Chesterfield Football Supporters Society

Notes of the meeting of Wednesday 5^th April 2006

Venue: CFC Boardroom

Present: P.Tooley (Chair), D.Bowler, R.Willett, P.Whiteley, M.Cook, C.Young, A.Haywood, I.Browes, A.Wheatcroft, P.Taylor, R.Pearson

Apologies: A.Fantom, J Croot

Secretary: R.Busby

1. Notes of the previous meeting and Matters Arising

The minutes were accepted.

Matters arising - none.

2. Club Report

PRT reported that at the last CFC Board Alan Walters had presented an updated cash flow projection indicating that the overall position was reasonable but that the Club is around £60k down on expectations and that even with a better March and April the Club is unlikely to make a profit this year.

Commercial initiatives are all doing well, programme sales are up, club shop profits are up. There was some discussion about the recent change to the 50:50 draw procedure and it was agreed that for all concerned it would be best to return to the pitch side draw.

FA Centre of Excellence funding is being made available again for the 2006/7 season. Whilst this is to be welcomed this "stop/start" approach makes it difficult to offer and maintain the 2-year scholarships that are clearly the right way to go.

Football in the Community continues to work well and the Business Community Partnership is also going well, with another major fund raising event being planned for this summer.

The Youth Team is doing particularly well this season and may be confirmed as league champions if results go our way this Saturday.

Season and Mach Day Pricing Issues

Consideration is being given to match day prices next year. PRT asked the CFSS Board to indicate its views on:

·Family Stand Season Ticket Rules - it is felt that the current rule allowing two children per adult usually results in empty seats and that a move to one child per adult would be fairer. The CFSS Board discussed this matter and concluded that a move to 1:1 is the right thing to do but suggested that a discount deal on a second child seat should be introduced.

·2 tier pricing structure "A" and "B" category games - this is common practice in the league and has mixed results. Some fans resent the extra cost and stay away, but the increased take on the sold-out away fan tickets more than compensates for it. After a lengthy discussion no clear consensus emerged. It was therefore agreed that the CFSS Board would remain "neutral" on this subject.

·Introduction of an "on the day" youth ticket - at present a discounted 16-21yrs of age season ticket is available. It is proposed to introduce a pay on the day ticket subject to the entrant producing proof of age. Agreed.

·Overall pricing - the CFSS Board agreed unanimously that it would be wrong to increase prices next year.

Other news

PRT reported that that the Football League is proposing changes to the system for promotion play offs for next season. The change, if introduced will mean the 5^th placed team will play at home against the 8^th placed team, the 6^th will play at home against the 7^th. The 3^rd placed team will then play at home against the winner of the 5^th v 8^th and 4^th will play at home against the winner of the 6^th v 7^th. The two winners of these games will then play a one-leg decider for the third promotion place, at a neutral venue. All gate revenues will be split equally between the participating teams.

The Court case on the loss of the ITV Digital income is close to a conclusion and there is optimism that the Club will receive some compensation. The lions' share will go to the Clubs that were in the Championship at the time of the collapse of the contract but nonetheless it is expected that CFC will get something.

A discussion about the performance of the team on the pitch then followed and in particular, the wisdom or otherwise of the decision to take the team on a holiday in Spain. Whilst the pros and cons of the effect on morale, fitness and readiness of the team can be debated at length, some Board members felt that the whole idea was a mistake because it appeared financially extravagant at a time when the Club is appealing for funds. The Chair felt it should be officially recorded in the minutes that the players had all personally contributed to the cost of the Spanish trip.

Ground Report

CFC Board representatives have had a meeting with the architect, Wilson Bowden and Mcalpines. The meeting went well. Wilson Bowden are pleased with progress with the Council and anticipate being able to offer the 10 acres at the Dema Glass for the new stadium, at a very good price.

A further meeting of the CFC Board is to be held this week and it is hoped that a press statement confirming the above can be made shortly thereafter. The CFSS vote can then be held.

A discussion on the costs of building the new stadium then followed. PRT stated that no decisions on this have yet been taken but that investigations are underway and that the available budget is not yet clear.

Further information will be released a soon as possible.

3. Community Issues

The Chair reported that useful contacts had been made at two recent meetings with the PCT and CHART. Two fans that have knowledge and expertise in the "grant" sector have agreed to give their time voluntarily to assist with building the bid, job descriptions and supporting materials for the new Fund raising Officer post. This is excellent news and just at the right time to begin the fund raising effort for the new ground.

4. Treasurer's Report

The Chair presented the monthly accounts on behalf of AF. Taking into account upcoming printing, stationery and postage costs for the Stadium and Player of the Year votes, a surplus of approx £3000 is available to transfer to Club funds. RW proposed (DB seconded) that this amount be made available. Agreed.

The Treasurers report was accepted.

5. Membership Report

AW updated the Board

Life Members476 (including 1 discretionary concessionary)

Full Annual320

Full Triennial220

Concessionary Annual139

Concessionary Triennial187

Total 1342

Current membership is at 96% of last year (and is now "closed" until after the stadium vote)

Of 264 reminders sent out 150 had renewed.

Donations this season total £412.50

The Membership director's report was accepted.

AW then announced that owing to changes in personal and business circumstances he would no longer be available to fulfil the role of Membership Director and with regret would have to resign his position.

By giving three months notice he hoped this would allow sufficient time for the CFSS Board to find a replacement and allow for a transfer of the membership information, systems and procedures.

The Chair proposed a vote of thanks for all the hard work AW has done to improve and develop the management of the now efficient membership administration. He said most people will not realise the amount of effort AW has put in, though all can see that he has done a terrific job and will be greatly missed. The CFSS Board formally records its thanks to AW.

Any persons interested in taking over this crucial role should approach the Chair directly.

6. Young Spireites

IB reported that the next get together will be on 20^th April.

A newsletter covering the ground vote is being prepared.

A Young Spireites Player of the Year Award is being organised. A draw will be held to select the Young Spireite who will make the presentation to the winning player on the pitch at the last home game.

A balance sheet will be presented to the next meeting.

IB's report was accepted.

7. Events

Anglo-Scottish Cup 25^th Anniversary Meeting was a great success.

Player of the Year event on 30^th April now almost sold out, all table now sold with just a few odd seats left.

May Day Market Stall - activities to be discussed at next volunteers meeting

Garden Party - definitely will be in Queens Park - CBC risk assessment underway - details of event etc to be discussed at next volunteer's meeting.

Gala day - lots of work still to do

9.Any Other Business

PRT- new season starts on August 5^th

AH- despite significant interest in the idea it is unlikely that the planned World Record Attempt on "Keepy-up" will go ahead this season owing to the lengthy process of engaging with and satisfying Guinness Superlatives requirement to make the attempt valid

AH - Ground Staff will be selling Easter Raffle Draw tickets at the Colchester Match.

Chair - to think about for the next meeting - Alan Walters wishes to develop a "Five Year Plan" for the club - not a business plan but a roadmap for the Clubs development.

Meeting closed at 22:10

Next Meeting:Wednesday May 3^rd2006, 7:30pm.