News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Notes from the Trust's May meeting with Fulham FC

Started by Friendsoffulham, May 09, 2018, 09:57:47 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Friendsoffulham

Notes of Meeting of Fulham Supporters' Trust with Fulham Football Club – Tuesday 8 May 2018

Mike Gregg (MG), Dan Crawford (DC) and Tom Greatrex (TG) met with Alistair Mackintosh (AM) – Chief Executive , Sean O'Loughlin (SO'L) – Finance Director, Carmelo Mifsud (CM) – Head of Media and David Daly (DD)- Non-Executive Director of Fulham Football Club as part of the Club's agreed structured dialogue with the Trust at Motspur Park on Tuesday 8 May.

Play-off ticketing arrangements
AM explained that Fulham had requested, and received, the maximum allocation of tickets for the away leg (3150) and that they were keen to ensure that those with most loyalty points were able to purchase tickets first. For the home leg, Derby had been allocated two blocks of the Putney End and there would be no mixed area available. It was also confirmed that those with a booking history only of fixtures v Derby County would not be eligible to purchase tickets for the home leg.

The Trust noted that with although there is a tight turnaround time to manage ticketing arrangements, a number of issues that had emerged since the start of sale of tickets on Monday.

MG cited the difficulties many season ticket holders had encountered with booking their seats and those of friends and family together, and a change in the process which was not clear when using the online system, and the difficulty with getting through on the phone line – with instances of fans being on hold for a lengthy period and then cut off.

Trust members had raised concerns over the ability to collect away tickets from Fulham ahead of Friday, and MG asked for the Club to inquire further and reconsider with Derby the option of collection at Pride Park given the short timescale, and that this was particularly an issue for fans with less than 400 loyalty points and when they are able to purchase tickets.

AM and SO'L undertook to look into these issues and address them where possible, and MG offered to follow up with the Ticketing Manager for more detailed discussion. The Trust reiterated thanks to the staff in the ticket office for their work in this demanding period.

If Fulham were to reach the final, the Trust again raised the option of having blocks of seating designated as a singing area as an option for fans. TG reminded the Club that this had been done by other clubs, also using Ticketmaster, and proved successful in encouraging vocal support. The Club agreed to give this idea consideration.

DD raised other ideas to aid atmosphere and visual support inside Wembley if Fulham were to reach the final, and the Trust agreed that flags at seats was worthy of consideration.

DD also mentioned the closure of the M1 from 10pm on the day of the match, and this was due to Highways England long term planned works. TG asked whether there had been any discussion with either Club on this, and there had not been. DD noted that starting an hour later would enable traffic from Derby to disperse more quickly, and the Trust agreed to raise this with relevant Police forces on behalf of fans.

Pre-season plans
DC asked about pre-season plans and fixtures, noting that ahead of this season there was relatively short notice of fixtures, partly due to involvement in the play-offs. AM reiterated that firm details could not be announced until agreements with other clubs were in place, but it was very likely that Fulham would be playing in France pre-season, with a home friendly against suitable level opposition ahead of the new season. The Trust asked for details to be made available as soon as practicable, so those fans wishing to attend pre-season fixtures could plan to do so.

Safe standing
TG raised the issue of safe standing, given the strong position of the EFL and the survey that they had recently launched via the Fulham website, ahead of a Parliamentary debate scheduled for 25 June. AM reiterated the Club's position that were there to be a change in law or regulation that might enable safe standing areas they would consider it on the basis of providing choice for those supporters who might prefer to stand and avoiding disruption for those preferring to sit. SO'L confirmed that the new Riverside Stand was not being designed to include safe standing, but might be possible in other parts of the ground were revised regulations to allow it. AM also noted that rail seating of the type Celtic had introduced would not result in increased capacity or lower ticket prices, but more it was a question of choice. TG noted that with more clubs – including in the Championship and Premier League – pressing for the ability to provide safe standing areas then it may become a more prominent issue in the period ahead.

Riverside Stand Redevelopment
DC asked about the process to appoint a main contractor. SO'L advised this was out to tender at present and it was anticipated this would conclude by late summer. MG reiterated the issues of transition for those currently in the Riverside Stand, and knock on impact on other areas of the ground during construction. TG reminded the Club of previous discussions about establishing a working group with the Trust, including representation from Riverside Stand season ticket holders, to discuss these issues at an early stage. AM reflected on the limited options open to the Club, but agreed that hearing suggestions from affected supporters would be a useful first step. Based on the surveys and discussion already held, the Trust undertook to convene such a group and to meet with SO'L and try to come up with a proposal ahead of the start of next season.
The Trust also raised some of the ideas fans had suggested for the new stand, particularly noting the opportunities to showcase some of the Club's history and heritage. DD suggested a separate group, including Club Historian Alex White and Trust members with a close interest and knowledge in heritage, to put forward ideas for consideration, which the Trust agreed to facilitate.

Wembley – proposed purchase
DC raised Shahid Khan's bid for Wembley stadium, AM reiterated that the Club statement issued on the day of the announcement made clear that this did not impact on Fulham – the Club would remain at Craven Cottage, and the Riverside Stand development would proceed as planned. AM also stated that were the purchase of Wembley to be concluded, the owner would have a greater association and presence in London which he thought could only be good for the Club. TG questioned whether there had been discussion about the Fulham and Wembley back offices being integrated as a result of the purchase, and AM confirmed there had not, but there might be opportunities to work more closely in the future, but that was a long way off.

Fulham Supporters' Trust AGM and Q&A
TG thanked AM and SO'L for agreeing to attend the Trust AGM on Tuesday 22 May at 7pm in the upstairs bar of the Crabtree to answer questions from Trust members. AM and SO'L said they were looking forward to it, and TG said he hoped this would be an informative but also social occasion, ideally in the lead up to a first Wembley appearance since 1975.

The meeting closed at 11.51am

Please put forward any question to MJG, FOF's spokesperson for the FST.

Neil D

I'm not up-to-speed on this notion of a designated 'singing area'.  In practical terms, what does this mean?  What purpose does it serve?

lomotd

Quote from: Neil D on May 10, 2018, 07:22:13 AM
I'm not up-to-speed on this notion of a designated 'singing area'.  In practical terms, what does this mean?  What purpose does it serve?

It's code for standing area really.


Shredhead

Also occasionally on Twitter @shredheadFFC

Neil D

Quote from: lomotd on May 10, 2018, 07:38:41 AM
Quote from: Neil D on May 10, 2018, 07:22:13 AM
I'm not up-to-speed on this notion of a designated 'singing area'.  In practical terms, what does this mean?  What purpose does it serve?

It's code for standing area really.
Thanks for this.  I can sing sitting down - well, shout really.

Burt



mrmicawbers

Wouldn't mind playing Toulouse I have a home about an hour away.
Mind you looking at the table they might be relegated.