Key points from the fans forum held on 23 August 2007

Ian Lenagan started with a commercial update. Key points:

• First point was that forum was being held, as promised, shortly after start of season.
• Barring unexpected further revenue, loss anticipated this season was of the order of £430k. Pre-season had produced 118k less than anticipated, sponsorship 48k, boxes 45k to date.
• Season ticket sales had ended 50 up on last season - a fantastic result.
• Debt issue: Club cannot move to break even suddenly without drastic cuts to playing side or youth development - not prepared to go down that road.
• Total loss of 750k over next 3 years is target.
• Some extra sponsorship e.g. new radio station was coming, but boxes were still available. 18 sold at full price.
• Templars Square kit stockist was planned.
• Many matchday sponsorships were still available and fans were asked for contacts.
• Peers Academy plan was ongoing and principal was appointed.
• Relationships being built for the future with universities, Sport England, local authorities etc.
• Youth dept - Mickey Lewis appointed, new scouts being appointed, advanced coaching centre, Girls centre of excellence
• Wage cap of approximately 900k.
• Stadium sale - 3 medium term (up to 2 years) possibilities for partners

Meeting was then turned over to questions on playing side and commercial side. Main points raised:

• Setanta deal was not ideal but raised profile of club and generated revenue. It was believed by Mick Brown that there would be 1 month's notice of future fixture changes.
• Detailed ticket pricing issues e.g. group tickets, junior tickets would be looked at later after bigger issues were addressed.
• Box prices were believed to be set at the right level.
• Jim Smith felt the side produced plenty of chances and that 3-5-2 was creative and players liked it.
• Twigg and Yemi were probably the best strike pair at present.
• Asked what had been learnt about the Conference, Darren Patterson replied the style of footballwas different from the League, there was a need to have desire to win a battle before playing a passing game, Jim Smith pointed to the athletic nature of the league, the need to play youth, and the need to be prepared to play at poor grounds.
• Asked about the youth players of last year, DP was very disappointed none were kept on, but they didn't do enough to convince at reserve level; for the future a wider scouting network should generate a crop of good players from a wider area.
• Reserve games were in process of being arranged, some with Premiership clubs, to give match practice to recovering players. Glchrist and Willmott were on the mend.
• Standing and Rose were on non-contract terms at their own request.
• Asked about increased revenue in the event of promotion, IL restated need to get to a point where losses were under £250k, and stadium and conference centre were acquired to boost cash flow.

The meeting ended around 8.30pm.