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.

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.

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.

 

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 7th February 2022 by Virtual Conference

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

Apologies: None

Minutes of Meeting held on 24th January 2022 – Minutes were accepted as a true and accurate record.

Jim Green opened the meeting regarding the email that had been received by the Board from Andrew Morris resigning from the Chair and as a Director on the Board. Jeff Banks asked for it to be recorded that the Board thanked Andrew for all his work during the last couple of years, piloting us through some very difficult times.

Jim Green stated that there would now be a vacancy for the role of Chairman and asked all members about taking on the role. Kieron Shiel stated that he was happy to take on the position. The Board voted unanimously, without any abstentions.

Finance – Matt Dickenson stated that he was working on a base budget for next year. Would be meeting all portfolio holders to discuss individual budgets. There is no income from a stadium sponsorship, and it is a key priority to obtain one. We also needed to look at off-field structure, as George Delves position had never been filled.

Jim Green mentioned about cover for wheelchair users which had been ongoing for several years. Would it be possible to put up a temporary structure whilst considering a more permanent fixture and the costs of doing this?

Solar Panels – Mike Vickers stated that a company doing work for the Council would not be able to help us out as it would not be economical. Would have to be considered later.

Jim Green had been contacted by a company regarding installing electric chargers on the car park. Meeting will be held later in the week.

Sponsored Walk – Mike Vickers suggested that this should come under the fundraising group but would be happy to organise one. Could be considered for the last home match on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May 2022.

AOB – Paul Bodman was looking into transport for the Manager. Would report back to the Board at next official meeting.

Chris Robson asked whether there was any intention of getting back to face to face meetings at the Club. Kieron stated that he wanted to do this and the first one would be held on Saturday 19th February 2022.

The Safety Certificate needed to be changed from Andrew Morris’s name. Jim Green said he would be happy to have his name on the certificate., as it would tie in with his role as Football Operations Director.

Question was asked about the Police being present at the Hereford game. It was agreed that only three sides would be open and Hereford fans would have half of the West block. Advanced ticketing would be available to “Away” fans and would be taken offline 24 hours before the match.

Matt asked as to whether there were any commercial projects in the pipeline. Alex Owen said he would bring a report to the next meeting.

Date of Next Meeting – Saturday 5th March 2022 at the Deva Stadium.

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 24th January 2022 by Virtual Conference

Present: Andrew Morris (Chair), Mike Vickers, Nick Phillipson, Kieron Shiel, Matt Dickenson, Adam Langan, Charlotte Walker and Christine Robson.

Apologies: Paul Bodman, Jim Green and Alex Owen

Minutes of Meeting held on 20th December 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record.

Finance – Matt Dickenson circulated a paper for figures up to December 2021. Went through both income and expenditure. The Club had a deficit of £53,000 on top of the £100,000. The £53,000 is partly due to the money that is owed to the joint managers when they left.

AM stated that the Board needs to be concerned about the deficit and we need a stronger push to get sponsors on board. The deficit must come down to under £100,000. Concerns were raised about the commercial aspect, as we do not seem to be getting in actual money.

CW mentioned that a lot of work needs to be done on social media sites and bring it all up to date. NP suggested that we need to know the value of the estate ad it is his belief that we do not charge enough for out the grounds to third parties.

Portfolios – JB mentioned that the renewal period for CFU memberships commences on 1st March 2022. The renewals strategy will commence later this month, with relevant promotion of renewing. Is looking at obtaining further discounts for members from companies. Will continue with “Well Being” calls idea and the Junior Blues relaunch is ready to go. Nothing further on “Exiles” yet, but in talks with CW.

MV stated that there not much to report regarding the youth section. Was in talks with JG and CM regarding the U16s.

NP stated that Vinci had finished on site, and we had received the balance of money. The gate is ready to go back on but waiting for new hinges. A meeting with a company regarding renewing the cladding has been arranged. Contract signed for the floodlights which will be going in second half of March 2022. Contracts are up for renewal at Jaspers and the Blues Bar.

CW did not have much of an update, but had a few meetings lined up. Her priority is the audit of social channels and website.

AL had a fundraising meeting next week. Trying to get Seals Lottery increased and Boost the Budget. He wanted volunteers at the stadium to be given more specific jobs, so that they knew what they were expected to do. Short of matchday volunteers, which is proving challenging.

KS stated that his contact at Kappa had left. Is in contact with a new company and will be meeting them shortly.

AOB – A charge had been given regarding spectators’ behaviour but would most probably be paid by Curzon as they were the host team. A statement would be put out again regarding behaviour and explain the cost to the Club of having to police the games. CCTV had picked out individual throwing the bottle. There had been disorder down Bumpers Lane and at the station which resulted in the Police informing the Club that they would have to attend the game for Hereford (costing £1800). The Stewards need to be more pro-active towards fans who are misbehaving.

Date of next CFU formal meeting – This would take place at the stadium in the Blues Bar on Thursday 3rd March 2022. Doors open at 7pm for meeting to start at 7.30pm.

Summary of Minutes of Official CFU Board Meeting held on Monday 20th December 2021 by Virtual Conference

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

Apologies: Paul Bodman and Jeff Banks

Minutes of Meeting held on 22nd November 2021 – The Minutes of the meeting were accepted as a true record with one matter arising from these minutes. The introduction of new portfolios, which were discussed at an informal meeting on 6th December 2021.

First Team Manager – Jim Green had circulated a paper to the Board regarding the recruitment process for candidates for the job of First Team Manager. The panel (which included an independent person) had interviewed five candidates. Three candidates were very strong. After discussion the job was offered to Steve Watson who came across as having clear and strong plans to improve the team and was very keen to work openly with the Board. He would get back to the Board the following day after discussing it with family

Update of Portfolios – Andrew Morris confirmed that all Board members had received their new portfolios. They would be reviewed again in three months

Finance – Matt had circulated a paper to the Board for figures for the year up to October 2021. The Club would be in a deficit of £80,000 so it is incumbent on everyone to mitigate any circumstances where savings can be made. Matt and Nick were in the process of putting together proposals to be presented to CWAC regarding finances for the Club.

AOB – Jim Green updated the Board on James Horsfield potentially leaving for another club and that Jamie Morgan was back. Nick Philipson had presented a paper to the Board regarding new floodlights. After discussion it was recommended that Nick consult with the company and Matt to get the work started.

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.