A bit late but I hope still of some interest.. Details for the event on August 21st 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 Steve Cotterill The first hour was an open Q&A session with Steve Cotterill, where we learned more about his ideas in many departments. The following are bullet points: New striker Kieran Agard – a good meeting made him choose Bristol – will take time to adjust – we are aiming to go up as champions. Sam Baldock – everyone in football has their price; it took six bids to reach an unacceptable offer of £1.2m. (This was before Sam’s departure). Aden Flint – more room to play when operating with three at the back – he’s looking better. Goalkeeper – There is a long-term target but SC refused to say more. New pitch – it is firmer, truer and livelier – grass set at a height of approx 25mm. Purple and Lime kit – SC was doubtful at first and “didn’t get” the desire for it – good after Sheffield United though! Capital One Cup exit – used players who needed match time – did not all grasp the opportunity. U21s affected by signings – they need loan spells, policy will trickle down through to U13/U15s and finally U9/U11s. This season Under-18s will play for the Under-21s and Under-16s for the Under-18s. Jordan Winter – outstanding game – on loan for experience – believes he will become an attacking midfielder. Leaders – we have many on the pitch. AGENDA ITEMS Access to Dolman A lot of thought had gone into the arrangements which are designed to avoid queues. ABI said the Spectrum (former Hirerite) area is being tested as a possible fanzone at the first Bristol Rugby game. In one year’s time the concourse will be available. Perhaps a surprise to many, more units had been sold in the Dolman Hall this season. Fans could join the Supporters Club & Trust (BCSCT), though a replacement for their Supporters Bar in January has not yet been solved. Atyeo Statue BCSCT announced that £70,000 was available to build the statue. Only one suggestion for its position was forthcoming, as in all other consultation, the front of the main entrance. This matter is deemed settled. BCSCT will now consult fans about which image of John should be used as the basis of the design before approaching sculptors. Covering of Dolman seats Seat numbers have had to be reduced to conform with the regulations which fix the ratio of seats to turnstiles. Access to the Dolman area via the Atyeo stand will be investigated. [action – ABI] Capped number of Season Tickets (STs) Seats have to be kept available for those who cannot afford an ST, so ST sales will cease shortly (they since have). A new membership scheme is being considered. There will be no half-season tickets. It was asked if ST holders could release their ticket for resale at matches they cannot attend, but this will not be possible presently. Position of away fans JL said the club has to place safety first and the position of former-Wedlock Stand supporters in the Williams for one year has worked well in general. DL said the few problems experienced in that area will be solved over the next few games. Shirt sales ABI said sales had been exceptional, both home and the purple and lime alternative strip. Because production is under direct control of Bristol Sport, they can react quickly so that more stock can be made available following a pre-order period. Redevelopment schedule Building work is on schedule and the main South Stand structure will be up by Christmas. The Atyeo Stand will be refreshed as part of the redevelopment. The aim is for the stadium to be state of the art, not just functional. The new round of consultation will be part of this process. Electronic scoreboard A board should be in place for the first Bristol Rugby match (and subsequently City’s home game with Sc**thorpe United). It will be a basic board and housed in the Atyeo Stand. AOB Consultation This is about the interior, the external structure has been decided. Blocking of upper seats for low crowds This is a possibility which could be considered. [action – ABI] Late arrivals This problem would be kept in mind. [action – ABI] Season Tickets Thanks were expressed for early arrival of STs this season. Transport to stadium The example was cited of large numbers of Bath Rugby fans who travel to home games from Wiltshire by train. DL said that the Portishead line is expected to reopen around 2018, barring any unexpected problem. BSL are active in trying to get Ashton Gate Station (or Halt) reopened. Parking Fans had been driven out of Hotwells by the new residents-only parking scheme. The fear was the scheme could spread to Bedminster. ABI answered that such a scheme would not come into operation until 7pm on a Saturday. Betting Shop The last company had not applied to renew their lease and there are no plans to attempt to reopen because betting is increasingly done online. NEXT MEETING The date set is Thursday, November 20th – again coinciding with the Senior Reds. Read more at http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20140902-fanminutes-1892889.aspx#QBXr4MqeUfiuofJG.99
Who is ABI? His comment about residents only parking in Bedminster only commencing at 7pm on a Saturday is puzzling. The scheme in Clifton is as follows. Residents only parking from 9am to 7pm. This is to discourage widespread commuter parking which clogs up all streets and means residents returning in the day, had nowhere to park. Parking between 7pm and 9am is allowed for all : residents and nonresidents. Thus if a similar residents parking scheme is introduced in Bedminster & Ashton, then one can kiss goodbye to street parking for matches on Saturdays and very difficult on evening games. If introduced without the club organising a network of special buses from all parts of Bristol, the attendance's at City could plummet for reasons nothing to do with the football.
There are 2 AB's, 1) Chief Executive: Andrew Billingham , 2) Head of Communicatons: Adam Baker .... Parking Fans had been driven out of Hotwells by the new residents-only parking scheme. The fear was the scheme could spread to Bedminster. ABI answered that such a scheme would not come into operation until 7pm on a Saturday.
Thanks Wizered, I saw what he said but it does not make sense. Why have a residents only parking scheme that only covers a period starting at 7pm on a Saturday. Til when? Parking for residents anywhere is not normally a problem at weekends. It is a problem when commuters park during working hours.
