Notes From The MSC / Club Meeting

Held at the Den - 27th March 2008

Present:Stewart Till (Football Club Vice Chairman), Andy Ambler (Club Chief Operating Officer), Bob Asprey (MSC Chairman), Mark Holland, Sam Masson, Dave Hart, Paul Robinson and Graeme Smale (all MSC).

Season Ticket Earlybird Mailout

Despite early misgivings, the majority of the ST mailings are now known to have arrived. There had, however, been confusion involving Lions Card holders who had received two different mailings with a possible contradiction. Andy agreed to clarify the situation and ensure the ticket office were clear. There had been the anticipated negative reaction to the request for new photographs.

New Kits

Andy confirmed that there will be new home, away and third kits for next season. The Bukta designs and fabric had been chosen but a shirt sponsor has not yet been secured as the Oppida agreement will have expired. The lack of a shirt sponsor was currently delaying the launch of the kits but Andy still hoped that the new home kit would be in the shop by July 1st.

MSC agreed to publicise the club's search for a new shirt sponsor.

The question of whether a £10 shirt voucher or any other promotion would be included with season tickets will be decided later before season tickets are sent out.

Matchday Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for next season were discussed with a number of price and discounting options considered. This discussion will continue and final decisions will be announced after the end of the season.

The arrangements with Ticketmaster was again discussed, Andy responded by saying that he was currently engaged in discussions with Ticketmaster and thought that if the company got its new ticket system working properly, it would do be able to do most of the things supporters were requesting. Bob pointed out that this has been going on for years, but Andy hoped there would be progress in the next couple of months.

Membership Benefits

Bob presented a document to the meeting prepared by Mark from MSC following a wide consultation process. The objective was to secure additional benefits for members that Millwall fans would value. The most popular practical suggestions were discussed, these were:-

• Membership ticket discounts to be available on matchdays
• Additional discounts on tickets and/or shop and/or kiosks
• Discounted 'up front' blocks of tickets (e.g. 4 games for the price of 5)
• Regular prize draws for members to win attractive 'prizes that money can't buy'
• Build some REAL value into the Teamcard scheme and publicise it positively
• Separate ticket window/s for members
• Regular newsletters
• Discount on Lions World
• Discount on other MFC products (e.g. VIP packages or Executive Boxes)
• Professional 'Welcome, thank you' letter from Chairman, Manager and Captain Consideration of a "membership plus" with a higher price and greater benefits and real privileges (e.g. occasional meetings with the players, larger level of discount)

Andy said that he was obviously more enthusiastic about the ideas that did not cost money, given the clubs current financial state. He pointed out that the club had no control over the pricing of Lions World as this was produced by an outside agency.

He was already in discussions with Teamcard as he knew the system can bring far greater benefits for the club and for the fans. Potentially, there could be a time when all commercial operations with the club were linked with Teamcard, including stadium entry.

Stewart was particularly interested in the "membership plus" plan and pointed out there was already a group of some 60 fans who paid extra to use a room next to the Executive Club on matchdays. He suggested that for a sum of £50, a member may be entitled to privileges such as a day at the training ground. Stewart supported the request for membership ticket price discounts on matchdays up to 1.00 or even 1.30 pm. Andy was concerned that matchday discounts could cause problems at the ticket office particularly when supporters arrived after the cut off time for discounts.

It was agreed that the club would further discuss this issue and the suggestions document and this would need to be resolved at the next MSC meeting, along with the balance between level of discounts and membership price.

Ticketing Arrangements For The Leeds Fixture

For obvious reasons, Andy stated that the club was in constant contact with the Police about crowd control and ticketing arrangements. It was likely that tickets would be taken off general sale when Leeds had sold out their allocation. It was agreed that this was prudent.

Kiosk Catering

Bob reported that after a lull of a few games, and number of complaints had been received. Andy suggested that he would speak to Lindley's Stadium Manager with a view to arranging a meeting with the club and MSC, where complaints can be discussed and ideas for next season can be aired.

Away Travel

Andy was currently in discussion with the Junior Lions to ascertain whether a simpler and more unified approach could be adopted for the provision of away travel, The club may subsidise some away travel next season as it has done recently.

Fans Forum

MSC continue to push for a fans forum. The manager is happy for the event to take place, but finding an acceptable date is ongoing. Obviously the key focus is preparing for the last five matches.

Celebrity 6-a-Side Competition (Soccer Six)

Andy confirmed this would be held at the Den on May 18th and it was the first time the event was to be held outside a Premiership venue. The club will request but cannot promise a discount for season ticket holders/members. The MSC asked the Club to provide more advertising of the event.

Lions Trust Cup

To be held on the pitch on 24th May. Will involve 12 or more 5-a -side supporters teams. The MSC have entered and Andy/Stewart were encouraged to ensure that a Directors/Staff team take part.

Quiz Night & Player Of The Year Dinner

Quiz Night - Andy stated he would endeavour to put a Directors team together, but doubted whether manager or players would attend.

POTY dinner – Andy agreed that 4 complimentary tickets would be made available for a draw of fans' voting slips.

E-Newsletter To Members

Andy stated one more was planned and agreed to let us know the date when fixed.

Pre-Season Tour

This is being arranged and will be announced when the club have clearance to do so.

Next meeting

Thursday 24th April