A number of committee members from the ASi recently met up with John Bowler and Jim McMillan in order to discuss a number of matters, and hopefully, to put to bed a few rumours.  Here’s a brief overview of what went on :

Season Tickets

The board discussed long and hard as to the pricing strategy, and feel this was the best competitive offer they could give within the current economic climate.   In addition to this, the club are continually monitoring supporters who purchase match day tickets and communicate with them as to the benefits of purchasing a season ticket.  We commented on the fact that at a Fans Forum some 12 months ago, Mr Bowler stated that to offer an incentive to purchase early would cost the club around £30,000.  Why the change now?  John commented that the club have absorbed a number of costs in the early bird offer – VAT / inflation, but wanted to give the fans as good an offer as possible.  Lots of clubs seem to be currently offering an early bird incentive by offering fans season tickets at this year’s prices.  We (the club) have gone further than that by giving fans a chance to get one with a £10 reduction. 

Commercial Activities

Some 12 months ago, John Bowler said that the club were looking so sub-let part of the Alexandra Store.  This has not happened yet.  Had anything progressed with this?  Unfortunately, due to all the high street suffering nothing had moved with this, though the club were always looking for businesses which could utilise any spare space.

The ASi enquired as to the range of items in the store, with JB responding by saying that the retail team were always looking at new items to promote, but the club had to be sure that these would be items that would sell.  Obviously the biggest seller in the shop were the replica team kits.  We commented on the poor quality of the team shirts this season, and were pleased to hear that this year’s shirts would be manufactured by a known manufacturer.  At the meeting the club were unwilling to announce next seasons makers but confirmed that  it would be announced / promoted shortly.  In fact, he advised us that the team would wear the new home shirt at the game against Stockport, with them being on sale hopefully a week later.  Nothing divulged about the design of the shirt but John did feel that the away kit would be popular.

Crewe ASi have been working with the club this season to promote the Alexandra Suite.  Has this been a success?  John was more than happy with the popularity of the Suite and had no reason to change things for next year, so expect the same pricing structure.  In addition we did enquire as to whether bottled beers could be sold in the bar on the concourse.  Mr Bowler will look into this.

Finance

The AGM has been well reported, but could John/Jim give us any further details on how the club is being structured.  John re-iterated what was said to shareholders and that once everything is set up with the new company information will be made available.  We stated that all supporters were concerned, and that lack of information only gave fuel to those wishing to scaremonger.  Unfortunately, this appears to be one area we will have to wait and see.

Share Issue / Supporters Trust

We asked about the possibility of individuals acquiring shares in the new company.  As yet no progress with this.  There are 100,000 shares, which are all allocated.  A discussion was then held as to the viability of a Supporters Trust.  John Bowler, together with three other Chairmen,  had recently attended a Parliamentary select committee about Supporters Trusts, and both John and Jim feel a trust would be an effective way to enable supporters to be actively involved in the club, with perhaps a 20- 25% share.  However this had certainly proved difficult to set up.  You need people with the right expertise, commitment, and money, who were willing/able to put their hands up to lead this venture.  There had been some interest shown by local business people, but as yet nothing had progressed.

The Team

Obviously neither John, nor Jim could comment on team selection etc.  Dario is the Manager with no immediate plans to change this situation.  He has been giving Steve Davies more involvement on match days with Neil Baker continuing in his role as scout.

Lots of rumours abound, regarding players moving on, but had any contract been sorted recently?  No – but the club were planning to offer 8 first year professional contracts and also 6 scholarships – no names mentioned. 

How did the board feel the season had gone?  Very disappointing, where the only consistent thing about the performances was the inconsistency.  Everyone had hoped to be in the play offs at worst this season.

Any plans for a pre-season tour?   Reaseheath!!  Hopefully the club will be able to arrange friendlies against top opposition, but still in the initial stages of discussion on this matter

One source of income would be Nicky Maynard moving on to another club. JB confirmed that the transfer terms to Bristol City did include a sell on clause. 

One popular misconception, is that if Rhys Taylor doesn’t play then we have to pay his wages.  Totally incorrect.  However when Dario  does loan players he does give a commitment to play them wherever possible.  Lots of supporters clamour for Steve Phillips to be given a few games, but on reflection it does make sense to play Taylor, as that may keep us in “good books” with Chelsea, as if we do get a chance to loan another player from them they can be assured that at least we will give them some games and not leave them on the bench.

With no further questions raised the meeting was closed.  Thanks to Mr Bowler and Mr McMillan for spending some time with us, and hopefully this communication process can continue.