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 – November 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 22nd November 2021 by Virtual Conference

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

Apologies: None

Minutes of Meeting held on 18th October 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record,

Election of Chairman – Andrew Morris was happy to continue in the post. Proposed by Paul Bodman and Seconded by Jim Green.

Election of Vice Chairman – Jim Green was happy to continue in the role. Proposed by Andrew Morris and Seconded by Jeff Banks.

Election of Treasurer – Matt Dickenson stated he was happy to continue in the role. He had taken this over from Chris Robertson as a Co-opted Director in September 2021. Proposed Andrew Morris and Seconded Nick Phillipson.

Election of Secretary – Christine Robson stated that she was happy to continue in the role. Proposed by Andrew Morris and Seconded by Mike Vickers.

Co-option of CFU Board members – Due to a technical issue, Matt had not been able to put himself forward to the club to be elected on to the Board. The Board asked him to serve again as a Co-opted Director. Proposed by Paul Bodman and Seconded by Nick Phillipson.

Review of Portfolios – A discussion was held by the Board as to whether the portfolios in their current format should be kept. It was decided that the Board would keep the status quo and asked each portfolio holder to look at breaking the jobs up into smaller sections. The groups would then be allocated with a lead being helped by another board member. The lead would report to the Board.

AOB – All directors were asked to complete the “Directors Interest” form and return to Christine Robson as soon as possible.

JB had spoken to a member of staff regarding inappropriate comments about the club and had been given a final warning.

CW mentioned an incident which occurred during an interview with “Seals Live” where a volunteer had made a few offensive remarks. This had been dealt with.

CFU Board Summary – October 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

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.

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 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 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.

CFU Board Summary – June 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 7th June 2021 by Virtual Conference

The Board did not hold an official Board Meeting in May.

Present: Andrew Morris, Jeff Banks, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

Apologies: Paul Bodman and Alex Owen

Minutes of Meeting held on 12th April 2021 were accepted as an accurate record.

Review of Actions – Andrew Morris went through the Actions that were still ongoing.  Chris Robertson had circulated the April accounts and would speak to Paul Bodman regarding setting up a commercial working group. Nick Phillipson would be liaising with Vinci regarding making good the car park area and was also waiting for a quote regarding a barrier for entry into the car park grounds   Kieron Shiel was evaluating allocation of George Delves tasks and duties amongst board members and volunteers.

Finance – Chris Robertson had circulated a paper (3rd draft) based on a meeting held on 17th May.  The Academy’s budget had been altered and he had also removed George’s salary.  The players budget had been adjusted and included the pre-season trip to Bangor.  A deficit of £105,000 had been projected which the club is able to manage.  Chris had also circulated April’s Management Accounts, which the Board needed to read and send any comments to be discussed at the next IMG meeting.

Update on operational issues. – Jim Green stated that there was not much to report.  The day to day running of the club was going well.  It was emphasised that the gates must be closed every time someone enters or exits.  Kieron Shiel stated that volunteers were back at the club and seemed to have no issues.  Nick Phillipson reminded everyone that they need to sign in and out at reception.

Portfolios – Nick Phillipson stated that there were issues with regards to Health and Safety which will need to be sorted.  Floodlight quote was ongoing.  The Club now has a new cleaner who will work on a Monday and a Friday.  Kieron Shiel stated that 1st team kits were ordered.  Had sold 92 “Away” shirts.  Retail is going very well.  There is a volunteers’ day booked for 4th July 2021.  Jeff Banks had circulated a paper regarding Season Ticket sales.  If sales continue to go as well as they seem to be doing, the Club will be able to open to general members.  Membership cards need to be produced.  Club needs to recruit for a Match Day host and a social media person.  Mike Vickers stated that the Academy teams would be staying under the Club rather than moving the younger age groups to the Community Trust.  Academy Teams would be moving from 8 teams to 4 teams, needing only 8 coaches.  Adam Langan stated that “Boost the Budget” already had over £79,000 which was very impressive.  The volunteers had been brilliant at helping.  Jim Green stated that the mangers had spoken to several people who they were interested in signing.

AOB – Mike Vickers had sent a quote to the Board regarding gym apparatus.  He was struggling to get three quotes as stated in our standing orders.  He would try and find another two.  If this was not possible IMG would pass the quote and make sure there is a clear audit trail that attempts have been made to get three quotes.

Adam Langan suggested that the Club starts marketing itself digitally to encourage more people through the doors.  A suggestion of putting posters on social media was made which the Board thought was a good idea.

Andrew Morris stated that there had been four nominations for “Club Person of the Year”.  He would send the names out to the Board to put to the vote.

Chris Robson had informed the Board that it was the time of year for consideration of the vacancies on the Board.  It looked as though the Board would need 4 new members.  We also needed a new contact as an independent scrutineer.  Andrew Morris would send across a name and contact.

CFU Board Summary – April 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

 

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on 12th April 2021 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris, Jeff Banks, Paul Bodman, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

Apologies: Alex Owen

 

Minutes of Meeting held on 8th March 2021 were recorded as an accurate record.

 

Andrew Morris stated that all Clubs had received a letter regarding the resignation of Brian Barwick, which would take place after the current season. Had spoken to Mark Ives regarding the EGM which had been called regarding the dissatisfaction of the National League Board. Andrew was also going to send an email to the National League regarding what the outcome would be if Clubs were forced to play behind closed doors. Email to be sent 13th April 2021.

 

Review of Actions – Independent Review regarding Stuart Murphy was now finished and had been put on the website. The Club would be seeking out a new cleaner as the current contract had expired. The skip which had been moved to the front of the club was going back to its original spot (behind the Harry Mac Stand), due to rubbish being disposed in it which was not from the club.

 

Finance – Chris Robertson had circulated a paper regarding the club’s accounts for the previous three years, in order for the Board to see what money would be needed to run the 2021/22 season. The Board were hoping that the season would return to “normal” with full crowds and no disruption. Contingency plans needed to be drawn up in case the challenges of COVID were still ongoing. One of the most important decisions to consider when the new season started, what would the capacity be for having fans in the ground and would we still have to be abiding by COVID regulations. An added worry was that there would be no government support for the new season. Another concern was whether the club would have to deal with social distancing if fans were allowed back.

 

Andrew stated that an advert had been put out for a new Finance Director but had not received any response so far.

 

Portfolios – All Board members had sent in their portfolio reports. Mike Vickers wanted it noted that any money raised for the Academy this year, must go towards their next year’s budget.

 

Staff Pay and Fundraising – It was noted that the Board felt staff had suffered during the COVID pandemic and would look at the figures. Kieron Shiel said he would do this as it fell under his portfolio. It was also decided that the holiday policy should be revisited to make sure staff were taking the holiday they were entitled to.

 

AOB – Jeff Banks mentioned that he had a request from Kaizen to put a logo on the reverse of the Season Ticket card, in the top right-hand corner.

 

Andy mentioned to the Board that Andy Fearon had passed away and would be sending the Board’s condolences to the family.

CFU Board Summary – March 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Summary of CFU Board Meeting held on 8th March 2021 by virtual conference at 7.30pm.

Present:- Andrew Morris, Jeff Banks, Paul Bodman, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Alex Owen, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

Apologies: Alex Owen

 

Minutes of Meeting held on 8th February 2021 were recorded as an accurate record.

 

Andy Morris confirmed that the season had been made null and void and needed ratification by the FA. No mention had been made of a new league being formed for those Clubs wishing to try and continue. Our Club would choose to not be involved in that.

 

The summary which had been done independently by Richard Birchett regarding Stuart Murphy was to be put out on the members only website on 11th March 2021.

 

All staff furloughed full time at 80%, including contracted players. All players staying at the Club would be furloughed until June.

 

Chris Robertson had circulated a paper to the Board regarding the Management accounts. For January. There is a big drop in payments. Expenditure is relatively high compared to income. Projections expect this to continue until furlough and null and void are fed into the numbers. Next year will be more of a challenge. Club is waiting for decision on the application for the grant/loan. As Chris will be leaving the Treasurer’s post at the end of March, he had put together a simple framework for the budget to the Board.

 

With regards to commercial events, Paul Bodman stated that the Young Drivers had booked for another six months. A company had confirmed dates for showing films in the car park. The car park potholes will be sorted out in April or May. This work will be done by Vinci at zero cost.

 

Nick Phillipson had started to undertake a general review of the facilities at the stadium. Will create a maintenance schedule to help with future budgeting plans, prioritising floodlights, heating and painting. The caterer Aaron was considering catering on non-matchdays. Health and Safety survey to be done in May.

 

Jim Green had a conversation with the managers regarding scouts. Would like to take on Neil Hart. With regards to the Talent ID Event, had received a possible 180 sign ups. Hopefully, this can be whittled down to about 40. With regards to the Community Trust, waiting to announce the funding to the public.

 

Adam Langan stated he was holding a zoom meeting on 11th March 2021. Has asked Calum from Academy to join the meeting.

 

Jeff Banks had asked Kaizen whether it was possible to have stadium seat by seat on the system ready for season 2022/23 as with current Covid restrictions this could mean a similar situation to seating for the 20/21 season until we know more about restrictions post June 21st. Will revisit pricing when we know the size of the league. Membership renewals were launched on 1st March 2021.

 

Kieron Shiel was getting a design for the membership cards priced. A mail shot would e going out to CFU members only for the “Away Kit” design. The Club had achieved nearly £70,000 with regards to orders over the last year.

 

Andy asked Kieron to convey the Board’s thanks to the volunteers who had helped him out during COVID for all their efforts.

 

Under “Any other business”, Mike Vickers had circulated to the Board a paper regarding the Academy Scholarship and budget for 2021/22. After discussion, Mike said he would come back to the Board with more information. Andy asked Mike to let Calum know that the Board appreciates all his hard work commitment to the Academy.

CFU Board Summary – February 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Summary of CFU Board Meeting held on 8th February 2021 by virtual conference at 7.30pm.

 

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

In Attendance:- Christine Robson#

Apologies:- Alex Owen

 

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, the football club is still closed.  All official meetings are still being held by virtual conference once a month and the Board are meeting every other week informally to keep abreast of what is happening.  The Minutes of the official Board Meeting held on 11th January 2021 had been read and approved as being a correct record.

 

Review of Actions:  Andy Morris went through actions which Board members had been asked to complete and several were now closed.  Nick Phillipson was sorting out the cleaning contract and awaiting to see the outcome of the National League vote and whether club would stay closed.  Adam Langan was involved in the Seals Lottery and this is ongoing.

Finance – Chris Robertson stated that he did not have much to report as he was still waiting for the decision from the NL regarding the vote as to whether to null and void the season.  The Club had received payment from the streaming.

Update on Operational Issues – Jim Green stated that it was all quiet.  Had been picking up some of the work that George had done.

Portfolios – Mike Vickers stated that the Youth Academy were trying to get new players for next season.  Timetable has been set at the college for scholars.

Jeff Banks said that not much was going on with Fan Engagement.  If the Club stops playing, will use the time to do some fundraising online and also concentrate on the Season Ticket rebates as well as planning for Season Tickets for the 2021-22 campaign.

Adam Langan was going to decide about doing a virtual lottery once he knew where the Club stood regarding the season.  The new logo will be going out through the main Chester F C Club.  Draw needs to be seen by everyone.

Jim Green said that Will Goodwin had gone to Stoke.  Managers, though disappointed, agreed with the Board to null and void the season. Continue to be fully transparent with fans on the funds that the club currently has.  Boost the Budget needs maintaining and explain why to members.  JG would have a meeting with managers and players once the decision was known about the season.  Had been successful in the grant for the King George V scheme from the Westminster Foundation.  Hopefully building will start in March with a possible finish in September.

Paul Bodman stated that everything was so different now with matches being played behind closed doors and not knowing whether the season would continue.  Need to try and sell the club’s facilities on non-matchdays.

CFU Board Summary – January 2021

Posted by Jeff Banks on

Summary of CFU Board Meeting held on 11th January 2021 by virtual conference at 7.30pm.

 

Present:- Andy Morris (Chair), Jeff Banks, Paul Bodman, Adam Langan, Mike Vickers, Jim Green, Alex Owen, Nick Phillipson, Chris Robertson and Kieron Shiel.

In Attendance:- Christine Robson and George Delves

 

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown, the football club is still closed. All official meetings are still being held by virtual conference once a month and the Board are meeting nearly every week informally to keep abreast of what is happening. The Minutes of the Meeting held on 30th November 2020 had been read and approved as being a correct record.

 

Portfolios – Andy Morris had set out portfolios for all Board Directors and went through each of them. Most of them were still a work in progress.

 

Partnership – The Board had set up an independent review regarding the relationship with Stuart Murphy. A gentleman called Richard Birchett had done a report after speaking to everyone at the Club, present and past, who had any involvement.

 

The outcome of his findings was that the Board had done their very best under the circumstances, especially as they were also dealing with the outcome of COVID and how this would affect the Club.

 

In the future, the Board must have concrete and detailed proposals in writing: all decisions must be made by the whole Board and each person must be held to account, including the donor for their actions.

 

Finance – Chris Robertson stated that he was still working with the figures for the Club after receiving feedback from all portfolio holders. Was hoping to receive some news about the grant from the Government.

 

Update on Football – When the fans had been allowed to attend, there had been no issues regarding COVID regulations, but unfortunately, this had now been stopped again. There are no volunteers attending the Club.

 

National League – Due to a great deal of misunderstanding and the way the grans had been allocated, the Club found itself worse off regarding the grant it had been given for October, November and December. Several letters have been sent to the NL regarding the monies, but they do not seem to want to liaise with the Clubs on specific issues. A suggestion about putting a resolution in to the National League regarding Salary Caps had been discussed. The resolution would need to be sent in to them by 31st January 2021.