Notes From The MSC / Club Meeting

Held at the Den - 17th January 2008

Present: Andy Ambler (Football Club Chief Operating Officer), Bob Asprey (MSC Chairman), Mark Holland (MSC), Ted Robinson (MSC) and Graeme Smale (MSC Secretary).

Apologies were received from Stewart Till (Football Club Vice Chairman).

Provision Of Away Travel

As a result of complaints from members, the MSC had been asking for a guarantee that the club would provide a travel option for all non local away matches. The club agreed with this in principle. Several options were suggested and discussed, and it was agreed that the club would provide a coach with a subsidized ticket price of £12 to each of the forthcoming midweek away matches at Cheltenham, Huddersfield and Yeovil.

Fan On The Board Election

Bob outlined the timetable for the forthcoming election process, with completion in late April. Andy agreed to provide rooms for interviews and for a question and answer session for fans. Options were discussed regarding the distribution of ballot papers, with a view to avoiding the costly and time consuming method used in 2006. It was believed feasible for ballot forms to be downloadable, and available from reception, the bus on matchdays, etc. with completed ballot papers being checked against the members database. The club agreed to publicise the election through the usual channels, including the club e-newsletter.

Matchday Stewarding and Policing

Following previous complaints regarding matchday stewarding and ejection procedure Bob had previously asked if an MSC representative could visit the Police Control Room during a match, and also the stewards' briefings, and this was agreed. It was also agreed that in the event of any ejections the interviews can be observed. This was organized for the home match against Tranmere Rovers. The club are also doing 'mystery shopper' type visits to check stewarding and catering standards.

Andy reported that following a complaint received from a disabled supporter, the disabled seating area had been reconfigured to allow wheelchair fans to be placed next to their seated helper. This should alleviate the stewarding issues in this area.

Andy stated that most stewarding issues concern drinking in sight of the pitch, and smoking. These are two universal ground regulations which the club are obliged to enforce in common with all other clubs. In both cases warnings are given to fans. No-one has yet been ejected for smoking.

The Family Enclosure

Options for relocating the Family Section were discussed but no realistic alternative was found.

The Lions Directory

Bob reported that whilst this was not an MSC project, it had run into difficulties and was seeking the club's help in rescuing it. Despite widespread agreement that the Directory was a good idea, it had not developed in the expected manner and most potential advertisers were national companies rather than small businesses. The income is insufficient to cover the costs already incurred. Andy suggested an entirely open and honest approach, to contact and apologise to each of the businesses concerned asking them to honour their promises in return for future advertising the club could carry in the programme or on the Jumbotron, and/or an electronic version of the directory which could have minimal production costs. This plan was agreed.

Fans Forum

Andy had been unable, so far, to confirm a date with the Chairman for the next Fans Forum. Bob urged Andy, if an imminent date cannot be fixed, to commit to a date, even if it is a few weeks away.

Advertising On The Back Of The East Stand

Yes this old chestnut, but the first time it's been raised since the departure of Ken Brown. Once again Bob asked the club to consider advertising the stadium and club name on the back of the East Stand which was visible from the main line railway track which runs out of the City and into the Kent Suburbs. Or selling the space to the highest bidder. Or both. Andy reported that there was an issue with the trees on the embankment, but that advertising opportunities were being looked at inside and outside the ground, including illuminated dot matrix style displays. If a sponsor could be found it would be more likely to come to fruition.

Updates On Injured Players

In the light of updates provided by other clubs, the MSC and Pete Garston have been asking for this for some time. Andy reported that the club now had a new physio in Bobby Bacic, and that regular injury reports would now appear online and in matchday programmes on a monthly basis.

Catering

The number of complaints had improved drastically since Christmas, an ongoing issue being the kiosks behind block 2. Also, the provision for the upper tiers only cup replay had been very poor, and contributed to a member of staff being assaulted. The veggie burger issue was believed to have been resolved.

Locks, Lights And Hot Water

MSC had passed on to the club complaints about the non provision of these in the ladies toilets in the East and West. It was reported by the Stadium Manager that these are now provided in all toilets.

Leeds United Raffle

Ted informed the club that MSC intended to raffle a VIP day out for 4 at the Leeds United match, including a signed Richard Shaw shirt, and that they didn't want to conflict with any club fundraising activities in any way. This was agreed.

Lions Live Radio Show

Bob reported that George Lampey was working hard on this and the show is going from strength to strength. George, Ted and Graeme continue to run the show along with SLR's Dan Davies, and Mark Holland has made it available by podcast. Recent guests included Stewart Till, Paul Robinson, Barry Kitchener and others. Andy agreed to continue to support the show and facilitate the securing of players and/or directors for future programmes, including himself!

Next meeting

Thursday 21st February