CONCOURSE RENOVATION:
It was noted that since the Rugby World Cup all the tills in the concourses are contactless and there are posters at every till point. Not everyone had noticed the posters and a number of members were unaware of this facility.
The Club will further promote through our normal communication channels. (Actioned)
SW asked everyone to bear with the Club in the current security climate in relation to supporters not being allowed out of the concourse area at half time for a smoke and additional refreshment facilities. Going forward dynamic assessments will take place at each game to assess the situation.
The Club is aware that there is not sufficient space for staff to run the bars effectively while attendance is at full capacity, and the best solution is a re-design of the concourses next season. There are currently no options for additional selling points. The Safety Advisory Group will also not allow the Club to have hawkers at the stadium.
Some stadiums particularly in Europe have cashless stadiums and this will form part of the Clubs digital review.
Cliff Ginnetta felt it would be helpful if the Club displayed more NO SMOKING notices in the toilets and it was noted that it is a real challenge for the Club to police. LCFC is one of the very few clubs that allow smoking (outside the concourses).
The Club is making plans to commence renovating the concourses in close season and would welcome and ideas from members.
It was felt that Blackburn concourses look particularly good and to have graphics and heritage displays around the concourses would make them far more welcoming. We could also display images of fans e.g. the TIFO images.
Stuart Johncock will e-mail FCC members to invite them to be part of the Concourse Focus Group. The first sub-committee meeting will take place on Wednesday 6 January 2016.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Robert Maybury asked if there was any feedback from the recent Premier League meeting in relation to “Twenty’s Plenty.”
Susan advised that a sub-group has been set up and they will report back to the Premier League Shareholders in February. It was noted that LCFC are not part of the sub-group and that the Premier League cannot advise clubs what they should charge for their tickets. Susan will feedback at the next meeting.
Yogesh Kholia asked how did the Club recruit Claudio?
Susan advised that Jon Rudkin received all the applications and we then produced a short list. Claudio was the clear cut choice for the appointment.
Chloe Dexter asked if the Fan Village idea is “dead in the water?”
Susan advised that the Club will further investigate the feasibility of a fan village for next season.
James Challinor commented that our social media followers have increased to over 800,000 and wondered if this had impacted on increased merchandise sales?
Susan said this was a great following but currently this has not translated into cash however it is very important in terms of brand awareness and increasing the reach of the Club.
A general discussion took place regarding the Club website. As previously discussed the Club is entering into a Digital strategy and research project which will involve supporter participation. The Club has engaged a digital consultancy agency to carry out the review and their work should be completed by the end of March. The Club aims to be in a position where all of our systems and data are integrated. It was noted that the FLi contract has a further 18 months before it expires.
FCC members will be contacted to be given the opportunity to be part of a focus group to work with the digital consultants.
Susan advised that the Club is at the preliminary stage in relation to stadium expansion plans. At this moment in time we still do not have a waiting list for season tickets. We have to have an optimum mix to future-proof the club.
Chloe felt that the Club should once again be commended for the Remembrance Fixture. We raised a record amount of money through the sale of the signed poppy shirts. The Telegraph covered the images from LCFC in their top 4 photographs.
James Challinor thanked Jim for all his help with the matchday displays. Union FS have a long term plan for the first day of the 2017/18 season to mark 15 years at Filbert Way. Union FS would like the fans to make donations towards the cost of the proposed displays around the stadium which is estimated at £6k. If anyone would like to find out more please speak to James directly.
Susan commented that the Union FS displays are fantastic and that the Club will be delighted to support this plan.
Present: Alan Digby (Foxes Trust), Ali Grimsley (Leicestershire Constabulary), Andrew Neville (LCFC Football Operations Director), Angela White (LCFC), Chloe Dexter (South Stand), Cliff Ginnetta (Leicester City Supporters Club), David Seddon (Fosse Club, Premium Seating), Frank Moss (Hospitality, Premier Lounge), Heather Wood (West Stand), James Challinor (Spion Kop), Jamie Tabor (LCFC), Jim Donnelly (LCFC), Jon Rudkin (LCFC Director of Football), Nicholas Palmer (West Stand), Peter Hill (East Stand), Richard Tullis (West Stand),Robert Maybury (East Stand), Simon Capper (LCFC Finance Director), Stuart Johncock (LCFC), Stuart Symons (East Stand), Susan Whelan (LCFC Chief Executive Officer), Yogesh Kholia (Spion Kop).
Apologies: Andy Gubbins (DSA), Ian Clements (Spion Kop), Ian Flanagan (LCFC Commercial Director), Michelle McLean (Family Stand), Mick King (Community Trust Director), Richard Lymbery (Compass GM), Simon Grindrod (Fosse Club).
THE NEXT FCC MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT KING POWER STADIUM ON WEDNESDAY 9 MARCH 2016 – 6.30PM.