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Post by martinshrew on Sept 5, 2022 18:57:27 GMT 1
If you can make it come along, agenda will basically encompass the issues raised and we will try and get as many answers for peoples questions as possible. Appreciate your efforts as always. Quite a portion of the questions are too strong/too emotive and wouldn't be asked and rightly so, but they have been some important ones raised. One thing I'd love is for someone to push back on answers and not just take what they say. When Brian said the club we're maximising revenues it should've been met with a roar of laughter.
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Post by Dancin on Sept 6, 2022 14:40:10 GMT 1
Will Smithy's be open this Saturday?
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Post by FloreatShrew on Sept 6, 2022 16:34:26 GMT 1
Still no reason given why this was unpinned. Any response Admins?
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Post by South Stand Salopian on Sept 6, 2022 19:05:17 GMT 1
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Post by martinshrew on Sept 6, 2022 22:17:09 GMT 1
Anyone attend?
Looking forward to the minutes.
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Post by FloreatShrew on Sept 6, 2022 22:26:45 GMT 1
3 hours. Got distracted a few times.
The new media guy will be a positive. Liked the desire to make our media both interesting and informative. Actually getting fans to read what they put out and continuing the other content which goes "viral". They will look to put content on the main page too (ticket office content)
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Post by Pilch on Sept 6, 2022 22:27:12 GMT 1
Still no reason given why this was unpinned. Any response Admins? having checked it was unpinned on Aug 22, 2022 at 6:28pm wasn't me but I guess accidentally or I'm sure the mod who did it would have said so by now
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Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2022 22:31:59 GMT 1
3 hours. Got distracted a few times. The new media guy will be a positive. Liked the desire to make our media both interesting and informative. Actually getting fans to read what they put out and continuing the other content which goes "viral". They will look to put content on the main page too (ticket office content) Must have covered a lot then in 3 hours. Do they usually last that long?
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Post by ssshrew on Sept 6, 2022 22:38:16 GMT 1
3 hours. Got distracted a few times. The new media guy will be a positive. Liked the desire to make our media both interesting and informative. Actually getting fans to read what they put out and continuing the other content which goes "viral". They will look to put content on the main page too (ticket office content) I hope he’s going to make sure it’s accurate too.
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Post by block12massive on Sept 7, 2022 8:44:06 GMT 1
Less going 'viral' after a draw against lowly Bristol Rovers and more communication and making it easier to support the club, hopefully.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Sept 7, 2022 8:51:53 GMT 1
One or two updates available on the fanzine Twitter feed as to what was discussed. Seems there was a lengthy discussion about ticketing (as expected) and the price of beer. The new Smithy's sounds encouraging, I think fans will be pleased with the changes from what was said.
I guess we should learn more today from the club, the fanzine, those in attendance and maybe the podcast lads will give us a rundown at some point (if not in a special then this weekends recording).
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Post by El Huracán!!!! on Sept 7, 2022 9:21:11 GMT 1
We will cover it on @salopcast for sure
As the Fanzine guy, yes lots of updates on there from me last night as usual if anyone wants to check it out (weny past 4000 followers too last night is is super weird!) - Its @b_and_A_Fanzine if you have never visited before!
Anyway my reflections on last nights meeting. It was the longest for a very long time, but that was due to number of issues. Lots of issues and discussions with some of the attendees over the ticketing which longer than anticipated. A long winded but ultimately slow to achieve anything discussion on Beer (again) and a very difficultly moment when one attended expressed some issues they had with Brian/SLOs which personally would have been been done in private.
But away from that lots of positives which I will cover for you below
Smithys
REOPENING THIS SATURDAY
Its had a MAJOR upgrade to make it a supporters bar that will function much better than before. The reception area has gone, the bar has moved, is wider, longer and has now faster card only tills. Getting served should now be much quicker. The rest of the area has had booths removed to allow for higher capacity. Will have all Prem league games on pre match.
Tweet above showing new bar.
It can also be a home for the fanbase, it can be opened in the evenings if there is need, club want to know what it could host, Darts, Doms, events, etc... its now up to use to figure out how to take it to the next level.
Tickets
A fraugh discussion at times. Brian admitted issues in the opening games, confirming much of what people suspected (issues with readers failing on opening few games, one gate closed in west for derby game, many issues with peoples pporly printed ST cards. Felt issue was improving. Most paper tickets are not causing an issue.
KEY message to come out today is that if you have a poorly printed ST and its not working, you can go to club ticket office and get a new one printed. Themore do that the more the issues of delay getting in SHOULD improve.
Club keen to express that they did not go for the cheapest ticketing option.
Brian was a bit miffed about the reaction to the statement put out I think, thinks people it the wrong way. I did push him on that. Brian did try to say its impossible to get so many fans in at the same time, but I was not having that and made the point they were the WORST queues we had ever had at that new stadium.
In terms of poorly printed STs that dont work! Get this. They tested EVERY single ST they printed apparently. That was a waste of time!
All in all, feels like we are over the worst of it, and the more ST get reprinted the better.
Club Shop
Work is afoot. Was not ready to be announced. But THings are heading for a major change. That's all I can say on that.
BUSES and Park AND RIDE
GREAT NEWS - An issue for the town center bus has been found and a couple of matches down the linea town center bus service should be back. Fair play to the club for sorting this.
Park and Ride is now being used loads more than it ever was. Talk of shuttle busses (not clear what they are doing).
Linking into Sutton Park/Otley Road Estates
Everyone at the meeting felt (and this was discussed last time) that its time the club reached out and made bigger strides to contact all the new residents that have appeared on our doorstep. This will get actioned this time I think. Letter drop and some sort of introductory deal might be on the cards.
Also give them information about Smithys which could become a community hub for them to use. About getting the recognition of the facility's we have to local residents.
Role of SLOS
There was a discussion on the SLOs role after some (i may way unwarranted) criticism of them and the club for relaying on them to do work for them (kit issuing, printing tickets, other jobs that they do for FREE). Brian was quick to say that Mike and Roger have been vital to the club in recent years.
Fans at the meeting wanted Mike and Roger to accept a little more help, and not be taking everything on themselves when there are others who will step up and help. A scheduled of volunteers is going to get put together (I will be on it) - For example when the letter drop is done to sutton park, the last people needing to do that are the SLOs, they can use the arm of volenteers. I think thats a great idea.
Was also talk of a non club SP meeting down the line to thrash somethings out ahead of a club meeting, that might avoid some of the delays we get in the SP meetings. Im personally not sure on the point but its a case of wait and see.
MEDIA
Jo the new "HEad of Media" spoke at the end, and spoke very well I think. Talked about how he thinks that some just standard content done in football is dull, like endless player interviews. Wants to do more content (along with still providing the factual updates) that brings fans closer to the players and manager. Talked about social media and how some content going on out platforms like tik tok is not appropriate for the club website. Some for twitter. Clearly pretty swiched on about all this sort of thing. Be good to see what he brings to the club.
Thats about it in terms of major things.
I had a post meeting chat with Roger Groves and Jamie Edwards about the still slowly progressing ex players association. Might have a way to kick start that into the next phase which is starting to contact ex players and get them registered.
If i remember anything else will fire it up later.
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Post by Pilch on Sept 7, 2022 10:06:48 GMT 1
good work glyn
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Post by martinshrew on Sept 7, 2022 10:47:07 GMT 1
We will cover it on @salopcast for sure As the Fanzine guy, yes lots of updates on there from me last night as usual if anyone wants to check it out (weny past 4000 followers too last night is is super weird!) - Its @b_and_A_Fanzine if you have never visited before! Anyway my reflections on last nights meeting. It was the longest for a very long time, but that was due to number of issues. Lots of issues and discussions with some of the attendees over the ticketing which longer than anticipated. A long winded but ultimately slow to achieve anything discussion on Beer (again) and a very difficultly moment when one attended expressed some issues they had with Brian/SLOs which personally would have been been done in private. But away from that lots of positives which I will cover for you below Smithys REOPENING THIS SATURDAY Its had a MAJOR upgrade to make it a supporters bar that will function much better than before. The reception area has gone, the bar has moved, is wider, longer and has now faster card only tills. Getting served should now be much quicker. The rest of the area has had booths removed to allow for higher capacity. Will have all Prem league games on pre match. Tweet above showing new bar. It can also be a home for the fanbase, it can be opened in the evenings if there is need, club want to know what it could host, Darts, Doms, events, etc... its now up to use to figure out how to take it to the next level. Tickets A fraugh discussion at times. Brian admitted issues in the opening games, confirming much of what people suspected (issues with readers failing on opening few games, one gate closed in west for derby game, many issues with peoples pporly printed ST cards. Felt issue was improving. Most paper tickets are not causing an issue. KEY message to come out today is that if you have a poorly printed ST and its not working, you can go to club ticket office and get a new one printed. Themore do that the more the issues of delay getting in SHOULD improve. Club keen to express that they did not go for the cheapest ticketing option. Brian was a bit miffed about the reaction to the statement put out I think, thinks people it the wrong way. I did push him on that. Brian did try to say its impossible to get so many fans in at the same time, but I was not having that and made the point they were the WORST queues we had ever had at that new stadium. In terms of poorly printed STs that dont work! Get this. They tested EVERY single ST they printed apparently. That was a waste of time! All in all, feels like we are over the worst of it, and the more ST get reprinted the better. Club Shop Work is afoot. Was not ready to be announced. But THings are heading for a major change. That's all I can say on that. BUSES and Park AND RIDE GREAT NEWS - An issue for the town center bus has been found and a couple of matches down the linea town center bus service should be back. Fair play to the club for sorting this. Park and Ride is now being used loads more than it ever was. Talk of shuttle busses (not clear what they are doing). Linking into Sutton Park/Otley Road Estates Everyone at the meeting felt (and this was discussed last time) that its time the club reached out and made bigger strides to contact all the new residents that have appeared on our doorstep. This will get actioned this time I think. Letter drop and some sort of introductory deal might be on the cards. Also give them information about Smithys which could become a community hub for them to use. About getting the recognition of the facility's we have to local residents. Role of SLOS There was a discussion on the SLOs role after some (i may way unwarranted) criticism of them and the club for relaying on them to do work for them (kit issuing, printing tickets, other jobs that they do for FREE). Brian was quick to say that Mike and Roger have been vital to the club in recent years. Fans at the meeting wanted Mike and Roger to accept a little more help, and not be taking everything on themselves when there are others who will step up and help. A scheduled of volunteers is going to get put together (I will be on it) - For example when the letter drop is done to sutton park, the last people needing to do that are the SLOs, they can use the arm of volenteers. I think thats a great idea. Was also talk of a non club SP meeting down the line to thrash somethings out ahead of a club meeting, that might avoid some of the delays we get in the SP meetings. Im personally not sure on the point but its a case of wait and see. MEDIA Jo the new "HEad of Media" spoke at the end, and spoke very well I think. Talked about how he thinks that some just standard content done in football is dull, like endless player interviews. Wants to do more content (along with still providing the factual updates) that brings fans closer to the players and manager. Talked about social media and how some content going on out platforms like tik tok is not appropriate for the club website. Some for twitter. Clearly pretty swiched on about all this sort of thing. Be good to see what he brings to the club. Thats about it in terms of major things. I had a post meeting chat with Roger Groves and Jamie Edwards about the still slowly progressing ex players association. Might have a way to kick start that into the next phase which is starting to contact ex players and get them registered. If i remember anything else will fire it up later. Was Brian challenged on the points, or did everyone roll over and accept it? Tickets: - I bet my b******s that not every ticket was tested. Club statement: - The entire town fan base read it wrong? Again, b******s, it was one of the worst articles the town has ever put out.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Sept 7, 2022 11:16:27 GMT 1
MEDIA Wants to do more content (along with still providing the factual updates) that brings fans closer to the players and manager. I think we are already seeing that, I think so anyhow. On Facebook at least when looking to what has been posted of late. And I think it does just that. Good stuff...👍
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Post by El Huracán!!!! on Sept 7, 2022 11:19:41 GMT 1
There was quite a lot of argument last night.
On the tickets being tested - i said are you usurious they all got tested. He said yes, that's actually what delayed them being issued. My response "well that didnt work then!"
At the end though the following tension on tickets, everyone wanted to move on to how it was addressed, which is what we are there to do after the points have been made. Out of it club will replace any ticket thats not working but acknowledged THEY need get that message out clearly. Should be today, via email.
On the statement, again Brian suggested people miss understood what was trying to be said and did farily point out there was an apology. Again there was a vocal discussion between a few over how the phrasing of all the fans turning up laote was not helpful and also not true. As i said I had to tell Brian that some of what he was saying did not make sence as they were the worst queues we had ever had at the stadium. But there were some reasons for it.
After it settled down again, constructive work was done.
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Post by martinshrew on Sept 7, 2022 11:21:23 GMT 1
There was quite a lot of argument last night. On the tickets being tested - i said are you usurious they all got tested. He said yes, that's actually what delayed them being issued. My response "well that didnt work then!" At the end though the following tension on tickets, everyone wanted to move on to how it was addressed, which is what we are there to do after the points have been made. Out of it club will replace any ticket thats not working but acknowledged THEY need get that message out clearly. Should be today, via email. On the statement, again Brian suggested people miss understood what was trying to be said and did farily point out there was an apology. Again there was a vocal discussion between a few over how the phrasing of all the fans turning up laote was not helpful and also not true. As i said I had to tell Brian that some of what he was saying did not make sence as they were the worst queues we had ever had at the stadium. But there were some reasons for it. After it settled down again, constructive work was done. The blokes a complete liar, can see right through him. "We apologise to fans, but it's your fault" That's what I from the article, as did practically everyone else.
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Post by El Huracán!!!! on Sept 7, 2022 11:55:30 GMT 1
Brians not a liar, that's not my experience.
The man came to the meeting to take on board comments from fans who didn't like the way it was written, some comments on board, stood his ground on others. It was good to see, even if I didnt agree with everything he said.
He could easily hide away from this sort of thing.
That said Martin, your pretty anit Brian anyway on Everything so suspect you wont take my view to heart!
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Post by martinshrew on Sept 7, 2022 11:58:43 GMT 1
Brians not a liar, that's not my experience. The man came to the meeting to take on board comments from fans who didn't like the way it was written, some comments on board, stood his ground on others. It was good to see, even if I didnt agree with everything he said. He could easily hide away from this sort of thing. That said Martin, your pretty anit Brian anyway on Everything so suspect you wont take my view to heart! It's not quite like that, I've always said he's good at replying to emails quick, showing his face and doing the odd scripted interview; but is that a CEO performing to his maximum. I still feel we're very much not communicating well, not maximising our revenue and numerous other points, I guess we'll have to wait again to see if they improve.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2022 12:25:20 GMT 1
A three-hour meeting would put me off attending to be honest, that and I wouldn't be back home until well gone 11.
Shame really as I would certainly like to come along to one of these meetings at some point.
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Post by martinshrew on Sept 7, 2022 12:33:27 GMT 1
A three-hour meeting would put me off attending to be honest, that and I wouldn't be back home until well gone 11. Shame really as I would certainly like to come along to one of these meetings at some point. I think three hours highlights the sheer number of issues that aren't being fixed? Surely in any logical setting the first meeting would be the longest, followed by a succession of meetings of reduced time as issues get rectified and the club learn from their mistakes to ensure a limited number of new issues arise? I appreciate the efforts of everyone, I just don't see the output from the club.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2022 12:37:28 GMT 1
A three-hour meeting would put me off attending to be honest, that and I wouldn't be back home until well gone 11. Shame really as I would certainly like to come along to one of these meetings at some point. I think three hours highlights the sheer number of issues that aren't being fixed? Surely in any logical setting the first meeting would be the longest, followed by a succession of meetings of reduced time as issues get rectified and the club learn from their mistakes to ensure a limited number of new issues arise? I appreciate the efforts of everyone, I just don't see the output from the club. There needs to be better time management too with better control of the agenda. There is only so much talking you can do, it's time to see some tangible outputs from the club. If the club was more proactive the need for these types of meeting would be minimal.
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Post by El Huracán!!!! on Sept 7, 2022 12:58:24 GMT 1
A three-hour meeting would put me off attending to be honest, that and I wouldn't be back home until well gone 11. Shame really as I would certainly like to come along to one of these meetings at some point. This was a unique event to be honest there had been a long gap and a few issues got aired publicly that should have aired privately. Hopefully back to 2 hours next time. The bar is open if that helps!
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Post by El Huracán!!!! on Sept 7, 2022 13:00:55 GMT 1
I think three hours highlights the sheer number of issues that aren't being fixed? Surely in any logical setting the first meeting would be the longest, followed by a succession of meetings of reduced time as issues get rectified and the club learn from their mistakes to ensure a limited number of new issues arise? I appreciate the efforts of everyone, I just don't see the output from the club. There needs to be better time management too with better control of the agenda. There is only so much talking you can do, it's time to see some tangible outputs from the club. If the club was more proactive the need for these types of meeting would be minimal. What tangible actions are you after? Genuinely interested. I would personally say everything good that's happened for fans over the last 6 years has started as an idea in the SP meetings. That said last night was a bit of a mess at times, and its never like that normally... few raised voices and isues got aired. Hopefully that's the last of it with the personal stuff. Agenda control is something that could be done better I would agree.
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Post by davycrockett on Sept 7, 2022 13:11:38 GMT 1
I asked the question regarding tickets and was a bit shocked initially when the top table seemed surprised it was bought up… Fairly defensive initially with mention of supporters arriving late and no problem with away supporters. It was quickly pointed out that away supporters don’t have printed cards and it was the cards that were the problem. SLOs agreed there was a problem and the solution get cards reprinted wasn’t rocket science. The new media guy’s sending an e mail to every ST explaining. Also a fan who goes to St Helen’s who use the same system said they had a lot more helpers on duty getting fans ready as they approached the turnstile and large laminated instruction signs. Also there’s now a new message prompting you to enter once the ticket scans…
Only other point not covered was telephones not being answered. Asked Brian why the answer phone wasn’t turned on for the ticket office. His initial answer was I don’t want them spending ages going through the many messages when they could be selling tickets. This didn’t go down well and it was pointed out just how bad it looks to call somewhere and just get cut off. Agreed there’d look at it and at least have a message saying sorry everyone’s busy please e mail tickets@shrewsburytown.com. Also trying to sort out an alternative collection point for tickets when the office is closed.
Just remembered also asked about the congestion getting to the steps to Otley Way. Club are already addressing this and have met police and council will be made better (widened I think)
Only other thing I asked was why when you approach the ground from Bayston Hill the signage sys ‘follow signs for M54’ then as you approach Sainsbury’s Island ‘turn back. Brian aware and frustrated as has been trying to get signs removed. I suggested covering them but he said the club couldn’t do that. They do notify visiting clubs to ignore the signage and give proper directions.
Oh I also questioned why we didn’t have a less formal meeting without the club and Smithy’s was suggested so maybe alternative meetings with and without the club. I got the feeling this was agreed but no dates set.
Think I may have caused the length of the meeting with my questions 😅
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2022 14:45:02 GMT 1
There needs to be better time management too with better control of the agenda. There is only so much talking you can do, it's time to see some tangible outputs from the club. If the club was more proactive the need for these types of meeting would be minimal. What tangible actions are you after? Genuinely interested. I would personally say everything good that's happened for fans over the last 6 years has started as an idea in the SP meetings. That said last night was a bit of a mess at times, and its never like that normally... few raised voices and isues got aired. Hopefully that's the last of it with the personal stuff. Agenda control is something that could be done better I would agree. The club shouldn't be reliant on just the SP for kick starting ideas. How many ideas do the club bring to these meetings? Do they also go out to the wider fanbase for ideas? Do they really use the SP as a sounding board? Why have they yet to target new customers from the new residential areas close by? I may be wrong, but I don't see the club as being proactive, it takes the SP to get them moving. As a business I would expect more from them.
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Post by WATR on Sept 7, 2022 18:47:14 GMT 1
A three-hour meeting would put me off attending to be honest, that and I wouldn't be back home until well gone 11. Shame really as I would certainly like to come along to one of these meetings at some point. Having been to these meetings in the past, whilst there are important topics worthy of lengthy discussion, they're often derailed by a host of niche concerns and hair-splitting from individual fans that really don't warrant being raised at a meeting.
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Post by ssshrew on Sept 7, 2022 19:26:15 GMT 1
Well done Davy for mentioning the telephones. Of course everyone’s busy if there’s only one person there prepared to man the ticket office! That’s not the point. Other staff who are in the office should be answering the phones. It’s not rocket science.
Also no mention of why supporter numbers had to be changed and whether they can be changed back?
Not all questions were asked it would seem. I would have been there but living in Yorkshire now it’s not possible. However, we do have season tickets and come to every possible game so I think our points are valid.
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Post by mattmw on Sept 7, 2022 19:42:11 GMT 1
Great work by the SLO and those involved in getting these sessions arranged, and all the hard work they do, but reading the summary of the meeting its still depressing how much hard work it is to get the club to think and run like a commercial operation, and people are having to volunteer to cover the gaps.
The issues about ticketing are just maddening - can you imagine any other business making it really hard for the customer to access their product then have a hissy fit when they complain about it?
The idea of finally contacting new residents is great - but would it not have been good to do that from day one and be a core marketing activity year in year out. Some properties have been there for 8 years now and maybe the residents have already found other things to do. Providing offers to new customers who literally live 5 minutes from your business is hardly the greatest business idea since the I-pod, but somehow it seems to have taken various CEO's over 10 years to think about doing it, and when we get round to it the flyers will probably be poorly printed and new customers will get told off for not using them properly
The idea to provide a bar that provides beer quickly to football fans and expanding a club shop where people can spend money is a genius move though. I'm surprised the club allowed this information to leak as lots of other clubs and bars will be trying to copy them now.
I've rather wandered off from the club in the last few seasons in part due to exactly these types of issues not being addressed for years, yet it sounds like many of them are stll dragging on years after being raised. Good luck to those trying to help you must be very patient people
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Post by suttonshrew on Sept 7, 2022 20:03:34 GMT 1
It was a loooong meeting, but tbh even though it was quite tense at times I thought it actually highlighted the main issues and backs up the areas we are trying to improve. There were sections of the meeting that I should have delay with better but I’m always wary cutting people off, that’s why they attend, to have their say. Agree that one section should have been dealt with privately but that’s part of the role! If your willing to put yourself out there to help you will get shot at, and I have no issue with that.
Agree we need to use you guys more, and we will! At times that difficult though as somethings are very last minute.
Whilst there were a lot of questions most of what comes forward is tweeting things we have already done, which in one way show how far we have come, but the work will continue until we are told otherwise
As for a non club meeting just with fans, more than happy for that, would be interesting to see how people would like that held,
Informal discussion, rather than q&a with Rog and I, and a chance to throw ideas round….. would be my preference but happy to do whatever is wanted and needed, so let us know!
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