Held at the Den - Thursday 27th November 2008

Present - Andy Ambler (Club Chief Executive), Bob Asprey (MSC Chairman), Ted Robinson, Mark Holland, Sam Masson, Ayse Smith and Graeme Smale (all MSC)

New Ticket System

Andy confirmed there is now a shortlist of two possible suppliers of the system to be installed in time for next season. Visits were made to Wembley, Wasps/Wycombe Wanderers, Southampton, Derby, Preston, West Ham and others. Features of the new system should include the introduction of season tickets which can be renewed on line, on line renewal of memberships, and on line and phone purchase of match tickets. A large amount of capital investment is involved and it is hoped that this will approve at the next board meeting on 19th December.

The way the system is implemented will be fined tuned by involving a group of supporters to discuss and review its capabilities and suggest any necessary improvements. Bob welcomed the progress on this project.

The Complimentary Tickets for ST Holders Promotion

It was agreed this promotion had not been a success, mainly due to its limited publicity. Different alternatives were discussed and it was agreed that a similar promotion would be run but with far wider publicity. Maybe for the forthcoming Tranmere Rovers match on January 17th.

Ted had suggested that 2 complimentary tickets, should be offered to 20 Season Ticket holders by means of a public draw. Those not wanted would be allocated from a reserve list. This may be tried in the future.

Away Travel

Bob asked whether the club intended to run a coach to the FA Youth Cup match at Hillsborough on 11th December. Or indeed whether there would be any space available on the team coach. The answers were no and no and so the MSC undertook to run a coach themselves. Andy agreed that Billy Neil would co-ordinate. The team were going by the VIP coach with a very early morning start.

Millwall Supporters Club, The Junior Lions And The Millwall Community Scheme

Andy said the club is looking for a closer relationship between the three groups, and particularly between the Community Scheme and the Junior Lions as MCS should be a recruiting ground for JLs. JL member numbers are very low and a more co-ordinated effort is required. Bob attended the most recent Junior Lions Committee meeting, and this invitation was reciprocated, but MCS are not enthusiastic about activities on Saturday matchdays, when traditionally JL hold their meetings.

ST Holders and Members

Andy confirmed that there are now 4,100 ST holders, and 3,007 members. There had been a take up of just over 100 for the Mid-Season Ticket. The Half-Season Ticket will be launched in December. Bob suggested that members should have their £12 membership fee deducted from the price, to encourage existing members to 'trade up' and Andy agreed this was a good idea.

Delays at the Turnstiles

Bob reported that there have been delays at the turnstiles for the West Stand at the South end. Complaints had been received from some ST Holders who had missed the start of games whilst waiting in queues. Some had suggested an ST holder only entrance. It was agreed that it was more appropriate to solve the problem, and ensure that all the turnstiles are open and the turnstile stewards are efficient. Andy agreed to ensure this occurred by speaking to the Stadium Manager Colin Sayer.

Catering

It was noted that catering complaints were almost non-existent this month and this coincided with the team performing well. The kiosk behind block 3 is still not open, mystery shopper visits will be done during the Bristol Rovers match to ascertain whether it is required

Millwall at Leyton Orient

It was noted that more than 2,700 Millwall fans travelled to Leyton Orient but there were no serious issues. Some fans complained because the two Millwall sections in the stadium were kept separate.

Monthly Membership Draw For Prizes That Money Can't Buy.

The draw was made and will be announced at the Bristol Rovers match.

'Arry's Bar

Andy reported that the sound system is not yet sorted but the TV picture is.

Naming A Stand

It was agreed that a list of four possible names, not all ex-players, would be agreed and then a poll taken later in the season for the fans to decide.

Tannoy System In The South Stand

Bob reported that the system did not seem to be working. Andy agreed to ascertain whether the problem is caused by a fault or incorrect operation.

Reserve Team Fixtures

The crowds that have attended the recent evening youth cup games have been good. Bob asked whether some reserve team games could be moved to the evening. Andy said that reserve games were played on weekday afternoons to reduce costs such as floodlighting. However, Andy agreed to speak to Kenny to ascertain whether he would consider playing a reserve game as an evening fixture.

Discounts On Tickets For Home Cup Games

Andy confirmed that membership discounts could not be offered on ticket prices as the prices had to be agreed with the opposing club.

Forthcoming VAT change

Bob asked how the club were approaching this. Andy said that this would be reflected in items sold in the shop by price reductions but ticket prices would not be reduced in order to stick with 'round pounds' and not slow down access to the stadium on matchdays. The VAT reduction will be reflected on special ticket packages for some future home fixtures.

Ticket Refunds

Bob asked for clarity on refunds on tickets when the holder is unable to attend the match. Andy stated that this is dealt with by the provisions of the club's customer charter and was common to all FL teams. Refunds are not given on the day of the match. This is common practice in theatres also.

Plaque at the site of the Old Ground

Bob reported that there is no trace of the old ground in Cold Blow Lane and a supporter had suggested there should be some sort of recognition there. Andy agreed this was a good idea and it was agreed that the MSC, the Lions Trust and Pete Garston would jointly progress this with Lewisham Council.

125 Year Anniversary

MSC asked what plans the club have for this anniversary, and suggested that the fans should be involved in shirt design, etc. This was deferred until future agendas as the anniversary falls at the start of the 2010-2011 season.

Date of next meeting

Thursday 8th January 2009.