LCFC Fans Consultative Committee Meeting Weds 9th Sept Minutes Part 2
AGENDA ITEMS PUT FORWARD FROM FCC MEMBERS:
TV Camera in L Block – Rob Maybury
SW confirmed that seven supporters are being asked to move seats in the East Stand as the TV camera has to be on the 18 yard line and due to the pitch length being extended to comply with Premier League legislation for modern stadia this season, this has required the TV camera to be moved to a different position. The supporters in question have been compensated for the inconvenience caused.
Catering – Heather Wood
There were no burgers or hotdogs readily available in the kiosks in the West Stand, at the Spurs game, at 2.40pm, furthermore there were no bags to put the food in so the kiosk staff used pie cartons which was unsatisfactory.
Richard Lymbery advised that there should have been sufficient food cooked ready to serve at this time, apologised to Heather and advised he would look into it. RL also passed HW his business card so that she could contact him directly if there were any further catering issues.
HW asked why the Club only sells one type of lager and bitter in the 1884 Sports Bar.
The Club now has a contract with Singha who are the Club’s Official Beer Provider on an exclusive basis on both match and non-matchdays. IF advised that these type of deals are becoming more and more common, both Chelsea and Manchester United also have exclusivity deals in place.
Match Ticket Pricing for Cup games – Heather Wood
SW agreed that the Club communication for the West Ham Capital One Cup game was poorly worded and going forward ticket prices will be communicated more clearly. No LCFC season ticket holder will pay more than a West Ham fan in a comparable area of the stadium.
IF confirmed that Season Ticket Holders’ adult price is £13 in the Family Stand, Blocks A1, A2, C1, C2 , The Kop, G1, G2, H1, K1, L1, Away Stand, and £18 in B1, B2,B3 J1, J2, J3.
The Club have created a pricing model for the West Ham Capital One Cup game which will hopefully lead to a large attendance. Our supporters paid £15 for the previous round at Bury and will pay less (if they are season ticket holders) to see Premier League opposition in this round.
Tannoy system – Cliff Ginnetta
Depending where you sit in the stadium reflects on the quality of the tannoy system. Upgrades were completed in the closed season, but are still below the Club’s expectation.
The Operations Director has confirmed to SW that work is currently being undertaken and the tannoy system will be improved by the Arsenal game. It was noted that the quality of sound is also attributed to how the microphone is used.
Away ticket prices and coaches – Cliff Ginnetta
CG felt that Premier League ticket prices seem to be rising and wanted to know if the Premier League has any control over what clubs charge, which unfortunately they do not. SW advised that this is one of the reasons the Club subsidises some of the away ticket prices, as part of the ASI, and if we can find a way to make going to an away match more equitable for our supporters, we would be delighted. SW also felt that the cost of train travel is something the government perhaps could consider. The Club tries to help as much as feasibly and logistically possible by subsidising the area in its control, the away coaches.
Matchday experience for home fans – Cliff Ginnetta
CG felt there were no suitable alcoholic drinks for ladies in the concourses such as wine or mixers and the concourse décor is not great. He also felt that some other clubs have a larger variety of food and drink.
RL advised that he has been “tasting” a variety of wines over the course of the last few weeks and the standard has been poor however there will be a good quality wine available from the Arsenal game, to purchase in the concourses, and some areas will also be able to purchase Guinness. Spirits will not be available at this moment in time.
All concourse floors that were not upgraded last season will be renewed over the course of the next few weeks. SW advised that the Club is planning to upgrade the concourses during close season next year so that they have a similar look to other areas of the stadium. It was difficult to carry out this year due to the short close season.
RL advised that we continually research and benchmark other PL Clubs in terms of their offerings and value to supporters. LCFC are in fact taking part in a pilot scheme for Levy restaurants in relation to concourses, as part of their commitment to excellence. RL is always happy to receive new ideas from anyone.
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COMMITTEE MEMBERS: If anyone has any ideas or feedback in relation to catering please feel free to e-mail [email protected] and c.c. [email protected]. In addition if you wish to take photographs at away grounds of the catering operation in the concourses, please also e-mail these to RL. |
Availability of new black shirts and women’s shirts – Michelle McLean:
IF clarified that a new delivery of black kit will be available tomorrow (10.09.15) including ladies and kids. This will be the last delivery of black kit for the season for ladies however there will be stock of the blue and white kit available until it is sold out. IF pointed out that a number of Premier League clubs only stock ladies shirts in one colour.
The Club has to place the order for kit 6 months in advance therefore order quantities are consequently estimated based on the previous season sales.
MM fed back that the women’s shirts are a better fit this year which might be a reason why we have sold more.
DISCUSSION POINTS:
LCFC Foxes Foundation:
Stuart Johncock gave a short presentation advising of this seasons designated charities as follows:
Children & Young People:
The Lord Mayor’s Appeal supporting Place2Be and The Spark Arts for Children
Education:
Warning Zone
Health:
The Royal Voluntary Service, Leicester Hospitals Charity Children’s Appeal
Human Service:
Once, We Were Soldiers
The Club is very keen for the FCC members, supporter groups and individual supporters to take a more active role in raising funds for the Foundation, either in conjunction with the Club or by stand-alone fundraising.
Union FS arranged a charity football tournament at the end of last season and they would like to extend the tournament to more people. SW thought this was fantastic and is very happy for the Club to support the tournament and raise awareness through the Club media channels.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Richard Tullis had been contacted by some supporters regarding:
Music:
A supporter felt that fans would prefer to hear “When you’re smiling” directly after the post horn gallop and suggested that the Club no longer play “Fire” after goals are scored. It was noted the players had requested we play Fire but it is a couple of seasons ago and that the last survey of fans on the issue had shown a majority in favour: however the action below was agree to obtain current fans views on the issue
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JAMIE TABOR: To organise a supporter survey in relation to pre-match and goal music. To be completed by 23 October 2015 |
Clappers:
It was confirmed that it is the Club’s intention to provide clappers for every home league game as they are so popular and when we don’t use them the stadium is relatively quiet even when the team is doing well, until such a stage as they no longer make a difference. It was also confirmed the Club is working with various supporter groups and will be looking to encourage or undertake an activity at all home games to keep the atmosphere building.
Jon Rudkin, Director of Football, felt that the impact of the clappers has been significant and advised that from a football perspective the atmosphere is key to the players. JR felt it is important we do not underestimate the impact that the supporters bring to the game, both home and away. When King Power stadium is noisy and full of atmosphere created by our supporters it really lifts the team. JR thanked all supporters through the FCC for the atmosphere they have generated. Furthermore the players who have just joined the Club have looked at the footage from the games and can see the atmosphere in the stadium. We have also received feedback from their representatives as they also research potential clubs in detail, and they feel that LCFC is a special family club. JR couldn’t stress enough that the incredible support we receive from our fans gives the Club a greater opportunity to secure targeted players.
SW pointed out that there are now so many of our players that play at International level. Ben Chilwell captained the England U20’s team and told JR how proud he was to represent his country. Ben is also very keen to play in the first team at the Club.
Andy Gubbins:
Andy thanked the Club for all the work undertaken over the close season, building the trenches for the pitchside LED’s.
“Fly the Flag Competition”
The top 3 flag designs were selected by FCC members.
Present: Alan Digby (Foxes Trust), Ali Grimsley (Leicestershire Constabulary), Andy Gubbins (DSA), Angela White (LCFC), Chloe Dexter (South Stand), Cliff Ginnetta (LCFC Supporters Club), David Seddon (Fosse Club, Premium Seating), Frank Moss (Hospitality, Premier Lounge), Heather Wood (West Stand), Ian Flanagan (LCFC Commercial Director), James Challinor (Spion Kop), Jamie Tabor (LCFC), Jim Donnelly (LCFC), Michelle McLean (Family Stand), Nicholas Palmer (West Stand), Richard Lymbery (Compass General Manager), Robert Maybury (East Stand) Simon Capper (LCFC Finance Director), Stuart Symons (East Stand), Yogesh Kholia (Spion Kop).
Apologies: Ian Clements (Spion Kop), Mick King (Community Trust Director), Peter Hill (East Stand) Simon Grindrod (Fosse Club)
Members not attending: Andrew Neville (LCFC Football Operations Director)
NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER, 6.30PM – KING POWER STADIUM