Keith Morgan, Trust Chair
Trust chair Keith Morgan reports to Trust members on a meeting held before yesterday’s match against QPR between the club and fan groups
Dear Member,
As I promised, here is a note of the meeting that took place prior to the QPR game between Mehmet Dalman and representatives of Fan groups
Attending from the club were Mehmet Dalman (Chair), Ken Choo (Chief Executive), Phillip Jenkins (Finance Director), Wayne Nash (Director of Operations), Amy James (Head of Fan Experience), Mark Denham ( Head of Communications), Paul Corkrey (Supporters Liaison Officer).
Members of the Supporters Trust, Supporters Club, Disabled Supporters Group and Travel Group were also present.
Mehmet Dalman welcomed everyone to the meeting and stated his intention to hold more informal meetings to improve links with fans over and above the formal meetings that already take place.
A broad range of issues were discussed in a very informal and positive atmosphere. It was agreed by all that the season was commencing in a very positive light and everyone was looking forward to the new league campaign.
The issue of new signings was raised. MD was hoping that 2 further signings, one permanent one loan, would be made before the window closes. There would also be further players being loaned out. He also paid tribute to the vision and efforts of Steve Borley in the recruitment of Aaron Ramsey.
MD stated that the litigation with Nantes and the Club’s Insurers is continuing.
The question was raised concerning the projected financial position for the current season. Phillip Jenkins stated that the expectation was that the club would trade within the permitted limits of Profit and Sustainability. He reminded the meeting that the payment in full of the Emiliano Sala transfer was covered by the provision made in the balance sheet in the 2018/19 accounts. He also mentioned that the financial position of the club would be under close scrutiny by the EFL to ensure our compliance.
Phillip Jenkins stated that current season ticket sales were 14,200, a position that the club was very pleased with given the poor season we had last year.
Wayne Nash outlined the club’s approach to a Fan Advisory Board which is one of the recommendations of the Fans Led Review of Football. He referred to consultations he had had with Supporters Groups and stated that he envisaged a Fan Advisory Board meeting 4 times per year. There will need to be further discussions to move this issue forward. Wayne also stated that there would be a twice-yearly Fans’ Parliament open to a wider group of fans as well as the usual Supporter Liaison meetings.
Ken Choo emphasised the club’s continuing commitment to producing a programme. He mentioned that they would be looking to utilise more recycled paper in its production which is in line with the Club’s pursuance of the EFL Green Clubs Scheme.
Keith Morgan
Chair