Summary of Official Board Meeting held on Thursday 2nd July 2026 at 7pm in the Board Room at Deva Community Stadium

Present: Nick Phillipson (Chair), Kieron Shiel, Neil Berry, William Lamb, Jim Green (by video link), Mike Vickers, Colin Rankin, Ben Duggan and Steve Jones. In attendance: Christine Robson and Albert Davies

Apologies: Adrian Rattenbury

Minutes of the meeting held on 4th June 2026 were approved.

Conflicts of Interest – None.

Portfolios – NP had no issues to raise. KS stated that he thought Ben’s report was very good and offered the help that was needed.

MBNA – A suggestion had been made that a member from MBNA should be invited onto the board. After discussion, it was thought that the member could be co-opted on to the board as a Non-Executive Director.

Directors’ Vacancies – NP stated that four vacancies would be due for renewal at the AGM 2026. The board are aware that one director does not wish to renew his election. The two co-opted members of the board may wish to run for election this year, so it was decided that six vacancies would be advertised when the election letter goes out in September.

Business Development Plan – NP stated that the club needed a plan. We need to be able to grow the club in other areas as well as financially. NP suggested that a couple of the directors take away the plan, and work on some ideas and then bring back to the board at next formal meeting. NB stated that we need one, but what happens when we have it. It was agreed that NP, CR and AD put a paper together and bring to the board in August.

Football Update – JG stated that the FA wanted to introduce a 52-week contract. Some players are in dispute with their clubs over pay. The FA have introduced employment contracts. Any contract, at any level in the game, is being included in the push by the FA. Clubs have been told that they can introduce 44-week contracts, but will not be permitted to include options. PP is keen to go to a 52-week contract.

Finance update – NB had sent round several papers before the meeting. He was very concerned regarding the club’s deficit. Went through the figures. Commercial had exceeded budget. Retail is also largely on budget. NB made a request to all portfolio holders that they look at their budgets and make savings where possible.

GM Update – AD stated that Deva Stadium now has three sponsors signed up. Johnsons’ Hotel Linens have moved behind the North terrace and renewed for a further 12 months. PW Gates have signed a two-year contract for shorts sponsor along with facility hire.

We have had four car boot sales and we are now running the catering for it. Ian Gallagher has been appointed Safety Officer starting this week and will speak to Steve Povey on his return from holiday.

AD needed to know whether the board wished to stay with Fanbase. He had done exhaustive work on this and thought the club were in the best position to stay with them. It is a very good platform and easy to use. A vote was taken and it was 8-1 for staying with them.

£6k had been raised from Boost the Budget raffle. Total will be revealed on Friday.

AOB – NP stated that there would be an “Open Day” on Saturday 1st August 026 starting at 10.30am. Asked that all directors who were free that day, to attend. All groups will be in the marquee.

Date of next meeting – TBD once the club has been given its fixture dates.