Latest Fans Forum minutes released

http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/Fans/FansForum/0,,10278~4237804,00.html

CLUB REPRESENTATIVES

Kate Bradley - Head of Newcastle United Foundation

Lee Charnley - Managing Director

Lee Marshall - PR and Supporter Liaison Manager (chair)

Bob Moncur - Club Ambassador

Eddie Rutherford - Head of Facilities

Steve Storey - Head of Safety and Security

Wendy Taylor - Head of Media

Stephen Tickle - Box Office Manager

SPONSORS

Roberto Coladangelo - Wonga/Sportquake

SUPPORTERS

Dave Abbott - Away Fan Representative

Gareth Beard - Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association

Steve Cole - Supporters Branch Representative

Gordon Gilchrist - Over-65s Representative

Steve Hastie - NUFC Fans United

Liam Hall - Young Persons Representative

Paul Loughlin - East Stand Representative

Sharron Lee - Long Distance Fan Representative

David Maudlin - Milburn Stand Representative

Brian Parkin - Gallowgate Stand Representative

Phil Patterson - Corporate Representative

Taylor Payne - Members Representative

Vishal Vedhara - Equality Representative

APOLOGIES

John Irving - Finance Director, NUFC

Damian Peachey - Wonga, Communications

Adam Smith - Leazes Stand Representative

1. Introduction

The group were welcomed to St. James' Park by Lee Marshall (LM) on behalf of Newcastle United. Staff, existing members and new members were introduced around the table.

Apologies were received from John Irving (JI), Damian Peachey (DP) and Adam Smith (AS).

Fans were provided with the 'What is the Fans Forum' document (http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/Fans/FansForum/0,,10278~3462654,00.html) to reaffirm the design and aims of the Fans Forum.

Meeting protocol was outlined, with full details of the use of official, agreed meeting minutes explained prior to any alternative reports, reviews and/or tweets being published.

A previously discussed Academy and Training Centre visit, with a look at plans for the Club's new Training Centre designs, has been given a provisional date of Wednesday, 12th November, with new members included. Gareth Beard (GB) asked about accessibility and was assured both the training ground and Academy would be suitable.

2. Supporter items/open questions

LM explained that this section would be open to members' questions on any topic, starting with issued which had already been received as agenda items in advance.

a) Saturday's delayed game (Newcastle United v Leicester City)

Steve Hastie (SH) explained that he was in Bar 1892 and that there was no phone signal or Wi-Fi to receive updates, no public address announcements and that stewards were not fully updated on what was happening. SH asked if the club would review it and would they learn lessons?

Gordon Gilchrist (GG) added that the East Stand requires a barrier to channel supporters to appropriate entrances via Strawberry Lane.

The club outlined a debrief meeting which had taken place on Monday, 20th October, to review both the initial problem and the subsequent action taken to remedy it.

As the turnstiles had not yet opened, the decision was taken to keep them closed to minimise the potential risk to safety and that the club would make the same decision again.

It was accepted that having approximately 40,000 - 45,000 people gathering around the ground at one time and not arriving at different times as usual created pinch points, such as the narrow entry from Strawberry Lane to the East Stand. The club will update its contingency plans accordingly.

SH stated that phone signal was a continuing problem at St. James' Park, with EE customers suffering in particular.

Eddie Rutherford (ER) stated that there had been significant investment made (by 0₂) last year on a new system to upgrade the signal around the ground and stated that there would be further upgrades. ER accepted that the lower Milburn Stand (Bar 1892 and tunnel area) was particularly problematic.

Dave Abbott (DA) asked how the club communicated its messages to fans.

The club used social media and club website, sent emails to broadcasters and journalists and gave face-to-face updates to reporters and TV/radio personnel, while stewards around the stadium used loud hailers to communicate with fans. It was accepted, however, that it was unfortunately not possible to reach every supporter at that time.

It was explained that updates were dependent on the developing assessments of qualified engineers and accordingly, these assessments were communicated immediately. (The kick-off time was revised very shortly after 3pm and was confirmed publicly at exactly 3:03pm).

The club underlined that its review would be used to improve contingency plans for any potential disruptions in future.

Steve Cole (SC) stated that he was aware of 40-50 people had been adversely affected in relation to long-distance train journeys.

Those supporters are asked to write to the club's Box Office (St. James' Park, Newcastle, NE1 4ST) so that the club can assess complaints on a case-by-case basis.

LM reaffirmed the content of the club's published apology to all supporters and praised them for their patience and exemplary behaviour.

b) LED board usage

LM stated that correspondence had been received in relation to using the LED board to acknowledge John Alder and Liam Sweeney in the 17th minute of home fixtures. LM stated that the club would look at doing this for the remainder of the 2014/15 season.

c) Away Fans Fund - spending summary

LM gave a breakdown of how the Away Fans Fund (£200,000 per season) had been spent in 2013/14 and also 2014/15 to-date, with an explanation that the fund is to benefit Newcastle's travelling support as well as travelling fans of other clubs visiting St. James' Park.

LM explained that £184,000 had been spent during 2013/14, meaning a shortfall of approximately £13k-£14k would be carried over into the current season.

The 2013/14 breakdown included capital spend on revamping the away section at St. James' Park (circa £61.5k), reciprocal deals (circa £35.5k), ticket offers to away fans visiting St. James' Park (circa £24k), £10 cash discounts to travelling Newcastle fans at Arsenal and Stoke (circa £56.6k), and travel spend (including Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association [NUDSA] trip) (£8.2k).

LM outlined that the club has spent circa £135,000 already during 2014/15 but that the figure would be dependent on the number of supporters travelling to St. James' Park as part of reciprocal pricing deals as the season progresses.

It was stated that the club had just under £80,000 remaining this season and had already committed to two NUDSA trips after unanimously positive feedback following a similar arrangement in 2013/14.

GB stated that Hull City, Everton and Leicester City are all potentially suitable for NUDSA.

LM also stated that club was looking at options for the trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day as there will be no cross-Pennine trains operating that day. In addition, the club will identify suitable games for which it can discount tickets for travelling Newcastle supporters and welcomes ideas.

SH outlined a Premier League meeting he had attended on behalf of NUFC Fans United which had fan representatives from all 20 clubs and stated that reciprocal deals were universally popular. SH felt Newcastle deserved credit for introducing the scheme.

SH also raised an issued whereby a member of NUDSA felt he could not return to Sunderland's Stadium of Light due to physical confrontation in the past.

LM encouraged GB and NUDSA to work with the club to ensure a solution could be found.

DA raised the issue of the £1 admin charge on away tickets.

Stephen Tickle (ST) discussed its use and relative parity across football and other industries. The club will discuss the matter further internally.

d) Reciprocal pricing

LM explained that five clubs are now engaged in reciprocal away ticket deals with NUFC: Stoke City, Southampton, Swansea City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion. This is up from two clubs last season.

It was stated that the club would look to pursue reciprocal deals over the season.

Further ticketing questions

Liam Hall: "Will more Metros be in service for the Sunderland away match?"

Steve Storey (SS) stated that he would ensure this was mentioned to planners in forthcoming meetings.

DA added that as per a recent police meeting, police do not want to add additional Metro services as they would prefer supporters to be on designated coaches.

SC asked if fans could select an alternative delivery address for match tickets.

Stephen Tickle (ST) confirmed that this was now possible.

e) Labour Party manifesto - football ownership

All members were supplied with the press release from the Labour Party, which outlined its plans in relation to 'increasing supporter involvement' at board level within football clubs; part of its manifesto ahead of the 2015 general election.

Members were also provided with a copy of the Premier League's official response.

SC believed the plans were aspirational but that they would not work.

f) Taylor Payne (TP): "Could the club give any information regarding any monies allocated to be taken out of NUFC by Mike Ashley?"

For the benefit of all members, LM referred to the minutes of the Fans Forum meeting of September 2013, in which the board summarised the allocation of debt owed to Mike Ashley (MA).

This included an emergency loan of £29m following relegation, of which £11m was repaid in September 2011 and £18m remains outstanding.

The club stated that in the club's last two published accounts, the £18m has been noted as payable within one year.

The club stated that the £18m has not been repaid but would be repaid at some point as was always intended.

GG referenced rumours that the club is worse off as a result of its retail relationship with Sports Direct.

LM again outlined meeting minutes from January 2014, which fully illustrate the club's retail operations.

It was stated that the club is continuing to benefit from its retail relationship with Sports Direct, with revenue still continuing to go straight to Newcastle United.

GG suggested that Newcastle United's relationships with "certain press" was resulting in stories being fabricated or not being checked for accuracy, leading to incorrect rumours circulating.

LM explained that the Fans Forum was an opportunity for members to quiz the club on any issues on behalf of all supporters, as well as being the club's opportunity to redress the balance with facts. All questions and answers are published on the club's website for the wider fan base.

The club explained that it was simply not feasible for the club to proactively refute every piece of incorrect information written about players or club business.

It was explained that such inaccuracies or untruths are far more frequently ignored by the club, while in cases where stories were patently untrue, media outlets had been subject to bans.

David Maudlin (DM) cited a recent local newspaper story published about Jonas Gutierrez' future at the club - a week before he disclosed his illness publicly - to demonstrate how stories can be published without sufficient substance.

The club explained that Jonas' illness had been kept confidential due to the very personal nature of the matter, even with pressure from media outlets for several months. Because the club did not divulge this information, stories appeared speculating about the player's future anyway until his illness became public knowledge.

Phil Patterson (PP) added that the club deserved credit for its handling of such a sensitive issue.

SH also referenced DM's example as an instance where media have got a story badly wrong in relation to the club.

SC referenced a journalist who was banned.

The club outlined that the journalist's title had had its ban lifted and that the club had resolved the issue following professional, private conversations.

Brian Parkin (BP) suggested that all clubs have to deal with inaccurate stories in the media.

The club explained that all football clubs deal with such issues in different ways. It was explained that bans are not issued by the club to effect editorial control when things aren't positive; they are a response to stories that are factually incorrect and are potentially damaging.

g) TP: "Could the club explain Mike Ashley's intentions given "interests in Rangers, Oldham and rumoured interest in Newcastle Jets?"

The club explained that staff from Newcastle Jets - including former striker Michael Bridges - were given a tour of the training ground recently at Michael's request. It was explained that Newcastle Jets are looking for some general partnerships but that it is not currently of interest to Newcastle United.

Sports Direct has a retail deal with Rangers, while MA has a personal investment in the club.

The club explained that its recent statement in relation to MA's ownership of Newcastle was absolutely clear in that he is committed to Newcastle United and would not consider selling it until at least the end of the 2015/16 season.

In relation to Oldham, there is a relationship between Sports Direct and Sondico, one of Sports Direct's brands.

GG suggested that the inclusion of a timeframe in the NUFC statement was indicative of MA's plan to purchase Rangers at the end of the 2015/16 season, and that the inclusion of a timeframe was unnecessary. Vishal Vedhara (VV) agreed.

The club disagreed and reaffirmed that its statement was very carefully worded and very strong in underlining MA's commitment to Newcastle United.

VV asked for an explanation of MA's current view, referencing his visit to the dressing room following the win over Leicester City.

The club explained that this was the first occasion in recent years that MA had visited the dressing room at such a time and that this was indicative of the sense of unity that exists within the club.

PP added his opinion that from his seat in the Milburn Stand, he believed MA's passion and "emotional reaction" to Newcastle's goal and win were genuine.

h) TP: "Could the club explain why the Gallowgate End cannot be extended as per the Milburn Stand? (In relation to the sale of land across Strawberry Place).

LM referred to the Fans Forum minutes from May 2014. The minutes outlined the club's view that developing the Strawberry Place site (currently a car park) did not make commercial sense (i.e. increasing the stadium capacity by 6,000 - 8,000 seats at a cost of £30m - £40m), nor did the club own the busy main road which separates the Gallowgate End and the car park in question.

The club stated that this view hasn't changed and that it was unlikely to change in the short or medium term and potentially long term.

SH asked if the club had considered the award of Asset of Community Value placed on St. James' Park recently.

The club stated that selling St. James' Park was not an attractive or realistic option. While the title does not cause a great deal of issue in real terms, the club will naturally consider its implications.

i) TP: "Is the club reviewing its relationship with Wonga given 'illegal practices involving the company as revealed by the press'?"

The club stated that it was not considering terminating its sponsorship relationship with Wonga, which lasts for two seasons beyond the current season. In relation to Newcastle United, the club's view is that Wonga has activated its sponsorship well and has worked with fans far more than any other previous sponsor.

LH: "If the deal ends in two years' time, would the stadium naming rights be resold?"

The club stated that the stadium naming rights had been bought by Wonga and effectively given back to the club as part of Wonga's sponsorship deal but that the club has not considered and is not considering it at present.

j) Other questions

VV outlined questions for the club which had arisen in the media. VV requested it was minuted that the questions were referenced.

LM encouraged VV to ask questions which were important to him and fellow supporters, rather than those devised by an individual journalist or media outlet.

The club underlined that representatives were present to answer all fans' questions and to discuss the club face-to-face rather than specifically servicing a media agenda.

VV stated that Forum members were unfortunately targets for criticism in addition to club staff, which the club acknowledged.

VV: "Are the club looking to buy a centre forward in January?"

It was stated that the club had brought in nine players in the previous window in order to take the team forward and that additional attacking players had been pursued. The club are continuing to look at potential targets but stressed no guarantee could be made in reference to January.

GG stated that the club should be angry about coverage and some of the "derogatory phrases" in Monday's Chronicle.

DM added that the club had made its stance on the Chronicle very clear and that Forum members should therefore stop asking about it in meetings.

VV added that he was happy with the number of players brought in during the summer and that "most look ok".

The club understands the challenged attached to bringing so many players into a team at one time and accepts it will take some players longer than other to settle into the club and the rigours and intensity of the Premier League.

LH: "Is the squad better now than it was at this time last season?"

The club's view is that the squad is ultimately different. The club continues to assess its playing squad and any areas in which it feels it needs to strengthen. The obvious consensus was that the club and fans expected to have more points at this stage of the season.

LH: "Have the club's targets changed as a result?"

The club's minimum target this season is to finish in the top ten of the Premier League.

BP: "What was the thinking behind getting rid of a centre back (Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa) on loan?"

The move was sanctioned in the interests of all parties. There is the possibility that the transfer could become permanent at the end of the loan period at around the fee Newcastle United initially paid for him.

The club added that it had initially reached a verbal agreement for a replacement defender in the summer. Because the deal with AS Roma took longer than expected, the replacement transfer was no longer possible. The club's view was that the deal to allow Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to leave was in the interests of all parties and, after taking the medium-to-long term view, the club let him leave.

SH: "Is it true that the club can recall Jamaal Lascelles from Nottingham Forest?

It was stated that the club are delighted to have secured both Jamaal and Karl Darlow and while they will be big assets to the squad in future, it was not true that they could be recalled from their current loan deals until the end of the 2014/15 season.

GG suggested the team appeared to be less "methodical" in their warm-up than Leicester City and asked BM for his view as a former player.

BM stated that each team will have its own routine in order to best prepare the players for matches.

PP suggested the team does not look a threat from set pieces.

BM suggested it would be something the coaches would be aware of and, as a former player, he is sure this is something they would be addressing on the training ground.

SH suggested the club hadn't seen the best of Emmanuel Riviere yet due to the formation he was playing in.

It was suggested that Siem de Jong had been purchased as a key part of the team and his injury had a knock-on effect offensively. The club had searched for the number ten it wanted and had secured him. Papiss Cisse's return to form was also noted.

3. Wonga

Roberto Coladangelo (RC) gave an update on Wonga's Fan Survey, which had 2,500 replies across June and August 2014.

57% of respondents agreed that the way Wonga had used its sponsorship was good, with projects in relation to stadium renaming, the return of the St. James' Park gates and sponsoring the women's team being most popular.

RC accepted that some projects were not well received, including clap banners at the stadium, and that Wonga and partnership activation agency Sportquake would learn from this.

RC outlined that £1.5m had been invested into the NUFC Academy, which had also been well received.

RC finally outlined Wonga's campaign to provide kits for schools and local grassroots teams.

DA suggested pitch costs in the North East were prohibitive and that this could be an area Wonga would wish to fund for numerous clubs. DA advised that Newcastle City Council had increased costs significantly in recent years.

RC thanked DA for his feedback and said this would be considered.

4. Department updates

Newcastle United Foundation

Kate Bradley (KB) stated that 315,000 people had visited the recent Toon Times exhibition, which has now finished at the Discovery Museum. This represented record-breaking visitor numbers.

KB stated that the club and Foundation were now looking for a new permanent home for the exhibition due to its overwhelming popularity.

LM stated that supporters would be made aware of developments in due course and said KB and her staff should be congratulated for their work around the exhibition.

Catering

LH asked if prices had increased at The Terrace Bar.

The club will contact its catering contractor to check.

GG wanted it noted that the Fans Forum thanked the club on behalf of supporters for the way it had handled the tragic loss of John Alder and Liam Sweeney.

Sharron Lee (SL) asked about adding a women's representative to the Fans Forum.

LM said the club would discuss this but that it was a good idea and the seat was likely to be introduced.

LH asked about a return of a singing section.

SS stated that this had been trialled at cup games previously but that reports of antisocial behaviour surrounding it were so bad that the club did not see it progressing at present.

The club praised the atmosphere during Newcastle United v Leicester City and suggested it was up to the club and the team to give fans something to be enthused about and in turn create a natural, positive atmosphere.

SC: "Were there incidents with away (Leicester City) fans' behaviour at the stadium on Saturday?"

SS stated there were very minor incidents but that these were contained.

DM asked about how ballboys and ballgirls are selected and suggested delays in returning the ball during Saturday's match may have hindered the team slightly.

The club noted DM's feedback and stated it is an area that is being reviewed.

LM asked for volunteers to be part of a ticket sub-group which could advise on policies such as loyalty points. DA, SH, GB and SC all registered an interest and the group will meet in due course.

The club welcomed feedback and ideas from existing and new members about the Fans Forum.

GG suggested four meetings would be preferable across the season.

The club's view was that three meetings was a better fit in relation to the start of the season, end of the January window and end of the season but that the club would remain open to additional meetings as required and would review it at the end of the season.

5. AOB

SC explained that the London Supporters Club has been travelling with East Coast trains and its predecessors since 1968 but that East Coast has now cancelled its contract and fares have increased to £90+. SC asked if the club could assist in lobbying train operators.

LM offered support and will also put SC in touch with relevant colleagues at the Premier League.

SL: Can meetings start at 6pm in future?

There were no objections so future meetings will begin at 6pm.

The club asked if members would benefit from a presentation by Academy coaches at the next Fans Forum for them to better understand how it operates.

Members agreed this would be useful. In addition to the forthcoming Academy visit, coaches will be invited to the next meeting.

Meeting Minutes

LM asked for feedback on timescales for the meeting minutes and when they should be published.

The group were happy to publish them on Wednesday in order to give suitable time for them to be written and subsequently amended and approved by all members.

What a waste of time that shite is.

What a waste of time that shite is.

I see these even these are symptomatic of NUFC's approach now. Bare minimum information that is baerly of interest.

So he gets at least £3 million a year through merchandise and he wants his £18 million back pretty sharpish and the remaining £129 million will be added to any future sale price, Ashley won't just break even when he sells us he will have made a killing

Any money owed will be held as a stick to beat the club with even though it could easily start paying large swathes of it back to MA. But he does not want that, he wants to keep the price artificially high so he can keep raking it in while doing the bare minimum because the club owes him. Absolute purgatory.

Nothing groundbreaking and a waste of time. Those fans who are part of this will be yes men,

What does Bob Moncur actually do?

The answer to basically every question is; "We'll think about it later"

BP: "What was the thinking behind getting rid of a centre back (Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa) on loan?"

The move was sanctioned in the interests of all parties. There is the possibility that the transfer could become permanent at the end of the loan period at around the fee Newcastle United initially paid for him.

 

The club added that it had initially reached a verbal agreement for a replacement defender in the summer. Because the deal with AS Roma took longer than expected, the replacement transfer was no longer possible. The club's view was that the deal to allow Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to leave was in the interests of all parties and, after taking the medium-to-long term view, the club let him leave.

God forbid we have an extra defender. They can all go fuck themselves.

Interesting the club says the deal could become permanent at "around" the fee paid for him. Wonder what their definition of "around" is.

Club learned their lesson after the 'cups aren't a priority' line.

What a load of pointless guff.

Why don't these fans ask about the real issues. Like where is the TV revenue going and why is the 3rd highest attended club in England managed by someone with a historically poor record and whose recent results show that he isn't improving any.

Partridge shrug.

A "fan forum" and we're led to believe that not a single fan has expressed their dismay at the club's current predicament, and Pardew's management of the first team in particular? Fuck right off, what a charade.

What does Bob Moncur actually do?

Yes Man, ala Beardsley.

No mention of Pardew and his failings. They pretty much admitted that we'll be keeping the purse strings tight in January, can't wait for championship football next season.

What a complete load of guff, why do they even bother?

Taylor and Besty on twitter been defending it.

The words "Pardew" and "manager" (in relation to Alan Pardew) don't even feature in those meeting minutes. Not one of those fan representatives bothered to ask about how long he is permitted to take the club down?

The words "Pardew" and "manager" (in relation to Alan Pardew) don't even feature in those meeting minutes. Not one of those fan representatives bothered to ask about how long he is permitted to take the club down?

I'd imagine any questions will have been vetted beforehand.

I would love that 5 min of my life back... @$!# Fans Forum

The words "Pardew" and "manager" (in relation to Alan Pardew) don't even feature in those meeting minutes. Not one of those fan representatives bothered to ask about how long he is permitted to take the club down?

 

I'd imagine any questions will have been vetted beforehand.

If a topic so crucial to the fans' enjoyment of the product and to the future of the club is not open to discussion I would like to know why even a single one of those "fans" bothered to turn up.

I just printed that off and wiped my arse on it. Funnily enough it's a better read second time around.

DM asked about how ballboys and ballgirls are selected and suggested delays in returning the ball during Saturday's match may have hindered the team slightly.

The club noted DM's feedback and stated it is an area that is being reviewed.

Pardew had someone there.