Supporter Alliance Meeting Minutes 6.2.2019

A meeting was held between representatives of the Supporter Alliance and Yeovil Town Football Club earlier this month. The full minutes of the meeting has been typed below but you can also view the original PDF document by clicking here.


Supporter Alliance Meeting
Wednesday 6 February 2019 at 6pm
Venue: Yeovil Town FC

Attendees
Rich Rendell - Chairman
Paul Hadlow - G&Ws
Stuart Burrell - Glovers Trust
Simon Brimble - Glovers Trust
Sara Bradley - Community Sports Trust
Sharon Swain - DSA
Marilyn Cottle - Junior Glovers
David Mills - YTFC
Kirstie Baker - YTFC


• Welcome by the Alliance Chairman.

RR said:
1. He was aware that some supporters did not expect the Alliance meetings to continue after recent events, so he was delighted to see that the Alliance was continuing. RR said he looked forward to the Alliance being a positive influence for moving the club forward whilst at the same time representing the views of the fans in a constructive way.

2. Since the last meeting 8 players have left and we wish them good luck and welcome the new players who have arrived. The group also wished Terry Skiverton all the best in his new role as Academy Head of Coaching.

3. Sadly, former Manager Mike Hughes and player Derek Blackburn have passed away. The Alliance send their condolences to the families.

4. RR reminded of the veteran of the match idea (bringing in players from the 1990s or earlier and focusing on one at each home game). DM updated the group that he has spoken to Alex (Media) and Dave Linney (Commercial) who were both very positive about the idea. DM to speak with Adrian Hopper (who runs the YTFC Digital archive) about the idea.

• Apologies

Cary Glovers – Rob Newport
Bridport Glovers – Tom Burt

• Approval of minutes of last monthly meeting and matters arising.

None. November minutes previously agreed and published.

• Stadium maintenance update by James Hillier

JH was unable to attend the meeting but sent the comment that he had no significant news to update the group with.

It was again mentioned by some present that at times the search protocols being applied at Huish Park seemed excessive. An example was given where at a recent game a supporter, who uses walking sticks, was asked to lean against a wall whilst being searched. DM outlined that JH did brief senior stewards at every match day on the importance of sensible/reasonable searching and customer
service. DM agreed it would be useful to have JH or a senior steward at the next meeting and also said an Alliance representative (in addition to SS who usually attended representing the DSA) be present at a senior steward briefing.

A question was raised as to why bag searches had started without notice at the marquee for the game preceding the meeting. It was also suggested that changes like this be communicated in advance to fans. After the meeting it was identified that the bag searches at the marquee were due to a misunderstanding and they would not occur in future, unless the risk assessment for the marquee changed.

• 2019/2020 shirts

No designs to review at the moment but there should be options to consider at the next meeting. RR suggested fans are involved in the selection process as per last year. No designs to review at the moment but there should be options to consider at the next meeting. RR suggested fans are involved in the selection process as per last year.

• Season tickets 2019/20

DM explained that proposals are under consideration at the moment and thoughts from the Alliance have been included.

RR restated that he believes

1. That lounge access is key and ST holders should have the membership for the lounges and to have access on match days.
2. That concessions/seniors should be 60 years of age rather than 65.

• Post season awards consultation.

Alliance Groups to take the action to ask their members for ideas of what they want in terms of the number of awards, timing of the awards and the voting process.

• Results of the Alliance to date (standing report updated after each meeting).

1. Alliance suggestion adopted by the club for lower price season tickets (and increase in age band from 21) for under 23s
2. Alliance suggestion adopted by the club for lower match prices for young persons & under 16s
3. Subsidised travel to Checkatrade 2018 semi-final game
4. Ticket bundles introduced for 17/18 season to give fans some flexibility in purchasing tickets.
5. Ticket bundles reintroduced for 2018/19 season at request of Alliance
6. Extra marquee staff as due to licensing a speed bar implementation was not viable
7. Introduction of Match Day hotline for service or anti-social behavior issues.
8. Tab on website for the Alliance where updates and minutes of meetings can be viewed
9. In association with fan poll, chose the 2018/19 home shirt.
10. Consultation regarding 2018/19 match day programme.
11. Consultation regarding 2018/19 end of season awards.
12. Arranged meeting to address legal queries.

• Update on complaint by DSA

1. Programme hut repairs need to be actioned – refer to JH.
2. Simon B highlighted that he was aware that a fan had sent an email to the club cancelling their private members subscription but had not had a reply to the points they had made in the emails about the club. DM he would check with the commercial manager and report back to the next meeting.
3. The group requested a meeting with the potential new investors and to have an open meeting with the Board. Subsequent to the meeting, RR and SB did hold such a meeting with the potential investors.
4. SBradley requested feedback from the half time entertainment at the Northampton game. Feedback was excellent, the process worked well, and the fans got involved by encouraging the children. All agree improvements have been made.
5. SS explained on 2nd March, V Morecambe, Level Playing Fields Week of Action – this year the DSA and Lufton college are joining together with the Community Trust and LPF. ITV will be filming at the game, activities at half time and before the game. Request for all groups to share on their websites and social media.
6. GT questioned the marquee planning is due to expire in October and would like to know if it is being renewed DM confirmed that as far as he was aware it is the Club’s intention to seek renewal, but it was a complex matter as planning and other consents would be needed so he would endeavour to find out more concrete information.
7. SBurrell asked if YTFC is still engaging with Terri Burt about shop developments. DM confirmed ideas are being introduced.
8. GT have put together a Blue Print guide and will share with the Alliance group to take forward with their members.

Actions:

DM - to progress veteran’s plan.
JH – to provide an update on searching policy.
SBradley to share a shirt design from history.
All groups to ask members for their thoughts on the end of season awards.
JH – to provide an update on the programme huts.
DM – to check replies to supporter email.
GT to share Blue print guide.


Date of next meeting.
Thursday 14th March at 10am