Notes from Public Meeting of CCFC Supporters.
24.10.07 - Hen Lane Social Club, Beacon Road, COVENTRY. 7.30pm
Meeting called by The Sky Blue Trust (SBT)
Present:
SBT Board Members - Rachael Brown (chair) Lionel Bird (Vice Chair), Natalie Cox (Media) Rachel King ( Membership Secretary) Pat Raybould (Treasurer).
Apologies - Kev Monks, Laura Armit.
Neil _ Supporters Direct
Les Reid - Coventry Times
50-60 fans
The meeting was opened by Rachael welcoming everyone and then went on to introduce Neil from Supporters Direct (SD).
SBT are members of Supporters Direct and can call upon their expertise/legal guidance.
Neil gave his background and explained that he was involved with Exeter City's Trust and that they had been through a very similar scenario (twice) as the one CCFC have today.
He said that membership of the SBT was the key. The more members united behind one organisation the bigger the voice they will have.
The advice given by SD was that money given to the club from our appeal should be given as a loan as then we would be seen as creditors. This would cement the SBT and it's members involvement in the future. Rachael will be writing to Joe Elliott to tell him this is the way that we will be proceeding.
Natalie then went on to give details of meetings that some of the Trust Board had had with Coventry City Council, ACL and the Higgs Charity.
This information led to questions being asked and several points being made:
- Was the statement by Paul Fletcher that "ACL had said that they would wind us up in 14 days" true?. Natalie to ask ACL and will report back.
- The relationship between ACL and the CCFC has never been better than it is since JE took over as chairman.
- CCFC need to agree with an investor before ACL become involved.
- ACL has never been valued.
- Only 4000 of the 8000 jobs promised have so far been created.
- The Higgs Charity Trustees have not agreed to the transfer of shares to GR even though CCFC shareholders did agree at an EGM.
- The decontamination of the site and dealings with Tesco were explained.
- Because our ground was not ready for the opening match of the season (should have been home to Norwich) the Football League wanted us to play our home games for the season at the Walker Stadium. Fortunately Norwich agreed that we could play at Carrow Road on the first day of the season. Everyone then worked together to ensure that the first game against QPR could go ahead. The safety certificate was only granted the night before this match.
- With any "big build" there should be a Public Enquiry by the government into parking. If we had waited for this there would have been a 2 year delay to the opening. So a condition was made that 75% would use public transport to get to the match and parking restrictions were put in place in 3 Coventry Wards.
- Our £38m debt - does this include the £3ml owed to the Inland Revenue? -Natalie to ask and report back.
- The reason why funds are being raised for the Academy was explained. The Academy needs £15k per week. The rent for the Academy is now being invoiced by the Higgs Charity monthly rather than quarterly to help with the club;'s cash flow.
- Players have been asked to help - awaiting a reply from JE
- The reason why £2 car parking was charged for the Manchester United game was explained.
- If ACL can increase their non-football revenue (concerts, conferences, food, parking etc.) there may be a way that the rent CCFC pay could be re-negotiated. So if you do buy food/park you may see it as helping ACL but indirectly you would be helping the club.
- As of 6pm JE confirmed that there were 2 major parties still in talks with the club.
- SBT have been trying to get unissued shares in the club released for a few years now and will go back again to see if the situation has changed.
- Free tickets to schools - the system being used this season was explained.
- During the 1st week of the campaign local businesses who have gained revenue since the Ricoh opened were asked to help but to date there has been no response.
- Complaints about the Ticket Office were received and Natalie would be passing these to Ken Sharp.
- Questions were raised about people using last year's tickets to get in and using incorrect tickets (adults going in on concession tickets) The Trust have made the club aware of this and Pete Smith and the stewards are tightening up and checking tickets. New signage is up at entrances.
- Natalie gave details of Swindon Town FC who are in the same position as us.
- The composition and remit of the Supporters Consultation Group (SCG) was explained.
- A suggestion was made that we build up our campaign funds but not use them until January when we can see exactly where the club is.
Les Reed from the Coventry Times was introduced and thanked for the support they were giving to the campaign. He explained how the joint campaign came about and of ways fans could help.
December 6th at The Escape Bar there will be an auction. (The Enemy have donated a guitar.)
Bob Innes from Hen Lane Social Club would make contact with other CIU clubs and ask if they could organise a concert or other fundraising event.
Les asked to be kept informed of fundraising events so that they could be publicised.
Fans were asked to help by displaying posters in work places and pubs, starting collections and encouraging membership of the Trust. Posters and leaflets were available to take with them and many did.
The current Trust Board has only 7 members who also have jobs so any help that anyone can give would be greatly appreciated. You can contact the Trust via their website - www.skybluetrust.co.uk