Supporters Charter Meeting - 22 September 2022

[therams69]

Morning all..

In the absence of a DCFC fans representative at the meetings I thought it would be helpful to upload the minutes to here. My personal thoughts are below.

Many of you know my issue with Stephen Pearce. I have been very vocal on that for various reasons. However, Charlton away we had a catch up and with Dave. A line has been drawn between us which Dave very much initiated. He is as much responsible as Dave for saving our club and I think we need to recognise that. 

Last night Stephen came across a very different man. Confident. Comfortable. Relaxed. Clear to see the shackles of Mel have been removed and he can be his own person. Mixed in with the ethos and culture that Dave has I fully trust SP to take us forward. He knows that he has points to prove and is up for that challenge. He has my backing.

A few other points i would like to add. Safe Standing, you know I have been campaigning for 15 odd years!!! Looking like some kind of movement with this and going forward expect there to be some news over the next few months.

South Stand - raised about bar wait times and requested that the bottle bars return particularly for half time. This is lost revenue. Left with SP to sort. I have also raised, as i have done for years, that we should be aiming to replicate a Bristol City / Lincoln kind of area. This was always the idea with the Fan Park but somewhat slipped to the side. Would be great to have a culture where fans can turn up early, have a few drinks and enjoy it. Same after the game as well, get the Yard and South Stand concourse open for an hour. 

Really positive meeting and refreshing that we are discussing issues and points that the charter group was setup for! Big thanks to the guys at BAWT for drafting up the minutes.

Minutes of SCG Meeting 22nd September, 2022

Present: DCFC - David Clowes, Stephen Pearce, Punjabi Rams, DCFC Disabled Supporters Club, RamsTrust, DCFC Supporters Club, Black and White Together, Derby County Collection, Nick Webster, RamsActive

The club has been reviewing and assessing the managerial position since DC took over and Liam Rosenior has been fantastic. They have a great relationship. The club has a duty of care towards Liam's career as someone taking his first steps in managing and what might happen to Liam if it didnt work out played a part in the decision.

Paul Warne brings experience and now is his time for a big job at a big club. Other clubs were after him, both those with and those without a manager currently. 

DC liked how he treats players, journalists, encouraging everyone to get the best out of themselves.

There is nothing to read into the title of Head Coach – there is no plan for Technical Director/Director of Football – it is just commensurate with Head of Recruitment, Head of Academy, which they will move their focus to now. They see these three roles working as a team. 

Paul Warne spoke to the players on Wednesday evening and will do press next Tuesday.

With regards to the players we signed and his style, Paul is adaptable, but he was after some of our players in summer. His teams are running teams and he is happy with players he has. 

DC will speak to Liam and other coaching staff on Monday when they return from a short break, but they were aware of the situation before DCFC approached Rotherham to speak to Paul Warne.

The club is well within the business plan agreed with the EFL, so there is a buffer. They sent the EFL the recruitment strategy, by player and position, and all was signed off, no problem. It is a two-year plan, with a review after 12 months, but we can’t currently spend transfer fees or loan fees.

The plan was done on a worst case scenario., so season ticket sales coming in over the figure in the business plan really helped. 

The club is now debt free.

Two sell-on clauses were sold for short term cash during administration,  but others remain.

The first accounting year will end on 30th June, 2023, so filed by March 2024.

The club will look into a non-Away member Season Ticket holder category after away members and before general sale for away tickets.

They will look at Roadriders again, but once the cost of hiring a bus, putting a steward on them and some covid restrictions still are factored in, it is likely to still be prohibitive.

They will also look at the possibility of beambacks for sold out away games.

The club now has a very good relationship with the EFL and other clubs, including Wycombe, Middlesbrough, and Rotherham.

The Yard is now open again on matchdays. They are looking at projects for the Back Yard in the close season.

Stephen Pearce has a point to prove. If everything he was accused of was true, the administrators or the due diligence of bidders would have found something. He wants to take club forwards.

The board will expand in the next 12-18 months, but a new chair will be appointed soon.

David Clowes said he is categorically not looking to flip the club. 

The club is researching a Shadow Board. They have spoken to Joe Blott, of Spirit of Shankly, the only one in place currently. The club eill circulate details, but the idea is the responsibility of the club to a Shadow Board would be written into the Articles of Association.

There is a change in culture in the club, and DC wants to be open and transparent within the limits of running a business.
It was commented the club is losing money due to lack of staff at concessions. The club has longer term plans, but acknowledges short term improvements can be made. The Bristol City model was mentioned as an example.

Re safe standing- the club met with the safety advisory group and the Sports Ground Safety Authority. The rake is a concern, but are pricing up potential phased equivalent of safe standing. Not railed seating but barriers. The top 9-10 rows in south stand and away area are the difficult areas, but the club wants to be an early adopter.

The club wants the sponsorship to match the new culture, keen not to have betting or crypto on the front of shirts. If not, they could have had it done weeks ago. But they also don't want to devalue the shirt for next or future seasons, so better to go no sponsor, if so. But the club has decided to go with a national charity to protect the value of the brand. However, it could be that the club asks for funds raised to be used locally.
They are also discussing the logistics of having the option to buy a sponsorship logo for replica shirts, like a number or players name, with possibility of part going to the charity. 

With regards to the stadium, there is a long CapEx list, which the club will be working through in order of  priority over next 18 months.
DCCT and DCFC Women separate board of Trustees, but the club is trying to bring them closer. DCFC Women have been training on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Moor Farm, but changing rooms are difficult. But now th3 club is making a dedicated women's hub for sole use, branded etc. Good for board meeting, analysis and with dedicated changing facility too. It will be finished in a couple of weeks. They will continue to play at Mickleover.
 

 

[Dimmu]

Looks like DC has brought lot's of good stuff with him. For me, the biggest thing of those is the shadow board. It's the most effective way to prevent unethical decision making at the top. Would've been nice to have it in the last 40 years or so.

Thanks DC.

[Topram]

Good points all over really, think the idea of a fan park outside like Bristol city would be a great idea, seen a few clubs doing it now, few pop up bars (hopefully better beers than what’s on inside) few pop up local food bits places to sit etc, get people to the ground earlier 

[Srg]

1 minute ago, Topram said:

Good points all over really, think the idea of a fan park outside like Bristol city would be a great idea, seen a few clubs doing it now, few pop up bars (hopefully better beers than what’s on inside) few pop up local food bits places to sit etc, get people to the ground earlier 

It's interesting really, given Clowes' personal business and expertise and all the previous plans we've had for add ons in the immediate surroundings to PP with restaurants etc that maybe we could see a few bits in the future.

[Topram]

11 minutes ago, Srg said:

It's interesting really, given Clowes' personal business and expertise and all the previous plans we've had for add ons in the immediate surroundings to PP with restaurants etc that maybe we could see a few bits in the future.

I just think it’ll make the club more money, Bristol was brilliant when down there, I’ve seen Wednesday have something similar now with live bands on, even Lincoln had a little area with beers and food on where most fans congregated  

[rammieib]

Thanks for Posting Nick. Glad that your issues with SP are resolved. We had a good chat on the train coming back from Blackpool away last year.

Off the pitch looks promising - I like the fact that nothing here is 'big' - its all reasonable and within budgets. I liked the reference to a CAPEX list of things to do on the stadium as well. Shows these are all identified and planned.

 

[RadioactiveWaste]

Pearce "was only obeying orders" eh?

Fairs fair, clean slates n all.

Seemed to be a lot of good stuff in there.

The line about "Duty of care to LRs career" seemed odd to me. Was it effectively "this way, you step down with a ton of credit ready for your next opportunity, and we're happy to keep you on the staff in the meantime"?

[Ellafella]

1 hour ago, therams69 said:

Morning all..

In the absence of a DCFC fans representative at the meetings I thought it would be helpful to upload the minutes to here. My personal thoughts are below.

Many of you know my issue with Stephen Pearce. I have been very vocal on that for various reasons. However, Charlton away we had a catch up and with Dave. A line has been drawn between us which Dave very much initiated. He is as much responsible as Dave for saving our club and I think we need to recognise that. 

Last night Stephen came across a very different man. Confident. Comfortable. Relaxed. Clear to see the shackles of Mel have been removed and he can be his own person. Mixed in with the ethos and culture that Dave has I fully trust SP to take us forward. He knows that he has points to prove and is up for that challenge. He has my backing.

A few other points i would like to add. Safe Standing, you know I have been campaigning for 15 odd years!!! Looking like some kind of movement with this and going forward expect there to be some news over the next few months.

South Stand - raised about bar wait times and requested that the bottle bars return particularly for half time. This is lost revenue. Left with SP to sort. I have also raised, as i have done for years, that we should be aiming to replicate a Bristol City / Lincoln kind of area. This was always the idea with the Fan Park but somewhat slipped to the side. Would be great to have a culture where fans can turn up early, have a few drinks and enjoy it. Same after the game as well, get the Yard and South Stand concourse open for an hour. 

Really positive meeting and refreshing that we are discussing issues and points that the charter group was setup for! Big thanks to the guys at BAWT for drafting up the minutes.

Minutes of SCG Meeting 22nd September, 2022

Present: DCFC - David Clowes, Stephen Pearce, Punjabi Rams, DCFC Disabled Supporters Club, RamsTrust, DCFC Supporters Club, Black and White Together, Derby County Collection, Nick Webster, RamsActive

The club has been reviewing and assessing the managerial position since DC took over and Liam Rosenior has been fantastic. They have a great relationship. The club has a duty of care towards Liam's career as someone taking his first steps in managing and what might happen to Liam if it didnt work out played a part in the decision.

Paul Warne brings experience and now is his time for a big job at a big club. Other clubs were after him, both those with and those without a manager currently. 

DC liked how he treats players, journalists, encouraging everyone to get the best out of themselves.

There is nothing to read into the title of Head Coach – there is no plan for Technical Director/Director of Football – it is just commensurate with Head of Recruitment, Head of Academy, which they will move their focus to now. They see these three roles working as a team. 

Paul Warne spoke to the players on Wednesday evening and will do press next Tuesday.

With regards to the players we signed and his style, Paul is adaptable, but he was after some of our players in summer. His teams are running teams and he is happy with players he has. 

DC will speak to Liam and other coaching staff on Monday when they return from a short break, but they were aware of the situation before DCFC approached Rotherham to speak to Paul Warne.

The club is well within the business plan agreed with the EFL, so there is a buffer. They sent the EFL the recruitment strategy, by player and position, and all was signed off, no problem. It is a two-year plan, with a review after 12 months, but we can’t currently spend transfer fees or loan fees.

The plan was done on a worst case scenario., so season ticket sales coming in over the figure in the business plan really helped. 

The club is now debt free.

Two sell-on clauses were sold for short term cash during administration,  but others remain.

The first accounting year will end on 30th June, 2023, so filed by March 2024.

The club will look into a non-Away member Season Ticket holder category after away members and before general sale for away tickets.

They will look at Roadriders again, but once the cost of hiring a bus, putting a steward on them and some covid restrictions still are factored in, it is likely to still be prohibitive.

They will also look at the possibility of beambacks for sold out away games.

The club now has a very good relationship with the EFL and other clubs, including Wycombe, Middlesbrough, and Rotherham.

The Yard is now open again on matchdays. They are looking at projects for the Back Yard in the close season.

Stephen Pearce has a point to prove. If everything he was accused of was true, the administrators or the due diligence of bidders would have found something. He wants to take club forwards.

The board will expand in the next 12-18 months, but a new chair will be appointed soon.

David Clowes said he is categorically not looking to flip the club. 

The club is researching a Shadow Board. They have spoken to Joe Blott, of Spirit of Shankly, the only one in place currently. The club eill circulate details, but the idea is the responsibility of the club to a Shadow Board would be written into the Articles of Association.

There is a change in culture in the club, and DC wants to be open and transparent within the limits of running a business.
It was commented the club is losing money due to lack of staff at concessions. The club has longer term plans, but acknowledges short term improvements can be made. The Bristol City model was mentioned as an example.

Re safe standing- the club met with the safety advisory group and the Sports Ground Safety Authority. The rake is a concern, but are pricing up potential phased equivalent of safe standing. Not railed seating but barriers. The top 9-10 rows in south stand and away area are the difficult areas, but the club wants to be an early adopter.

The club wants the sponsorship to match the new culture, keen not to have betting or crypto on the front of shirts. If not, they could have had it done weeks ago. But they also don't want to devalue the shirt for next or future seasons, so better to go no sponsor, if so. But the club has decided to go with a national charity to protect the value of the brand. However, it could be that the club asks for funds raised to be used locally.
They are also discussing the logistics of having the option to buy a sponsorship logo for replica shirts, like a number or players name, with possibility of part going to the charity. 

With regards to the stadium, there is a long CapEx list, which the club will be working through in order of  priority over next 18 months.
DCCT and DCFC Women separate board of Trustees, but the club is trying to bring them closer. DCFC Women have been training on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Moor Farm, but changing rooms are difficult. But now th3 club is making a dedicated women's hub for sole use, branded etc. Good for board meeting, analysis and with dedicated changing facility too. It will be finished in a couple of weeks. They will continue to play at Mickleover.
 

 

Thanks Nick,

very helpful report and very encouraging. Glad you've sorted the issues with SP - we spoke briefly at Coventry away in the FA Cup last season with @Angry Ram. I like the sound of developments coming from the notes and am very encouraged by DC and very encouraged by the PW recruitment. There's a great season ahead of us.

 

 

[cosmic]

Quote

The club has a duty of care towards Liam's career as someone taking his first steps in managing and what might happen to Liam if it didnt work out played a part in the decision.

 

Quote

DC liked how he treats players, journalists, encouraging everyone to get the best out of themselves.

 

Quote

The club wants the sponsorship to match the new culture, keen not to have betting or crypto on the front of shirts. If not, they could have had it done weeks ago...

...But the club has decided to go with a national charity to protect the value of the brand.

 

Really like what I'm reading. The club has been toxic for so long, and it look like DC is trying to bring back some integrity and instil a better culture.

Edited September 23, 2022 by cosmic

[Day]

So we have a new sponsor now, a national charity?

Also, the names and numbers are already sponsored through the EFL’s partners, so would this be a breakaway from those?

[Ellafella]

3 minutes ago, cosmic said:

 

 

 

Really like what I'm reading. The club has been toxic for so long, and it look like DC is trying to bring back some integrity and instil a better culture.

Hear! Hear! 

[Woodypecker]

A club re-focussed, and re-set. All positive!

If Mr Warne can get the squad scoring and winning, we will have certain lift-off!

 

C O Y R 

[therams69]

28 minutes ago, rammieib said:

Thanks for Posting Nick. Glad that your issues with SP are resolved. We had a good chat on the train coming back from Blackpool away last year.

Off the pitch looks promising - I like the fact that nothing here is 'big' - its all reasonable and within budgets. I liked the reference to a CAPEX list of things to do on the stadium as well. Shows these are all identified and planned.

 

No problem mate... Wasn't it on the way there? 

Under the Radar is the way forward...

[therams69]

19 minutes ago, Ellafella said:

Thanks Nick,

very helpful report and very encouraging. Glad you've sorted the issues with SP - we spoke briefly at Coventry away in the FA Cup last season with @Angry Ram. I like the sound of developments coming from the notes and am very encouraged by DC and very encouraged by the PW recruitment. There's a great season ahead of us.

 

 

I think going forward, for me certainly and as a wider fan base, it needed sorting. He is fronting it up and fair play to him. Dave backs him 100% - that alone is enough for me. Negative energy towards him will do no one any favours.

It's a long term plan. If this season doesn't come off we go again stronger next season.

[Reggie Greenwood]

16 minutes ago, David said:

So we have a new sponsor now, a national charity?

Also, the names and numbers are already sponsored through the EFL’s partners, so would this be a breakaway from those?

DCFC Rams David charity I heard ?

[angieram]

16 minutes ago, David said:

So we have a new sponsor now, a national charity?

Also, the names and numbers are already sponsored through the EFL’s partners, so would this be a breakaway from those?

I don't think so, David. Charity hasn't been selected yet, and one or two other clubs have a different charity as front of shirt sponsor, separate to the EFL branding on the numbers. Hopefully we won't pick the same charity! 

[angieram]

1 hour ago, therams69 said:

Morning all..

In the absence of a DCFC fans representative at the meetings I thought it would be helpful to upload the minutes to here. My personal thoughts are below.

Many of you know my issue with Stephen Pearce. I have been very vocal on that for various reasons. However, Charlton away we had a catch up and with Dave. A line has been drawn between us which Dave very much initiated. He is as much responsible as Dave for saving our club and I think we need to recognise that. 

Last night Stephen came across a very different man. Confident. Comfortable. Relaxed. Clear to see the shackles of Mel have been removed and he can be his own person. Mixed in with the ethos and culture that Dave has I fully trust SP to take us forward. He knows that he has points to prove and is up for that challenge. He has my backing.

A few other points i would like to add. Safe Standing, you know I have been campaigning for 15 odd years!!! Looking like some kind of movement with this and going forward expect there to be some news over the next few months.

South Stand - raised about bar wait times and requested that the bottle bars return particularly for half time. This is lost revenue. Left with SP to sort. I have also raised, as i have done for years, that we should be aiming to replicate a Bristol City / Lincoln kind of area. This was always the idea with the Fan Park but somewhat slipped to the side. Would be great to have a culture where fans can turn up early, have a few drinks and enjoy it. Same after the game as well, get the Yard and South Stand concourse open for an hour. 

Really positive meeting and refreshing that we are discussing issues and points that the charter group was setup for! Big thanks to the guys at BAWT for drafting up the minutes.

Minutes of SCG Meeting 22nd September, 2022

Present: DCFC - David Clowes, Stephen Pearce, Punjabi Rams, DCFC Disabled Supporters Club, RamsTrust, DCFC Supporters Club, Black and White Together, Derby County Collection, Nick Webster, RamsActive

The club has been reviewing and assessing the managerial position since DC took over and Liam Rosenior has been fantastic. They have a great relationship. The club has a duty of care towards Liam's career as someone taking his first steps in managing and what might happen to Liam if it didnt work out played a part in the decision.

Paul Warne brings experience and now is his time for a big job at a big club. Other clubs were after him, both those with and those without a manager currently. 

DC liked how he treats players, journalists, encouraging everyone to get the best out of themselves.

There is nothing to read into the title of Head Coach – there is no plan for Technical Director/Director of Football – it is just commensurate with Head of Recruitment, Head of Academy, which they will move their focus to now. They see these three roles working as a team. 

Paul Warne spoke to the players on Wednesday evening and will do press next Tuesday.

With regards to the players we signed and his style, Paul is adaptable, but he was after some of our players in summer. His teams are running teams and he is happy with players he has. 

DC will speak to Liam and other coaching staff on Monday when they return from a short break, but they were aware of the situation before DCFC approached Rotherham to speak to Paul Warne.

The club is well within the business plan agreed with the EFL, so there is a buffer. They sent the EFL the recruitment strategy, by player and position, and all was signed off, no problem. It is a two-year plan, with a review after 12 months, but we can’t currently spend transfer fees or loan fees.

The plan was done on a worst case scenario., so season ticket sales coming in over the figure in the business plan really helped. 

The club is now debt free.

Two sell-on clauses were sold for short term cash during administration,  but others remain.

The first accounting year will end on 30th June, 2023, so filed by March 2024.

The club will look into a non-Away member Season Ticket holder category after away members and before general sale for away tickets.

They will look at Roadriders again, but once the cost of hiring a bus, putting a steward on them and some covid restrictions still are factored in, it is likely to still be prohibitive.

They will also look at the possibility of beambacks for sold out away games.

The club now has a very good relationship with the EFL and other clubs, including Wycombe, Middlesbrough, and Rotherham.

The Yard is now open again on matchdays. They are looking at projects for the Back Yard in the close season.

Stephen Pearce has a point to prove. If everything he was accused of was true, the administrators or the due diligence of bidders would have found something. He wants to take club forwards.

The board will expand in the next 12-18 months, but a new chair will be appointed soon.

David Clowes said he is categorically not looking to flip the club. 

The club is researching a Shadow Board. They have spoken to Joe Blott, of Spirit of Shankly, the only one in place currently. The club eill circulate details, but the idea is the responsibility of the club to a Shadow Board would be written into the Articles of Association.

There is a change in culture in the club, and DC wants to be open and transparent within the limits of running a business.
It was commented the club is losing money due to lack of staff at concessions. The club has longer term plans, but acknowledges short term improvements can be made. The Bristol City model was mentioned as an example.

Re safe standing- the club met with the safety advisory group and the Sports Ground Safety Authority. The rake is a concern, but are pricing up potential phased equivalent of safe standing. Not railed seating but barriers. The top 9-10 rows in south stand and away area are the difficult areas, but the club wants to be an early adopter.

The club wants the sponsorship to match the new culture, keen not to have betting or crypto on the front of shirts. If not, they could have had it done weeks ago. But they also don't want to devalue the shirt for next or future seasons, so better to go no sponsor, if so. But the club has decided to go with a national charity to protect the value of the brand. However, it could be that the club asks for funds raised to be used locally.
They are also discussing the logistics of having the option to buy a sponsorship logo for replica shirts, like a number or players name, with possibility of part going to the charity. 

With regards to the stadium, there is a long CapEx list, which the club will be working through in order of  priority over next 18 months.
DCCT and DCFC Women separate board of Trustees, but the club is trying to bring them closer. DCFC Women have been training on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Moor Farm, but changing rooms are difficult. But now th3 club is making a dedicated women's hub for sole use, branded etc. Good for board meeting, analysis and with dedicated changing facility too. It will be finished in a couple of weeks. They will continue to play at Mickleover.
 

 

I was at the meeting, too, as a representative of RamsTrust Board (elected on Wednesday night!) 

Obviously my first meeting, but I agree that there appears to be a much more positive culture within the club from what has been reported on previously, we chatted together for quite a long time after the formal meeting was held. It felt like the building of new relationships.

Apart from a short embargo to allow us all to sleep last night, we were told we could report anything that was said and there would be an open atmosphere. No questions were frowned upon or dismissed and dare I say it, there was a lot more dialogue and many less "speeches" than I witnessed from the previous filmed meetings.

One of the things I am very pleased about personally is the possibility of the reinstatement of Fans Forums. Like many things mooted, it might not happen overnight but the club is moving in a positive direction. There's still a lot to do but a promising start. 

Bring on the safe standing! 

[Day]

4 minutes ago, angieram said:

as a representative of RamsTrust Board (elected on Wednesday night!) 

Congrats Angie, well deserved ?

[angieram]

1 minute ago, David said:

Congrats Angie, well deserved ?

Thankyou.

I'd like to pretend people voted for me, but truth was there were six candidates for six places! ?

[Day]

1 minute ago, angieram said:

Thankyou.

I'd like to pretend people voted for me, but truth was there were six candidates for six places! ?