The Trust met with the Board of Directors last week, and asked them a number of questions on behalf of the supporters.
1 There seem to be a large number of empty seats in the Main Stand with Season Ticket stickers on. Is this merely down to people being on holiday at the start of the season?
Answer: Yes. All seats with stickers on correspond to a sold season ticket.
2 There are reports of price rises at various bars within the Stadium. The Trust was given an undertaking by Colin Garlick that any price rises at bars would be communicated to the Trust. Why has this not happened?
Answer: The Directors will look into this and report back.
3 How come we didn’t get a Family Excellence Award this year? We were awarded one last year.
Answer: The club was very disappointed that they didn’t get an award, and will continue to work hard to achieve one in coming seasons. Discussions are taking place with the Football League to understand any learning points for the future.
4 The last two home games have seen the number of home supporters drop below 2,000 for a 3pm kick off for the first time since 2012-13 when we were in the middle of trying to stay in the Football League, and are between 15% and 20% down on the equivalent fixtures last season. This fits with anecdotal evidence from Trust members who have not renewed their season tickets from last season. What is being done to attack this decline both in this season and in future seasons?
Answer: The club wants to see the atmosphere and attendance in the Crown Oil Arena at its best. The new Chief Executive brings new ideas and energy to the club and intends to launch a range of initiatives in the coming months to boost attendance and support for the football club.
5 Whilst the option to pay for season tickets in instalments is welcomed, the interest rate incurred leaves little difference between the sum paid and the sums paid at the turnstiles on a game by game basis. Why can this not be managed in house to avoid much needed funds going to a third party?
Answer: The club intend to develop this initiative in future years to make the offer as attractive to supporters as possible. The club acknowledges that finding a lump sum for a season ticket can be difficult and wants to develop a membership scheme that spreads the costs for loyal supporters while retaining many of the advantages a season ticket brings.
6 Back in March when the club responded to questions from the Trust, the following question was asked: Are prices for food and drink in the away stand the same as elsewhere in the ground? The reply was “The club will look into this.” Could the club confirm the outcome of looking into this issue?
Answer: Prices in each stand are set to balance the value for money to the customer and also to maximise revenue for the football club. To this end prices may not be the same in each area of the ground.
7 Do the directors acknowledge mistakes were made when promoting this year’s season tickets? Also, are they aware of the work that needs to be done to rebuild the bond between the club and loyal supporters who felt affected by both the pricing and the club’s explanations?
Answer: With the benefit of hindsight the club would have taken measures to ensure the bond between the club and its supporters continues to be as strong as it is. Lessons have been learned and will be taken into account in the future.
8 Do the club feel their season ticket initiative for this season has been successful and is there a breakdown of sales in each age category?
Answer: Season ticket sales are broadly in line with those in the year following promotion. The club will provide a breakdown of the sales in due course.
9 Has the manager’s budget been significantly affected by the drop in home attendances?
Answer: No
10 As per a story last year on the Trust site (‘Board answers to members’ questions’, dated: 3/12/15) the following was stated by the club regarding sales of junior season tickets: “200 Under seven’s (free) 350 Junior season ticket holders.” With these figures in mind, could the club now confirm the amount of free* under 11 season tickets that have been sold and state how they feel this promotion went? Specifically, do they believe including an administration fee was a good idea?
Answer: The club will provide details of season ticket sales in due course.
11 Why do the club and the manager find it difficult to accept refereeing decisions, particularly over sendings off?
Answer: The club are very proud of the respect that is shown to all officials and it is a value that is held in very high regard by all at the club, especially the manager.
12 Last year’s kit competition was a big success. Are the club planning to run it this year?
Answer: Subject to agreement with the manufacturer yes. The club were very pleased with the competition last year and would very much like to run it again.
13 “I wanted to buy a XXXL home shirt in May, but the club shop didn’t have any left in stock. I was told by the shop manager at the time that it would be publicised when there was new stock in the shop, but I haven’t yet seen anything on the official website. Could the shop be urged to let us know when they have new stock?”
Answer: Supporters are urged to look online for latest stock available in the club shop, details are kept up to date on a regular basis. There is an issue regarding sizing for merchandise that is being taken up with the supplier at the moment which may impact in the short term. It appears sizes are not as generous as expected.