Fans Advisory Network please log in to view this image Details for the event on May 15th 2014 ATTENDEES Club staff: David Lloyd, Adam Baker, John Pelling, Jon Lansdown Club Officials: David Lloyd, Supporter Liaison Officer (DL); Jon Lansdown Vice-Chairman (JL); John Pelling, Chief Executive (JP); Adam Baker, Head of Communications (AB). Members: Miles Hendy, Marie Day (Supporters Club & Trust); Les Bowen, Keith Perry (Senior Reds); John Greenwood, Terry Bond (Premier Club); Mike Rix, Rob Palmer (City Foundation); Will Shipway (Williams Stand); Phil Sweet, Rob Jones (Dolman Stand); Matt Coombs (Parkenders); Adam Pearce (16-21 year olds); Kevin Brake (Fanzines); Rob Wood (Disabled Supporters Association). Guests: Derek Lidbury, Garry Sidders, Lee Porter, Sam Pitt, Stuart Webb, Jacqui Southway, Michael Endicott. Apologies: Doug Harman, Mike Adams, Jeremy Palmer, Jon Darch, Dawn Boden. MINUTES Fans Parliament becomes FAN At the last meeting the Fans Parliament put forward a desire to change the name of the group, and reaffirm its missions and values. A motion to become the Fan Advisory Network (FAN) was passed without objection. John Pelling JP was introduced to the group and explained he will take up his new position on June 1st, having been in the role of Head of Academy Operations since October last year. JP has 15 years of Boardroom experience, primarily with Nottingham Forest, but also Sheffield Wednesday. JP was also chair of the Academy at Forest. At Forest, JP worked with Keith Burt and Steve Cotterill. His main role is to implement the Board’s strategy and plan; communicating with the Board, directors, staff and supporters. New shirts Imagery is due out in July following a detailed design and consultation process, which has involved the Fans Parliament in previous months. There will be XXXL shirts (they were ordered last year but never turned up!). Additionally, shirts in 2014/15 won’t be “slim fit”. Stadium stand names, etc Rob Wood asked if the new Wedlock Stand could incorporate the name “East End” in some way to maintain its heritage. DL said that he felt fans “would call it the East End anyway, as it’s actually the Wedlock Stand now (before demolition)”. JL said with regards to individual stands that the naming process – and possible sponsorship of stands – was “ongoing” but added they wouldn’t be going out for full stadium naming rights, unlike if there had been a new stadium at Ashton Vale. With regards to a question about the on-site Pub within the redevelopment, and whether it could be named after Steve Lansdown, JL said: “It’s been labelled the Wedlock in the plans but nothing is set in stone.” Stadium project JL confirmed the project is on track and “1,000 per cent going ahead”. At present there are two contractors on site, one for pitch renovations and another to re-route electric and power supplies (currently housed in the Wedlock Stand). Several members expressed a desire to see internal stadia imagery of the redevelopment. JL said they were in the final throes of agreeing a contractor contract and that had to come first. They have already interviewed companies pitching to build artist’s impressions and video fly-through, which means imagery is still a little time away. DL asked supporters to be patient and “trust the club”. The plan is to relocate the scoreboard to the Atyeo Stand roof for 2014/15. A webcam has been in place since April 22nd and will be made live when the redevelopment begins. DL revealed details of a meeting he’d had with the Council this week to continue discussions about reopening the rail station at Ashton Gate. Notts County fixture change AB explained the reasons behind the change, which were announced at the time (a day after the initial release). JL and DL said the club was fully aware of the frustration and inconvenience the decision caused, and “in an ideal world we wouldn’t have made it”. At the same time, City took six points over Easter weekend and secured their League One placing for next season. The club was pressed to raise the issue of late fixture changes with the Football League at its next meeting. Looking further ahead, the club confirmed it would have priority over Bristol Rugby for the scheduling of fixtures next season. Additionally, the necessity for Bristol City and Bristol Rovers to play home games on alternate weekends remains despite the latter’s relegation. Season tickets At the time of the meeting, 3,574 season tickets had been renewed. The stadium’s capacity will drop to approx. 14,600 next season, then to approx. 12,900 when the Dolman lower tier is removed. The club is still investigating options for wheelchair users. With regards to the sales procedure and staged renewal periods, DL said the club was pleased with how it had panned out and the amount of positive feedback received. DL adds: “Over the next two years pretty much everyone is going to be inconvenienced by the redevelopment and we ask for patience and understanding.” AOB The pitch will be higher next season and some front row seats will be affected by this. New sponsor to be announced in due course. Michael Endicott asked for an update on the website progress. AB confirmed the club were tied in with FLi until 2017 and improvements would be slow and gradual until then. The club’s social media usage was roundly praised. Read more at http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20140520-fanminutes-1565114.aspx#lPEp81ZRvtIRe5W8.99
