Notes From The MSC / Club Meeting

Held at the Den - 18th October 2007

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

Willie Donachie

Willie had gone following the unacceptable results and performances. Employing six managers within two years had been disastrous and it was the club’s intention to find a manager with experience of operating at League One level and who would bring improvement to the team and stability to the club. It was agreed that this was the only acceptable option.

Smoking Ban

Since the implementation of the new smoking legislation and the Football League’s agreement that all football grounds would be smoke free, many fans have complained about fellow fans smoking in the toilets at half time. This is causing a foul environment, especially for children, and the result is arguably worse than what we had before. Andy confirmed that the club is obliged to act on this and will station stewards in the West Stand toilets as a deterrent. If successful, the club intends to do the same in the South and progressively around the ground.

The club will continue to publicise the fact that smoking is not allowed anywhere in the stadium, and that this is the same at all League clubs. MSC will do what it can to spread this message too.

MSC asked about allowing smokers to leave the stands and smoke at half-time behind the concourses, as occurs at a few clubs such as Derby. This was not believed to be workable at the Den because of health and safety and police considerations.

Catering

Andy had sent MSC some price comparisons from other grounds where Lindleys operate. Whilst these comparisons showed that prices at Millwall are comparable with prices at other grounds, Bob said that he was more interested in comparisons between kiosk pricing at the Den between this season and last season, although this was difficult because few products are like for like. Bob replied that he would still like to see the comparison, along with tariffs from other clubs.

Andy stated that the kiosks were selling a greater volume of products than last season and that the spend per head had also improved. He also said that recently the club had received no complaints about the new kiosk operators, and MSC confirmed that catering complaints are well down on last season. It was noted that although not all the kiosks were being opened, queues in the South Stand were clearing very quickly. Policy for opening kiosks is down to Lindleys, but it’s in their interests to maximise sales. The mobile burger vendor in the car park had not been a success and was going to be tried at the Surrey Canal Road entrance.

Progress Of The Radio Show

George of MSC had worked very hard to try to broker a deal between the Club and South London Radio to secure a weekly radio programme to discuss Millwall affairs, but in the absence of a sponsor this was not successful. The radio station had now offered MSC the chance to run the programmes, and the supporters club had accepted this offer in order to get the show on the air for the fans. The first programme was due that evening at 8 pm, and now goes out every Thursday evening.

Andy promised club support for the programmes offering club merchandise and tickets as competition prizes. He asked to be kept updated with developments and would also like another meeting with South London Radio. MSC asked whether the club to advertise the programmes on the official website and on the big screen at home games.

Club Provision Of Away Travel

MSC was keen to see the provision of a club travel option to all away games and Andy echoed this sentiment. There is a lack of coordination between the parties involved and so a meeting is needed between the club, the Junior Lions and the MSC in order to find a satisfactory solution. Andy said he would try to arrange a meeting.

Pay On The Day At Away Matches

Problems that had occurred at both Doncaster and Southend earlier in the season have made the likelihood of being able to pay on the day at away matches less likely going forward. Specifically this had been refused by Leeds United and Bristol Rovers. If the behavior of younger fans doesn’t improve then this situation is likely to continue. However, representations of MSC and Millwall FC had succeeded in ensuring that the kick off time at Leeds was not altered.

The Lions Directory

Unfortunately it was looking as if insufficient businesses had applied to be included in the directory for it to come to fruition. Andy asked for the club to be consulted further before the plug is pulled to see if an alternative solution can be found.

The Gates

Andy suggested that the gates project should be delayed for a few months whilst the regeneration plans were clarified, so that a suitable permanent home could be confirmed. He also suggested that the gates should not be the ‘main opening ones’.

Email

Bob asked when the club next intended to email the database. Andy hopes to do this soon and undertook to give MSC good notice.

Long Service

It was noted that Millwall supporter Frank Whipple will be 100 years old in November. The club wants to do something to mark the occasion, and Bob agreed to get his contact details. Frank’s first visit to the Den was in 1918.

Next meeting

Thursday 29th November