Category: CFU Board Meetings

At the AGM in November 2015 the City Fans United board again made a commitment to try and improve communications and one of the ways of doing this is to provide a summary of the issues discussed at each board meeting. It is not possible to publish the minutes in full due to the commercial sensitivity of some issues.

CFU Board Summary – February 2023

Present:  Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, , Ian Swettenham, Mike Vickers (via video link), Jeff Banks, Oliver Hill, and Mike Day.

In attendance – Georgina Slawinski.

Apologies: Christine Robson (Secretary), Alex Owen (not notified), |Charlotte Walker, Kate Mylchreest, Adam Langan, and Matt Dickenson.

Minutes of Meeting held on 21st January 2023 –   Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Conflicts of InterestNo additional information be added to any director’s details.  Kieron informed the Board that he had turned down an opportunity as this would have created a conflict of interest for him and would have had to step down from the Board.

Action Log Review – No review in detail due to agenda items and proximity of previous meeting.

Sportwear Tender – Kieron shared the work he had been doing with Georgina to the Board.  Sent out 14 offers to tender and received 10 responses. (more than expected).  They have all been revied and scored against multiple criteria.  The bottom half of the companies have been notified.  The other four plus the incumbent had been invited in to discuss their tenders in more detail.  Areas of focus included but not exclusive to were – Cost to the Club, Retail Profit, Ethical Sourcing, Quality, Order Process and why did they want to work with our club.

Update on education room – Nick gave an update on the costings.  Georgina stated that TL training may be a possible user once the room is converted.  Nick had discussed potential priorities with Oliver and Kieron and would present these at the next Board meeting.

Football Update – Jim went through current injuries and start dates for some players.  Lewis Earl back after Tuesday’s game against Gloucester.  Charlie Caton will be with us until the end of the season.

Club was fined £400 for player behaviour which was covered by the players.  Another player had been fined £200 which he had paid.

Commercial Update – Commercial brochure for next season is now in progress.  Georgina will take ownership of the commercial website.  She will also organise a “thank you” evening for the current commercial sponsors and a welcome evening to new potential partners.

Website Progress – Mike Day had been working with Pete Mullerny from Obsidian (free vend) to work on the requirements which are needed.  The target is to complete by the next Board meeting.

AOB Board Reports – Kieron reminded board members holding a portfolio that they had a duty to report on this every month.  From this meeting, anyone missing their deadlines for report would incur a fine which would rise in increments for each subsequent month.  The money will be collected and given to a charity.

Survey Monkey – Everyone was reminded to complete in advance of strategy meeting.

Staff Meeting – Reminder that these occur each Monday at 11am as a drop in, not a mandatory attendance.  No one should wait for these meetings before engaging staff.

Next official board meeting would be Saturday 4th March 2023 at Chester Deva Stadium.

CFU Board Summary – January 2023

Present:  Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green Nick, Phillipson, Charlotte Walker (via video link), Ian Swettenham, Mike Vickers (via video link), and Adam Langan, Kate Mylchreest, Jeff Banks, Oliver Hill, and Matt Dickenson.

In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary) and Georgina Slawinski.

Apologies: Alex Owen (not notified).

Minutes of Meeting held on 12th December 2022 –   Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Conflicts of InterestNo additional information be added to any director’s details.

Action Log Review – Kieron went through all actions that were still in the pipeline and discussed with directors where the club was at with current projects.

Upgrade of education room – Plans are ongoing to change the room.  Need some costings  One suggestion is to turn it into an office which would be self-contained and independent from the Club.  Georgina in talks with Council with regards to a workspace pilot project grant.

Disabled Viewing Platform – Nick will set up a mock structure to show to the Board what it would potentially look like.

Return of turnstiles – This was discussed after the Blyth game.  Jeff and Georgina have sent some ideas to Steve Povey.

Football Update – Jim Green had sent out an email to the board regarding several players.  Rhys Jones would have played for the club if it had not been postponed due to the weather.  Charlie Caton’s contract would be expiring.  If the Club wished to extend, it would need to be to the end of the month.

Finance Update – To be deferred to next official board meeting.

Football Update – JG stated that Lewis Coulton had gone back to Preston and Charlie Caton may start today.  Calum considering bringing in a left back next week.  No changes will be made in terms of budget.  Calum stated that there were improvements to be made and needed to be done whilst the club was in a good place.  Retention of players need to be secured sooner rather than later.

The Club has had several offers regarding Kurt Willoughby but were turned down. As the offers were not good enough.  Jim would like to offer Kurt a new contract.  The Board agreed to offer a new contract for 18 months.  If any more offers were made, the Board agreed to a minimum acceptable fee.  Approved that Jim could act without additional approval should a fee of that value be received.

Finance Update – Matt had circulated to the Board three accounts regarding the Profit and Loss Accounts year to date – December 2022 plus a mid-year reforecast (2022-2023) and a mid-year cash flow (2022/2023).  Matt went through all the figures.  He was concerned about the overspend on players costs plus the overspend on players food and travel.  The Club needs to find ways to reduce the expenses.  A discussion was had regarding Charlie Caton’s contract.  The decision would be deferred until Matt had more information.

AOB Club Website Proposal – To be deferred to February meeting.  Georgina spoke about the Board Strategy Meeting on 18th February 2023.  Would send out a survey monkey to all Board members.

KS mentioned that the 6 directors had clearance from the FA.

Next official board meeting would be Saturday 4th February 2023 at Chester Deva Stadium.

CFU Board Summary – November 2022

Present: Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green Nick, Phillipson, Charlotte Walker (via video link), Ian Swettenham, Mike Vickers (via video link), and Adam Langan. In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary) and Georgina Slawinski.
Apologies: Kate Mylchreest, Jeff Banks, Oliver Hill, Matt Dickenson, and Alex Owen (not notified).

Minutes of Meeting held on 7th November 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Conflicts of Interest – As to date four directors still not submitted their “Directors’ Interests” form. CRR to send out a reminder again.

Skittles Test – This item was referred to next official board meeting.

Action Log Review – Deferred to next official board meeting.

Review of Directors’ portfolios – Kieron had spoken to everyone individually over the course of the past couple of weeks regarding portfolios and who would want to change. The outcome was: –
Football and Community – Jim Green to retain.
Retail – Kieron Shiel to retain.
Commercial – This would no longer be held by one member and would be owned by the commercial group led by Georgina Slawinski, Matt Dickenson and any other members who wished to be part of it.
Academy – Mike Vickers happy to continue and to lead on third party relationships, which will include part of infrastructure.
Fan Engagement working Group – Jeff Banks will focus on the online ticketing. Charlotte Walker will take on communications and fan engagement. Jeff and Charlotte to do a handover.
People/Volunteering/Fundraising – Adam Langan happy to continue with this portfolio. Georgina is in the process o f sorting out a data capture which is being funded by the university.
IT Systems – Mike Day will pick this portfolio up.
Infrastructure – Nick Phillipson will continue with this. Oliver Hill will give initial support, as it covers multiple areas. After Oliver has had his induction, he will also pick up fundraising from Adam, with support from the entire group.
All Board members have been reminded that if they have any issues, to speak to Georgina.

Finance Update – To be deferred to next official board meeting.

Football Update – JG stated that Lewis Coulton had gone back to Preston and Charlie Caton may start today. Calum considering bringing in a left back next week. No changes will be made in terms of budget. Calum stated that there were improvements to be made and needed to be done whilst the club was in a good place. Retention of players need to be secured sooner rather than later.

Strategy Review – KS stated that the Board needs to get together for half a day and discuss where we want the club to be at. University of Chester are happy to provide a facilitator and Storyhouse can provide the venue. CW will do a poll of a couple of dates (either 14th or 21st January 2023).

AOB – A request from Newsbeat (Radio 1 broadcast) had been received regarding coming to the grounds to present their programme live. This would take place on the day of England/Wales match on Tuesday 29th November 2022. A couple of other media outlets had also shown interest. After consideration the Board decided in favour of the Radio 1 Newsbeat team (provided there was some funding included in the package).

Fair Game Event – MV had spoken to the organisers of the event, who thought that Chester would be an ideal place to hold it, as it is central. MV thought that we could use the Legends Lounge or the Blues Bar to hold it in. JG stated that we needed to have much more detail on what would be taking place on the day. GS will need to be part of it. Dates suggested were, Friday, 3rd, 10th, and 17th March 2023. GS asked that we do not offer 3rd.

Meeting with CWAC -MV stated that a meeting had been organised with two representatives (Charlie Seward and Louise Gittins). NP and Matt D would also be present. Topics for discussion were our Business Plan, Strategy and Development of the stadium.

Communications – The Board discussed how communications with the club were to be done through social media. It was decided that all communications must go through Albert.

Next official board meeting would be Saturday 10th December 2022 at Chester Deva Stadium.

CFU Board Summary – October 2022

Present: Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green Nick, Phillipson, Charlotte Walker, Matt Dickenson, Ian Swettenham, Jeff Banks, Mike Vickers, and Adam Langan. In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary) and Georgina Slawinski.

Apologies: Kate Mylchreest, Alex Owen (not notified), and Paul Bodman (not notified).

Minutes of Meeting held on 3rd September 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Conflicts of Interest – CRR stated that not every director had sent in their forms, since a request from MD that all Board members should monthly, let the Club know if their situations have changed. A reminder was sent out to everyone.

Action Log Review – Kieron Shiel (KS) went through all the actions that were still pending and received updates from all the directors.

Online Forum – Charlotte Walker (CW) This was to go live on 17th October or earlier if it was possible.

Border Issue – MV still trying to set up a meeting with CWAC.

CFU Members meetings – JG is in the process of getting some dates together

Cleaner’s wages – NP and GS had meeting with cleaner regarding her wages. There will be an increase of 3%.

Directors’ gazebo. – The gazebo had been damaged and would look at investing in a new one.

Stadium Ban – JG had received a letter from the Police regarding four individuals who they would like to give a ban to. After looking at the CCTV, JG was not happy about giving out bans. A decision was made to write to the four individuals regarding their behaviour and what the consequences would be if it happened again. A statement would also be put out to the wider club explaining the Club’s stance on bad behaviour whether it be at home or away.

Football Update – JG had sent a report to the board regarding the outgoings and incoming loans of players. Also discussed the current injuries of some of the players. Went through the recruitment/retention report.

SAGs update – JG had circulated an email regarding the meeting he had attended regarding SAG. As it was the first in-person meeting since COVID, it had been very positive. He wanted to thank Steve Povey and Nick Phillipson for all their hard work in getting the stadium to the right place to get the inspections done.

Finance Update – MD had circulated a paper regarding the income/expenditure account to the year date. Went through all relevant figures. JB asked about utilities. MD stated that the electricity contract ended in November. The Club can enter a shorter contract, which effectively caps the price. The year-end accounts will be circulated to the Board when they are ready.

Premier League Funding – NP circulated several copies including a backlog improvement list. He needed to discuss with the wider board about where was the best place to go for asking for potential grants. As the timescale is unknown, it means that the Club cannot do anything until we know whether we have been successful with a bid. KS suggested that a team go through the list and score each item with a scoring matrix to set the priorities. The team consisted of five board members and the General Manager.

Director’s Reports – CRR had found relevant section regarding directors sending in their reports for each official meeting. KS asked that GS be included in the mailing list.

KS had queried with JB the price for the Junior Blues membership.

KS stated that he was pleased regarding the advance thinking and possible extension of some of the players. Stating that we had never been so forward thinking as a board in his tenure.

KS asked MV to get the actual results on future reports for the Academy Report. Asked MV to speak to Albert regarding putting them on the website in future.

AOB – MV had circulated a paper to the Board regarding a proposal to make Alex Kenyon a part time Academy coach. This would consist of 19 games. The Board agreed to the proposal and AL would sort out a contract of employment.

Fans and Survey – GS stated that the matchday budget had been signed off. Wanted to do a survey and tailor it to the members. It is very important to get feedback about matchday experiences. AL stated that it should be sent to all fans, and not just members. CW stated she would help with the survey monkey to include all fans.

Hospitality Review & Website Feature – GS stated that she had great feedback about our hospitality and wondered whether it could be put on the website, so fans can see how well the club is doing. Could we also advertise hospitality packages on the home page? CW stated that she did not see a problem with incorporating it on to the website.

The next official Board meeting would be the AGM Thursday 3rd November 2022 at 7.30pm in the Blues Bar at the Stadium.

CFU Board Summary – September 2022

Present:  Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green Nick Phillipson, Kate Mylchreest, Charlotte Walker (by video link)., Matt Dickenson and Ian Swettenham. In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary) and Georgina Slawinski.

Apologies: Adam Langan. Mike Vickers, Alex Owen, and Paul Bodman (not notified) and Jeff Banks

Minutes of Meeting held on 13th August 2022 –   Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Action Log Review – Kieron Shiel (KS) went through all the actions that were still pending and received updates from all the directors.

Online Forum – Charlotte Walker (CW) presented a power point regarding a new online forum.  The purpose of the new forum was to create a space for fans to have a conversation and interact with the Board.  It is also designed to communicate and engage with members and combat misinformation.  It will provide fans with “real time2 updates and opportunities to become involved.  It was hoping that it would go live on 17th October 2022j

Commercial Pipeline – Georgina Slawinski (GS) stated that there were plenty of meetings taking place next week.  Was sorting out a “Lifestyle Card” meeting and would update the Board at a later meeting.  Sponsorship for the stadium was slow.  We had a company called Clay & Rock who had sponsored several boards.

Football Update – Jim Green (JG) stated that we have a couple of long-term injuries plus a couple of short term. Calum was looking at a loan but is aware of the budget.  It will only be for one month.  All players out on loan have been done.

Finance Update – As Matt Dickenson (MD) stated that the accounts for last year had gone off to the auditors.

Premier League Funding and Catering – Nick Phillipson (NP) had spoken to Steve Povey regarding several areas that needed upgrading.  Pitch irrigation needed new sprinklers.  It must be done before next season.  We need to revisit the disability viewing platform and seat replacements.  Adam Langan stated that the Disability Liaison Officer was happy to have a cover erected.  Looking at upgrading the Education Room.

AOB – Safety Update, JG, CWAC and Steve Povey had a meeting.  Inspectors will do a documented audit followed by an in-person visit (September) and one in January 2023, followed up by one in July 2023.   Looking at a pay review for stewards.  Steve Povey has recruited some new stewards.  He will do in=house training and a verifier will come and certify that stewards have passed.

CW wanted to make sure that the future campaign for Boost the Budget is not overlooked.

The next official Board meeting would be Saturday 8th October 2022 at the Chester Deva Stadium at 10.30am

CFU Board Summary – July 2022

Present: Jim Green (Chair), Nick Phillipson, Adam Langan, Jeff Banks, Kate Mylchreest and Charlotte Walker (by video link). In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary).

Apologies: Kieron Shiel, Matt Dickenson, Mike Vickers, Alex Owen (not notified) and Paul Bodman (not notified)

Minutes of Meeting held on 9th June 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Action Log Review – Jim Green JG went through all the actions that were still pending and received updates from all the directors.

Football Update – JG stated that the team had a couple of injuries and had some new signings. We had an increased playing budget with the help of a donation from Ian Swettenham. The Manager had mentioned that he wanted to introduce a new travel arrangement for away games which would include a pre-match meeting and meal with the players.

Finance Update – As Matt Dickenson (MD) was absent from the meeting, the update would be deferred to the next official board meeting.

Conflicts of Interest – As MD was absent from the meeting, this would be deferred to the next official board meeting.

Job Description – Adam Langan (AL) had circulated a paper to the board regarding the job description for the Media and PR Officer’s role. AL had done some research into the job role and went through all the commercial work that Albert Davies had undertaken since March 2022. Albert had brought to the club significant revenue and AL felt that his salary should reflect the extra work that he has undertaken. He asked the Board to vote on the increase in salary, which was unanimous. AL also asked the Board to consider the change of name to Communications Manager & Football Administrator. The Board did not have an objection to this change.

Catering Contract – Nick Phillipson (NP) had circulated a paper to the Board regarding the Legends Lounge, Blues Bar, mobile vans, and the kiosks. Hopefully everything would be in place for the start of the season

AOB – AL mentioned the perimeter of the pitch needed some repair. A suggestion was made about putting down Astro Turf. AL would get some quotes.
AL had put forward two dates for a “Volunteers Day” at the club. Dates were Sunday 24th July 2022 and Sunday 7th August 2022. Asked that some directors be present at both days.


Georgina (GS) was looking at some match day events and asked whether it was possible to have a budget. JB thought that it would be a good idea to trial it for the first five home matches. This was agreed.


Charlotte (CW) asked whether we could have a gazebo and sell “Seals Lottery and CFU membership. It would be helpful if the duty director put in a couple of hours in the gazebo.

The next official Board meeting would be Saturday 13th August 2022 at the Chester Deva Stadium at 10.30am

CFU Board Summary – June 2022

Present:  Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green, Mike Vickers (by video link) , Nick Phillipson, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Jeff Banks (by video link) and Kate Mylchreest (by video link).  In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary).

Apologies: Paul Bodman, Alex Owen and Charlotte Walker

Minutes of Meeting held on 2nd May 2022 –   Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Action Log Review – KS went through all the actions that were still pending and received updates from all the directors.

Football UpdateJG stated that the club had made some significant signings of which two thirds had been done.  Currently looking for a left back, defender midfield and an attacking player.  Looking for a loan goalkeeper and have been able to keep all the players from the squad that was wanted.  Pre-season games start 28th July 2022.  Steve McNulty has left the club.

Finance UpdateMD had circulated a paper to the Board before the meeting and went through all aspects of the figures.

Directors Vacancies – CRR explained to the Board that it was the time of year to consider how many directors are needed for the next year.  Two of our current director’s tenures expire in November.  A decision was made to advertise for four vacancies.

AOB – JG had spoken to Ian Swettenham who was keen to support the club over the next season and increase his support.  He was looking at helping fund support for the current football budget through a donation.  He was also looking at sponsoring a stand.  Ian was happy to continue sponsoring youth team kits with a donation that would replace the academy fund.

NP stated that the summer clean-up was underway.

JB stated that the pre-season ball would take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 30th July 2022.  Was liaising with Georgina to speak to hotel.  The players were keen to attend.

KS stated that over £8,000 of kit had been sold and had also sold some of the old stock.

The next official Board meeting would be Saturday 9th July 2022 at the Chester Deva Stadium at 10.30am

CFU Board Summary – May 2022

Present: Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green, Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Jeff Banks and Kate Mylchreest. In attendance – Christine Robson (Secretary).

Apologies: Paul Bodman, Alex Owen, and Charlotte Walker

Minutes of Meeting held on 2nd April 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Action Log Review – KS went through all the actions that were still pending and received updates from all the directors.

Football Update – JG had a conversation with Steve. Steve decided to see his contract through, even though he knew that all club members were aware that he would not be continuing as the Manager.
Job had not been advertised but we had received a great number of enquiries. Club was hoping to appoint someone by 9th May 2022. Interviews would be the middle of the week.

Talks with players are ongoing.

Congress Booking – The National League AGM was taking place at Celtic Manor on Friday 10th June to Sunday 12th June 2022. The AGM would be held on Friday. Mike Vickers offered to attend.
Staff Objectives – Adam Langan is in the process of writing up guidelines for all staff. Once the new General Manager (Georgina Slawinski) has started on 1st June 2022, would sit down with her and go through the processes.

Website and Social – A meeting was being held regarding the current website and social. Albert to organise a meeting with fans. Trying to establish whether we can include membership numbers on to the system.

Boost the Budget and Seals Lottery – Mail outs had gone out for Seals Lottery and had received over one hundred new signings. Hoping to get Boost the Budget out by the end of May, beginning of June.
Precision Façade – Precision Façade had come to the York game and had agreed to sponsor the back of the shirt for the “Home” and “Away” kit, plus a stand.

Risk Assessments – Nick Phillipson stated that the Legends Lunge had been done and was waiting for one for the Blues Bar.

The next official Board meeting would be Thursday 9th June 2022 at the Chester Deva Stadium at 7.30pm.

CFU Board Summary – April 2022

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Saturday 2nd April 2022 at Chester Deva Stadium
Present: Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green, Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Charlotte Walker, Jeff Banks. In attendance – Kate Mylchreest, and Christine Robson (Secretary).
Apologies: Paul Bodman and Alex Owen
Minutes of Meeting held on 5th March 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record and all outstanding projects had been closed.

KS introduced a guest to the Board – Kate Mylchreest, who was a member of the Club and was considering applying to become a member of the Board at the next AGM.

Football Update – JG presented a paper to the Board. Manager was wishing to discuss plans and wanted to speak to the Board. JG outlined a proposal to retain a small group of young players who were considered to have potential. Questions over how it would be funded needed to be discussed.

Finance Update – MD stated that he was working on the 2022/23 budget and was hoping to have it signed off at an informal meeting in April to then take to the Board at the next official meeting.

Presentation of Papers – NP had circulated a paper regarding the ongoing risk assessments. Was concerned that Health and Safety needed to be paramount. The Club had a duty of care to members to make them feel safe. Current contract holders had been advised regarding re-tendering.
Safety Certificate – The Safety Certificate was in the process of being transferred from Andy Morris to Jim Green. A discussion was needed to discuss Safety Officer wages and Stewards wages. There is a plan to have a recruitment drive during the closed season for Stewards.
Season Tickets – JB had circulated a paper regarding Season Tickets/ School Ticketing. There will be two extra games next season. Plans are in place to set a reasonable ticketing structure, to actively look at driving for more discounted prepaid matchday tickets via the online platform, setting out clear communication channels. CW was looking at putting some marketing together for the season tickets online platform.

Stadium Backlog – NP went through the list of jobs that were scheduled to be done at the stadium, and in particular some projects that could be considered if funding was available.
Border Issue – AL stated that the border issue was still ongoing and was in talks with the FCC to amalgamate everything under CWAC. There were a few outstanding questions that needed to be answered legally. Once done, both councils will put something together in writing and send to the club.

Academy – MV stated that the welfare of our young players was paramount and the decision not to play against Fylde had been the right one. The NL need to be reasonable as the club cannot play 8 games in 24 days.

Volunteering, Organisation and Culture – The interviews for the General Manager role would take place on 24th April 2022. The interview would consist of a tour of the club, background of the club by Albert, followed by an hour’s interview with the panel. Start date for the candidate would hopefully be 1st June 2022.

It would be helpful to give the volunteers more work as they were very keen to help. They needed to be given guidelines.

Strategy for Workshops – AL thought it would be a good idea to have more project-based ideas, which would enable a group to work on one specific topic.

Fan Forum and Exile Engagement – CW delivered a power point presentation on an online forum (like devachat). It would be used as a communications channel to air views, which would be constructive not negative. All members would have to sign up to use it. Asked the Board to consider it and if it is not the right time, to defer to a later date.
University Engagement Strategy – KS had spoken to several universities which would be looking at sending students to the club as part of their dissertations.

Any Other Business – MD enquired as to whether the club’s website would be getting changed. CW stated that an audit needed to be done on the website and then move forward with the findings.
KS stated that the commercial portfolio needed to be done by a smaller group. Volunteers to be on the group were KS, PB, JG, MD, CW, and AL.
JG had sent out a paper regarding Premier League Funding, which the club may be able to apply for. It would need several members to go through the document. MD, NP and MV were happy to do this.

CFU Board Summary – March 2022

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Saturday 5th March 2022 at Chester Deva Stadium

Present: Kieron Shiel (Chair), Jim Green, Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Charlotte Walker, Paul Bodman, Alex Owen, and Christine Robson (Secretary).
Apologies: Jeff Banks
Minutes of Meeting held on 7th February 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record and all outstanding projects had been closed.

Football Update

Work was ongoing to strengthen the squad. Manager’s priority is to find an experienced defender. Registration deadline is later in the month, so additions need to be made before this. The development of football model and budget for 2022/23 is making progress. Looking at training at KGV. Jim Green will circulate a paper outlining the proposed model and budget for the next formal meeting in April.

Finance Update

The playing budget for the year to date was discussed and the matchday income year to date is within budget. MD is looking at presenting a paper at the next informal meeting for it to be signed off at the next formal meeting. MD is also looking at reducing the tax bill for last season. Aspiration for the club for next season is to have a model where transactions with members are captured at source.

National League Guidance

Jim Green had received a letter from the National League regarding COVID 19. In line with the government, they have removed all protocols (wellbeing for crowds and players no longer in place). Local clubs can continue with their own policies. The Club is conscious of the wellbeing to supporters and players.

Presentation of Papers

Alex Owen had produced a power point regarding the structure and process for Commercial. Needed to include the scope of business facing sponsorship, create a comprehensive commercial document and go digital. AO went through a commercial structure which he had worked on with another company.

Nick Phillipson had circulated a paper on the Catering Contract for the club, to enable those members who had not been on the Board last year a chance to look at it.

GM Feasibility Study

Adam Langan had circulated a power point paper which went through the background of what had happened since George Delves had left. If the Board decided on a new GM, it needed to be more commercial, and facilities focussed. Recommendation that the GM attend all board meetings and report on the previous month, report to the Chairman with regular one- to- one meetings. Adam was also looking at changing the media and pr officer role to Communications Manager and First Team Secretary. Advert for the GM role would go out on the Monday, with the start date to be 1st June 2022.

The Easter Raffle had 16,000 tickets to sell. First prize £1,000. Mail to gout this week, along with Seals Lottery.

Any Other Business

Complaints had been made regarding the Ride Academy using the front of the car park near the entrance to the offices. Paul Bodman stated that they had been given permission to use the front, as they had lost their licence to use the original place at the side of the club. Email to go out to all staff and players letting them know this.

A concern had been raised regarding constant referral to other clubs/rivals on the terraces. All agreed as a Board we don’t have this issue and in the spirit of the club’s principles, we continue to look forward not backward.

A decision was made that it would be better to hold a sponsored walk as an early season event next season. Senior Blues had organised a race night to raise funds for the scholars and youth. It would take place in the Blues Bar on Friday 25th March 2022.

First Team Manager’s contract would be looked at back end of March 2022.