Board Meeting - 3.9.04
R&DFC Board Meeting Notes - 3/9/04
As you are aware as part of the club’s wishes to involve the supporters & to provide improved feedback at all levels, the very generous decision was made to allow two representatives from the supporters group to attend the board meetings.
Friday 3/9/04 saw the historic moment when two of us ventured into the unknown of the Nene Park board room!
Fergal (RDSC) & myself had been asked to represent the supporters group at this meeting.
Also present were Stephen Griggs Chairman, David Suddens CEO, Allan Wright Finance Director, Max Crosby-Browne Non executive Director, Andy Robertson Non executive Director, Dean Howells General Manager & Ernie Tippet Manager.
We were made very welcome by all present. Initially we were unsure exactly what sort of involvement we were expected to have, wether we would just have a watching brief or perhaps be allowed the odd question, however we were soon put at ease as David made it clear that we would be involved fully & our input would be welcomed.
Obviously the club is a business & as you would expect at any board meeting there is certain information discussed that must remain confidential, therefore we will not betray the trust that has been given to us, but with the boards agreement I’ve written some brief notes from the meeting, to allow the information to be passed onto you all.
- The new official appointments were confirmed, with Max & Andy being welcomed to the board.
- The Irthlingborough Diamonds Trust was discussed & apparently it has a sum of money that could be utilised to benefit the club & local football.
- The budget for this season was reviewed with a list of figures presented. Attendances are obviously lower than budgeted for at present & the club are looking at ways of improving this situation with the new marketing plan,etc.
- Our feedback was requested over the drop in attendances & we advised the main factor is that some people are finding it too expensive to attend. The increases have been seen as too much too soon, our comments were noted. Some quick fixes were suggested, e.g. “Kid for a Quid”.
- It was confirmed that the football club is not paying towards the time that the Griggs group directors/CEO spend involved with football club business.
- The catering was discussed. The club are looking to maximise the use of the facilities outside of matchdays as this generates a good return for the club from the deal which is in place with Lindleys, as well as those provided on match days.
- We advised that there have been many complaints regarding the cost of the food & drinks that Lindley are supplying & a few other concerns. David was pleased to hear that Jane Corby was arranging a meeting with Lindleys for the next Supporters Group meeting to discuss these issues, he will await feedback from that meeting.
- The Docshop/retail side of the club was discussed, this appears to be going reasonably well at present & hopefully with the new away shirts due in shortly sales will receive a boost. Ideas to adapt the layout of the shop for matchdays were discussed.
- We raised the issue of the Docshop being closed on a Sunday. With thousands of people attending the car boot sales on a Sunday morning we suggested that the club could be missing out on some sales. The club will review this & see if it is feasible to open or to sell some merchandise from the Airwair stand concourse which is open for the catering facilities during the car boot sale.
- It is worth noting that the Docshop is now the only outlet in the UK where DM footwear is available at 40% off of the retail price! So spread the word!
- The club are still investigating the feasibility of placing a bar under the terrace, this would involve relocating the laundry facility. (If there was a bar there would you use it? Your feedback could help these decisions to be made!)
- Whilst discussing bars, we queried if away supporters would be permitted into Strikers on a match day. This will be considered, but will require consultation before a decision can be made.(Again what are your views?).
- Dean gave a review of the matchday operations & the general day to day running of the club. Stewarding, policing, etc were mentioned.
- The quality of the pitches was complimented by all present. The outbreak of Fusarium Patch has now been rectified.
- Ernie also praised the groundstaff for the excellent playing surfaces they were providing. He advised that the training location is rotated to minimise damage to the surface.
- Ernie ran through the current list of squad players. He advised that there has been a difficulty in scoring recently & with two strikers out injured this was proving a problem, however in training they had been targeting attacking play to try to improve the situation.
- Ernie asked why the Airwair stand was not the home end. This obviously brought up memories of the long discussions we have had previously on the message board, but it is something that could benefit the club, by reducing stewarding costs, etc. This was discussed, but because it could be such an emotive subject it was agreed that it perhaps should be discussed at the next fans forum to gauge opinion. (What are your views?).
- Ernie advised that the R&DFC coaching staff will be arranging training days to work with the community coaches. It is hoped that the community coaches will gain experience from Ernie, Stewart & John & will then be able to coach the youngsters in a similar style to that required within the club.
- The club are currently working with Airwair’s marketing department to investigate potential opportunities to maximise & promote the use of the facilities at Nene Park, e.g. would you like to see a public gym in the Sports Centre?
- The marketing strategy to promote the club is being finalised. We offered several ideas to encourage supporters both old & new to attend Nene Park, (some of which were taken from your suggestions on the RDFCNet messageboard so keep them coming!). These were well received & will be discussed in greater detail at the next Supporters Group meeting after which they will then be passed onto the Marketing Department. (A draft copy of the key points has already been forwarded to Jane Corby).
- The club are looking to utilise e-mail to send out information, so if you haven’t already submitted your e-mail address to the club to allow the data base to be up dated please do so, nikki.roberts@airwair.co.uk
- The next fan’s forum has been set for 7p.m. on 7/10/04, it is hoped that the bars will be open!
- There will also be a forum for the club’s sponsors on 6/10/04 also at 7p.m.
- A rota was agreed for the “Boardroom” programme notes, so look out shortly for introductions to our new directors.
- Stephen advised that Colin Calderwood had sent a letter thanking the club, players & supporters for the immaculately observed minutes silence before our game at Sixfields.
- We took the opportunity to thank Stephen & the rest of the board for allowing us to be a part of the meeting.
- The dates were agreed for the next meetings, which are to be held monthly.
Above is only a brief account of the meeting, (we were in there for over 4 hours!), but hopefully you can see that our participation was welcomed & it would appear that our future feedback & communication will also be welcomed.
We have been given this fantastic opportunity to be involved at the heart of the club, so if you have any suggestions or questions please forward them to any of the supporters’ group representatives or via the messageboard on RDFCNet & we’ll be pleased to pass them on on your behalf.
Thanks again must go to Stephen, David & the rest of the board for allowing the supporters to have access to such a privileged position.
Airwair Diamond
  |
|
|
|
