MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTSA COMMITTEE, HELD ON TUESDAY, 12 MAY 2009 AT TURNBRIDGE WMC
PRESENT: Gerald Bould (GB), Neil Brophy (NB), Marcus Garside (MG), Robert Goward (RG), Marcus Middleton (MM), Carlton Midgley (CM), Paul Newman (PN), Sian Patrick (SP), Robert Pepper (RP) (Chairing), Michael Scott (MS)
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE; LAST MINUTES
ACTION
Dave Heatherill, Steve King (SK)
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted.
2.
AGM
MG reported that the Auditor estimated 6 weeks to complete the accounts. MG planned to present all documentation by June 1 so the Accounts should be available by mid-July. Agreed to build in some leeway and fix Aug 4 for the AGM.
This would be notified by email where possible, otherwise by letter. Content to include AGM notice with accounts summary and invitation for committee nominations, subscription reminder (with benefits summary, also invitation to support Keep It Up), plus update on £10K Reserve (see 4 below). CM suggested that members be invited to submit suggestions at the AGM for its use with a vote if necessary and approval for the Board to act accordingly.
It was agreed to try to restrict the newsletter to a double-sided A4 sheet. PN volunteered to print the newsletter. Volunteers needed for envelope stuffing
RP, MG
PN
ALL3.
STADIUM SHARES
Everybody was up to date with progress so far.
Future activities included a meeting with Jason McCartney tomorrow and with Barry Sheerman on May 29. Trying to arrange similar meetings with Kali Mountford and Shahid Malik.
Following last week’s Guardian article, an enquiry has been received from Social Enterprise magazine – to be followed up tomorrow.
Replies are still outstanding from Kirklees (Rob Vincent), the Yorkshire Post and Radio Leeds. Calendar could be another possibility.
The Examiner had been contacted about local coverage, given the national coverage. They are planning a piece this month to coincide with KD’s hand-over of the Club to DH and were aware (because a reporter had been present) of KD’s refusal to answer questions at last week’s Patrons meeting. MM had had a letter published.
No replies yet from Wrexham or Wycombe.
NB, MM
RP
RP
4.
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION; HTSA FUND
MM and RP had attended the meeting on May 6 and confirmed the position as agreed at last month’s HTSA Board meeting. Some DA committee members remained critical and it was agreed to provide a further update at the next meeting (July 1). See 5.6 below re future DA contributions.
Discussion then took place on the future of the remaining Reserve Fund of £10K. Another option had now come to light re plans for a new Supporters Bar but it was agreed that the membership should be asked to vote on the matter at the AGM and this would be covered in the newsletter
5.
THE CLUB
5.1
Memorabilia MM reported that Sean Jarvis is confident of a grant from the Heritage Fund – possibly in August. Further updates awaited.
5.2
Home Grown Hero MM reported that sponsorship had been found elsewhere for this project
5.3
Annual Awards Event – everything had gone well.
RG had suggested that a two-tier event might be possible, using both floors of the main stand. In any event, it is anticipated that there will be joint discussions with the Club (Tracey Nelson) on plans for 2010
5.4
Season Ticket Mailing - MM confirmed that no amendments were needed for the flyer.
5.5
Catering - not discussed – included for continuity
MM anticipated that there would be an end-of-season review with the caterers.MM
5.6
Fund Raising – agreed in principle to support Keep It Up wherever / however possible. Further agreed that the 50% element of this for the Academy should constitute the HTSA contribution previously paid to the Development Association.
There was to be a meeting tomorrow morning to find out if an Abseiling event was possible at the stadium – this to be on Yorkshire Day, Aug 1, which is likely to coincide with a pre-season home match.
The Club was keen for a sponsored walk to an Away match, ideally the first one. There was general support for this but any further planning was dependent on the new fixture list. Carlisle might be a possibility to be combined with MS’s idea for a sponsored walk by the Settle/Carlisle line in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
NB had made a start on fund-raising ideas from Brentford Supporters Trust, particularly the idea of continuous payments by standing order. Maybe there are other possibilities for on-line shopping.
RP will circulate details of the Utility Warehouse. URGENT
NB reported that lottery cards would be OK at the Gas Club. Any others: Syngenta etc?
There was general agreement on merchandise such as T-shirts and mugs (SK to source?) as fund-raisers but this needed to be cross-checked with the Club.NB
MM,RPALL
NB
NB
RPALL
SK
MM6.
MEMBERSHIP
6.1
Membership – figures updated subsequently - currently 822 members (of which 56 are Heavy Woollen, 68 are Southern members, 28 are North West and 37 Calderdale).
56 members have joined on-line via the HTSA website.
Members are beginning to join now from Spen Valley.
The Club is keen to see the regional groups prosper and will be supportive
6.2
North West – RP to action email contacts received from SK.
RP
6.3
Halifax Area – Good meeting on April 23 (with DH, NC, SJ and PR) but venue too small.
PN now searching for new venue and suggested possibility of the Shay - RP to pursuePN
RP
6.4
Southern – Another good meeting (39 attendees) May 2 – same guests.
Andy Kilvington now trying to arrange a summer get-together in London
7.
FINANCE
7.1
Approx £4K in hand after final cheque to Browns Coaches – this will mean approx £2K loss on Travel (see below)
7.2
RP noted that Public Liability insurance was due for renewal and would circulate more details by email.
RP
8.
TRAVEL
8.1
In view of the reported loss on this season, there was a general discussion on plans for next season. Agreed that a £2K loss was not sustainable and one idea was to join forces with the Travel Club but maybe to have an earlier coach for those who wanted to arrive in time for a drink etc although MS noted that it would be necessary to check with Police because they had a regulation about early arrival. GB also suggested that a general price rise of £2 per person could meet the losses. There was some support for a trial period of 2-3 months and it was agreed to defer any decision to the next meeting, to be held after the new fixtures were known.
ALL
9.
PR / MEDIA
9.1
Facebook – over 400 members. Agreed that SP would publicise the ‘Benefits’ statement (to be distributed with STs) to try to convert subscribers to HTSA members.
SP
9.2
Programme to continue next season as is with Robert Goward
RG
9.3
Examiner Column – agreed that this week’s column should include thanks to all members for their support and to flag the forthcoming AGM and newsletter
RP
10
AOB
10.1
MS pointed out that the Portacabin was owned by the Supporters Club and it was formally agreed that HTSA would accept the transfer. MM suggested a facelift – volunteers needed
MM et al
11
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 23rd June 2009 at 7:30 pm
Turnbridge WMC.ALL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTSA COMMITTEE, HELD ON TUESDAY, 14 APRIL 2009 AT TURNBRIDGE WMC
PRESENT: Neil Brophy (NB), Robert Goward (RG), Steve King (SK), Marcus Middleton (MM), Carlton Midgley (CM), Paul Newman (PN), Sian Patrick (SP), Robert Pepper (RP) (Chairing)
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE; LAST MINUTES
ACTION
Michael Scott (MS), Richard Poulain
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted.
2.
STADIUM SHARES
Some 20 members had attended Monday’s open meeting with another 20 or so apologies. An Examiner reporter was present.
MM summarised the details: Robert Wood had introduced the topic and he had outlined the questions raised with Ken Gillespie, KSDL Secretary. Full details had been posted on the HTSA website and on DATM. There had also been coverage in The Examiner. Some good questions had been raised plus requests for a summary statement and a template for members to use in emails or letters.
MM had completed the latter, which had been used to inform all local councillors of the situation. Local MPs had also been informed. RP read out a draft of a summary statement. This was broadly agreed with some additions suggested. (Subsequently circulated)
National coverage was expected in The Guardian, probably next week, and it was hoped that The Examiner would pick up the coverage. Radio Leeds were also aware. RG would also include a reference in the April 25 programme.
It had been suggested at yesterday’s meeting that there might be something to be learned from similar situations at Wrexham and Wycombe. RP to action urgently.
RG
RP
3.
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION; HTSA FUND
PN gave a full account of the last DA committee meeting (April 7) when there had been much discussion on the acquisition of the Smith Memorabilia, with a view being expressed that the £50K Reserve Fund should have been handed over to the Club.
CM and RP confirmed that Trust members had voted overwhelmingly for the money to be used as seed money to attract Landfill Tax revenue. The Memorabilia had only been acquired when it had been finally established that the most that might be needed for Landfill Tax was £10K. Moreover that decision was only taken after widespread consultation, both with HTSA members and publicly, had confirmed that there was a clear majority of fans in favour of the acquisition. It was also pointed out that the Memorabilia was an undoubted asset that would be capable of raising a significant amount of money should there be a similar desperate need in future for Club funding.
In answer to a question raised at the DA meeting re insurance, RP confirmed that the items on display at the National Football Museum were covered by the Museum’s insurance; other items were lodged at the Nat West bank in Huddersfield.
PN had suggested at the DA Meeting that two HTSA representatives should attend the next meeting, arranged for May 6, and it was agreed that MM and RP would attend.
It was also agreed that the HTSA commitment to give £1K to the Dev. Ass. Should be paid immediately.Discussion then took place on the future of the remaining Reserve Fund of £10K. Three possible options were suggested: a donation to the DA; a donation to the Keep It Up campaign (50% Yorkshire Air Ambulance, 50% Academy); maintain the Reserve Fund. These were not considered final but would be reviewed at the next meeting. In any event it was agreed that the membership should be asked to vote formally and that this could be done via the AGM announcement, which would be on the agenda of the next meeting.
RP
ALL
4.
THE CLUB
4.1
Memorabilia MM reported that Sean Jarvis had applied for a grant from the Heritage Fund and that a meeting had been scheduled for the end of April. It was anticipated that no additional funding would be required from the HTSA. Further updates awaited.
MM
4.2
Home Grown Hero Sean Jarvis was in discussion with Graham Mitchell. When plans are firmer, the HTSA would be asked to consider joint sponsorship of the scheme.
MM
4.3
Annual Awards Event – as per the previous minutes, a decision had been taken by email that the HTSA should take up the table for 10 available as player sponsors. It had also been agreed to draw lots for 4 HTSA members to be offered pairs of tickets for the event, priced at £20 each, that being in line with previous years’ tickets for the Player of the Year Dance. MM would attend, representing the HTSA committee, and had paid for two tickets.
RP had already confirmed by email that lots had been drawn and that the four winners were Rosie Joyce, David Armitage, Rita Whittam and Sandra Burns.
The invoice was now payable and the tickets would be available upon payment.
RP
4.4
Season Ticket Mailing A flyer had been produced but, in the event, because of the packaging of the ST Mailer, the flyer had not been included. However, the Club had agreed to include it with the dispatch of STs - MM to check whether the flyer needed any amendment.
MM
4.5
Catering - CM commented that queues were now shorter.
MM anticipated that there would be an end-of-season review with the caterers.
MM
4.6
Fund Raising – it was thought that the original idea of a Duck Race might not be viable and consideration was being given to an Abseiling event to take place on Yorkshire Day, Aug 1, which is likely to coincide with a pre-season home match. More consultation with the Club is needed.
MM passed on an idea from MS for a sponsored walk, based on a leaflet advertising such walks by the Settle/Carlisle line in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. There was general enthusiasm for a sponsored walk but perhaps one related to an away match next season – needs a 2009/2010 fixture list.
NB undertook to research fund-raising ideas from Supporters Trusts such as Brentford and Oxford.
RP will circulate details of the Utility Warehouse.
RG’s previous suggestion of lottery cards (the 40-team variety) was now to go ahead. Turnbridge WMC were OK for us to sell cards there – no cut required – maybe there are others such as the Gas Club?
There was general agreement on merchandise such as T-shirts and mugs (SK to source?) as fund-raisers but this needed to be cross-checked with the Club.MM
ALL
NB
RPRP
NB
SK
MM5.
MEMBERSHIP
5.1
Membership – currently 808 members (of which 56 are Heavy Woollen, 66 are Southern members and 27 in the North West).
39 members have joined on-line via the HTSA website. MM was hopeful that there would be a good influx of new members at the Spen Valley meeting scheduled for April or May.
It was also suggested that we should appeal via the website for more distant regions to form groups of members, e.g., Australia.
MM
RP
5.2
North West – SK to email RP with contact details.
SK
5.3
Halifax Area – All set for April 23 meeting at the Three Pigeons pub.
All ST holders with HX postcodes or Brighouse addresses had been contacted by the Club.
5.4
Southern – Andy Kilvington has arranged a meeting before the Orient game (May 2), starting at 12:30. Dean Hoyle, Nigel Clibbens and Sean Jarvis are planning to attend.
There is also a plan to convene later in a pub close to the ground, again with DH in attendance. RG to investigate
RG
5.5
AGM – RP reported that the Auditors had been contacted and July 16 might be too early for the AGM. To be reviewed at the next meeting.
ALL
5.6
Fans’ Company – No further progress as yet
ALL
6.
FINANCE
6.1
Info provided later.
The Reserve Account stands at £10,055. The Current Account balance is £4,720 approx., after paying Brown’s Coaches (£1380), Dev. Ass. (£1000), Turnbridge (£68) and the Annual Awards (£402.50), the latter to be offset by £200 from those filling the HTSA table.
4.2
RP to ask about the new FSF insurance policy at Sunday’s Yorkshire FSF AGM. RG commented that Bristol Rovers supporters were covered - he would investigate further.
RG
7.
TRAVEL
7.1
MM commented that we need to know the final outcome of this season financially in order to make a decision about next season. All agreed.
7.2
RG reported that the trip to Orient (May 2) would leave at 8:30pm with a planned arrival time of 1pm. This should enable those on the coach to meet up in the pub as described in 5.4
8.
COMMUNITY
8.1
Midnight League – RP reported that RADYCAL had been able to fund three Saturdays at The Zone for the Easter holidays, terminating this coming Saturday. The first two had proved successful.
9.
PR / MEDIA
9.1
Facebook – currently approx. 400 members. SP updating on a regular basis from various sources. Some debate on how to try to convert subscribers to HTSA members but no obvious method was identified
9.2
Programme to continue as is with Robert Goward
RG
9.3
Website – Andrew Firth’s new-look website received very favourable comments.
9.4
Examiner Column to continue as is.
.
RP
9
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 12th May 2009 at 7.30 pm
Turnbridge WMC.
Principal activity to prepare for the AGMALL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTSA COMMITTEE, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 11 MARCH 2009 AT TURNBRIDGE WMC
PRESENT: Neil Brophy (NB), Robert Goward (RG), Marcus Middleton (MM), Robert Pepper (RP) (Chairing), Michael Scott (MS)
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE; LAST MINUTES
ACTION
Gerald Bould , Dave Heatherill, Mary Harrison, Steve King (SK). Barbara Lovett, Carlton Midgley, Paul Newman (PN), Sian Patrick (SP)
Mary also tendered her resignation owing to pressure of work. NB proposed a vote of thanks, heartily endorsed by RP, paying special tribute to Mary’s help throughout the whole period of the Supporters Trust from its inception in 2003
2.
THE CLUB
2.1
Memorabilia MM reported that Phil Armitage (KSDL) had received tenders and that Sean Jarvis had applied for a grant. At this stage no request for funding had been made to the HTSA. Further updates awaited.
A Smith family relative (Steve Graham) had been in touch to offer the loan of other memorabilia and this was being pursued. He had also asked about the availability of a Billy Smith shirt and this was being investigated with the Club, assuming that he meant a replica.MM
RP
MM
2.2
Home Grown Hero No further news as yet – to be pursued.
Thursday am update: Sean Jarvis is working on this with Academy staffMM
2.3
Player of the Year Dance – by way of background, RG and MS confirmed that previous years’ events organised by the Supporters Club had been limited to 250 attendees, including players and their guests. It was also pointed out that in previous years planning had started at an early stage so the absence of any plans this year had created something of a vacuum. Nevertheless, there was general disappointment in the apparent breakdown in communications between the Club and HTSA over the plans for an Annual Awards event and specific criticism of the Club’s request for sponsorship for the honorary trophies.
It was noted that this request had now been withdrawn and acknowledged that this year’s event would go ahead as planned but it was agreed to pursue plans for next year at the earliest opportunity with a view to organising a joint event at a reasonable price.
Discussion then took place as to whether or not the HTSA should take up the table for 10 available to us as sponsors of a player (David Unsworth). It was agreed to find out the Club’s deadline for a decision and to canvas opinion from as many of the committee as possible. RP suggested that were we to take the table, we could draw lots for 5 HTSA members to be offered pairs of tickets for the event.RP
2.4
Season Ticket Mailing MM confirmed that the Club was amenable to including an HTSA flyer with the ST mailing, which was likely to be sent towards the end of April.
Thursday am update: - MM to liaise with Alisdair Straughan. Quick turn-round required – NB to actionMM
NB
2.5
Catering - Gareth Hardcastle had acknowledged that there was room for improvement. MM thought that the introduction of bottled beer was worthwhile.
MM
2.6
Duck Race – this had been suggested as a fund-raising event and had been discussed with Club staff with April 26th identified as a possible date. However, it had become clear that there are a number of practical issues to overcome and there was also some doubt as to the viability of the proposed stretch of water (is there a weir between the stadium bridges?) so it was decided that more investigation was needed and that any such event would have to be scheduled around the end of July, beginning of August.
RG also suggested lottery cards (the 40-team variety) as another option for fund-raising, pointing out that they had previously been used on away coaches. It was agreed to try this again and also to investigate their sale at the Turnbridge.MM, SP, RP
RG
MM
2.7
Stadium Shares - MM outlined plans to submit a series of questions to the councillors who represent Kirklees on the KSDL board and everyone endorsed the plan. It was also agreed to try to achieve as much publicity as possible via the HTSA website, DATM, the Examiner and other media outlets. MM to activate the following morning.
Similarities with the Wrexham stadium situation were pointed out and RP undertook to contact members of the Wrexham Supporters TrustMM
RP
3.
MEMBERSHIP
3.1
Membership – currently 791 members (of which 55 are Heavy Woollen, 65 are Southern members and 26 in the North West).
39 members have joined on-line via the HTSA website. MM was hopeful that there would be a good influx of new members at the Spen Valley meeting scheduled for March 24.
It was also suggested that we should appeal via the website for more distant regions to form groups of members, e.g., Australia.MM
RP
3.2
North West – The Feb 28 meeting at Stockport had been very well attended and SK had confirmed by email that he had some 60 email addresses to follow up (with a request for some help) and also that several people had expressed an interest in away travel. SK was looking into the possibility of sorting something for Walsall away
RP
SK
3.3
Halifax Area – Sean Jarvis had confirmed the Club’s willingness to support this and April 23 had been agreed as a date for a first meeting at the Three Pigeons pub.
Now needs a letter to ST holders with HX postcodesRP
3.4
Central – it was agreed to hold an open central meeting for supporters to express their views on the Stadium Shares issue and any other topics of concern. This will be arranged for 1pm at The Turnbridge on Easter Monday, April 13.
RP
3.5
Democracy – NB introduced this by reporting that some supporters didn’t consider the current committee’s selection as democratic. It was agreed that there had been an element of expediency in this, although no-one who had expressed an interest had been excluded. However, it was commonly agreed that the only correct way to ensure that the HTSA was democratic was to hold a properly-constituted AGM. RP pointed out that this required an audited set of accounts, following the year-end of May 31 and undertook to find out was what possible with the auditors. It was hoped that an AGM on July 16 was achievable.
RP
3.6
Fans’ Company – NB summarised his ideas and agreed that the general background had changed with the emergence of Dean Hoyle, to whom he had spoken at a supporters meeting. DH did not seem to be against the idea and it was agreed to try to establish if there was likely to be further interest from supporters, particularly those more likely to be able to contribute, given the present economic climate.
ALL
4.
FINANCE (info from Marcus Garside)
4.1
The Current Account balance is £7,113 approx. The Reserve Account (for Storthes Hall) stands at £10,014 The status of this would be requested again at the next Development Association meeting (April 7)
PN
4.2
RP reported no further update about the new FSF insurance policy which is an amalgamation of Travel Insurance and Match Cancellation Insurance. MS was of the opinion that several other supporters organisations would have similar queries.
RP to pursueRP
5.
TRAVEL
5.1
Some recent trips had more than covered costs but the MK trip had not.
5.2
There would be a joint Travel Club/HTSA coach to Bristol (Mar 31).
6.
SOCIAL
6.1
Quiz Team – Congratulations to the victorious team at the Patrons Quiz Night, Feb 5
7.
COMMUNITY
7.1
Midnight League – RP reported that the RADYCAL-funded half-term events at The Zone had been very successful but was awaiting confirmation of funding for Easter holiday activities
RP
8.
PR / MEDIA
8.1
Facebook – currently approx. 400 members. SP updating on a regular basis from various sources. To include publicity under 3.2 as appropriate.
SP
8.2
Programme to continue as is with Robert Goward
RG
8.3
Website – MM and RP to contact Andrew Firth to establish any outstanding items.
MM,RP
8.5
Examiner Column to continue as is..
RP
9
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, 14th April 2009 at 7.30 pm
Turnbridge WMCALL
MINUTES OF HUDDERSFIELD TOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING, TUESDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2009 12 NOON, THE FOOTBALL TRUST SUITE
Committee Present: Roger Armitage, George Binns, Brian Buckley, Paul France, David Heatherill, Karen Haigh, Ann Hough, Paul Newman, Ian Whitehead
Also Present: Nigel Clibbens, Karen Crosland, Graham Yates
1. ApologiesJudith Bush
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true and correct record.
The Chairman offered thanks to GM on his retirement as Academy Manager for the sterling work which he has done over the last 20 years. The committee wholeheartedly subscribed to this and requested that we should formally express our thanks in writing.
3. Matters Arising
Supporters Trust – Midnight League - PF reported on his attendance at the youth court panel. Some minor recompense towards the cost of the damage has been awarded.
4. Finance
PN confirmed the Supporters Association £1K contribution.
RA submitted an updated schedule of income/expenditure for the year 08/09.
GY commented regarding the probability of some sponsorship and various other elements of income during the current financial year which relates to the sponsorship and direct income element of the schedule.
BB circulated details of his proposed golf day at Outlane on Tuesday 7 July. It is likely that around £4K could be raised, this could be increased with sponsorship and he would welcome any efforts from the committee in this regard.
GSB circulated on behalf of JB a schedule of donations received to date.5. Media
AH reported that Fantastic Media were now dealing with the matter of the logo.
6. Storthes Hall
RA said that the legal documents were now in order and ready for signature.
NC said that whilst Dean Hoyle was fully and totally committed to the academy he was looking into the proposed structure and funding of the Storthes Hall project. This project was for use by both HTFC and the Giants and he wanted to be sure the outcome was fit for purpose.
RA commented that £10K was available from the Supporters Association towards the funding of the project but the other £40K previously earmarked had been spent. PN confirmed that the £10K was ring fenced for the foreseeable future.
Significant discussion ensued regarding the £40K previously earmarked and the rights and wrongs of the issue.
PN agreed to take back to the Supporters Association the feelings that were expressed.7. Huddersfield Town Centenary
It was agreed that this item should no longer appear on future agendas as the programme is well underway and documented elsewhere.
8. A.O.B.
IW thanked KH for the Blue & White Christmas Party which was well attended and a great success.
9. Town Talk
No questions received
10. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 7th April 2009, Football Trust Suite, 12 Noon
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTSA COMMITTEE, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 21 JANUARY 2009 AT TURNBRIDGE WMC
PRESENT: Gerald Bould (GB), Steve King (SK), Marcus Middleton (MM), Carlton Midgley (CM), Sian Patrick (SP), Paul Newman (PN), Robert Pepper (RP) (Chairing), Michael Scott (MS), Stuart Webster (SW)
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE; LAST MINUTES
ACTION
Neil Brophy (NB), Dave Heatherill (DH), Mary Harrison, Richard Poulain.
All present accepted the minutes of the last meeting.
2.
THE CLUB
MM has contact with Sean Jarvis (SJ) and reported as follows:-
2.1
Memorabilia MM and SJ had met Phil Armitage to discuss possible sites for permanent display. Agreed to be on the first floor near the Board room. PA to look into options for cabinets, special glass etc. RP said that Robbie Edwards might be available for cabinetry and that Liz Smith had a contact for toughened glass.
(Also confirmed prior to tonight that some medals are now on display at the National Football Museum.)
2.2
Home Grown Hero SJ is considering a scheme involving an Open Day to pick a 15-18 year old to join the Academy possibly and is looking for sponsorship. It was agreed that this might be possible but that more information was needed.
MM
2.3
Player of the Year Dance – SJ still looking at options.
2.4
Season Ticket Mailing It may be possible to include a flyer for the HTSA in the Club’s ST renewal package.
MM
2.5
Catering - not discussed with SJ but MS reported this was still poor. MM to email Gareth Hardcastle.
MM
2.6
MM had passed on a contact from Darren Marsden for Sporting Lokeren in Holland but the feedback was that no overseas tour would be made this year.
2.7
Next Meeting - arranged for 28th January.
MM
3.
MEMBERSHIP
3.1
Membership – currently 758 members (of which 51 are Heavy Woollen, 66 are Southern members and 22 in the North West).
3.2
North West – SK reported that a venue and lunch had been arranged for Feb 28 before the Stockport match, thanks to some input from Andy Kilvington. It was agreed that we should ask for Club representatives to attend (SK, also maybe a player) and RP said that Sue Beaumont had agreed to mail out the details to ST holders in the North West. SK to prepare a letter for this and RP to identify post codes.
It was also agreed to use this meeting to make a special offer to new members signing up for membership to May 31, 2010 and to make this available everywhere from March 1. This would be published as widely as possible.
MM
SK
RP
3.3
Halifax Area – RP suggested that we try to organise a group similar to the Heavy Woollen group for supporters with HX post codes. We need to identify a venue and MM said that Paul Ramsden, the Club announcer, lived in the area and might be willing to get involved. PN offered to gauge the level of support on DATM
MM
PN
4.
FINANCE (info from Marcus Garside)
4.1
There is now a single Current Account with a balance of £6,550 approx. Coach bills paid to date amounted to £4,560, which is some £500 more than receipts.
A Reserve Account for £10,000 had been opened to hold the sum committed to the Storthes Hall project. The status of this would be requested at the next Development Association meeting (Feb 10)
PN/GB
4.2
Renewal of FSF membership is due at the end of January and it was agreed to pay the requisite £75 (to cover membership of 501-1000)
There was then some debate about the new FSF insurance policy which is an amalgamation of Travel Insurance and Match Cancellation Insurance. MS reported that previous Travel Insurance was c£75 and that the Supporters Club had not opted for Match Cancellation Insurance. The new policy premium is 3.8% of last season’s travel costs, which means a figure in the region of £400. It was thought that this could not be justified and we should seek an alternative quote.
RP
RP
5.
TRAVEL
5.1
The Carlisle trip on Boxing Day was in profit by c£80.
5.2
A second coach has been organised for Leicester.
6.
SOCIAL
6.1
Young Terriers - Issues have arisen with regard to the mascot having to have a “gold logo” shirt. MM to discuss with SJ.
(Not discussed – included for continuity)
SW reported on the success of the Pink Link sponsorship day, which may raise almost £1000 once all the money is collected. He also reported that the Club are no longer in favour of bucket collections for such events as it might detract from the sale of matchday Golden Gamble tickets.
MM
6.2
Disabled Supporters Group – NADS are running an Awareness Day during the period 21 March – 5 April 2009. DH is now following up on this.
DH
6.3
Quiz Team – MS to organise this for the Patrons Quiz Night, Feb 5
6.4
Representation – MM reported that NB was willing to represent HTSA in meetings with Supporters Direct.
7.
COMMUNITY
7.1
Midnight League – A funding application is being processed to enable more sessions to be booked at The Zone
RP
7.2
Sporting Pride Community Trust – a third meeting between Huddersfield Sporting Pride Community Trust and Communities United Project has still to be arranged
CM
8.
PR / MEDIA
8.1
Facebook – currently approx. 360 members. SP updating on a regular basis from various sources. To include publicity under 3.2 as appropriate.
SP
8.2
My Space – no action. Now deemed unnecessary because of popularity of Facebook
8.3
Programme to continue as is with Robert Goward
RG
8.4
Intranet – agreed to continue funding at last meeting. RP to contact Andrew Firth. (Not discussed, included for continuity)
RP
8.5
Examiner Column to continue as is..
RP
9
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 4th March 2009 at 7.30 pm
Turnbridge WMCALL
MINUTES OF HUDDERSFIELD TOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEETING, WEDNESDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2008 12 NOON, THE FOOTBALL TRUST SUITE
Committee Present: Roger Armitage
George Binns
Gerald Bould
Brian Buckley
Paul France
David Heatherill
Karen Haigh
Ann Hough
Robert Pepper
Ian Whitehead
Also Present: Judith Bush, Karen Crosland
1. ApologiesGerry Murphy, Trevor Wainwright
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true and correct record.
3. Matters Arising
Supporters Trust – Midnight League - RP reported that the project had completed satisfactorily. The Police were impressed and in the future prepared to offer funding for courses at holiday periods. RP said he had discussed matters with PF and future courses would be staffed by PF’s coaches and it was expected that there would be a much more reliable police presence. PF said that he would be attending the youth court panel on Monday.
4. Finance
As regards the budget for 08/09 the following supporter group figures were confirmed.
Junior Terriers £250, Disabled Supporters £250, Supporters Association expected to be no less than £1K but to be confirmed at the next meeting.
RA said he would produce an updated schedule which would should a deficit in the region of £83,283.
JB circulated a schedule of recent receipts and KH indicated that things were going well at the moment and that hopefully the lotteries may top the forecast.
RA wondered if the Supporters Association on the flush of enthusiasm on the founding of the Association may possibly embark on a major fundraising event. RP said he would take RA’s comments back to his committee.
GB from the Young Terriers circulated a document about the Young Terriers forthcoming fundraiser at the home game v Hereford Utd on 20th December where all the YT’s are to dress up in pink to attract sponsorship.
BB said that he would look to running a golf day in support of the association in 2009.5. Media
KH said she had discussed the logo with DS but was not aware that anything had transpired.
AH said she would see this matter was progressed.
KC asked about raising the profile of the B & W foundation on the website and will e-mail AH to progress the matter further.6. Storthes Hall
RA reported that at a meeting yesterday documents were signed with 1 condition for the club to yet satisfy, this should be sorted by Friday of this week.
KC said we had not received any formal complaints from any club or visitors.
AH commented that the car park surface had been upgraded.7. Huddersfield Town Centenary
RA said that a centenary package offer was in the shop especially for Christmas at a knock down price.
GSB said that the centenary book was in the course of being finally proofed and this will be finished before Christmas and ready for production during the New Year. It would then be up to HTFC to determine the publication date.8. A.O.B.
Nil
9. Town Talk
On behalf of the Sporting Club IW submitted the following question.
“Will the new manager be required to work closely with the Academy and Community and their staff and be made to understand on his appointment that the Academy is an important part of the future of HTAFC”
RA responded accordingly.
RP commented that the new manager appointment is an opportunity in itself to give an impetus to future fundraising.
10. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 10th February 2009, Football Trust Suite, 12 Noon
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HTSA COMMITTEE, HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2008 AT TURNBRIDGE WMC
PRESENT: Gerald Bould (GB), Mary Harrison (MH) (Minutes Secretary), Marcus Middleton (MM), Carlton Midgley (CM), Sian Patrick (SP), Robert Pepper (RP) (Stand-in Chair), Michael Scott (MS), David Sill (for Dave Heatherill)
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
ACTION
John Collins, Barbara Lovett, Richard Poulain, Robert Goward,
Paul Newman.RP read out an email from John Collins apologising for absence and tendering his resignation. All agreed to consider the appointment of a replacement and for this to be an agenda item for the next meeting.
ALL
2.
THE CLUB
MM and SP had met with Sean Jarvis (SJ) and reported as follows:-
2.1
South Stand – will be available for Town fans for Leyton O, Walsall and Hereford.. Ticketing arrangements for first two will be as before where season tickets have to be exchanged in advance of the match, Hereford potentially could be hand in your ticket on the day.
2.2
Bottled Beer will be available in the Direct Golf upper tier for the next home game and if successful will roll out to other areas.
2.3
Player of the Year dance – SJ still looking at options.
2.4
First Direct Bus – not working well – SJ will contact First Direct to discuss.
2.5
Catering - not discussed with SJ but MS reported this was still poor. MM to email Gareth Hardcastle.
MM
2.6
Next Meeting - arranged for 25th November 2008.
MM
3.
MEMBERSHIP
3.1
Membership – currently 721 members (of which 45 are Heavy Woollen, 61 are Southern members and 21 in the North West).
3.2
Increasing membership – RP suggested asking the club if the HTSA could “piggy back” the club mailshots to season ticket holders.
RP
3.3
Junior Members – Young Terriers to be notified of any HTSA members in the age range 8 – 13.
RP/BL
4.
FINANCE
4.1
Currently two accounts held at Natwest:
Supporters Trust Account will hold approx £15,000 after outstanding cheques have been cleared.Supporters Association Account holds approx £1,500
Marcus Garside will open a Reserve Account for the £10,000 which is still committed to the Storthes Hall project.
Supporters Club currently owes money to MS and Maureen Proctor.
MG
5.
PR / MEDIA
5.1
Facebook – currently approx. 320 members. SP updating on a regular basis from various sources.
SP
5.2
My Space – no update. MM to check with Stan Frontczak.
MM
5.3
Programme – RG actioning
RG
5.4
Intranet – agreed to continue funding at last meeting. RP to contact Andrew Firth.
RP
5.5
Examiner Column to include travel to Leeds, Regional Meetings and Heavy Woollen meeting. Also people can contribute towards the exhibiting and upkeep of the W H Smith memorabilia.
RP
6.
COMMUNITY
6.1
Community United Projects (CUP) – CM has been co-opted as a Trustee to CUP.
6.2
Football in the Community – re-named as Huddersfield Sporting Pride Community Trust. CUP and the Community Trust have already had two meetings with a third one planned.
CM
7.
TRAVEL
7.1
Coaches organised for Leeds on Saturday / Carlisle on Boxing Day.
7.2
There had been no take-up for the Dewsbury pick up.
7.3
Agreed to share with other groups as appropriate when numbers were low.
MS
8.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
8.1
Young Terriers - Issues have arisen with regard to the mascot having to have a “gold logo” shirt. MM to discuss with SJ.
MM
8.2
Disabled Supporters Group – NADS are running an Awareness Day during the period 21 March – 5 April 2009. RP will circulate details and contact club to ask what they are planning.
RP
8.3
Memorabilia – Current situation is that HTSA now own the W H Smith memorabilia and it is currently held at the bank. A photoshoot will be arranged with the Examiner. Still in discussions with the club about the potential displaying of same.
8.4
27 November – Memorabilia will be displayed in the Fantastic Media Suite. Ian and Gwen Thomas will talk about the history.
8.5
Supporters Direct Election – RP will circulate details.
RP
8.6
Supporters Direct Training Day – Sunday 23rd November. RP had circulated details for anyone interested.
RP
8.7
Regional Meetings – organised for 22nd November at Preston Park Stadium Brighton and Preston.
Paul Ogden and Kieran O’Regan are attending the Brighton meeting. RP to ask SJ for a player to attend the Preston meeting.
RP
9
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 14th January 2009 at 7.30 pm
Subsequently re-arranged for 21st January
Turnbridge WMCALL
Huddersfield Town Supporters Association Meeting Minutes
Dateline: Wednesday 24th September 2008 - Steering Committee report- Minutes from HTSA Meeting at Turnbridge WMC, Huddersfield
Present: Gerald Bould (GB), Neil Brophy (NB), John Collins (JC) (Chair), Robert Goward (RG), Mary Harrison (MH) (Minutes Secretary), Barbara Lovett (BL), Marcus Middleton (MM), Carlton Midgley (CM), Paul Newman (PN), Sian Patrick (SP), Robert Pepper ( RP), Keith Saul )KS), Michael Scott (MS), Stuart Webster (SW)
Also present as guests David & Jackie Sill.
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
ACTION
Samantha Barnes; Steve King
2.
THE BOARD
2.1
This meeting had been called primarily for the formation from a Steering Group to a Board. This new Board would adopt the constitution of the Trust and would be affiliated to Supporters Direct and the FSF.
Discussion took place on the size of the Board and it was generally felt that 6/7 should be the maximum with additional members supporting as required.
The roles/responsibilities were agreed as follows:-
Chair : John Collins
Secretary/ Membership : Robert Pepper
PR/Internet : Sian Patrick
Club : Marcus Middleton
Travel/Social : Michael Scott
Community : Carlton Midgley
Treasurer : Marcus GarsideAssociates would be:-
Membership : Barbara Lovett
Secretary : Paul Newman
PR/Internet : Andrew FirthCo-opted Groups would include:
Young Terriers : Gerald Bould / Stewart Webster
Disabled Supporters : Dave Heatherill
Heavy Woollen Branch :Minutes Secretary : Mary Harrison
It was agreed to meet at six-weekly intervals initially.
Co-opted/Associates would attend/help as necessary.
3.
PR / MEDIA (Items 3.1 to 3.5 were not discussed but included for continuity)
3.1
Website
Ongoing
ALL
3.2
SP updating Facebook weekly.
SP
3.3
MySpace
Ongoing.
SF
3.4
Fanzine
Ongoing
JC
3.5
Programme
Ongoing
RG
3.6
Intranet
Re-confirmed that agreement had been reached at the last meeting to continue funding the intranet (approx £30 per month) with 5 users.
AF
4.
TRAVEL
4.1
Insurance
MS to clarify that the travel insurance applies to HTSA members.
MS
4.2
Weekends Away
To be discussed towards the end of the season.
4.3
First Direct
Not discussed (included for continuity).
4.4
Coaches for Darlington
Not enough to justify a coach so sharing with Travel Club. MS to advise details to RP for inclusion in Examiner column.
MS
RP
4.5
Coaches for Swindon
It was agreed to match the Travel Club price for this trip.
4.6
Future of Travel
Agreed to continue running coaches this season and review towards end of season.
5.
MEMBERSHIP
5.1
Numbers
No data available.
RP
5.2
Heavy Woollen
35 memberships had been received.
5.3
FFA - no update
MM
5.4
Membership Cards
Can be collected from the Portakabin prior to kick-off on Saturday.Cards for new members had been posted out.
Transferred members still to be actioned.
BL/RP
5.5
Celebrity Members
(Chris Fountain and Zoe Lucker) - Ongoing
RP
5.6
Junior Members
Young Terriers will be notified of any HTSA members in the age range 8 - 13.
RP/BL
6.
FINANCES
6.1
Funds from the Trust Current Account would be transferred after outstanding monies had been paid (anticipated to be circa £7k).
RP
6.2
MS had asked Sean Jarvis for suggestions of how the £40k surplus from the Trust fund could help the club. He suggested the possibility of purchasing memorabilia from the grandson of W H Smith. This was discussed and it was agreed to obtain a list of what was for sale before making a decision (Marcus Middleton to action).
MM
7.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1
Centenary Club Membership
Suggestions were called for on how to allocate these tickets. It was suggested that names be drawn from the HTSA membership.
RP
7.2
Supporters Direct Conference
RP and NB attending. Only expenses are delegate fees of approx. £20.
7.3
Portakabin
Mike Crawshaw had asked to use the Portakabin to sell his programmes. Agreed it was ok with a rent of £5/week.
MS
8.
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, 12th November 2008 at 7.30 pm
Turnbridge WMCALL
Dateline: Wednesday 3rd September 2008 - Patrons Meeting Report - by Marcus Middleton (Mids) - Guest - Dean Hoyle
It’s 5 months since I last spent some time in Dean’s company, and I have to say in that time he has lost none of his determination, honesty or opinion. He’s a businessman, and a successful one at that, but he’s also a Town fan….and a Town fan who knows where he’s come from, how he got to where he is now, and what he wants. If he can bring even part of that endeavour to the HTFC Boardroom then our club is going to be going places in due course.
Tonight he was the guest of the Patrons in their meeting held in the Fantastic Media Suite. He spoke, and answered questions, for over 2 hours on all Town topics ranging from the ridiculous (better shirts next season to see the numbers more clearly) to the important (stewarding and the stadium shares).
If you didn’t get the chance to chat to him tonight then I can only suggest that you attend the Heavy Woollen Supporters Meeting next Thursday (11th) at Barclays Club, Ravensthorpe, starting at 8pm. If you have a question rest assure he will answer it honestly and as openly as possible.
Here are his comments, answers, quotes as best I can remember them:
Some of the new signings were due to attend tonight but Dean & Stan both agreed it may be unfair for them to be put in the position bearing in mind the club’s slow start, and for them to have to fend off the ‘nitty gritty’ questions…..Dean suggested he attend instead. (Stan couldn’t as he was at Preston Reserves)….and Stan hopes to attend next month.
Stan knows that the academy won’t help him be successful in the short term…..it’s the First XI that always keeps managers in jobs and the results they get…..the academy can bring a trickle of talent through….but the club needed new blood and new attitudes.
The First XI and the Academy have crossed swords…..Stan & Gerry have crossed swords…..there have been differences of opinion….but Stan met with Gerry at The Barn on Monday and they have sat and chatted and discussed things in order to move on. The club are fully aware of their differences and they are being monitored as they don’t want any squirmishes to put off future talent joining our academy.
As a fan Dean is “pissed off” with our current league position but he has every confidence in Stan, his staff, and the players to turn it around and once we get that first win we will be flying as the pressure will be lifted. Stan is notoriously slow to get out of the blocks, but he has always got results with a bit of patience etc.
Luton Town made an enquiry/bid for Malvin Kamara last week but they never rung back.
The First XI has over the past few years deteriorated and stagnated due to a lack of investment…..however he has to be careful what he says as clearly he is still ‘only’ Chairman Elect.
Mirfin was sold for £150k plus £50k after 25 games plus 20% sell on clause…..Stan saw him as 4th choice centre back and the deal was too good to turn down….especially as Butler was signed on a free….and QPR had previously bid £800k for him whilst he was at Scunthorpe.
The wage budget has increased from £1.7m last season to £3.25m this season. We are currently at that level. New players could come in to take us over that budget in the short term but they want to be prudent and stay within budget in the long term. There is still money available signings/transfer budget though. So really in the future, ideally, a player will have to leave to free up wages to bring in another signing etc. Dean has personally provided the funds for the transfer budget (which suggests that he and Ken are jointly responsible for the wage budget) and as such it is his decision on how much money could be made available if/when he needs to support Stan in the transfer market.
If we are still in this division next season the wage budget will remain the same…if we get promoted then it would alter accordingly as the club would receive more money from Sky and expect larger gate receipts.
The club have budgeted to release/sell some players but there have been no firm offers other than for Mirfin.
There was an enquiry from a club to take Michael Collins on loan which was rejected as Stan sees him as being part of his first team plans.
Berrett will play a part in the club’s future and progression but that isn’t necessarily going to be shown this season as he is still learning his trade.
It’s regrettable that the ‘Pre Dean’ board of directors made the decision (for a purpose he is still to resolve) to only have 12 home Reserve fixtures this season as the size of the squad dictates that players need games and may struggle to get them.
The fans’ expectations are not too high…..we have a right to expect success this season, and to show our dissatisfaction if that doesn’t happen….but it is early days at the moment, and a win will make a lot of difference in relation to the table and pressure on all concerned.
Not all signings will be successful….some will fail as they won’t be up to the task, or able to actually deal with the pressure of expectation.
He accepts that Craney didn’t look good in his first game, especially at £140k from Accrington….but give him a chance….he remembers first seeing Chris Marsden and thinking he was garbage….but over the following months he won him over until he was a talisman…..that may not happen to Craney (and others) but then again it just might…..they can’t be judged solely on a few performances….give them time and stick with the palyers and the club.
We had a £600k bid accepted for Alan Lee but Crystal Palace offered him £10k per week
We had a £400k bid for Clive Platt turned down but they think Platt was using us to feather his own bed.
Dominic Green ‘bottled it’ and took an easier option for himself.
We had a £850k bid for Stead turned down at the start of the season as Sheff Utd were unsure what was happening with their other strikers at the time. We bid again after the League Cup game but Sheff Utd advised us to leave him alone….a few days later he signs on loan for Ipswich. At that price Stead would have been “good business”.
He is personally still unsure about Dickinson and he is only ever going to be on loan as Derby’s valuation (£1m?) would not look to be good value.
Bradford were interested in Beckett….Beckett tried to settle his contract with Town to enable him to walk away but he wanted a lump sum up front….in the end the Bradford interest waned….although there was further interest from York, Chester and Darlington…..he does though remain focussed and committed on Town in his final year of his contract…..Stan decided to keep him as he was (prior to Dickinson’s arrival) the nearest to a ‘Boothy type’ player….in that he will battle in the air etc as opposed to Jevons/Cadamarteri.
Kiegan Parker has had personal problems….family related & his girlfriend lives in London….hopefully they’ve been put to bed….he has though had a few run-ins with Stan…..but with Cadamarteri now out injured Parker should now get his chance.
The Radio Leeds interview highlighted Stan’s character…..he can be harsh and abrupt and Dean wouldn’t like to have to interview him every week like Oggy does. Oggy pushed him. Stan reacted. It’s not all bad for Oggy as it keeps everything in the spotlight during the week. However, Stan was maybe, in hindsight, slightly out of order….the interview didn’t go well from the club’s perspective but it was interesting….however he won’t defend Stan on the way he handled it.
Ken Davy is still the Chairman and attends the board meetings. He owns 70% of Town and Dean owns 30%. Next season that will have altered to 70% Dean and 30% Ken. Andrew Watson has always been the link between the board and the manager but now Dean is fulfilling that role as well. Dean doesn’t believe in the need for a Chief Executive role within a football club as he feels it’s important for the chairman and manager to have a relationship and for them to be able to look each other in the eye. Andrew Watson still does the transfer dealings though, is still Ken’s right hand man, and still has influence on the board.
It is “Ken’s trainset” until next season when the changes will happen. Dean is taking aback seat and observing a lot. He needs to decide which members of the board/staff are the right people to take forward…those that are judged not to be will be jettisoned.
Ken will still have a place on the board in 2009 but Dean and his chosen directors will have the final say on all footballing matters.
He will not stand in the way of the right person/people if they want to take the club on….but he will only do so if the club is ‘back on track’….and that doesn’t only relate to the league position. He is happy, if necessary, to stay at the club for the next 5, 10, 15 years….but he wants to see year on year progression on (and off) the field.
He has already taken a reduced day to day role in Card Factory as he wants to learn everything about the running of a football club.
We’ve had a slow start but all teams have blips at one time or another….we just happen to have had one at the start of the season. He backs Stan 100%, but he realises he has to back him as he is his manager and he has upmost faith in him. He didn’t think initially that Stan was the right man (Ken & Watson chose him…..Watson previously worked with him at Burnley) but he has now changed his mind after having worked with him….he is the right man to be in charge and he will get the team back on track in the league.
Continuity is the key….change for changes sake is not ideal….and we will be fine once we get back on track….which would be helped by 3 points at Cheltenham…..who, if we expect to be successful, we should be beating.
He is now a board member of KSDL in order that he can represent the football club’s best interests now in those meetings.
He knew, after the Adam Pearson interest, that he would never have got his foot in the door with Ken if he had mentioned the stadium shares situation at the outset.
He can’t see the shares ever coming back to Town unless Ken wants them to….why would Ken want to give them back when the HDOne project is coming to fruition….the only foreseeable way would be if Ken sold the holding company where they are held.
He admits the situation “isn’t ideal” as Town are tenants in a stadium that by rights we should hold 40% of the capital. Town’s rent is currently about £700k and the Giants pay about £300k. However that figure Town pay would not increase much if we were to be more successful.
He told Ken that the removal of the shares wasn’t ethically right, after Town had put Leeds Road into the development. When quizzed he wouldn’t answer what Ken’s response to that was (which Dean apologised for). He says he is currently unable to say as it would lead onto other topics….but in due course everything will come out.
There are no excuses for Stan….he has everything he needs and everything he wanted including staff, players and budget.
There is a need for the Academy to up its game and to improve their results…..but the same goes for every area of the club….there is nothing wrong with expecting improvement…..and the Academy has to get all Huddersfield talent into their set up….we can’t afford to be letting the likes of Campbell & Jerome slip through the net for whatever reason.
We need to attract fans to the club and once they are here we need to keep them. The stewarding problems cannot be tolerated if the fans are not doing anything wrong. We can’t afford to have fans banned for trivial matters as every fan counts. He is to speak to Ann Hough on Monday, and there is a KSDL meeting that day where again he will raise the issue. He is also aware that HTSA have this week been looking into it and are currently awaiting an email from the Chief Safety Officer, John Robinson, before they look to gather fans opinion on the stewarding policy.
He will have the final say on what ticketing price structure they implement next season, though he realises they have to do everything they can to keep the fans who have supported this year’s initiative. It is a fine balancing act as the more money the club gets the more it can spend on strengthening the team/infrastructure.
He knows that honesty is the key to progressing, and that they have to remain prudent with their budgeting whilst doing all they can to take the club forward. He knows the club had to work closer with its fans and he recognised all the hard work Sean and HTSA have put into this so far.
The £60k for Denton is a bit of a punt that might come off and then again it might not….but at £60k it was a punt worth trying. Dominic Green would have been the same principle but in his case for £140k.
Huddersfield Town Supporters Association Meeting Minutes
Dateline: Wednesday 20th August 2008 - Steering Committee report- Minutes from HTSA Meeting at George Hotel, Huddersfield
Present: Gerald Bould (GB), John Collins (JC) (Chair), Robert Goward (RG), Dave Heatherill (DH), Mary Harrison (MH) (Minutes Secretary), Barbara Lovett (BL), Marcus Middleton (MM), Carlton Midgley (CM), Sian Patrick (SP), Robert Pepper ( RP), Michael Scott (MS), Stuart Webster (SW)
1.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
ACTION
Stan Frontczak (SF)
2.
PR / MEDIA
2.1
Website
Up and running (operated by Andrew Firth). All agreed that updates / info were required to keep interest going.RG will provide AF with details of coach travel to include.
ALL
RG
2.2
SP updating Facebook weekly.
SP
2.3
MySpace
Ongoing.SF
2.4
Fanzine
OngoingJC
2.5
Programme
Going well. RG to submit details on coach travel for inclusion.Also over the next two weeks requests for HTSA committee members.
RG
RG
2.6
Intranet
It was agreed to continue funding the intranet (approx £30 per month) with 5 users.
RP
3.
TRAVEL
3.1
Dewsbury Pick Up
The possibility of a Dewsbury pick-up was discussed. This will be mentioned on the website, in the programme notes and MM will make Heavy Woollen members aware.
RG
MM
3.2
Insurance
MS reported that the travel insurance would run until the end of December. MS to clarify that this applies to HTSA members (not Supporters Club).
MS
3.3
Weekends Away – to be discussed at a later date. MM suggested towards the end of the season to coincide with better weather.
3.4
First Direct
Buses unable to access St Andrews Road Car Park due to space restrictions. Buses are located along St Andrews Road just a short walk from the traffic lights. RP to trial on Saturday 23rd August and report back.
RP
4.
SUPPORTERS CLUB
4.1
Finances:
MS reported that the money outstanding from the Club had now been received but that this would not meet outstanding liabilities and would result in a deficit.
MS
4.2
Cabin:
No update on sign.
5.
SUPPORTERS TRUST
5.1
Formal closure of the Trust would take place at the AGM to be held 24th or 25th September.
5.2
Funds from the Trust would be transferred to the HTSA Current Account and were expected to be in the region of £9k.
6.
MEMBERSHIP
6.1
RP reported that Trust members had now been transferred to HTSA database. The Trust Annual Members would be paid up for two years, the position regarding Life Members would be discussed at the AGM.
Total membership was currently approx 580, therefore approx 100 new members. Generally this was felt to be a poor response and all efforts should be made to promote HTSA wherever possible and generate more interest.
ALL
6.2
Heavy Woollen
MM would be attending the forthcoming meeting to the Heavy Woollen Supporters Group and this would generate 30/40 additional members.The Heavy Woollen Group would become a regional group of the HTSA.
MM
6.3
FFA
It was agreed to contact the members of the FFA encouraging them to join HTSA.
MM
6.4
Membership Cards
Membership Cards can be collected from the Portakabin prior to kick-off on Saturday. Any not collected will be posted out.
BL/RP
6.5
Celebrity Members
It was agreed to approach Chris Fountain and Zoe Lucker to become HTSA members.
RP
6.6
Committee Members
Forms had been received from 5 members indicating an interest in joining the Committee.JC asked how people from the Steering Group would be interested in being members of the Committee – 8 responded.
Discussion took place on the potential size of the Committee. It was agreed to invite the 5 members to the next meeting at which the Committee would be finalised and roles would be allocated.
7.
FINANCES
7.1
HTSA Bank Account now up and running. Three signatories were in place – MG, RP and SF.
7.2
MG had agreed to be Treasurer.
8.
CLUB RELATIONSHIP
8.1
Catering
No response had been received from Gareth Hardcastle following the meeting with MM and SJ. There were still issues with the catering facilities, however, it was generally felt that as this was based on only two games it was agreed to see how things go after another couple of games and re-assess.
8.2
MM to continue liaising with SJ as and when required.
9.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
9.1
Centenary Club Membership
It was agreed that these would be drawn in pairs.
10.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
8.00 pm 24th (following Trust AGM)
Dependent on outcome of Carling Cup
Alternatively, Tues 30th September
Venue : Turnbridge WMC
ALL