Author: Jeff Banks

CFU Board Summary – October 2021

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Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 18th October 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chair), Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Kieron Shiel, Jeff Banks, Matt Dickenson, and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Alex Owen, Jim Green, Adam Langan, Paul Bodman and Chris Robertson.

Minutes of Meeting held on 13th September 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record, with an update on planning permission that would be needed to put up digital boards at the entrance to the club car park and the other at the South Stand. The Club would also need to speak to Flintshire County Council.

Review of Actions – All actions had been completed and closed. Club needs to start developing relations with other local businesses and consolidate the ones that we already have.

Finance – Matt Dickenson stated that there was nothing to mention since the previous meeting.

Deva Stadium and CWAC update – Mike Vickers stated that he was still waiting for responses to his requests but had received a report concerning the floodlights. The club needed a 5-year plan for the backlog of work which needed doing. Consideration given to joining the council as a consortium. The club needs to sort out the issue regarding the charge for water. Electricity would also be charged at a higher rate, but gas would be okay. Query as to whether we could buy energy in bulk.

Staff Pay – Kieron Shiel had sent round to all board members a paper regarding staff pay. Went through several options. Suggested that the National Living Wage be used for yearly reviews. After much discussion an option was chosen, and a letter would be sent to all staff regarding the pay rise.

AOB – Nick Phillipson mentioned the floodlights. The FSIF had granted the club a sum of money. The club would have to meet the difference. A decision needs to be made by 15th November 2021.

Andy Morris stated he was having a meeting with Jaspers regarding the issues surrounding the kiosks.

Mike Vickers had mentioned that he had not received his email regarding the AGM. This had happened to several members. There had been an issue with different data being on the system and was being looked at by Jeff Banks and Mike Day.

Jeff Banks stated he was working on a paper to try and build up a picture as to why people were not coming to matches.

Seals Lottery – Oct ’21 Draw

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The October Draw of the Seals Lottery took place recently, and we are delighted to announce the following winners:

 

1st Janice Rowlands No 719 £466.00

 

2nd John Higgins No 965 £349.50

 

3rd Kevin Hodgson No 514 £233.00

 

Also, congratulations to Richard Sands (No 871( who wins £696.50 on the Autumn Bonus Draw!

 

CFU Board Summary – September 2021

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Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 13th September 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chair), Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Paul Bodman, Kieron Shiel, Jeff Banks, Chris Robertson, Matt Dickenson, and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Alex Owen, Jim Green.

Minutes of Meeting held on 16th August 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.

CFU Formal Meeting –Several Board members had suggested that a formal CFU meeting should be held before the AGM. A date of Thursday 7th October 2021 was chosen to be held in the Blues Bar at the Stadium. Doors to be open at 7pm for meeting to start at 7.30pm.

1st Team Performance – Jim Green had sent an email to Board members regarding the underperformance of the first team, which was way under the level which was expected. The Board needed to reserve the right to assess the situation if it did not improve. JG had had discussions with the managers.

Community Activity – Paul Bodman had circulated a paper to the Board regarding sponsorships. Andy Morris stated that any future sponsorships must be signed in a written contract. AM had been in discussions with a gentleman called Mike Turner who owned a company called “Open Club House” which works on the principal of taking a % commission for any activity it raises for the club. A suggestion had been an electronic scoreboard, which would have adverts on.

Youth Alliance League Withdrawal – A paper had been sent to the Board from Calum McIntyre with a suggestion that the youth team no longer play within the Youth Alliance League. After much consideration it was decided that the Board would support the proposal put by CM, subject to certain conditions. A letter would be drafted to go to the NL.

Hospitality – Nick Phillipson stated that he had spoken to Jaspers regarding issues raised by fans attending matches and proposals were put in place to solve them.

AGM – The Secretary, Christine Robson stated that all paperwork was in the process of being printed. The EMG would be meeting on Wednesday 22nd September 2021 (Independent Scrutineer – Philip Young from Bury FC) to consider all nominations. Paper documents would be going out to members on Thursday 14th October 2021 and email screenshots going out on Monday 18th October 2021.

AOB – Jeff Banks suggested that the Board put out a communication to update supporters on latest developments and updates from portfolio holders given it had been a few months since the last update. Matt Dickenson was working on the end of year financial accounts and would send across a draft copy to all Board members when completed. Mike Vickers mentioned that the club had been having issues with the KGB project. Price had gone up significantly but had now been resolved.

Date of next Meeting – Next formal CFU Board Meeting would take place on Monday 11th October 2021 at 7.30pm by virtual conference.

CFU AGM 2021

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The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of City Fans United and Chester Football Club will be held on Thursday, 4th November 2021 at 7.30pm.

The meeting will be held by Zoom due to current public health guidance.  Members who not able to attend by Zoom, can submit votes using the proxy form direct to the Returning Officer (Mr Philip Young).

 

If you have any questions for the AGM, please send these to CFU Secretary Christine Robson at chris.robson@chesterfc.com. Nearer the date of the meeting, members will be sent a link to join through Zoom on the night.

 

The following papers are now available:

Agenda

Draft minutes of the AGM 2020

Resolutions

Statement of Comprehensive Income and Statement of Financial Position for the year ended May 2021.

Candidate Manifestos

Proxy form

A full set of the Unaudited Financial Statements with accompanying Independent Accountants Report will be posted on the CFU website and copies may be obtained on request.

 

The process relating to the election of directors has been overseen by the Election Management Group which includes Philip Young from Bury FC acting as external scrutineer and returning officer.

 

Four directors’ posts were advertised as available, and three nominations were received and confirmed as eligible by the Election Management Group.

 

The candidates have each provided a manifesto containing information about themselves together with a photograph and these can be found above.

 

As the number of candidates does not equal or exceed the available places, there will be no election but an affirmative ballot at the AGM.  Each candidate will be put before the meeting for the approval of members.  To be elected each candidate must receive the support of more than half those present at the Zoom meeting and those who are not able to attend, have expressed their preference, by returning the proxy form.

 

If you are unable to attend the Zoom AGM it is therefore important that you complete the proxy form which is confidential and will be opened by the Returning Officer.  The proxy form will not be seen by anyone at CFU/Chester Football Club.  If you are able to attend the Zoom AGM you do not need to return the proxy form as you will be able to show your support at the meeting.

 

What to do next

If you are attending the AGM by Zoom, you do not need to take any action other than to read the enclosed papers.  If you are not able to attend by Zoom, please complete the proxy form and send it to Philip Young, the Returning Officer using the home address at the bottom of the proxy form.  Please do not return the form to the Deva Stadium.

 

And finally

The AGM is a key time for CFU members and we are hoping for a good attendance at this meeting.  You will see there are some very important items on the agenda.  For those attending it would be helpful if you could log into the Zoom app promptly on the night so that we can start on time.

CFU Board Summary – August 2021

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Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 16th August 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chair), Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Paul Bodman, Chris Robertson, Matt Dickenson, and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Alex Owen, Jeff Banks, and Kieron Shiel.

Minutes of Meeting held on 19th July 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.

Review of Actions – Andrew Morris went through the Action Plan. Most actions were still in progress.

Budget – Chris Robertson stated that there was nothing significant to report as he was still in the process of handing over the job to Matt Dickenson. Matt is talking to Laurence regarding the year end accounts. Matt would be taking over the role officially in September.

Update on operational issues. – Jim Green stated that there was nothing significant to report.

Portfolios – Jim Green had mentioned Jonno’s illness and that he was getting slowly better. May attend the match on Saturday. Some players are out on loan and others had been struck by COVID. Curzon game had been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th August 2021.

JG had contacted players regarding vaccinations and stressed how important it was for them to be jabbed. There had been discussions with Chris Robertson regarding bonuses with regards to players and managers.

Paul Bodman had sent an email around to Board members regarding commercial funding and went through several items. Had a conversation with a car dealership who may be interested in doing something for the club regarding getting another van.

Adam Langan mentioned that the fundraising for “Boost the Budget” had reached the target of £100,000. Would like to focus on the Seals Lottery. Is looking at the end of September to hold another fundraising meeting.

Jeff Banks had circulated a paper on FEWG in his absence.

Any other business – Mike Vickers had asked whether solar panels could be put on the club roof. PB stated that this had been looked at several times in the past. AL mentioned that the Council do not have a scheme to help local businesses out with this.

Date of next meeting – 13th September 2021.

CFU Members Meeting – Thursday 7th October 7.30pm

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City Fans United will be holding their next members meeting on Thursday 7th October, commencing at 7.30pm in the Blues Bar at Chester FC’s Deva Stadium.

Doors will be open for drinks at 7pm, and Directors will be present at the meeting to answer any questions that members have.

This will be a Members Only formal meeting. The meeting will also be streamed online for members, with an invite going out on email to members week commencing Monday 4th October.

We look forward to seeing you at the Deva Stadium on the night.

Remember, if you need to renew your membership or sign up for the first time, you can do so here: Members Section – City Fans United

CFU Board Summary – July 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 19th July 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chairman), Jeff Banks, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson, Matt Dickenson, Anthony Johnson, and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Paul Bodman, Alex Owen, and Kieron Shiel.

Before the meeting started Andrew Morris introduced Matt Dickenson to everyone as the new Treasurer (who was taking over the role from Chris Robertson). Matt had been co-opted on to the Board.

Anthony Johnson (Manager) had asked to attend the meeting so he could update the Board on where the club was. Bernard Morley had sent his apologies, as he was coaching. AJ wanted to thank the Board for allowing the team to attend Bangor University on a 5- day pre-season training camp. It had been very successful and helped the players gel together. Hospitality was excellent. Had an enquiry regarding Jon Worsnop and whether he could play with the club. This would depend on whether JW wished to play with the club again. AJ stated that he and BM had a good network with other clubs and could loan out players temporarily.

Minutes of Meeting held on 7th June 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.

Review of Actions – Andrew Morris went through the plan of actions and updated the Board on all relevant issues.

Budget – Chris Robertson had circulated a paper on the budget and was aware that a schedule of potential spending bids was to be brought to the Board for the next meeting, which had not happened. Given level of uncertainty now, it was essential that everything is prioritised. Asked all portfolio holders to send in any expenditure asap.

Update on operational issues. – Jim Green was in discussions about what match days would look like. Issues surrounding cash at turnstiles. What was being done about a programme. Andrew Morris stated that there had been an issue with the club van, as it seemed to be needed in two places at the same time. Better communication between teams was needed.

Any other business – Andrew Morris stated that discussions regarding Directors Duties on match days would need to be confirmed. Adam Langan stated that the Boost the Budget had been going very well, but had stopped around the £90,000, but was sure the club could achieve the target of £100,000. Nick Phillipson mentioned about the car park and programmes. MBNA had asked questions about safety of their staff at the ground. The club needs to review its safety policy to make sure it covers everyone. Chris Robson stated that she had provisionally booked the Blues Bar for the AGM in November, to make sure the room was available, if it was decided to have a face-to-face meeting. Andrew stated he did not want any face-to-face meetings until after the AGM.

Date of next meeting – 16th August 2021.