Fans Forum - August

Publisert 8/14/2009 av

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Minutes of the Blackburn Rovers Fans’ Forum
Ewood Park, Monday 10th August 2009 – 7.15pm

Present – Fans’ Forum
Martin Howarth
Gordon Ormerod
David Brown
Ian Filbin
John Wareing
Ray Williamson
Andy Neil
John Billouin
Glenn Pegden
Duncan Gardiner

Present from BRFC
Tom Finn
Simon Williams
Greg Coar

Apologies
Mark Hitchen
Guy Wignall
Glen Dinsdale
Julie Wilkinson
Pauline Perkins
Steve Birtwell
Tristan Stock
Phil Johnson

1. Matters Arising from the last meeting 1st June 2009

a) Liverpool Away Game

Following the laying of a wreath at the away game with Liverpool to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, MH had received some copies of Liverpool’s programme for their following match, which had some complimentary words to say about the club’s gesture.

b) Land Behind Darwen End

TF reported that there was no further news on the club using the land behind the Darwen End.



c) Emblems on Corner Flags

It was clear that the use of club emblems on corner flags contravened FA rules. If other clubs used their logo in the new season and no action was taken, Rovers would consider whether to do likewise.

d) Flag in Darwen End

Further to the success in using the club flag before games at both ends of Ewood Park last season, GC confirmed that the club would be very happy if this was continued in the Blackburn End for the coming season.

e) Points Card

SW stated that the club had hoped to have the points card in place by now but the new IT system on which it relies had taken longer than planned to be fully installed. The system was now working well and therefore the points card would be a priority as soon as season ticket sales were completed and he expected an introduction during the coming season.

f) Walker Fame Bricks

Following a complaint at the last meeting about fading of print on the Walker Fame bricks SW reported that the paintwork is not tarnished and is guaranteed by the manufacturer for 10 years. The issue was one of keeping the bricks clean, which had to be hand done as they were laid on a sand base and not concreted in. This hand cleaning was now scheduled in to the stadium cleaning programme. If any fan feels that their brick is not satisfactory they are asked to contact the club who can order a replacement. Bricks were still selling well and a further promotion was planned before Christmas.

g) Bringing Own Food into Ewood Park

IF raised a concern about the recent decision to not allow fans to bring their own food into Ewood Park on match days, which had been introduced at the Hibs friendly game. He had not been allowed to bring fish and chips in as he usually did, a product that was not readily available inside the ground. If this ban continued the club would lose revenue as they would lose his beer purchases on matchdays.

TF conceded that the new rule should not have been introduced at the Hibs game without any communication with fans but it was still likely to be introduced soon. Rovers were one of the few clubs that still allowed fans to bring their own meals in. He emphasised that this rule would not stop those fans who brought food and drinks prepared at home. Also food bought at one of the licensed vans outside the Jack Walker Stand would be accepted as they use Rovers branded packaging and are licensed by the club.

IF was still unhappy with the decision and was particularly concerned about fans whose diet provided them with very limited food options from the in stadium catering outlets – there was limited choice for vegetarians, vegans, other non-meat eaters and halal diets.

2. 2009/10 Season Tickets

SW stated that the club had currently sold almost 18,000 season tickets, compared to a total of 14,000 for last season, which included half season ticket sales. This represented a 30% increase, with sales still expected to continue for a while. This was an excellent response to the price reductions.

There were still 1,500 fans who had not renewed their 2008/09 season tickets, which was a similar total to recent years.

Around 800 season tickets had been sold in the Darwen End and the club hoped that this would reach 1,000. It was not clear what effect the increase in season ticket sales would have on walk-on match sales but the club was committed to maximising home support at games.

It had been unfortunate that the first home game was against Manchester City and the club had had to make it one of the four matches excluded from Darwen End season tickets. Happily, all Darwen End season ticket holders could be accommodated elsewhere in the ground and the granting of free tickets for this game had been well received.

The next three home games, against West Ham, Wolves and Aston Villa would have the whole of the Darwen end Lower available for Rovers fans, with away fans restricted to the top tier.

3. Season Ticket Mailing Issues

JW stated that there had been a number of complaints from fans about not receiving season ticket packs. GC replied that the mailing house had omitted the covering letter and booklet from a number of initial packs. They had accepted responsibility and had re-sent the mailing at their own expense. A number of fans who renewed before the packs were issued were not included in the mailing, which had saved the club £1,000 in postage. Overall 42,000 packs had been sent out.

4. Selection of Four Games

In response to a request as to how the four matches would be selected TF stated that it had been unfortunate that the first home game was with Manchester City. There was clear demand for 7,000 tickets from City and an allocation less than this would have led to significant infiltration issues. Whilst the club would have preferred to have Rovers fans in the Darwen End for the first game of the season they were not confident that they could fill the Darwen End with Rovers fans given such factors as the number of season tickets sold at that stage and the match pricing.

5. Arrangements for Burnley Games

TF stated that the club had had its first meeting with Burnley and the police about the upcoming games but that they were unable to make any announcement at this stage.

Burnley had announced that they would segregate their stand with both home and away fans and that building work to make this happen was being done. It was understandable from their perspective. As a result Rovers would be given 2,400 tickets for the game at Turf Moor.

No decision had yet been made about how the Darwen End would be used for the home game with Burnley, beyond the fact that Burnley would be entitled to at least 3,000 tickets under Premier League rules. A decision would be made in the next two weeks.

For the away game, there would need to be an allocation process for the 2,400 tickets. Whilst exact details had not yet been worked out, they would be allocated to season tickets holders only, on the basis of attendance at away matches.

There was also some concern from Forum members about security at the reserve game with Burnley at Accrington in early September. TF stated that the Police were still reviewing the matter but at the moment there were no special plans. The club would, however, be ready to apply special arrangements such as ticketing if asked by Burnley or the police.

6. Town Centre Shop

MH stated that is was great to see a Rovers presence in the town centre and asked how the shop was performing. SW replied that the club was very pleased with progress to date, particularly given the short time scale. The ticket sales process has been slower than desirable because of communication issues with Ewood Park but a booster aerial was being installed on the top of the Mall to help. The club had been pleasantly surprised by the number of ticket sales at the shop. Stocks were now being planned for Christmas and the emphasis would be on goods at the £5-£15 price point.

GO asked whether the new shop had cannibalised sales at the shop at the ground. SW stated that it was difficult to be absolutely certain as a comparison with last year was difficult as new shirts had been available very late last year but it was clear that sales had not reduced at the Ewood shop.

8. Any Other Business

a) DG stated that there would be a Disabled Supporters Club Meet and Greet evening at Blues Bar on 11th August.

b) IF asked where the new multi-faith room was and whether it was much used. TF stated that it was behind the Riverside stand and was used at every game. GP asked whether the original site in the Blackburn End had been reconverted to a toilet block. TF replied that it had not and would continue as a programme sales point.

c) JW asked whether it was possible to provide mail order for glassware sales from the shop. SW agreed to check whether this would be possible.

d) JW asked whether internet rumours that the Ewood Arms had been asked by the club to take down Rovers related posters was true. TF replied that he was not aware of anything but that it was possible. It would be trading standards officers who would make the demand if non-licensed goods were on display, but that it may have been at the request of the club or The Premier League.

e) DB asked whether the home cup ticket scheme would operate again this season. GC said that it would and that forms would be available very soon.

f) DB stated that he had tried to buy the end of season DVD online but the system would not let him. GC sated that he was aware that there was a glitch in the system and that this had been rectified.

g) DB asked whether fans who had renewed their ticket would get a fixture list as new season ticket holders had. GC stated that everyone would get one in due course.

h) GC informed the meeting that hospitality sales were holding up surprisingly well given the recession. New packs for sponsors were available and some were circulated.

6. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 15th September 2009 at 7.15 p.m

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE

Forum members will hold an agenda setting meeting in the Fernhurst pub on Monday 7th September at 7.15 p.m.

Members should contact John Wareing at HYPERLINK "mailto:roversfansforum@hotmail.com" roversfansforum@hotmail.com or on 07984 085474 with any queries about the Forum or to give their apologies if they cannot attend a meeting.

2009 Forum Dates

19th October
30th November