Jamie Tabor opened the meeting.
WELCOME BY SIMON CAPPER, FINANCE DIRECTOR, ON BEHALF OF SUSAN WHELAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
SC informed everyone that Susan was called to Thailand at the weekend on King Power duty and due to the short notice felt it was too late to postpone this evening's meeting. Susan Whelan had sent a personal letter of apology to each committee member.
SC advised that the Club is very pleased to be having this meeting in different circumstances to the last time we met and that everyone at the Club feels that the fans have played a massive part in contributing to the Club retaining Premier League status, including the matchday input from Union FS and indeed all supporters.
SC advised we are now in the process of preparing for next season and all major decisions have been made now we know our league status. The football side of the business is already working on how we can strengthen the team for next season.
SC emphasised how important it is to receive input from committee members as part of the Club’s decision making process.
AGENDA ITEMS RECEIVED FROM FCC MEMBERS:
Shirt Material:
It was confirmed that the new shirts for 2015/16 season will have a different feel to the shirts sold in season 2014/15 due to the make-up of the fabrics. They will all have wicking and breathable properties that will help to keep the wearer cooler and dryer for longer.
It was confirmed that the kit that we sell in the Fanstore is a direct replica of the kit worn by the players.
IF confirmed that the King Power 25th Anniversary logo is now on the shirt and going forward this logo will be used in King Power stadium branding.
Ian Clements was disappointed that the home shorts were not white and that he would prefer to not have a one year cycle. It was pointed out that most clubs have one year kit cycles. Alan Digby felt this was because the fans do not stand up to the clubs and make demands. JT explained that kit cycles is something that divides supporters and many fans like a new shirt each season. It was also confirmed that blue shorts are a traditional change for LCFC every few years.
Free Drinks Vouchers/one collection point per turnstile:
The Club received a handful of complaints regarding the queuing mechanism to redeem the free drinks vouchers at the QPR game. Most members felt that although the queues were long, the service was quick.
JT explained that last season when we gave out the complimentary drinks, some supporters complained that the food queues were long due to the free drinks. We therefore identified one key collection point for the redemption of the drinks vouchers to alleviate this problem. We also extended the redemption period with distribution actually ending after the game had kicked off.
Richard Lymbery, the Club’s catering provider General Manager, had been in catering for 23 years and had never experienced a situation where 30,000 free drinks had been handed out. Whilst ideally we would have 2 queuing points per concourse this would however present another set of problems due to space, as you have to take into consideration turnstile entry points, toilets etc. The majority of supporters came to the stadium after 2.35pm which made it very difficult logistically. RL is happy to re-assess the operation if the owners ever wish to give out complimentary drinks in the future.
SC advised everyone that the owners wanted to make the final game of the season special for all supporters to thank them for their support.
Parking for next season/details not yet released:
As advised at the last FCC meeting parking requirements for the media/broadcasting companies is far greater in the Premier League than in the Championship. The Club is also looking at the potential of having a beer tent in the grounds before the game. If the Club goes ahead with this facility it would also have an impact on parking. The Club is in the process of a feasibility study and once this has been completed and a decision made, we will be able to go on sale with car park spaces for the 2015/16 season.
PREVIOUS MEETING ACTION POINTS:
Fox Travel Away Survey/Focus Groups Feedback:
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Supporters were happy with the range and quality of refreshments on sale, but there were requests for sandwiches, sweets, soup and hot chocolate.
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The questionnaire identified that 69% of respondents used Fox Travel purely based on price.
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The questionnaire identified that 15% found it difficult to locate the Fox Travel coaches at visiting stadiums.(The Club will be making contact with Premier League clubs in close-season and ask them to provide a guide for our visiting supporters).
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The focus group identified that they were happy with departure times and the length of time taken for journey breaks.
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The questionnaire and focus group identified that there had been issues with the priority scheme this year in terms of seating arrangements at the visiting club.This however has now been rectified.
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The focus group and questionnaire reported high levels of service from Woods, the travel provider. (This is a one year contract and the Club is currently going out to tender for next season however supporter feedback will be taken into consideration).
The survey was completed by supporters attending the Burnley and West Ham games. There were over 300 responses. The focus group meeting took place at the end of April which 30 supporters attended.
It was noted that the police do not allow alcohol on coaches travelling to away games.
The Club will also be sending out a survey to all supporters who travel to away games and don’t use Fox Away Travel.
DISCUSSION POINTS:
Season Tickets 2015/16:
JT confirmed that the Club sent out a personalised mailing to all 2014/15 season ticket holders who had not renewed, 10 days before the renewal deadline date.
Robert Maybury felt that the rolling Direct Debit Scheme was a great advantage. SC confirmed that currently 58% of our supporters buy their season tickets through our Direct Debit Scheme.
IF confirmed that we will be providing new season cards for the coming season. ACTION POINT – JT TO ENSURE THIS IS COMMUNICATED TO ALL SUPPORTERS.
SC advised that c3000 season ticket holders didn't renew and were replaced by members who had upgraded to season ticket holders. This is consistent with most seasons where there is an approximate 10% churn rate.
SC advised that this is the first time at King Power stadium that the Club did not go on General Sale due to the high volume of season ticket holders.
IF confirmed that our membership scheme will go on sale 1 June.
Home Kit Campaign:
The team played in the new kit on Sunday with a great win.
It was noted that unfortunately the kit design was inadvertently released early on social media. The Club was governed by Sunday trading laws there was therefore no “big reveal” as we would have liked.
The committee members liked the new kit but some members preferred the collar on last season’s shirt. Some of the committee also preferred white shorts. SC advised everyone that last season’s home shirt was the biggest selling home shirt in the Club's history. It was also confirmed that the 2015/16 away kit will not be red. Both the second and third kits will be released before the start of next season.
SC advised that the challenge is that you have to sign off the new kit designs in the autumn for the following season. We consequently already have meetings planned to discuss kit for the 2016/17 season.
These notes are documented by LCFC, Part Two of the FCC minutes will be published Friday Sept 4th