Summary Notes of SCG participation in CCFC Board Meeting
Thursday 02 April 2015, 11:30/13:00
Present:
Tim Fisher (Chairman) (TF)
Steve Waggott (CEO) (SW)
Steve Brookfield (Finance Director) (SB)
Laura Deering (LD)
Jim Brown (SCG) (JB)
Peter Ward (SCG) (PW)
The SCG had presented in advance five key issues which were addressed as follows:
- SB provided a broad financial overview of operating loss results for the last three years. We discussed the historic performance and also confirmed that losses for the current financial year before interest and tax will be significantly less than the 2013-14 results. It was also noted that the Board will be looking to move to a break even position before interest and tax in the 2015-16 financial year
- Player wages budget 2015/16 is again likely to be upper quartile for League 1
- SW explained at this point that discussions ongoing with Tony Mowbray (TM) regarding the squad profile and criteria for 2015/16, and benchmarked against other League 1 clubs the player squad budget should be adequate to challenge for promotion from League 1.
- PW & JB questioned why this year’s squad had failed to deliver against this target
- SW explained the last close season recruitment campaign had failed for 2 key reasons
- the expectancy to be playing the season at Sixfields had proved a major hurdle to attract the target players
- competition had been severe from other Clubs in League 1 who had made significantly higher offers to key players, at levels that are unrealistic and unsustainable; SW gave a couple of examples where players had been targeted, had come to Ryton and been offered and accepted terms, for the Club to be gazumped at the final hour
- PW & JB asked what were the key learnings and what would be different this time round
- SW stated that a greater depth of targeting would be required, and this has been put in place with TM, whereby 3 targets are identified and pursued for each position required
- SW spoke of the level of detail on player profiling to ensure the correct “DNA” is targeted, with a 1st, 2nd 3rd target identified, with special emphasis on the spine of the team
- Regarding scouting, SW thanked JB for putting forward the offer on behalf of the Former Players Association. SW explained that this was being considered, however, the scouting network and structure of intelligence gathering has to be a long term commitment with scouts needing to be available every weekend, and not something to be managed on an ad hoc “when it suits” basis; SW acknowledged that there may be some helpful talent within the FPA to assist
- SW advised that a number of individuals within his network had already been introduced to TM, and together with TM’s contacts, strong links were in place with a number of Premier League and Championship Clubs
- SW was hopeful that these links would help to increase the total number of professionals within the Club, in particular he aims to increase the number of trialists to complement existing academy and youth players, and to fulfil the large number of fixtures when taking into account U18 and U21 commitments
- PW & JB asked for clarification about the potential threat to Category 2 academy status
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SW reiterated the importance of the academy, confirming that TM is an advocate / believer in youth development and Academies
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SW explained the Club’s £1.25million commitment to the Academy, and his determination to maintain Cat 2 status as a fundamental pillar of the model going forward
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In response to the question of competing with Wasps for priority share of discretionary spend within the area, SW outlined an intense programme of engagement within the local community, working with schools, various further education establishments and industry via Chamber of Commerce etc
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SB gave an overview of the Football League’s process for policing Financial Fair Play, cash flow considerations and the need for CCFC to increase revenues, citing various models in play within League 1 with which CCFC are competing; eg the “benefactor” model versus a sustainable business model
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PW & JB asked if SW and SB would be prepared to present this particular topic to the SCG, when a full meeting could be allocated to the subject – important that supporters have a much greater understanding of the parameters within which the Club is working, and the various options available (agreed, target next meeting 22 April)
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SW stated this might also provide an opportunity to consult with supporters about stadium configuration for next season, conscious that measures must be taken to improve atmosphere, whilst recognising that some supporters may be asked to make a compromise
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TF advised that pricing for next season was still “work in progress”
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PW & JB asked for clarification about the recent rumours concerning former manager Steven Pressley. SW confirmed that a commercial agreement had been reached.
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SW confirmed there was absolutely no truth in the rumour about theft of the player database
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Regarding the new stadium, TF advised that the media had recently reported, accurately, that discussions had taken place with Rugby Borough Council about potential sites for the new stadium; stating that discussions will continue on a commercially sensitive basis
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Time constraints meant that Jan Mokrzycki’s extensive list of questions was deferred, TF advised he would endeavour to answer those questions in writing as far and soon as possible
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Date for next Board meeting – 15 June 2015