Away Day scheme:
It was decided that the whole scheme should have a
realistic and closely monitored review regarding the relaxation of the
scheme.
In order to move forward with the anticipated changes in the system for the
coming season, it would require the Clubs in the Championship and the
respective Constabularies to agree to any changes that were considered
reasonable options to relax the scheme.
That process of communication with the Clubs will go
ahead. The responses will be discussed at the next Meeting of Stoke City and
the Fans Forum, which takes place on Tuesday 7th of August at the Tollgate
hotel.
Stoke Open Day:
Plans for the day are now being finalised, the press release date to
announce the date has yet to be confirmed.
The local Alzheimer's Association and 'Football in the
Community' are the two chosen beneficiaries for any funds raised on the day.
Stoke Open Night:
held in June was considered by everyone as a success and a very
professionally organised event, with the aim to increase corporate
sponsorship and awareness within the local business community.
Smoking ban:
Tony Scholes handed out a list which identified the response that other
clubs in the Championship were adopting as a consequence of the enforcement
of the ban on smoking for next season.
Nineteen Clubs were adopting a strict ban without the
facility of 'pass outs' or provision for supporters that wanted to smoke
either during a game or in the half time interval.
Of the three that weren't in that list, one was holding
a referendum with supporters, Derby were adopting the policy that was in
place last season and Coventry were offering provision for home supporters
but not away supporters.
Following a very lengthy discussion on the matter it
was mutually decided that Stoke would adopt the policy that the majority of
the Championship Clubs had indicated that they would adopt.
Supporter Welfare/ Appeal items:
Three specific cases were fully discussed and all three parties are to be
advised of the outcome by Terry Hughes.
Any Other Business:
In the absence of Andy Harrison from the Supporters Trust, Terry Hughes
presented Tony Scholes with a comprehensive list of questions that enquired
about the purchase of the Britannia Stadium and the implications that such a
purchase would have on the Club, now and in the future and also expressing
many concerns that supporters would genuinely wish to have absolute
reassurances on some of the issues that the purchase would evoke.
Given that there are several crucial examples of how
easily things can go 'pear shaped' for both Club and supporters.
Tony took away the list and promised to respond at the
August meeting.
Limited Edition Shirt:
Following the huge success of the competition the club was asked if this
could be a regular feature of pre-season events to further involve the Club
with 'positive' public relations (which clearly this initiative has been)
and also if the shirts could be manufactured for general sale in the Club
shop.
Della Birchall explained that the success of the shirt
design competition had taken the Club a little bit by surprise, and the Club
are now working hard to consolidate the success of the venture, thanks to
the overwhelming public support it has generated.
Date of next meeting:
13th August 12 Noon at the Britannia Stadium
