Fans Forum Meeting - Britannia Stadium
February 18th 2009
Attendees
Bryan Shaw, Tony Tams, Gareth Ekin, Mike Twist, Darren Smallwood, Malcolm Clarke, Steve Buxton, Della Birchall, Mark Mothershaw
Apologies
Terry Hughes, Paul Barker, Shaun Fynn, Lawrence King, Tony Scholes
1. Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting
None
2. Stoke City Website
A further request to SCFC was made for them to update their website indicating the amount of away tickets available for games and those available to fans at each juncture.
Examples:
We pointed out that this kind of information often determines when a fan may buy tickets - i.e. taking time off work etc. This was deemed feasible by the Club and hopefully will be included for future games
3. Season Tickets pricing 2009/2010
The Club stated that they had not arrived at a point where open discussions could be held with the Forum as their thoughts, not only on prices but also other ticket schemes, had not been clarified internally. It was hoped that a meeting would be held in the next few weeks and it was noted that the previous meetings points made by the Forum are being taken into account.
Other suggestions requested by supporters such as, "away match season tickets", "Auto debit agreement for away tickets", buy back schemes for match tickets were also tabled and noted by the Club.
4. Matchday Parking - Working Party
The Forum has been approached by the Council and asked for a representative to sit on a working party regarding matchday parking. The Club indicated that they had not been approached but would be happy to take part in it. The Forum asked for a representative of which details were given since the meeting this information has been passed on to the Council by the Fans Forum.
5. Open Day and Legends Day
Due to the success of this event in the 2006/7 season, the Club were asked if there was any intent to repeat the day in this, our first season in the Premier League.
The Club advised that even though it was a great success it had not been possible last season to stage another event and again this season, pressure of remedial work will make it very unlikely during this term.
6. Any Other Business
Section 27
Malcolm Clarke gave an update on the current situation.
24 supporters have now officially complained to the police. GMP had stated that they would not defend the action hence preventing the case going to court. Lyndon, with Liberty, has refused to accept this stance and have formally objected. The GMP has therefore 21 days from February 17th to answer and file a defence.
All supporters who were wrongly accused are encouraged to lodge their formal complaint with the GMP.
Though the compensation offered is just the price of a match ticket the actual compensation could be a lot more. It was also noted that the South Yorkshire police have now been issued with similar papers following the Plymouth/Doncaster game and similar use of the section 27 there.
Smoking at the stadium
We asked the Club for an update regarding this. There was nothing new to report at this point.
Numerous schemes are being looked at for feasibility.
Reserves and Youth fixtures
There was a request that the Club clearly advertise upcoming fixtures for all the Club teams and not just the First Team. Tannoy announcements at home games and listing on the Big Screen indicating date and venue of upcoming games were requested. The Club stated that these fixtures were on the Club website and that should be enough. However it was pointed out that this was not enough for supporters and that the Club should make more of an effort to keep supporters informed and in fact announcements at Premier League match days that the reserves were to play against "Chelsea/Arsenal….." may well have the effect of getting a few thousand to a reserve games.
Club Shop Stock Levels
The Club advised - as before - that new management had been brought in to run the retail side of the business and next season should see great improvements. There will also be the final supply, and a limited number, of current home shirts and away shirts in all sizes available soon.
