LCFC – Fans Consultative Committee 9th Dec 2010

 Leicester City Football Club – Fans Consultative Committee Meeting – Thursday 9 December 2010

• TB opened the meeting, introduced Top and thanked him for attending the meeting.
• The minutes of 5 August 2010 were recorded as true and accurate.
• John Mathers was introduced and explained that he works for the Fan Relationship Management Centre and the aim of the centre is to bridge the gap and build relationships.  This involves talking to supporters about their experience at the Walkers Stadium and also to find out if they have any issues which can be addressed. JM advised that he works with a team of 6 staff.  LHu advised that she had received negative feedback from some supporters who had received calls.  PH advised that it is a new concept and it’s always good to get feedback.  To date the Club had received very positive feedback.  LH advised that it helps the Club with sales but also marketing intelligence which is really important.  PH advised that it also brings new people to the stadium in terms of groups and our outreach programme.
• TB advised that a Junior Fans Forum is planned before the Swansea game and should anyone know of any children who would like to attend to e-mail TB.
• LH advised that since the last meeting there had been changes on both a managerial and Board front.  The Board made a decision early to correct any problems and we now have a high profile, good Manager in place which shows the Club is moving in the right direction.  LH advised that the goal is to get into the Premier League.
• LHu advised that there were still problems with seat allocation for away fixtures with fans sitting in wrong seats.  Some supporters had been ejected at the Watford game.  LH advised that the supporters in question should write to the Club and he will take it up with Watford.  LB advised that some of our fans are abusive to stewards.  AN advised that in the past we have written to clubs regarding the situation.
• CT to write to opposing clubs to ascertain what their standing policy is in order that we can advise supporters in advance of travelling. ….

•  SW made a comment about using ex players for marketing purposes e.g. Steve Walsh and felt that we should use current players.  JT advised that we use both current and ex players to cater for both young and older supporters.  JT advised that we shall be using younger players for the Junior Supporter strategy.
• SW advised he was aware that there had been a food/kiosk problem.  PH advised that we are continually improving and cutting down queue times.  If supporters have problems going forward they should advise the Club as soon as possible with the location of the kiosk in order that the issue can be resolved.  If SW is able to ascertain the information in relation to the problem he is aware of he should e-mail TB accordingly.

• CT advised that it is now the time of year when the Club is planning for 2011/12 season tickets and over the last couple of years we have released them end January/beginning February.  CT advised that there will be increased communications later this month with a season ticket holder exclusive e-magazine with exclusive offers.  CT advised that the Club is also looking at the Direct Debit scheme.  CT asked for everyone’s feedback and point of view for next season’s pricing structure.
• LB felt that at only £13 per game she was surprised only 14,500 supporters bought season tickets as they are great value.
• KB felt that the average fan is not aware of all the season ticket benefits.
• LHu advised that the recent Fans Fixture was very much appreciated and she had been asked to pass on thanks to the Club by a supporter.  She felt that the perception is that it de-values the season ticket holder and information should be marketed clearly to show that it doesn’t.
• EB felt that the Club could provide a comparison list on a match by match basis but CT advised that this is very complex as you have to consider all areas of the stadium.
• LB felt that the Ticket Office staff could advise the purchaser of the benefits when they buy a ticket.  You could show how many games you are getting free compared to the price of a match ticket.
• JT advised there are 3 strong messages that the Club promotes, i.e. savings/games free/price per game and we always send that message out.
• LH advised that the primary driver is to sit in a guaranteed seat of your choice.
• JT advised that a great deal of planning goes into how and who we market to.  We can also track whether an e-mail has been opened by a supporter.
• CT advised that we find a number of supporters personal circumstances change which means they can’t commit to a season ticket.
• CT advised that there are additional packages available for supporters to purchase e.g. Flexi 10.
• RG felt that the best advert for the season ticket is the added value option to buy cheaper tickets for family and friends, it builds value and they promote as well.  STH’s could receive a bundle of discounted match ticket vouchers that they can pass on to family and friends during the season.
• It was noted that previously committee members had received free tickets twice a season to give to potential new season ticket holders.  CT advised that there is no reason why we can’t look at this again.
• TB circulated a document regarding a supporter survey and a general discussion took place.
• CT asked everyone what their view for pricing would be for next season.
• The consensus of opinion was a small increase or price freeze.  Everyone accepted that the Club needs money to develop the squad and a successful team increases attendances.
• IC referred to the increase in VAT from 4 January 2011.  The Club advised that no decision had been made on pricing but VAT will be a factor. 
• LH advised that it is a tough economic environment at this moment in time and the Club wants to maintain the balance of revenue coming in and high attendances.   PH advised that in relation to attendances we are tracking other clubs.
• CT advised that most clubs are showing a reduction and we are currently gauging views from other clubs.
• It was noted that Sheffield United have lost 4,000 STH’s and Derby County 2,000.  Norwich City have maintained their STH base but have released prices for next season already and they have increased by a reasonable amount.  They have also changed the senior citizens age from 60 to 65 and have eliminated certain categories altogether.
• LHu asked how many half season tickets we have sold.  CT advised c200 although we expect these to double in the next couple of weeks.
• IB advised that he had received positive feedback regarding the “Seat Exchange”.  LH advised that this initiative came from the FCC so it shows how important it is to get your feedback.
• CT advised that the Club is currently working on the kit design for next season.  13 members advised their preference for the away kit:
• White 7, Yellow 1, Red 2, Black 2, Purple 1
• TB asked if everyone had noticed the Club’s social networking sites e.g. Facebook and Twitter.
• SW felt that Facebook was good but was a little “overkill”.  TB advised that it’s a softer, more informal approach than the main Club website but there is a link from Facebook on to the Club’s official website.  JT advised that the Football League Interactive deal will not allow clubs to have any football content on the Facebook sites however linking to lcfc.com enables the Club to provide some information.  PH advised that the Club had done really well with 4,500 members in the first 4 weeks.  LJ advised that he has received really good feedback.  Twitter numbers are c1000.  JT advised everyone to e-mail Fanzone with any suggestions.
• RG asked if the Club is going to promote Jersey Budd’s anthem, When You’re Smiling, so that more people sing along.  It was noted that the Post Horn Gallop is the traditional anthem and some people felt that When You’re Smiling is too slow at the beginning.  LHu suggested running a pole on Facebook.  JT advised that we could look into having a stock of CD’s and possibly downloads to raise the profile.  LJ to send JT an e-mail regarding the new drum and synchronisation of drum beat around the stadium.
• LHu asked if the Club will be supporting Don Foster MP for Bath in his endeavours to introduce standing areas in the 2 top divisions.  LH advised that it was the first he had heard of it and should the situation arise it would have to be in full consultation with the police and Safety Advisory Group. 
• The Club advised that it encourages supporters to use the council’s park & ride facility but it was noted that it is only a day time service and wouldn’t be suitable for Sunday, midweek games or 5.20pm kick offs.  JT advised that he has had numerous conversations with the council and is in continual dialogue regarding the scheme although it does currently run at a loss.  JT will speak to them to see if we can put a link on our website to encourage fans to use the service.
• LB advised that at the recent Nottingham Forest fixture the Filbert Street car park had not been gritted in the bad weather and a member of the security staff would not let her drop off/pick up her 87 year old father closer to the ground.  LH apologised on behalf the Club and stated that we need to look at the personnel involved who should be using their discretion.  PC/AC advised that there is a traffic regulation order in place by the city council which the Club must adhere to.
• PC/AC advised that the privately owned car park on Filbert Street is up for review at the end of the season.
• CT advised that L & N Block supporters will have to be re-located for the Manchester City game.  The Ticket Office will reserve as many seats as possible to accommodate season ticket holders that are being moved.
• LH advised that he has no issues with the Fosse Boys if they improve the atmosphere at the stadium and comply with ground regulations.  LH advised that the “flag” they had previously referred to was in actual fact a bed sheet that was not fire retardant.  They had signed up to a charter and unfortunately broke it.  However the last couple of weeks there had been no problems.  LHu had heard that they had confetti taken off them.  IB advised it had been given back at half time.  LH advised that he would need to know all the facts.  IB advised that the feedback from the Footballers Federation following their meeting was they had found an agreed approach going forward.
• IC advised that he was disappointed for the Doncaster fans who were not eligible for the Fans Fixture prices and had to pay £26 per ticket.  CT advised that Football League rules stipulate that clubs are allowed to run 4 local promotions per season and we had more Doncaster fans here this season than we did last year.
• The Club advised that the revenue for outside broadcasts has to be shared across the league due to collective rights.  A number of clubs are taking this up with the Football League.  LH advised that Thailand and Sweden are primary drivers due to the owners and the Manager.
• AG advised that he had received a complaint from DSA members regarding police parking in allocated disabled spaces.
• CT advised that the DSA page on the website is a work in progress.  CT to ensure that full details of the benefits are on the website.
• LH advised that the King Power organisation is very impressive and Vichai and Top are not here for the short term they are looking at the long term and want to be in the Premier League.  The King Power operation is very well run and their aspirations are to continually search for excellence.  LH advised this has a massive affect on everyone.
• PH advised that the trip to Thailand for players and senior staff was very motivational and the timing was perfect.  It enabled everyone to understand the culture of their business and was a very positive step.
• AN advised that there is one more clash with the Tigers but this is “parked” at the minute.
• TB handed out a circular regarding Top launching Thailand Giveaway, whereby 6 lucky winners who attend the Fans Fixture can win a trip to Thailand in conjunction with King Power and Air Asia.  LJ thought it was a fantastic gesture by the new owners.
• LH advised that if anyone has any issues they should advise the Club immediately through Fanzone in order that they can be addressed at that time, rather than waiting for a FCC meeting.

 In Attendance:

Ellen Bale, Linda Barron, Ian Bason, Tom Bettles (LCFC), Kevin Bourgault, Ian Cockerill. PC Andy Cox , Alan Digby, Richard Gamble, Andy Gubbins, Chris Gubbins, Lee Hoos (LCFC), Lisa Hunt, Paul Hunt (LCFC), Lee Jobber, John Mathers (LCFC – FRMC), Andrew Neville (LCFC), Tadthep Pitakpoolsin (LCFC), Aiyawatt (Top) Raksriaksorn (LCFC),Jamie Tabor (LCFC), Chris Tinbergen (LCFC), Angela White (LCFC), Simon Winfield 

Apologies:

Kevin Buckingham, Cliff Ginetta, DCI Alistair Grimsley, Peter Johnson, Raj Kumar, Steve Robertshaw