[Paul]

As has been mentioned many times, when Westbury Homes left fans got to vote on whether to keep yellow and black. We have had no say this time.

So, how does a change of strip affect results on the pitch?  Is it really  - really that important? And why?

[Pims manager again]

A question is, why was the kit changed to predominantly red? A marketing decision? Statistically the most successful teams play in red? To fit in with Gloucester's heraldic colours? Or at the owner's whim based on his favourite PL team?

Elsewhere, on yellow and black, a City Facebook post says that the change to red was dictated by an owner who has now left, who didn't consult the supporters. But -  the same could be said of the owner who changed the kit to yellow and black many years ago. Both are true. 

What actual benefit does the colour of the team strip bring to the team on the pitch? There is some research on this, but at our current lowly level does it really matter?

People point to the club's most successful era being in yellow and black. Reality check - other than an FA Cup run and 'almost' promotions what has the club ever actually achieved - in Y&B - and red? A city of this size should at least be NL level - at the very least, but in both Y&B and red we've consistently underachieved (another debate). 
 
I have a red and yellow scarf and a yellow and black one (I don't want to buy a red and black one - thanks), the point being it's more important to get behind the team  given where we are now whatever colours they play in, than quibble over a team strip. Rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic is a phrase that seems to apply to this ongoing debate. Where does it actually get us?

paul it’s an excellent post,
I have never read so much detritus over a change in kit.
I ask the question..does the Club have to consult us on everything? We’ve been back in red for a good few years now, let’s face it, some of the tosh we wore at C********m was laughable, printed tigers on the back and so on.
It’s a new era, let’s get behind the board and look forward not repeatedly backwards.

[Stable Lad]

It’s a new era, let’s get behind the board and look forward not repeatedly backwards.

Just that.

[MeadowClark]

So, how does a change of strip affect results on the pitch?  Is it really  - really that important? And why?

It doesn’t affect results on the pitch, no, but it does affect many fans connection to the club and many fans feel that club identity is one of the fundamental parts of feeling part of a football club. 

The fact of the matter is, when our unique identity was stripped away from us we lost part of our atmosphere and energy. Go back and look at the photos of fans pre-2019 and see how much yellow and black is on show, go and and look at the Dagenham replay and see all of the replica shirts on show. As Matt said, half or more of our songs were gone as a result of the change and it’s had a massive impact on atmosphere. 

PimsManager - no, the club do not need to consult the fans on everything. But they do need to when it comes to fundamental changes to club identity, hence why the FA have brought it regulations - because despite some on here telling us that it’s “boring”, it actually isn’t it and it’s actually important to most football fans. 

What I want most of all is a say, people had an opportunity to change away from yellow and black, which wasn’t taken up. This should never have been a topic as no one was complaining when we were in yellow and black, so you can thank those that have changed it for these lengthily threads of discussion. I’m afraid this subject will not go away until fans get a say on this matter, it’s been 6 years now and it’s not going away.

[Darran]

It doesn’t affect results on the pitch, no, but it does affect many fans connection to the club and many fans feel that club identity is one of the fundamental parts of feeling part of a football club. 

The fact of the matter is, when our unique identity was stripped away from us we lost part of our atmosphere and energy. Go back and look at the photos of fans pre-2019 and see how much yellow and black is on show, go and and look at the Dagenham replay and see all of the replica shirts on show. As Matt said, half or more of our songs were gone as a result of the change and it’s had a massive impact on atmosphere. 

PimsManager - no, the club do not need to consult the fans on everything. But they do need to when it comes to fundamental changes to club identity, hence why the FA have brought it regulations - because despite some on here telling us that it’s “boring”, it actually isn’t it and it’s actually important to most football fans. 

What I want most of all is a say, people had an opportunity to change away from yellow and black, which wasn’t taken up. This should never have been a topic as no one was complaining when we were in yellow and black, so you can thank those that have changed it for these lengthily threads of discussion. I’m afraid this subject will not go away until fans get a say on this matter, it’s been 6 years now and it’s not going away.

Great post this and explains things perfectly.

[Wilesy]

I have never read so much detritus over a change in kit.

Really? Surely you remember the furore when Cardiff City changed their colour from blue to red?

It matters.. and to dismiss it - as multiple people are doing - is the incorrect thing to do. Words like "detritus" are churlish and do nobody any credit.

This about identify. This is exceptionally important.

Again, does Eamonn know about the fallout?!

[Daveangel]

Really? Surely you remember the furore when Cardiff City changed their colour from blue to red?

It matters.. and to dismiss it - as multiple people are doing - is the incorrect thing to do. Words like "detritus" are churlish and do nobody any credit.

This about identify. This is exceptionally important.

Again, does Eamonn know about the fallout?!

I agree. Whilst I think there is a sliding scale of “bothered”, I believe those who say “I don’t care if we play in pink spots etc…” are in a very small minority.

The colour of a teams strip is the Clubs identity, and it matters very much to many, and shouldn’t be dismissed.

[GME]

paul it’s an excellent post,
I have never read so much detritus over a change in kit.
I ask the question..does the Club have to consult us on everything? We’ve been back in red for a good few years now, let’s face it, some of the tosh we wore at C********m was laughable, printed tigers on the back and so on.
It’s a new era, let’s get behind the board and look forward not repeatedly backwards.

Great Post, lets just get behind the new board and the team., Utmost credit to the new board, they seem to be backing the management team so lets do the same and support both what ever colour we are in!

[Tigermatty 2.0]

Great Post, lets just get behind the new board and the team., Utmost credit to the new board, they seem to be backing the management team so lets do the same and support both what ever colour we are in!

We are supporting the team, being unhappy about the colour change doesn’t mean we are against the board or the players, it just means we have a difference of opinion which we feel is important to address. 

I’ve said it many times before, but if the club colours aren’t important then why was it changed in the first place? It wouldn’t be so bad if the entire history of us playing in yellow hadn’t been censored. 

And yes, as loyal patrons, customers and supporters of this football club we do deserve a say in important decisions. Sorry if this comes as a shock to people who have bent over and let people in suits tell them what to do their entire lives, but welcome to the 21st century.

[Darran]

We are supporting the team, being unhappy about the colour change doesn’t mean we are against the board or the players, it just means we have a difference of opinion which we feel is important to address. 

I’ve said it many times before, but if the club colours aren’t important then why was it changed in the first place? It wouldn’t be so bad if the entire history of us playing in yellow hadn’t been censored. 

And yes, as loyal patrons, customers and supporters of this football club we do deserve a say in important decisions. Sorry if this comes as a shock to people who have bent over and let people in suits tell them what to do their entire lives, but welcome to the 21st century.

Great post again.