Held at the Den - 4th September 2008

Present - Andy Ambler (Club Chief Operating Officer), Bob Asprey (MSC Chairman), Mark Holland, Sam Masson, and Graeme Smale (all MSC)

Monthly Membership Draw

The draw was made and number 2,967 was chosen. Andy stated that the result would be displayed on the big screen at the Hartlepool home game on 6th September. The prize is a VIP trip to the training ground.

Big Screen

The replay facility is broken and so no replays are possible. Andy is looking for a cost effective remedy. The bulbs in the screen are also expensive and require changing frequently.

Season Tickets and Memberships

Currently there are 3,934 season ticket holders and 1,742 memberships. ST numbers are down by about 10% on last season and this can be partly explained by the credit crunch, and the effect of three poor seasons. It is expected that more memberships will be sold during September. The effect of matchday discounts on the day has yet to be assessed.

Ticket Office

The long queues at the CBL Stand Ticket Office before the Huddersfield game were caused by 2 staff absentees for whom cover was not found. This should not reoccur.

Ticketmaster are in the final year of their contract and it will go out to tender. Fans will have input into precisely what service is required. Meanwhile, Andy and Charlie are due to visit others clubs to assess their systems.

All ticket office staff are to receive further customer care training. Furthermore, a Commercial Manager is still required to head up these operations.

Stewarding

Andy confirmed that the stewards on duty at home games all have the appropriate qualifications for the tasks they are required to undertake.

In response to a complaint from a fan, it was established that a female steward is not required to search a lady's handbag. A female steward IS required for physical searches of female supporters.

Catering

The only complaint had been regarding the non-availability of veggie burgers. It was agreed that they are on the menu and SHOULD be available. On inspecting the menu boards it was apparent that they are not entirely accurate, and that one of this season's successful innovations, bottled cider, was not even shown on it. The new meal deal was not advertised either. Andy agreed to ensure that the menu boards were updated for the Hartlepool match.

He also said that Lindleys would be conducting their own customer satisfaction survey on Saturday and the club will continue to send its own mystery shoppers to check on prices and service.

Away Travel

It has not been possible to prevent the Junior Lions from competing with the club on away travel. However, Bob asked Andy to let MSC know if there was a danger of there being no club coach to any Saturday away match. It is an objective of the MSC to ensure that coach travel is available to every match, and so a financial contribution could be made to make all trips viable. It was noted that the club has agreed to underwrite coach travel to all midweek away matches

'Arry's Bar

The lack of a PA system in 'Arry's is an ongoing issue and MSC will consider making a contribution if the price is right. Andy agreed to get quotes.

Flags

It was confirmed that the MSC paid a third of the cost of the new flags.

Naming The Stands

Andy stated that a few board members were lukewarm to this suggestion but it may be possible for the fans to vote on a shortlist. Bob pointed out that as Harry Cripps and Barry Kitchener are already recognised within the ground, it is almost inevitable that Terry Hurlock would be the fans' choice.

Andy agreed to take it back to the board.

Shirts and Badges

Bob asked whether it was intended for fans to be given a chance to be involved in the design of shirts and badges for the forthcoming 125 year anniversary. It was agreed these would not be designed 'by committee', but Andy agreed that fans could choose from a small selection of designs.

E-Newsletters

Andy agreed to provide good notice in advance of any further e-newsletters from the club. Furthermore he agreed that it should be possible for the MSC to send their own e-newsletters using the club/membership database.

Leeds United Home League Tickets

Andy said that the arrangements are the best deal the club could get and stressed that the tickets would be taken off sale 72 hours before the game. Leeds will only be given the top tier of the North Stand. The fans have six weeks to buy their tickets.

The Club Shop

Some fans have complained that they had been turned away from the shop at 2.55 on a matchday. Andy confirmed that the shop should remain open until 3pm on a Saturday home matchday.

MK Dons Ticket Promotion

Andy said that as part of a Football League initiative to increase away fan numbers, the Club has teamed up with MK Dons to offer away fans a deal whereby each full paying adult will be allowed to take an under 16 for £1. This will be reciprocated when we play away to MK Dons. The club are considering opening up the lower tier of the North Stand for this fixture as a family area.

The Blue Bus

Needs a new compressor but should return for the next home game.

MSC Complimentary Ticket Initiative

This initiative, received from a supporter, concerning improving the targeting of complementary tickets, was discussed at some length. Andy liked the idea but it was agreed it needed further consideration and would be discussed at the next meeting.

Playing on a Friday Evening

We play Crewe on the Saturday before Christmas, a day which is notorious for poor crowds. The club are considering bringing the match forward as has been done in the past. MSC was unenthusiastic.

Next Meeting

Date of next meeting 9th October 2008