The Feral Goat wrote:Supporters are only one element, there are other stakeholders who need to give feedback as well.
I think it is fair to say Glasgow at Scotstoun is largely a success, so it makes sense for the SRU to follow a similar model with Edinburgh. A partnership with GW at Myreside is a great opportunity to create the home we need, but I think the club needs to be prepared to say yes we want to move to Myreside but we need another season / half season to get it to the standard we want. They need to jointly (ER and GW) present an end vision be it 3,5,7 years down the line we need to know what we are aiming for.
Hard to see the trial as a success but I feel there is a longer term opportunity to good to walk away from.
Successes of the trial -
5000 people fit into myreside
5000 people can get to and from Myreside, although there are issues to be addressed.
TV coverage can be accommodated, both BBC Alba and the slightly larger Sky operation
The ground is capable of hosting pro rugby
There hasn't been a level of disruption which would make a permanent move intolerable for residents or the school
One or two local hostelries have jumped on board with offers to fans
The relationship between ER and GW seems to work
When the team plays better, the atmosphere is more tangible on the pitch than it is at Murrayfield (according to players I've spoken to)
Most of these are what I would call 'hygiene factors' i.e. the things that have to be in place to make something workable. There are some other things of this type which need to be addressed. The whistles and bells of a 'good supporter experience' (I hate that phrase, basically a good supporter experience is winning) have to come after that.
Don't mention Rory Hutton. I did once but I think I got away with it.