Day Posted March 16, 2020 Share Posted March 16, 2020 MINUTES OF THE SUPPORTER CHARTER GROUP MEETING Derby COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2019, PRIDE PARK STADIUM DCFC Supporter Representatives (Alphabetical order): Bal Samra (BS) Punjabi Rams David Mortimer (DM) Rams Active Gary Dempsey (GD) Derby County Disabled Supporters Club (DCDS) Jim Wheeler (KH) Rams Trust Lynn Hemsworth (LH) Derby County Official Supporters Club (DCOSC) Simon Penney (SP) 1884 Group/ Family Representative Lucy Oram (TE) 1884 Group DCFC Senior Management Representatives (Alphabetical order): Faye Nixon (FN) Head of Marketing Grace Vivian (GV) Events Executive and Supporter Liaison Officer Mel Morris CBE (MM) Executive Chairman Nick Britten (NB) Director of Corporate Communications Stephen Pearce (SP) CEO These minutes were produced from written notes taken by GV at the Supporter Charter Group Meeting. All answers we’re provided by MM with the added input of FN, NB, GV & SP Welcome and introduction GV opened the meeting by thanking all Supporter Representatives and Senior Management for attending the meeting. Everyone introduced themselves. GV introduced Jon Darch, Safe Standing campaigner. Jon presented and answered questions regarding safe standing in football grounds. Updates from previous meeting MM presented the plans for the roof on Pride Park stadium. Agenda: DCFC Fans 1) Will there be funds available for Phillip Cocu to strengthen the first team squad during the January window? 2) Could you please explain the process for identifying, scouting, selecting and buying a player? Do we have a dedicated team, would you say it is on a par with other championship clubs and do you feel we get good value in terms of ability and potential pre-sale value 3) Why are we not recruiting players from abroad? We must be missing out on some real, and cheaper (than domestic) quality transfers. Surely you look at players recruited by our rivals In a combined answer, MM & SP provided the following answers: MM – Managers decide on what they look for in a player and the recruitment team search Europe for players that match the criteria. The recruitment team watch the potential player for 2-3 games. The January transfer window may open opportunities for the Academy players to step up, as well as some potential loanees. SP – It’s worth noting that Philip has taken on the responsibility for U15’s upwards. All these age groups will be mimicking the 1st team training regime. MM – The current management team spend lots of time looking at the younger squads and are working to increase player value through playing them in the 1st team. They are focussing on the long-term development of the team. LO - How much would the club pay for Academy players and there’s been lots of positive feedback about the academy facilities. MM/SP – it is in the 6 figures and we face a challenge when big clubs hear that DCFC are interested in a player, they immediately outbid. DCFC tried to promote the great services and facilities. If the Manager had arrived earlier, the players from the Academy would’ve had even more of a chance of a full pre-season with the senior squad. It is a long-term plan and we all need to be patient with the philosophy. The Exec Team are encouraged by his work, regardless of the results and injuries. NW – It’s been difficult having the previous loan players leave us MM – We’ve had a few seasons where we’ve been there or thereabouts in terms of play offs which comes with challenges like salary wars between players. In January we have a lot to look forward to, like Rooney, potential loanees and more academy players coming through. NW – Will Rooney be coaching? MM – Yes, but he is here first and foremost as a player. BS – Have attitudes changed with the events of the last few weeks? MM – No, heads are still being held high Punjabi Rams 1) A couple of seasons ago the club showed interest in partnering with clubs in different football markets. Is this still part of the longer term strategy or has this been put on hold? MM – Yes it’s good to have links with other Academies in Europe and the MLS as the opportunities for U23’s in the MLS are potentially better than going to league 1 or 2. European clubs have good opportunities too. 2) Racism is unfortunately increasingly prevalent across the game, what is the club stance on racist behaviour from fans and what punishment would the club hand out to fans guilty of racism in the stands or social media? MM – Racism is abhorrent and not tolerated in any way at the club. NB – The club is currently prosecuting as a result of a number of racist actions. LO – Does the club ban supporters when allegations come through or just if they’re found guilty? MM – Supporters will remain innocent until proven guilty GD – Is there a number that supporters can call when they witness/experience racial abuse? FN/GV/SP/MM – There is a text service sign on all seats in the North Stand. The Club will work on making this more visible around the stadium. We welcome any feedback from supporters as to raising awareness of Kick it Out services etc. 3) There have been questions in the past on match day catering but there hasn’t been a visible improvement in service. Has anyone seen the latest cheesy chips offering ? Given the drive to encourage supporters to use match day catering facilities what is being done to address quality and speed of service ? This is first time we have received negative feedback relating to the Cheesy Chips we serve. Naturally, we will have a look at the product again and see what we can do to improve this. We have recently introduced new lines like Chicago Town Pizza and sugar free drinks to appeal to a wider audience. We are constantly striving to improve the speed of service at kiosks. We currently have nearly 70% coverage of Card Only tills within kiosks as this provides a much quicker transaction time than cash sales. We have worked with our beer partner Marston’s to provide fast pour taps to reduce the time taken to pour a pint of lager. We have also invested heavily in new boilers to quicken the service of hot drinks and new fryers and ovens to enhance the quality of products we serve. 4) Every year each club has to submit a charter report to the EFL, detailing how policies outlined in the charter have been implemented. Is it possible to share this report with fans ? This report comes in the form of an online survey of which unfortunately we can’t download or release as once submitted it cannot be seen again. AOB: JW - Are there any investment plans? MM – There has been lots of interest and many investors have been rejected. The club is continuing with talks and negotiations. JW – Could investors work together? MM – With the American owners the Club had a few years ago, lots of people were involved and there are challenges with getting sign off from all of the investment group when key decisions had to be made. NW – Are there any clubs in danger of going under? We would be gutted! MM – Who knows? At this point the AOB turned to a discussion regarding the announcement of Richard Keogh’s termination of contract. This was announced by NB and questions were opened up to the floor. DM - Is this a question of dealing with a drinking culture? MM – It’s an issue within football and other sports and players should live within the rules. NW/GD/SP spoke of their experiences with drink driving. MM has met with a coach at Ipswich Town who was the victim of a drink driving accidents/ He would like to look into a partnership between him and DCCT. MM, SP, NB, GV & FN concluded by thanking the SCG for their time and involvement. 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MackworthRamIsGod Posted March 16, 2020 Share Posted March 16, 2020 Br 1 hour ago, David said: MINUTES OF THE SUPPORTER CHARTER GROUP MEETING Derby COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2019, PRIDE PARK STADIUM DCFC Supporter Representatives (Alphabetical order): Bal Samra (BS) Punjabi Rams David Mortimer (DM) Rams Active Gary Dempsey (GD) Derby County Disabled Supporters Club (DCDS) Jim Wheeler (KH) Rams Trust Lynn Hemsworth (LH) Derby County Official Supporters Club (DCOSC) Simon Penney (SP) 1884 Group/ Family Representative Lucy Oram (TE) 1884 Group DCFC Senior Management Representatives (Alphabetical order): Faye Nixon (FN) Head of Marketing Grace Vivian (GV) Events Executive and Supporter Liaison Officer Mel Morris CBE (MM) Executive Chairman Nick Britten (NB) Director of Corporate Communications Stephen Pearce (SP) CEO These minutes were produced from written notes taken by GV at the Supporter Charter Group Meeting. All answers we’re provided by MM with the added input of FN, NB, GV & SP Welcome and introduction GV opened the meeting by thanking all Supporter Representatives and Senior Management for attending the meeting. Everyone introduced themselves. GV introduced Jon Darch, Safe Standing campaigner. Jon presented and answered questions regarding safe standing in football grounds. Updates from previous meeting MM presented the plans for the roof on Pride Park stadium. Agenda: DCFC Fans 1) Will there be funds available for Phillip Cocu to strengthen the first team squad during the January window? 2) Could you please explain the process for identifying, scouting, selecting and buying a player? Do we have a dedicated team, would you say it is on a par with other championship clubs and do you feel we get good value in terms of ability and potential pre-sale value 3) Why are we not recruiting players from abroad? We must be missing out on some real, and cheaper (than domestic) quality transfers. Surely you look at players recruited by our rivals In a combined answer, MM & SP provided the following answers: MM – Managers decide on what they look for in a player and the recruitment team search Europe for players that match the criteria. The recruitment team watch the potential player for 2-3 games. The January transfer window may open opportunities for the Academy players to step up, as well as some potential loanees. SP – It’s worth noting that Philip has taken on the responsibility for U15’s upwards. All these age groups will be mimicking the 1st team training regime. MM – The current management team spend lots of time looking at the younger squads and are working to increase player value through playing them in the 1st team. They are focussing on the long-term development of the team. LO - How much would the club pay for Academy players and there’s been lots of positive feedback about the academy facilities. MM/SP – it is in the 6 figures and we face a challenge when big clubs hear that DCFC are interested in a player, they immediately outbid. DCFC tried to promote the great services and facilities. If the Manager had arrived earlier, the players from the Academy would’ve had even more of a chance of a full pre-season with the senior squad. It is a long-term plan and we all need to be patient with the philosophy. The Exec Team are encouraged by his work, regardless of the results and injuries. NW – It’s been difficult having the previous loan players leave us MM – We’ve had a few seasons where we’ve been there or thereabouts in terms of play offs which comes with challenges like salary wars between players. In January we have a lot to look forward to, like Rooney, potential loanees and more academy players coming through. NW – Will Rooney be coaching? MM – Yes, but he is here first and foremost as a player. BS – Have attitudes changed with the events of the last few weeks? MM – No, heads are still being held high Punjabi Rams 1) A couple of seasons ago the club showed interest in partnering with clubs in different football markets. Is this still part of the longer term strategy or has this been put on hold? MM – Yes it’s good to have links with other Academies in Europe and the MLS as the opportunities for U23’s in the MLS are potentially better than going to league 1 or 2. European clubs have good opportunities too. 2) Racism is unfortunately increasingly prevalent across the game, what is the club stance on racist behaviour from fans and what punishment would the club hand out to fans guilty of racism in the stands or social media? MM – Racism is abhorrent and not tolerated in any way at the club. NB – The club is currently prosecuting as a result of a number of racist actions. LO – Does the club ban supporters when allegations come through or just if they’re found guilty? MM – Supporters will remain innocent until proven guilty GD – Is there a number that supporters can call when they witness/experience racial abuse? FN/GV/SP/MM – There is a text service sign on all seats in the North Stand. The Club will work on making this more visible around the stadium. We welcome any feedback from supporters as to raising awareness of Kick it Out services etc. 3) There have been questions in the past on match day catering but there hasn’t been a visible improvement in service. Has anyone seen the latest cheesy chips offering ? Given the drive to encourage supporters to use match day catering facilities what is being done to address quality and speed of service ? This is first time we have received negative feedback relating to the Cheesy Chips we serve. Naturally, we will have a look at the product again and see what we can do to improve this. We have recently introduced new lines like Chicago Town Pizza and sugar free drinks to appeal to a wider audience. We are constantly striving to improve the speed of service at kiosks. We currently have nearly 70% coverage of Card Only tills within kiosks as this provides a much quicker transaction time than cash sales. We have worked with our beer partner Marston’s to provide fast pour taps to reduce the time taken to pour a pint of lager. We have also invested heavily in new boilers to quicken the service of hot drinks and new fryers and ovens to enhance the quality of products we serve. 4) Every year each club has to submit a charter report to the EFL, detailing how policies outlined in the charter have been implemented. Is it possible to share this report with fans ? This report comes in the form of an online survey of which unfortunately we can’t download or release as once submitted it cannot be seen again. AOB: JW - Are there any investment plans? MM – There has been lots of interest and many investors have been rejected. The club is continuing with talks and negotiations. JW – Could investors work together? MM – With the American owners the Club had a few years ago, lots of people were involved and there are challenges with getting sign off from all of the investment group when key decisions had to be made. NW – Are there any clubs in danger of going under? We would be gutted! MM – Who knows? At this point the AOB turned to a discussion regarding the announcement of Richard Keogh’s termination of contract. This was announced by NB and questions were opened up to the floor. DM - Is this a question of dealing with a drinking culture? MM – It’s an issue within football and other sports and players should live within the rules. NW/GD/SP spoke of their experiences with drink driving. MM has met with a coach at Ipswich Town who was the victim of a drink driving accidents/ He would like to look into a partnership between him and DCCT. MM, SP, NB, GV & FN concluded by thanking the SCG for their time and involvement. Brill, thanks for uploading...I'm happy to see my question was asked and answered. It's almost like people have loads of time on their hands all of a sudden ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted March 16, 2020 Author Share Posted March 16, 2020 Just now, MackworthRamIsGod said: Br Brill, thanks for uploading...I'm happy to see my question was asked and answered. It's almost like people have loads of time on their hands all of a sudden ? Like I said to you not so long ago, I did send in your question and would publish all the minutes as soon as I received them which was this evening. What with everything that has gone on post Wembley I think there has been a few hectic offices around the club, this has probably been pushed to the bottom of the to do pile. Not that communicating with fans isn't important, just that they have had more pressing issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynny Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 19 hours ago, David said: 2) Could you please explain the process for identifying, scouting, selecting and buying a player? Do we have a dedicated team, would you say it is on a par with other championship clubs and do you feel we get good value in terms of ability and potential pre-sale value MM – Managers decide on what they look for in a player and the recruitment team search Europe for players that match the criteria. The recruitment team watch the potential player for 2-3 games. The January transfer window may open opportunities for the Academy players to step up, as well as some potential loanees. @Mostyn6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted March 17, 2020 Author Share Posted March 17, 2020 33 minutes ago, rynny said: @Mostyn6 Possibly of interest to @Squid as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mostyn6 Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 bit of a disappointing politician type answer to be honest. although realistically, I shouldn't have expected anything different! "oh what? that's a great idea Mostyn, you truly are a genius. We would never have even considered that without you suggesting it!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbles Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 15 minutes ago, David said: Possibly of interest to @Squid as well. Cheers David, the main point behind my question though is that I wanted to know whether we're going to take a look at recruitment like Brentfords etc which has been v successful in a lot of cases and basically take notes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angieram Posted March 17, 2020 Share Posted March 17, 2020 Good to read . Shame we didn't have anyone there on the night as it offers an opportunity to ask a supplementary question if you feel the answer doesn't fully cover the issue. I like that the answer to the first question explains what actually happened in January - and presumably what our future transfer policy will be - we need to take note of that and set our expectations accordingly. There was a strong line of thought that our activity was dampened by the EFL charge but that may not have been the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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