bowling alley), therefore should the Yes Project have a tennant that wishes to put in an ice then it would almost definitely would be the tennant liable for the cost of installing and maintaining it.

Magna - why do they need an ice plant? Is it essential for a science museum?

[John123]

The Arena are responsible for the ice plant as they use it for other events (ie Dancing on Ice, Disney on Ice) and therefore is a necessary component of their business plan.

But they wouldn't have had the ice plant at the Arena if they didn't have the Steelers to use it week in, week out. We rent the arena out, therefore they are responsible for the upkeep of the building and equipment.

At the Yes Project the leasee of the Unit would be responsible for the equipment that goes in and the maintenance of that equipment (the management company that run Centertainment aren't responsible for the projectors in the cinema or the bowling equipment in the bowling alley), therefore should the Yes Project have a tennant that wishes to put in an ice then it would almost definitely would be the tennant liable for the cost of installing and maintaining it.

As the leasee of the unit, we would be responsible for the upkeep of the equipment, but not for buying it in the first place. We wouldn't pay for the bricks that build the arena at Rother Valley would we? But we would have to pay for cleaning/repairs etc.

It was planned to be a multi purpose project that incorporated an ice rink. We didn't say "excuse me Oak Holdings, can we build an ice rink on your land". Just like when I rent my flat, I didn't have to pay for the shower to be installed before I moved in!

Magna - why do they need an ice plant? Is it essential for a science museum?

Maybe they need extra revenue? Maybe they think that by accomadating the Steelers, they can gurantee 25-ish weeks of the year that they will have people visiting the site and have rent being paid?

Maybe Rotherham council are quite keen on the idea of having the Steelers in their borough and Magna have the space for expansion?

[Navunik]

I'm sure the relative costs of all these things will be being considered. I sincerely doubt that even BP would sign us up to a rink that would cost *more* to run than the current arena/ice sheffield rents. Frankly I think the arena is killing us as it is. The sooner we are out of there the better. It's either that or find 3000 more regular fans per week, and I don't think that's viable for ice hockey in this country.

[Gemini]

On my wish list I would like the following:
-A club that was financially stable and secure for the future.
- Sponsors with both money and credibility
-A management team I respected and trusted, who has the clubs and fans best interest at heart
-An entertaining and competitive team on the ice.
- A coach who had the relevant experience, passion and qualifications in hockey
- An announcer that was passionate about the Steelers.
- Good quality Merchandise on sale nearby ideally renting the premises across from the arena
- To remain playing in the Sheffield Arena paying a reasonable rent.

Oh well....... I suppose I had better carry on wishing!

[Stewart]

But they wouldn't have had the ice plant at the Arena if they didn't have the Steelers to use it week in, week out. We rent the arena out, therefore they are responsible for the upkeep of the building and equipment.

Whilst I agree with most of what you say I have to point out that the ice plant was put into the Arena for the World Student Games, long before the Steelers or even regular ice hockey, was even thought about!

And to AvsJohn. Why are you worrying about things that aren't due to happen for 12 months? Isn't there enough to think about getting a team on the ice for this year?

[John123]

Whilst I agree with most of what you say I have to point out that the ice plant was put into the Arena for the World Student Games, long before the Steelers or even regular ice hockey, was even thought about!

You are probably right Stewart (although there aren't any ice sports in the world student games are there? I thought it was like the summer olympics?). It would also make sense for them to have some kind of contingency plan to get regular use out of it (i.e hockey), and seeing as we were using the building pretty soon after it was built, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a little inkling before the plant was installed.

That backs up my point even more though, as we couldn't have possibly contributed to it's installation.

[trinity]

I applaud Bob's comment on the need to concentrate first and foremostly on the supporter absolutely. For years I've felt that the club's perceived pecking order were the sponsors, then the club officials and players (and their families) with the fans right at the bottom of the pile - which is pretty stupid given that the money paid by the fans keeps the whole thing viable (and who would want to sponsor (ie advertise with) a club with no fans.

With regard a move to Magma - said it before and will again - I support SHEFFIELD Steelers and guess I'd change my allegiance on the day they leave town to a Sheffield club (either hockey or back to football).

[Jordan R]

I applaud Bob's comment on the need to concentrate first and foremostly on the supporter absolutely. For years I've felt that the club's perceived pecking order were the sponsors, then the club officials and players (and their families) with the fans right at the bottom of the pile - which is pretty stupid given that the money paid by the fans keeps the whole thing viable (and who would want to sponsor (ie advertise with) a club with no fans.

With regard a move to Magma - said it before and will again - I support SHEFFIELD Steelers and guess I'd change my allegiance on the day they leave town to a Sheffield club (either hockey or back to football).

Isnt MAGNA like 5 minutes from the Arena, does it really matter to you that much what postcode they play in??

[HockeyPlayer07]

Its just a couple miles down the road, you would really stop going just because it's the other side of the viaduct?!