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Notts County Supporters Trust |
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Minutes of Meeting - 10th March 2004NOTTS COUNTY SUPPORTERS TRUST RATIFICATION MEETING MINUTES
Board Members Present: David Hindley (Chair), Keri Usherwood, Nigel King (Minutes), Phil Marshall, Eric Kerry, Steve Thompson, Carole Stapleton; Darrin Foss; Fred Mosselmans, Eric Kerry, John Armstrong-Holmes, Martin Naylor. Approximately 18 other members were present. 1) Introduction from the Chair David Hindley opened the meeting by welcoming those present. David explained that the main purpose of the meeting was the ratification of Steve Thompson as the Trust’s Supporter-Director. David also made some Trust news announcements. The total collected in the recent collection for the Iran Earthquake appeal was £452.59. The Board has recently advertised for members to volunteer to be co-opted on to the Trust Board. Nine members have responded. Board members are currently in the process of interviewing all the candidates. Each of the Board members present was introduced to the meeting. David concluded by saying that on each seat was a quiz sheet which could be completed for a £1 entry fee and also a letter to John Prescott in support of Brighton Supporters campaign for a new Ground. 1. Vote to ratify the appointment of Steve Thompson as Supporter-Director Nigel King told the meeting that the Trust Board had appointed Steve Thompson as the interim Supporter-Director, they had also decided that the membership should ratify this decision. Members had been given the chance to vote by returning a slip sent out the last Newsletter, by email or by attending this meeting. Anyone who had not already done so, was asked to hand in their voting slips. Before announcing the result, Nigel asked if anyone had any questions about the process. Q. “Originally David Hindley was announced as the Director, then this changed to be Steve Thompson. Why was this?” David Hindley explained that during the time the City Council were guaranteeing the Trusts contribution to the Blenheim Consortium, he was the Council’s nominee. On completion of the takeover it was decided that it was too much work and impractical for one person to be both Chair of the Trust and a Director of the Club. At this time Steve Thompson volunteered to be the Supporter-Director. Steve Thompson explained that he is a self-employed Solicitor and also works for the Nottingham Law School. He was closely involved in the Blenheim Consortium takeover negotiations on behalf of the Trust. Nigel King then announced that the result of the ratification was unanimous in favour of Steve Thompson. The total number of votes for was 275 with 0 votes against. 2) The Directors Code of Conduct Fred Mosselmans explained the details of the Code of Conduct, which all Trust Supporter-Directors must sign. The Code of Conduct sets out the responsibilities of the Director, term of office and matters of confidentiality. The Director should also not be, a disqualified company director, a bankrupt, a non-spent criminal conviction, suffering from a mental disorder. Steve Thompson and David Hindley then signed the Code of Conduct on behalf of the Trust and Club respectively. Copies of the document were passed around the meeting attendees. Nigel King stated that the document would also be made available on the Trust website. (Click Here...) 3) Report From Steve Thompson When the takeover was completed the club was in a mess, financially, with staffing, everything. The Club is now stable and has a fantastic manager, a very honest man. It is hoped he can keep us up. The Team was poor, but this is now being addressed. The Meadow Club has been re-opened, the Marquee suite is to be refurbished at a cost of £70,000 to £90,000. The Executive Boxes will be open again next season, eight have been sold already. Students from the Nottingham Law School have started working in the Meadow Club. The Club can’t offer too much for new players, finances are tight. Steve told the meeting that on average he works 1 ½ days a week at the Club, usually for about 12 hours a day. It’s a hard ride, but we will get there. 4) Any Questions Q. “Other clubs that have been in Administration have not had the same restrictions as Notts”. ST. Notts were the first club to come out of Administration with the new Football League rules Q. “Have gates been above the break even level recently?” ST. Gates have been above the business plan levels, but finances are still tight. There have still been redundancies at the Club. Q. “Why the Meadow Lane end referred to as the West Stand when it is not on the western side of the Ground?” ST. This is how it is referred to in the Lease. Q. “When the Meadow Club was open for the recent Forest game, how many Forest fans went in?” ST. On the day of the Forest home game, takings were about £400. With the Meadow Club in general, staffing remains a problem but since it’s reopening it has made about £4000 profit. This has already covered the refurbishment costs. Q. “Tony Hackworth is no longer playing in the 1st Team, is there any way we can terminate his contract?” ST. “No, all we can do is offer a settlement, it is up to the player to accept it or not. If he plays another game for Notts, the club must pay £30,000 to Leeds. Q. “Will there be any more special offers to try and increase the gate figures?” ST. This is being looked at. Working groups involving fans will be set up to look at Financial and Club Shop areas. Q. “Will ticket prices be the same next season?” ST. I would like to see prices reduced next season. Q. “Have Barnsley offered any compensation for the damage to seats caused by their fans at the recent game?” ST. There has been no response from Barnsley. The Trust has also written to the Barnsley Supporters Society on this matter. Q. “Could a notice be put in Season Ticket books to say that there may be special offers on games during the season?” ST. This is a possibility; there might also be a discount for Season Ticket holders for Cup matches. Q. “Will the Cheerleaders that were at the Plymouth game be back?” ST. This was a one off. The Cheerleaders are all students at the Nottingham Law School and have other bookings. Q. “Can children’s ticket prices be reduced?” ST. Prices can’t change this season, we have to stick to the business plan to satisfy the Football League requirements. There was a 15 minute break Q. “How long is Gary Mills’ contract?” ST. It is currently 2 ½ years, if he keeps us up I hope we can talk to him about his contact. Q. “Is more money available for signings?” ST. There is currently around £6000 per week in wages available to spend. Gary Mills is still looking for new players. Q. “What is the building work taking place at the back of the Kop?” ST. The wall was falling down, it is for safety reasons. Currently there are no plans to develop the land behind the Kop. There are now too many hotels in Nottingham. Q. “What plans are there for the Meadow Club?” ST. Further refurbishment is planned in the close season. It will be available for hire for one off events, such as gigs. Enquiries have already been received from bands wanting to play there Q. “How long is the Fascia Mania sponsorship deal for?” ST. The deal is until the end of this season. Next season the club will be looking at a new kit supplier and a new badge. I would like the design to be chosen by the fans. 5) Future Elections of the Supporter Director Nigel King then announced the procedure for future Supporter Director Elections. At the next Trust Board member elections, all adult members will be eligible to stand. Elected Trust Board members can then be nominated for the Supporter Director post. If there is more than one candidate a full election with all (adult) Trust members voting will take place. The chosen Supporter Director will then serve for 2 years. 6) The next ‘The Pie’ Quiz Night The next ‘The Pie’ Quiz night, in aid of Trust funds will be held on Tuesday, 6th April. 12 Close of Meeting David Hindley closed the meeting at 21:45 |
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