We met with the Board of Directors on Thursday afternoon to discuss a number of questions that had been sent in by Trust members.
- Any feedback from the club on the sale of season tickets?
The feedback was good, and the club informed us that they were absolutely delighted with the season ticket sales that have taken place. Approximately 2,500 have been sold overall so far, with sales continuing. To put this figure in context, 774 adult season tickets were sold last Summer. - The Trust are very keen to bring a former player back as a guest of the Trust for a game this season. Is this something the club would appreciate?
The club said they would be delighted should we do this. The club told us that they are keen to start inviting past players back to the club on matchdays, and recently had Stevie Whitehall in attendance. Discussions followed about the possibility of bringing back the idea of a Past Players Association of which some groundwork took place three or four years ago. - A few years ago, a Xmas Party was held on the last home game of the season, and despite things being at something of a low ebb on the pitch at the time, it was generally felt that this was a real positive. Could this be something that could be brought back for the Walsall game on Saturday 23rd December?
The club were keen on the idea but had to check to see if people and the venue were available on that date. - Rumours have been rife recently suggesting that the club were on the verge of securing training facilities, with some talk even of a new stadium being on the cards. Was there any truth in this?
The club admitted that the things were ongoing with regards to securing training facilities, and they were looking at finding an area within the borough of Rochdale. They felt training facilities were something that was definitely needed by the club, with the academy doing so well having been ranked 3rd in the country. However, they insisted that there was no intention to leave Spotland. - Are there any fundraising projects that the supporters / Trust could get behind with regards to growing the fanbase?
Definitely, and discussions would continue to see what can be achieved between both parties in the next few weeks. - In terms of growing the fanbase, are there any plans for doing so throughout the season?
The directors mentioned that they had collectively purchased a number of season tickets to ensure that the club could reach out to different groups within the town that previously had not been involved at the club. They had spoken to a number of different councillors regarding such groups within their wards. So far, there has been a great response, with every game seeing a different group represented, including an “over sixties dance club”. - It was mentioned at the AGM that there would be a number of improvements made to the stadium over the Summer. What has taken place?
Extensive work has taken place in the Changing Rooms, the Tunnel area and the corridor surrounding them bringing them up to Championship standard. Further work has taken place with safety issues and the toilets in the ground, and work has taken place in every stand. Furthermore work has taken place in the car park and surrounding area, with the club reaching out to local residents, setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme. Fencing around the exterior is being addressed, amongst further improvements. - With so many away games now requiring advance ticket purchase, could away ticket sales be moved to the club shop to help boost sales in there?
Yes, this is being done, and should be in place by the end of the first week of the season. - Will the influx of season ticket holders, will season ticket holders be given priority for away ticket sales?
The club were happy to do this, whilst admitting this hadn’t been put into place for the Portsmouth away fixture. They w0uld also look into the possibility of Trust members being given some sort of priority given how many Exile Members we have who won’t qualify for a season ticket. It was acknowledged that given we have 2,500 season ticket holders, there may still be cases where we may have more season ticket holders than tickets available, but they would look into that situation where that arises. - For the past two seasons, we have held two pre season friendlies simultaneously with the squad split between the two. Can supporters be informed ahead of the games, which players will be playing in which game?
The club said that they would address this ahead of the next time this should happen. - The choice of home and away kits this season will dictate the need for a third kit for some fixtures. Are plans in place for this?
A new kit would be supplied and used for the games in question. This was expected to be Wigan, Blackburn and Bristol Rovers. - Through Peter Vincenti, the club had links with the charity Edgar’s Gift. Would any player be willing to step into Peter Vincenti’s shoes and replace him as a patron for the charity?
The club would ask the playing staff. - There had been talk of the club hosting a Golf Tournament this Summer. Is this something still going ahead?
The club would look into this and get back to us.
Aside from the members’ questions, next week’s Fans Forum was discussed and everything was in place for that, with Eden Bearshaw being the compere on the evening, and the club would look into providing a buffet on the evening. Supporters are advised to arrive between 7 and 7-30 on Wednesday 2nd August. There will be an opportunity to talk to and join the Trust should you wish on the evening.
Also, the Trust would be looking to work in conjuction with the Dale Bar for a new matchday competition where you can win a pint. The competition can be played in person or via Twitter, and the supporter getting the closest guess wins a pint for the Dale Bar, with a soft drink available as an alternative. More details will be released on this before the first home game of the season. The Trust were also advised that prices in the Dale Bar and the Carlsberg Lounge are now the same and will continue to be so.