Our AGM at The Memorial Stadium on 7th November passed without a hitch and whilst there was a disappointing turnout, it proved to be an informative evening and thanks go to Football Club staff Ritchie Bates (Commercial & Revenue Director) and John Stanley (Head of Football Administration) who, along with Joel Senior, attended the Q&A session that followed the Business Meeting.
In that meeting, Clive Marshall was formally elected as the Supporters Club’s second Director to represent us on the Board of Directors of the Football Club, a decision that now needs to be ratified by the Football Club.
Martin Hudd was formally elected as Vice Chairman of the Supporters Club Committee.
Reports were received from Helen Wigmore, our Chairperson, and Clive, our Treasurer and passed without comment save for a question regarding future investment of funds.
Clive explained that it’s been a year of change for the organisation and everyone has been getting to grips with their specific committee roles. However, he did recognize the need to invest some of the funds at our disposal, a process that will gradually happen in the coming months.
The Supporters Club has invested heavily in the last year, particularly in a new website which is now up and running. Our sponsorship of the Gas Girls came to an end once they had been taken under the umbrella of the Football Club and the committee is currently exploring ways in which members can receive benefits other than reduced travel and a 10% discount in our matchday shop.
Helen Wigmore and Clive Marshall meet with Football Club staff on a regular basis and are discussing ways in which the benefits to our members can be extended.
It was also mentioned that there are ‘hidden benefits’ to members, in that we do work with, and challenge, the Football Club on certain issues, such as improved access and toilet facilities for the benefit of all supporters and we are always willing to take up issues from supporters with the club.
It was agreed that membership will continue to be £10 per person, across all age groups and recognized, by the committee, that more needs to be done to encourage younger supporters to join. By the same token, it was noted that many members have yet to renew their membership and supporters were encouraged to check out details on our website as due to the changeover memberships were not renewed automatically.
Following the meeting a number of points were raised, and questions asked, of the Football Club representatives present.
To summarise;
The club will look at how we present our end of season awards, as making presentations on the pitch prior to the final home game just
doesn’t work.
Matchday programmes have been discontinued due to costs, though it’s possible that there will be issues for one off games such as a home FA Cup tie against a Premier League club.
Ritchie admitted that he/the club had got things wrong with the ticketing for the Weston FA Cup tie, that East Stand tickets should have been made available earlier and that season ticket holders should have been given priority for purchasing tickets in the first instance. He apologised for this.
The lack of consultation with supporters over certain issues and a perceived lack of communication between the owners and the fanbase was raised and taken on board by those present.
John confirmed that Bristol Rovers Women’s team will play 80% of their home games at The Mem and that a second home venue might be required when fixtures clash with the men’s team. This Sunday’s match, against Worthing, will be played at Manor Farm.
Joel Senior spoke of the intensity of training sessions and the man management skills of manager Matt Taylor, saying he was one of the best he’s played under and the good news, as far as he’s concerned, is that he hopes to be playing again in 2/3 weeks following his injury.
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