Morning all,
Here are the minutes. Apologies for the delay in getting them signed off. It's obviously a busy time for the Club but we'll try and get them out a bit faster next time.
Next meeting is Thursday 8th April. I put a message up a couple of weeks ago and had a few items, but if you have anything further, then please email me at
jim.astley@btinternet.com.
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Supporters’ Steering Committee
Monday, 22nd February 2010 at the Crow’s Nest Public House, Nuneaton.
Present: James Astley, Mark Axon, Roger Barnes, Andy Briggs, Ian Brown, Brian Clarke, Ben Cooper, Dave Hall, John Hobson, Judy Majors, Ian Neale.
Apologies: Pete Fellowes.
3. Fans’ Charter.
The Charter will be added to the website presently. If a fan wishes to suggest an amendment, please submit this to the SSC where it will be discussed.
4. Questions from supporters;
a) Standing Order/payment options etc for Season Tickets.
Jim read out a detailed email from a supporter about payment methods for season tickets. Ian said that there was a process in place where fans could pay for season tickets in three instalments if they so desired. He was also concerned with the difficulties that would arrive with cancellations etc.
Ian Brown said that other clubs usually had an arrangement with a credit company so the Club would receive the money upfront and the risk would fall onto the credit company. This unfortunately would make the season tickets much more expensive.
Ian Neale added that the Club were considering selling a season ticket for 2010/11 during April that would be sold at 2009/10 season’s prices, so if we were to be promoted and ticket prices rose, then it would be a good deal.
Roger said he thought that the current season ticket prices and payment options were reasonable, and Mark said he thought the three-month deal was adequate. Andy suggested a sort of ‘Christmas Club’ where the Club could collect payments from fans that would contribute towards next season’s ticket. Ian said that he thought this would perhaps be too much work.
b) Several fans have commented (especially those without PC’s) how difficult it is to find out whether games are on or off. They suggest the installation of an answer machine on which up to date messages could be left.
Ian conceded that this was a fair point, and especially as the office is not manned on match days, it was something the Club would consider and would look into. (Awaiting Liz for response).
c) New stand/Capital Gains Tax. Just asking for news regarding the seating stand. If the seated stand is going to be moved to the rugby club side of the ground, will part of the riverside be opened for standing?
Ian asked as to why would the riverside be opened for standing? Jim replied that a three-sided ground would lack atmosphere. Ian did not agree and said there would be no loss of standing areas. He added that the proposed stand on the Rugby Club side was now unlikely to go ahead due to time constraints and if we were to be promoted, then a larger temporary seating stand would be fitted, with the dugouts possibly being re-located.
d) Slippery steps on the away and IN stand. Had a few people come up to me and say they have slipped and fell on the stand in the wintry months when the stands can be quite wet and slippery. What’s the feasibility of putting grip tape on the edge of each step to minimise accidents?
Ian said he had not been aware of any incidents, but that putting grip tape on each step would wear quickly. Ian said the stands were fit for purpose and in his opinion the concrete was just as, if not more, slippery. Ian Brown said that people standing in the gangways caused problems in the stands, and Ian Neale said he would ask the stewards to monitor the situation and take note of any incidents.
e) Price of hot drinks.
Jim said that a few people had mentioned to him that the hot drinks seemed rather expensive. Ian replied that the prices were set and there would be no change.
f) Could notice of meetings be posted on Internet forums a week or so in advance?
Jim said he would be delighted to oblige.
g) Can LW be made more colourful? It's dull and bland. More blue required. Fans to volunteer in summer perhaps?
Ian said that a £3000 ‘graffiti grant’ had recently been applied for with the assistance of two local councillors. This would be used to brighten up the stadium, with particular attention on the bare space on the riverside between the Away Stand and the temporary seating stand.
With regard to painting the stadium, the metal in the ground is covered in a plastisol finish that protects it from the elements and Ian isn’t sure that painting it would be conducive. John said that any painting would have to be redone regularly or it would start fading and look worse. Ian said that current stadium is relatively low maintenance and he would not be keen on any painting that may not look particularly professional or which could end up scratched or chipped. (Now Approved).
h) Flag hooks would be good. Make LW a bit more partisan/intimidating.
Ian says that any fan wishing to volunteer to fit flag hooks should contact the Club to arrange a date and time and they would be more than welcome to do so.
i) Can the SSC ask the question regarding the location of the new 4G pitches?
Ian said that the Club had met with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council with an idea to jointly 4G pitches for the area. The Council have now decided to go their own way and submit their own application for pitches that would be situated on the running track opposite the entrance to the Pingles. This would be an indoor facility that could potentially be open by 2011. The Club are investigating ways to provide their own 4G facilities.
j) When the Boro’ play three games in a week, could a ticket deal be proposed that would see a reduced total being paid by fans, but the Club would not lose out financially?
Ian said he thought it was an good idea as long as the three games are specific. The Club would think about it and hopefully have a more detailed plan before the next SSC meeting.
5. Any Other Business.
i. Ian said that Steve Farmer had been proposed to chair a new local sports forum scheme. This would coincide with other schemes ran by the Boro’ such as a project with ex-offenders and unemployed youngsters, a group at Alderman Smith that helps obese kids, Boro-Tots, and goalkeeping courses. The Boro are also in discussions with a major local company that are looking to employ a sport in the community officer.
ii. Ian Brown said that there should be some developments soon with regard to a new website. It would be run jointly with the Community Club and have the potential for adding video. It would have a similar layout to the Tottenham Hotspur website.
iii. Ian Neale said that the Club were investigating entering a new agreement with the Community Club. This would possibly be a merger that would see the Club become a non-profit organisation. The Club is virtually run as a non-profit making organisation anyway and it would help massively with paying rates and obtaining grants.
iv. Dave asked if there were any plans to appoint a new youth team manager now that Ady Gregory has left. Ian said that the Assistant Manager has taken over until the end of the season, and would likely remain in charge. Ian Neale said that the Club would have to carefully consider how it intended to move forward in this area.
v. Ian Neale said that Danny Pitham and Justin Marsden had played at Redditch United to gain some match fitness, and the arrangement would hopefully be reciprocated in the future.
vi. Judy asked about the progress with the Memorial Garden and requested a site plan and other details so she could take it back to the BISC Committee and secure the required funds. Ian said that the Club have prepared the land and that Dave Devall had offered to contribute an obelisk for the Garden. Roger said he would send out the required information to the relevant parties.
vii. Brian enquired as to why the Rugby Club were permitted to use the pitch? Ian Neale replied by saying that a ground share agreement was in place and the football Club should honour it.
viii. Brian asked if there were any plans for further merchandise such as car stickers. Ian said there were no immediate plans. He added that the Non-League Magazine had sold eight copies, and the Club had to send twenty back. The Club receive a pound from each purchase. Ian added that the Club don’t really make much money on the shop.
ix. Ian Brown said that he and Ian Neale would be attending a League Meeting during the week. Mark asked them to ask the League why they were not prepared to extend the season as it appeared to be punishing teams for doing well in the Cups? Ian Brown said he would ask the question but that in his opinion it is because the Conference meeting is soon after the end of the season, and it is at this meeting that promoted Clubs are accepted. He also added that the Club could appeal, but each time it costs money, and would probably be pointless.
x. The Club were likely to be fined for Matt Davies’ comments in the programme regarding Rugby Town. The Club is also likely to receive an FA Charge.
xi. The Club have booked some live bands and would like supporters to attend and help support the Club.
xii. The Supporters’ Club will now administer the 200 Club. Everything will remain the same; they will just take over the draw and distribution of prizes.
Next Meeting: Thursday, 8th April 2010 at Liberty Way.
"It is full of beautiful movements, ballet movements, if you like. It was never meant to be played in the air. Let’s give the public real football.”
