LCC FANS CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING, KING POWER STADIUM, WEDS 19 OCTOBER 2016
Susan Whelan opened the meeting with an overview of what’s been happening at the Club since the last meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS FROM FCC MEMBERS:
Online Ticket purchase issues/upgrades
Current system does not allow supporters to upgrade seats online. 8 months’ extensive research has been put into a new system and this will be revisited again in December 2016. The club didn’t want to be guinea pigs again for a new ticketing system. The relocation of the ticket function/Sales Centre to the Fanstore is a short term solution in being able to accommodate these issues.
Direct Debit Schemes
It is not possible to have 2 Direct Debits on the same account as the current system cannot host 2 Direct Debits on one client record without a possible duplication of data
Wembley group ticket sales
The process the club applied was limited to 6 tickets per person, which was difficult for friends travelling in large groups. In hindsight the club could have looked at a manual application for group ticket purchases and will be considered for any future matches on this scale.
Ticket and Retail purchase receipts issue
The issuing of receipts for purchases online or at the Fanstore has been inconsistent. Andy Gubbins received a receipt for his Tottenham travel ticket but not his match ticket. JT explained the club were working closely with SEE to try and resolve the problem. Andy Gubbins gave permission for his client record to be used for any tests. JT to feedback via email.
Champions League tickets
Yogesh Kholia asked if the price of tickets was fixed by the club or UEFA. JT confirmed it was a club decision.
Simon Grindrod asked why tickets went on sale in July as a 3 game package as this caused cash flow problems for a lot of Season Ticket holders and why payments couldn’t have been staggered. SW explained that the club were aware of the financial pressure put on Season Ticket holders and the club looked at options such as Direct Debit but with current ticketing system it wasn’t viable. (see above)
James Challinor asked why it couldn’t have worked the same as the Away priority scheme with card details. SC explained that we would have had to have held card details and it wouldn’t have been secure.
Ian Clements asked what the uptake was by Season Ticket holders for the 3 game package. JT to feedback
Nicholas Palmer wanted to know why he has to relocate his Season ticket seat but on the match day his seat was empty and what process the club has in place to be able to relocate back. JT to look into communication process as all Season Ticket holders should have been contacted to re offer their usual seats if returned by UEFA.
Searching Policy for Porto game:
There had been concerns raised as to why searching supporters on entry into the ground causes delays.
Ali Grimsley explained that searches at the Stadium on a matchday are not just carried out to look for flares, but unfortunately high profile events, such as football matches, are a high terrorist risk, therefore the searches have to be thorough.
Stadium Access:
JD reported that there were only a few isolated incidents with barcode readings.
Away game – on sale dates:
The club decided to put all 3 games on sale to enable supporters to book travel at the best possible price.
Nick Palmer said there was a delay in receiving confirmation from Thomas Cook if application was successful. SJ advised this was a learning curve and the club would look at an application process prior to tickets going on sale.
Refund policies:
Rob Maybury thought it was unfair to ask supporters to purchase all 3 matches without knowing if they could secure time of work etc. and then not being able to get a refund if unable to attend.
JD said any request for a refund would be looked at individually.
Ticket Collections:
The club is open to suggestions on how this could be improved.
James Challinor asked how many tickets were uncollected at Brugge. JD to report back.
Ian Clements and Chloe Dexter both asked if the names of other members in the group (under the lead client name) could be split into envelopes as all group members do not necessarily travel together.
Retail and City Fanstore:
UCL sleeve badges. JT reported only 7 had been returned as faulty and these have been replaced.
Delivery Charges:
The club made decision to go with DHL and although this is an increase in cost it provides a next day, tracked, guaranteed delivery, whereas Royal Mail doesn’t.
JT advised that the current system doesn’t allow for a choice of delivery method.
SC advised that the club doesn’t make a profit on delivery charges and that we will revisit the option of post not courier.
Staff Training for new food and beverage:
RL advised that staff had been briefed but there were teething problems at the Arsenal match.
Yogesh Kholia said there was no water available in the kiosk at half time. He will advise JD which kiosk.
Cliff Ginnetta thought the club should advise fans of any new products before they go on sale as some supporters had been complaining about the new pies. RL said the club had seen a 15% increase in pie sales.
JT thought that the discussion of pies/kiosks should be a separate topic and could be forward as a discussion point for Your 90 Minutes.
Cycle Provision:
The club recognises there has been an increase in the number of motorcycles parking in the area for cycles. JD to monitor at future games. The club need to look at spaces being made available for motorcycles.
PA System:
Diane Statham had problems hearing the PA in block B1. The club is looking at the PA system
Screen Font Size:
Half time scores are difficult to read. JT will look if it’s possible to change the font size.
Disability Plan:
Andy Gubbins had seen reviews by David Blunket on how good the Club’s audio commentary is.
Concourses:
Chloe Dexter asked if there were any plans for supporters being able to see all areas that have had the artwork update. JT said the club will look at a possible open day for supporters.
DISCUSSION POINTS:
Your 90 Minutes:
SJ presented the concept of Your 90 Minutes. This would not replace the FCC meetings but will provide an opportunity to cover a very specific topic each month. JD and SJ to confirm format and feedback. First ‘Your 90 Minutes’ to be week commencing 9 January 2017.
LCFC Community Trust Presentation:
Mick King, Community Trust Director, introduced Marie Widerman, who was appointed as Community Trust Inclusion Manager in October. MW delivered a short presentation on how the Community Trust will deliver the Inclusion strand to all sections of our communities.
The Inclusion strand consists of the following programmes:
- PL/BT Disability Programme (We-Can)
- Pl Girls Football Programme
- Girls Regional Talent Centre
Date of next meeting: 25 January 2017 – 6.30pm (Subsequently amended to 1 February)
JT thanked everyone for attending this evening’s meeting.
Attendee & Apology Details
| Family Stand | East Stand | Spion Kop | West Stand | Fosse Club | Corporate |
| Michelle McLean – Apologies | Peter Hill – APOLOGIES
Robert Maybury Stuart Symons |
James Challinor
Ian Clements Chloe Dexter Yogesh Kholia |
Nick Palmer
Richard Tullis Heather Wood – APOLOGIES |
Simon Grindrod
David Seddon |
Frank Moss – APOLOGIES |
| Supporter Groups | Leicestershire Constabulary | LCFC Directors | LCFC Staff |
| Alan Digby – Foxes Trust –APOLOGIES represented by Diane Statham
Andy Gubbins – DSA Cliff Ginnetta – LCFC Supporters Club |
Ali Grimsley | Susan Whelan – CEO
Simon Capper – Finance Director Jon Rudkin – Director of Football Andrew Neville – Football Operations Director – APOLOGIES
|
Jim Donnelly – SLO & DAO
Stuart Johncock – Head of Supporter Engagement Mick King – Community Trust Director Richard Lymbery – Compass General Manager Jamie Tabor – Head of Marketing Louise McConnell – Supporter Engagement Manager Marie Widerman – Inclusion Manager Angela White – Manager CEO & Board Office – APOLOGIES |
The above meeting notes are taken and issued by LCFC