Post by timgallon on Jun 21, 2005 12:49:19 GMT 1
Well here they are the Minutes of the last meeting youve all been waiting for (well Stutty anyway )
Can a Moderator please pin these for a week so people get the chance to read these.
Cheers.
Shrewsbury Town Supporters Umbrella Group
Commercial Working Group
MINUTES FOR MEETING SIX: THURSDAY 19TH MAY 2005 7.30 P.M
ARTHUR ROWLEY PLAYERS BAR
GAY MEADOW – SHREWSBURY TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
Attended by: Roger Groves (Blue and Amber Message Board), Sib Hayes (OSC & Club Shop), Ian Jones (A Large Scotch & SUFAN), Mary Miller (ISC), Ade Plimmer (A Large Scotch & SUFAN), Keith Sayfritz (Vice Chairman – STFC), Chris Smith (Away Travel Club & Super Blues), Ian Whitfield (Media Manager - STFC), Mal Whitrick (Director –STFC), Tim Williams (Away Supporters Football Club and Chair).
1. Apologies
None formally received.
2. Minutes from the last meeting
Agreed.
3. Group Membership
There was at least one vacancy for the Group. Ade Plimmer had used his email contact list to see if anyone would be interested in filling this but no one had come forward. Agreed as an ACTION for Tim that vacancy would be sort via Blue and Amber Messageboard.
4. Commercial developments in the last quarter
Mal Whitrick explained that the Club were considering modifying the Clubs Loggerheads badge for next season to make it more distinctive so it could be copyrighted.
5. Supporters Bar – update from Mal Whitrick
Issue of larger supporter’s bar had been discussed at the last Commercial Group meeting. Mal Whitrick confirmed that the Club had considered this issue and the bar would be bigger than initially proposed to have a capacity towards 200 people by reconfigurating the initial layout of the building behind the stand at the New Meadow. Mal also stated that the design of the stand was such that it could allow for the building to be extending in the future.
6. New home kit – update from Mal Whitrick and Sib Hayes
Sib has been working with MG Sportswear on this and states the quality will be improved in the new kit. The MG Sportswear logo will be removed from the shirt and replaced with “Shrews Collection”. Sib has subsequently confirmed that the Club badge will have a blue background to make it more prominent against the amber background. Mal stated that the idea of having a commemorative shirt on the basis of the Clubs final season at Gay Meadow would have to be suspended amid uncertainty of when the new stadium would be completed. Sib stated that the width of the amber on shirt was so the numbering on the shirt would be clear and it was up to the Manager what colour numbers he would like. Shirt printing was available by the Club but this needs service needs to be marketed more widely to increase uptake.
7. Matchday and kit sponsorship
The Club had made an agreement for a new sponsor for next year’s home kit and this would be announced shortly.
8. Matchday Programme – update from Club and feedback from Ade Plimmer
Following last meeting Keith had spoken to Kevin Davies about some of the points raised. Sales have subsequently improved and the Club wanted to thank the Group and the supporters who had helped with selling extra programmes for their efforts. Ade feed back on his experiences including positive sales in the pubs and the narrows to the ground. Ade noted as well that there were sellers outside the Club shop at times when programmes can be bought in the shop. It was suggested a diagram of sellers was produced to see where all the sellers were and ensure that sellers covered strategic approaches to the ground. ACTION for Ian Whitfield, Chris Smith and Kevin Davies. As at Yeovil it would be good to have some visible fixed selling points that supporters could see coming into the ground. Keith agreed with this and ACTION for Ian to progress purchase of these.
Some improvements to the programme could still be made including colours particularly yellow text on white background and Ade showed a series of other good programmes from the division. Any ideas or improvements on the programme should be sent directly to Ian. Subscription service should also be marketed more.
9. Club Badge
Sib had heard that someone was preparing tracksuits with the STFC badge on for sale and would find out more about this and report to Mal. This was one reason why it was considered amending the badge so that copyright on that badge could be used to stop others profiteering from this in the future.
10. Gay meadow memorabilia and mementoes
Tim showed literature obtained from Swansea City and Coventry City who had recently said farewell to their old grounds and this showed some of commercial opportunities that these Clubs had made from moving ground.
11. Points raised by Supporters
It was suggested that an auction or draw for photo with the Team or even a squad number could be made as this has been done by other Clubs. This would have to be agreed with the Manager. ACTION for Tim and Ian to see whether if this is possible.
Could a retro style tracksuit be produced for sale? – This is something that could be considered in the future at the New Meadow club shop.
Marketing and Chief Executive roles at the Club – Keith stated that it was the Clubs intention to seek a Marketing Manager once the start for the New Meadow is announced and they would work with the help of the Group.
Improvement to the Club’s online shop – Ian stated that this facility was being updated on the website so it was more easy and simple and would be similar to Rochdale’s and Southend’s. This would be done by the start of next season.
New Meadow update – planning approval of the amendments to the stadium had been passed but the Council had declined request to defer Community facilities. Keith stated that the Club were in discussions with the Council about this. As all the pre commencement planning work had been sorted and the Club were waiting for the release of funds from the purchasers of the Gay Meadow.
12. Another other Business
Club summer Open Day – date to be confirmed but it was suggested that a sub Group be set up for fans to assist Club in the event. Group would meet on 7 June. ACTION for Ade to invite fans along.
Chris Smith outlined some events by the Super Blues. The recent boxing night had been a success. Other events in the future included an evening talk with Joey Jones and Sportsmen’s Dinner evening in October. It was suggested that all future events be placed on the STFC Calendar accessible via the Clubs website.
13. Date of next meeting.
Thursday 21st July.
Tim Williams 11/06/05
Can a Moderator please pin these for a week so people get the chance to read these.
Cheers.
Shrewsbury Town Supporters Umbrella Group
Commercial Working Group
MINUTES FOR MEETING SIX: THURSDAY 19TH MAY 2005 7.30 P.M
ARTHUR ROWLEY PLAYERS BAR
GAY MEADOW – SHREWSBURY TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
Attended by: Roger Groves (Blue and Amber Message Board), Sib Hayes (OSC & Club Shop), Ian Jones (A Large Scotch & SUFAN), Mary Miller (ISC), Ade Plimmer (A Large Scotch & SUFAN), Keith Sayfritz (Vice Chairman – STFC), Chris Smith (Away Travel Club & Super Blues), Ian Whitfield (Media Manager - STFC), Mal Whitrick (Director –STFC), Tim Williams (Away Supporters Football Club and Chair).
1. Apologies
None formally received.
2. Minutes from the last meeting
Agreed.
3. Group Membership
There was at least one vacancy for the Group. Ade Plimmer had used his email contact list to see if anyone would be interested in filling this but no one had come forward. Agreed as an ACTION for Tim that vacancy would be sort via Blue and Amber Messageboard.
4. Commercial developments in the last quarter
Mal Whitrick explained that the Club were considering modifying the Clubs Loggerheads badge for next season to make it more distinctive so it could be copyrighted.
5. Supporters Bar – update from Mal Whitrick
Issue of larger supporter’s bar had been discussed at the last Commercial Group meeting. Mal Whitrick confirmed that the Club had considered this issue and the bar would be bigger than initially proposed to have a capacity towards 200 people by reconfigurating the initial layout of the building behind the stand at the New Meadow. Mal also stated that the design of the stand was such that it could allow for the building to be extending in the future.
6. New home kit – update from Mal Whitrick and Sib Hayes
Sib has been working with MG Sportswear on this and states the quality will be improved in the new kit. The MG Sportswear logo will be removed from the shirt and replaced with “Shrews Collection”. Sib has subsequently confirmed that the Club badge will have a blue background to make it more prominent against the amber background. Mal stated that the idea of having a commemorative shirt on the basis of the Clubs final season at Gay Meadow would have to be suspended amid uncertainty of when the new stadium would be completed. Sib stated that the width of the amber on shirt was so the numbering on the shirt would be clear and it was up to the Manager what colour numbers he would like. Shirt printing was available by the Club but this needs service needs to be marketed more widely to increase uptake.
7. Matchday and kit sponsorship
The Club had made an agreement for a new sponsor for next year’s home kit and this would be announced shortly.
8. Matchday Programme – update from Club and feedback from Ade Plimmer
Following last meeting Keith had spoken to Kevin Davies about some of the points raised. Sales have subsequently improved and the Club wanted to thank the Group and the supporters who had helped with selling extra programmes for their efforts. Ade feed back on his experiences including positive sales in the pubs and the narrows to the ground. Ade noted as well that there were sellers outside the Club shop at times when programmes can be bought in the shop. It was suggested a diagram of sellers was produced to see where all the sellers were and ensure that sellers covered strategic approaches to the ground. ACTION for Ian Whitfield, Chris Smith and Kevin Davies. As at Yeovil it would be good to have some visible fixed selling points that supporters could see coming into the ground. Keith agreed with this and ACTION for Ian to progress purchase of these.
Some improvements to the programme could still be made including colours particularly yellow text on white background and Ade showed a series of other good programmes from the division. Any ideas or improvements on the programme should be sent directly to Ian. Subscription service should also be marketed more.
9. Club Badge
Sib had heard that someone was preparing tracksuits with the STFC badge on for sale and would find out more about this and report to Mal. This was one reason why it was considered amending the badge so that copyright on that badge could be used to stop others profiteering from this in the future.
10. Gay meadow memorabilia and mementoes
Tim showed literature obtained from Swansea City and Coventry City who had recently said farewell to their old grounds and this showed some of commercial opportunities that these Clubs had made from moving ground.
11. Points raised by Supporters
It was suggested that an auction or draw for photo with the Team or even a squad number could be made as this has been done by other Clubs. This would have to be agreed with the Manager. ACTION for Tim and Ian to see whether if this is possible.
Could a retro style tracksuit be produced for sale? – This is something that could be considered in the future at the New Meadow club shop.
Marketing and Chief Executive roles at the Club – Keith stated that it was the Clubs intention to seek a Marketing Manager once the start for the New Meadow is announced and they would work with the help of the Group.
Improvement to the Club’s online shop – Ian stated that this facility was being updated on the website so it was more easy and simple and would be similar to Rochdale’s and Southend’s. This would be done by the start of next season.
New Meadow update – planning approval of the amendments to the stadium had been passed but the Council had declined request to defer Community facilities. Keith stated that the Club were in discussions with the Council about this. As all the pre commencement planning work had been sorted and the Club were waiting for the release of funds from the purchasers of the Gay Meadow.
12. Another other Business
Club summer Open Day – date to be confirmed but it was suggested that a sub Group be set up for fans to assist Club in the event. Group would meet on 7 June. ACTION for Ade to invite fans along.
Chris Smith outlined some events by the Super Blues. The recent boxing night had been a success. Other events in the future included an evening talk with Joey Jones and Sportsmen’s Dinner evening in October. It was suggested that all future events be placed on the STFC Calendar accessible via the Clubs website.
13. Date of next meeting.
Thursday 21st July.
Tim Williams 11/06/05