Trust news
The new kit has arrived, the players are back in preseason training, new signings are being made and the fixtures are days away from being with us – think its fair to say the new season is very much upon us. We know this is very much a step into the unknown for all of us and equally something that none of us would have wanted. Quite what the season will bring is is anyone’s guess at this moment in time but an improvement on last season has to be the barest minimum.
We are pleased to announce that Trust members have comprehensively voted to continue to have a Supporters’ Director on the RAFC Board of Directors. We have enjoyed representation on the Club Board for the last two years following the Boardroom changes that took place in the Summer of 2021. As part of that, the Supporters’ Director is elected by Trust members for a two year cycle with a maximum of two terms.
We started the election process back in May when Murray Knight’s two year term came to an end, inviting applications from Trust members for that position. Murray was the only person to put himself forward for the position, and coupled with feedback received from Supporters, we put it to members whether to continue with the Supporters’ Director. 79% voted to continue with the Supporters’ Director, with 21% voting against it. As such, Murray will continue in his role until the Summer of 2025.
We met with the Club on Thursday as part of the scheduled meetings for the 2023-24 season. The report of that meeting is:
Ownership / Search for Investor update
There was no news to report on this. The stance of the Club is still to bring in an investor but it has to be the right investor. Work continues, with new NDA’s signed in recent weeks. The Club promised to keep us abreast of any developments but this will not be able to be reported publicly until the correct time.
Communication
There has been improvements in recent weeks. The Jim McNulty interview spread over five days was a step in the right direction, and the update regarding the pitch was appreciated, but more was needed. We have previously cited the use of MRKT that needs communicating with the supporters. The Club are looking at producing a podcast early in July to give a full explanation, putting out a text version soon after. The Club are also working a different line of video output in the next few weeks and will be looking to engage with supporters as part of that.
Getting stadium ready for 2023-24 / Volunteer Army
The Club are looking at announcing a date soon for volunteers to support getting the stadium ready for the start of the season, as well as possibly other slots where necessary. The Trust will work with supporters to highlight areas they feel require work following the early games of pre-season / the season. A further meeting regarding Volunteers is planned for later in the year (September). The Club would also look to work with volunteers with regards to community events and publicising season tickets.
Commercial 2023-24
We spoke about the Player Sponsorship package that is available and how further value could be added to it by throwing in a picture with the player. With Social Media, this was likely to encourage other people to sponsor players. This was something the Club would take on Board.
We spoke about hospitality and the need to identify which supporters use it for further promotion. The Club stated that they have already begun tracking those who attend and will look to make specific targeting for the new season. The Club said that some of the busier nights last season was in the Papa Johns Trophy.
We stated that revenue could be increased through social media by highlight matchday sponsors. Whilst last season saw the Club acknowledging the sponsors on matchdays on Social Media, this can be massively improved. Sponsors usually receive a presentation after the game – this should be photographed and put out on Social Media. This will more than likely be highlighted and shared by those Sponsors.
We spoke about the Scoreboard and how £25 to display your message had not captured the imagination of the supporters with few examples on any game of this being used. The Club said that they were in the process of looking at how the scoreboard was used in the build up to games. We mentioned that it could be used to display pictures taken before the game of younger fans with Desmond as you get in other sports. The Club agreed to look at this.
National League
We asked about the notice period that is given to National League teams when fixtures are switched by BT Sports for live broadcasting. Early travel arrangements could be jeopardised should games be switched and let us know. The Club said they would find out and let us know.
We asked about priority for away tickets next season and the need to ensure a season ticket priority window. The Club said they were looking at something similar to what was operated at Harrogate on the last game of last season.
Preparation for 2023-24 season
We asked about the Catering changes for the new season. The Club expected to sign a contract with a new catering partner for the new season this week. This would cover hospitality and the kiosks. We asked about whether this would be extended to providing food in the Ratcliffe before games, and the Club expected this to be the case. We will confirm this before the start of the season.
We discussed the proposals to moving the away end to the far end of the Pearl Street for certain fixtures when the away support is expected to be under a hundred. We asked whether all games would be pre-selected before the season starts but the Club aimed to be flexible about it and ensure that plenty of notice was provided to supporters regarding this.
We spoke about the change to iFollow following relegation. We have previously spoken about National League TV which streams live games under the same rules as iFollow – the difference being the Club would retain 60% of all revenue. We asked about the live audio commentary of matches and how this would fit in with the National League. The Club agreed to get back to us with this.
Rochdale AFC AGM
No date in place at the moment but hope to announce something ahead of the new season.
AOB
The Club spoke to us about the plans for the launch of the away kit and the 3rd kit. This would take place in late July and September.
The Fans Forum night need to be moved from the agreed date of Thursday 27th July. It would only change by a few days if that was the case. We will look to confirm this as soon as possible.
The Club will be holding an open training session at the Crown Oil Arena before the start of the season. The date will be announced soon.
This coming Wednesday will see the fixtures released and we will be putting many things into place following that. Within minutes of the fixures coming out, we’ll be pencilling in an Exiles Day, discussing Matchball Sponsorships, sorting out our Trust Desk rota, and we’ll be looking to pencil in a series of Fans meetings throughout the season. All fo these supporter meetings will take place ahead of a Saturday home game preceding the planned meetings with the Club. The intention of this is to allow supporters to offer input ahead of those meetings. Not only that, with those fixtures, I’m sure we’ll be looking at a potential away fixture that we can build a Supporters’ walk to. Dorking away anyone?
You will notice some subtle changes to our newsletter. We redesigned our “Contact the Trust” page following feedback from supporters earlier this year to make it more specfic. We are keen to share the outcomes of the work that we do, so we have added five question sections to the newsletter.
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Trust On the Board
I should like to start this report on the decision by members to continue to be represented by a Director on the Club Board for a further two years, and for me to be chosen, (as if you had a choice from those applying!!) Seriously, as I said when I applied to be re-elected, time and effort can now be spent more productively in attending to much more positive matters, instead of the considerable effort required in attending to the negative and damaging events faced over the last two years not of our making, of which we are all too aware.
This coming season represents the unknown challenge of competing in the National League, but challenges experienced during the Club’s history are nothing new, and alwaysfaced with the positivity which is the Rochdale way. The National League will represent changes to the way we operate, and the Club will continue to provide details of how these changes will impact on the coming season.
The Open Day held on Saturday, was well attended, in spite of the weather, featuring the kit launch, meeting with the players, activities and presentations featured by the Community Trust, collection and applications for Season Cards, and the prize draw to include all applications received by noon. Quick plug regarding Season Cards and the real value and benefits they represent, including the vouchers. They also represent an important aspect of the income to the Club at this time of the year, prior to the season commencing, so, why not take advantage of the savings to be made, whilst contributing to the Club. I spoke to several members/supporters on the day who were either collecting/applying for Season Cards, and/or purchasing kit, and there was, as you would expect, the feeling of looking forward to the new season, irrespective of the challenges it represents.
We now look forward to the fixture list being released this Wednesday, with the first league game on Saturday 5th August, and the first of our pre-season friendlies, starting with Radcliffe FC on Tuesday 12th, Chorley FC on Saturday 15th, Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday 22nd – all away from home, and the final game at home against Bradford FC on Saturday 29th.
Finally, and I know I repeat this with each report, but the only objective in having Trust membership of the Club Board in the first place, and should be the only reason I have been elected, is to represent Trust membership. Whether if be questions, views, criticisms, or suggestions, these can only be represented if you contact me to take these matters up on your behalf. There’s no point in not taking advantage of the most important benefit membership provides, and, surely has to be the reason for the vote by members to continue for the next two years
So contact me on the new email address of murray@daletrust.co.uk and I shall continue to represent you to the best of my ability, as I have over the last two years, and return to you with an update.
Up the Dale
Regards
Murray |
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Membership News
Membership for the coming year is now open, we have had a good response from existing members renewing but equally pleasing is the new members who have signed up, we look forward to meeting you all over the next season.
Membership figures so far, and its early days still
Adults 102
Exiles (Adult ) 71 ( 55 in the UK and 16 overseas)
Juniors 202 (12’s and under 109, 13’s and over 93)
Though we set membership for Adults at £5 and Under 16’s free, there is a facility when subscribing to make a donation on top of the subs, so far we have had a staggering £345 donated, a big thank you from the Trust for that generosity.
To date we have 735 lapsed 2022/23 season members, a figure in reality we know will reduce very quickly and with live games coming soon the Trust desk in the Dale Bar is the place to renew if more convenient.
We have now taken stock of the new membership cards, and we have started work on sending them out to everyone who has renewed.
Adult membership is £5 and under 16’s is free, you can sign up your children, grand kids and mother in law should you wish on the same online form.
For those wishing to renew on line use this link HERE
Any problems the contact us on info@daletrust.co.uk
Dale trust web site www.daletrust.co.uk
Scott Goulding- membership officer
Renew on line at https://www.daletrust.co.uk/adult-exile-membership/ |
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Member Engagement
We now have for the first time a full twelve month programme of fan engagement working with the Club. This will be added to following the release of the fixtures during the next week.
The Fans Forum scheduled for later this month may need rearranging. We will update members as soon as we have a date in place for it.
| Date |
Meeting |
For |
| 29th June 2023 |
Club Board/Staff Reps + Dale Trust meeting 1 |
Trust Board |
| 27th July 2023 |
Fans Forum |
All supporters |
| 31st August 2023 |
Club Board/Staff Reps + Dale Trust meeting 2 |
Trust Board |
| 28th September 2023 |
Volunteer Army |
Focus Group |
| 26th October 2023 |
Club Board/Staff Reps + Dale Trust meeting 3 |
Trust Board |
| 30th November 2023 |
2024-25 Kit, merchandise |
Focus Group |
| 21st December 2023 |
Club Board/Staff Reps + Dale Trust meeting 4 |
Trust Board |
| 25th January 2024 |
Fans Forum |
All supporters |
| 29th February 2024 |
Club Board/Staff Reps + Dale Trust meeting 5 |
Trust Board |
| 28th March 2024 |
2024-25 Season Tickets |
Focus Group |
| 25th April 2024 |
Club Board/Staff Reps + Dale Trust meeting 6 |
Trust Board |
| 30th May 2024 |
Matchday Experience |
Focus Group |
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Former Players Association
The Rochdale AFC Former Player’s Association are looking to add to their current database. Over 60 former Dale players are enrolled in the Association, with many returning to the Crown Oil Arena this season as guests of the club. Last season, players such as Shaun Reid, Paul Butler, Gareth Griffiths and many more were invited to be a guest speaker in the club’s hospitality lounge before a match.
Keith Hicks, former Dale defender and Head of Community Trust for over 30 years, is appealing for more of our ex-players to join “We have a strong database of former players already but are always on the lookout for more. Those who have been guests of the club this season have spoken highly of their visits and are eager to return. We are also looking at organising other events such as sportsman’s dinner, golf days and re-union dinners. The Former Player’s Association is a great way to ensure the club remain connected with those who have served the club, as well as allowing supporters to reminisce on days gone by”
Any former players who are interested, or if supporters know of a former player who may not already be involved, should contact Keith/Shiv on formerplayers@daletrust.co.uk
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Easyfundraising
One of the biggest fundraisers through Easyfundraising comes from home and car insurance. I think its fair to say that most people these days will use a comparison website when their insurance comes up for renewal, and if you do, its highly likely that you will be using one of the websites listed below when doing so.
As you can see from the image, these are huge donations and as always is the case with Easyfundraising, it does not cost you a penny more to start your search through them.
You need to be registered with Easyfundraising before you start, so if you’ve not done so, you can join the other 346 Dale supporters by doing so here.
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Trust Board Meeting
The Trust Board met on Monday. The agenda for that meeting was:
1) Membership
2) Preparation for meeting with the Club
3) Trust Preparation for new season
4) Questions
5) Safety / Stewarding
5) Follow up to Supporters Meetings
6) AOB
Next meeting date: 31st July 2023 |
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Share Purchases
We have taken exactly £400 this month through donations by Trust members with the sole purpose of purchasing futher shares in the Football Club. We will make this transaction at the end of August along with any funds that we take in for share purchases during that month.
As always, a massive thank you to all supporters who continue to make monthly donations for share purchases.
If you would like to make a small monthly donation for share purchases, you can do so by visiting here. |
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Pre-season v Chorley
Dale supporters have been invited to visit the Colliers’ Arms before our trip to Chorley this month:
“Just a quick note to you and your fellow Rochdale Supporters. The Coliiers Arms on Moor Road in Chorley ( 5 mins walk to ground) are asking if your supporters would like them to put some FREE food on prior to the pre season match v Chorley
The pub has a massive beer garden , BT Sport’s , Sky Sports , pool table and new Duke Box . It has housed many away teams visiting the area ”
More info on this pub can be found at : https://www.facebook.com/ColliersChorley/ |
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Trust Diary
Saturday 1st July – New kit on sale
Wednesday 5th July – Fixture Release Day
Tuesday 11th July – Radcliffe (a) – Ground Guide
Saturday 15th July – Chorley (a) – Ground Guide
Saturday 22nd July – Bradford PA (a) – Ground Guide
Thursday 27th July – Fans Forum
Saturday 29th July – Bradford City (h)
Saturday 5th August – First game of the season |
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Questions – General
Q) When considering outside bids to attain control of the Club as a whole. What criteria would the Trust for any decision to support it?
A) Any support would come from the membership. Should anyone come forward, we’d be looking at an initial meeting with anyone who came forward to be followed by a public meeting for all supporters to attend to meet and listen to any prospective investor. We’d then look to follow up on any questions before putting a vote to the membership. When we put that vote, we would ask it as a straight question – we wouldn’t urge the membership to vote any particular way. We have previously asked our membership about an investor and the return was over 90% in favour of someone coming in so it’s not coming from a hostile / hands off aproach.
Q) Just wanted too ask what the supporters trust actually does,and is their a way of getting involved, taking into consideration I can no longer work ,so not much money available?
A) Now there’s a million dollar question. The short answer is that as an organisation, we act on behalf of the Supporters in the best interests of the Supporters, the Club and the wider community. As a Trust Board, we meet monthly but there’s rarely a day where there isn’t something taking place. It is our intention to work more with the fanbase this season and advertise more for volunteers for specific activities throughout the year.
For general enquires, email info@daletrust.co.uk |
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Questions – Trust Director
If you have any questions, views, criticisms, or suggestions that you would like me to take up on your behalf, send me an email murray@daletrust.co.uk
Murray Knight |
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Questions – Matchday
Email your questions on anything “Matchday” to matchday@daletrust.co.uk
Match Day support is now available to you from Charlie and Dave from the Trust. They welcome all feedback, positive and negative and will liaise with the club on your behalf. Had an issue at the ground or want to pass on positive news? Tell us. We now have a dedicated email: matchday@daletrust.co.uk. If you contact the club directly, please add Dale Trust into your email so we can offer support.
Finally, to help us help you, when you do write to us, please give us as much information as possible. We find that some of the topics we are asked to raise are anecdotal, and not with any specifics, it helps us to get answers if you can cite examples that we can quote. If email is not your thing, then any issues or concerns can be raised at any home game at the Trust desk which is in the Dale Bar. The desk is usually staffed by at least two board members who will be able to help. |
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Questions – Commercial
If you have any concerns regarding the Club Shop, Matchday Hospitality, half time nibbles etc , or any thing else commercial then email commercial@daletrust.co.uk. Bob and Jane monitor this email and will get back to you on any concern or issue you may have
The email above is one of several new ones which the Trust has initiated as part of our drive to ensure our members get information and questions answered as soon as is possible. BUT, PLEASE BE SPECIFIC…….To help us help you, when you do write to us, please give us as much information as possible with any examples we can quote. We find that some of the topics we are asked to raise are anecdotal, and not with any specifics, it helps us to get answers if you can cite examples that we can quote.
Finally as mentioned elsewhere, if email is not your thing, then any query you have can be raised at any home game at the Trust desk in the Dale bar. The desk is always staffed by at least two board members who will be able to help. |
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Questions – Fan Liaison
For any supporters of other clubs ahead of their trip to the Crown Oil Arena and to offer any feedback following the game email fanliaison@daletrust.co.uk |
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Work in Progress
We are looking at putting a ground guide together for the Crown Oil Arena in time for the new season. With so many teams making their first visit to Rochdale, the ground will be a new ground for many supporters, and we want to go above and beyond to make these supporters welcome and encourage them to attend. Our plan is for this to follow a “Trip Advisor” approach by containing within it comments from supporters who have visited to give it an authentic approach. This will be ready in time for the new season.
We continue to work on the feedback received at the Supporters’ Meetings as part of the preparations for the new season. Unquestionably, the meetings proved to be fantastic examples of fan engagement but as we have said all along, they are meaningless unless they are acted upon. So far, we have published our actions on the Trust, the National League and the questions regarding any potential takeover. |
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