We recently told you we had organised a tripartite meeting with the Football Club board and Supporters Club Committee. That meeting took place on Tuesday past, the 3rd, in the boardroom at Shielfield and part of the function was to raise questions asked by you, the members. Below are the questions you asked us to raise and the answers from the club board.
How much specifically (or even approximately) was made from the Celtic tie?
£80k although there will be tax issues eg corporation tax, that may alter that figure, presumably downwards.
Any specific plans on how to spend it?
Cleared the bank loan and overdraft. Cleared two directors loans also which now leaves the club completely debt free.
The Board’s reaction to the Keiron Bowell “incident”. Personally, I think they reacted too quickly – in every walk of life (criminal or employment law) people need a chance to defend themselves. I think suspension to the end of this season and a final warning would be appropriate so long as there was?a serious apology.
The board felt they had no choice to take the decision they did or risk incurring fines etc from the SFA if a more lenient punishment had been imposed.
How long will the Board give Jimmy Crease if the team does not have a good start to the new season?
If promotion is not gained next season the manager has said he will stand down.
Finally, I’d like to know what plans they have to increase support through the gate. Any specific targets (youth, females) or links (schools, pubs etc)?
Various options were discussed around this topic with a possible extension of the junior season ticket and pre season “Probable´s v Possibles” type match as part of an open day which may in some way answer part of this question.
Is there an interest in establishing a regular programme of tripartite meetings? For example, we could meet on a quarterly basis. That would allow regular face-to-face communication between all three parties and would assist with planning, joint working on projects, avoiding date clashes for events and allocating budgets. Responsibility would have to be assigned for administrative arrangements, such as preparing agendas, rotating the chair, taking minutes, chasing agreed actions and agreeing the number of reps from each party.
There was an interest in establishing a programme of tripartite meetings with the next one arranged.
A lot of supporters are disappointed at the decision to continue with the current management and coaching team in place for the 2011/12 season. That disappointment stems from the failure of the team to make the play-offs in the current season, inconsistent performances, and a lack of belief in the ability of the management and coaching team to make significant improvements. What were reasons behind the club Board decision?
The board accepted that a play off spot at least should have been achieved and were frustrated with the performances of various players. At the seasons outset the perception was that the squad should have been capable of at least a play off place but it appeared the board had resigned themselves to non achievement on the park without having the ability to drastically change things. The loss of wide players (McLaren and McMullan left the team with a lack of width and no legitimate replacements were available. Also the bad weather interrupted not only the games but also training with facilities being unavailable.
What support does the FC Board see the Trust providing to the football club in the next 12 months and beyond?
Financial and potentially skills based.
Does the club Board have, or aim to have, a long-term business plan, and what role is envisaged for the Trust in that plan?
The Board, with the odd exception, do not have a long term business plan saying that taking things one season at a time as being their preferred way forward.
