OUFC - OxVox Meeting - November 29 2004

Minutes

Present: Firoz Kassam, Nilu Kanani, Mick Brown (OUFC); Chris Davis, Trevor Lambert, Ray Whittaker, Neil Carter, Sally Lambert (OxVox)

1. Introductions and apologies

No apologies. FK attended for part of the meeting.

2. Minutes of the last meeting (October 18 2004)

MB commented that the minutes had understated the value of the scouting organisation now used by the club; it was a professional service widely used by many Premiership clubs as well as clubs in the lower divisions. With this amendment the minutes were agreed.

3. Matters arising

Templars Square: The stall in November had gone well and future dates would be considered early next year.

Supporters club: NK reported that there was now no potential space in the Ozone for a supporters club and fitting out costs for a new area would be prohibitive. Opening up the East Stand was not practical given there were no immediate plans to develop it; a supporters club would only use part of the space. OxVox asked the club instead to create a supporters club environment using part of the restaurant with cheaper matchday food options i.e. pub food, rolls, sandwiches. Club to consider. OxVox enquired about the status of the Priory. The club confirmed it is let to a tenant and is not designated as an away fans only pub, though police may impose restrictions for high profile matches. OxVox were talking to the tenant and were considering with him whether it was could become a matchday supporters club option. The club confirmed that as a Grade II listed building, further development of the Priory was difficult. There had been recent archaeological finds in and around the car park, which explained why the area had not been cleared and tidied up.

Ticket prices: FK joined the meeting during the discussion of ticket prices. TL passed round a list of current adult minimum prices (on the day) at grounds in League 2, which showed OUFC has the highest minimum price in the division. OxVox felt this might discourage casual fans, and suggested a modest price reduction for the East Stand on the day; for example extending the recently introduced reduction of £1 for concessions. Club to consider. Looking beyond the current season, OxVox asked to be consulted about next season's prices at the appropriate time, and observed that the price differentials between seating areas were smaller than those found at many other clubs.

4. Stadium maintenance

OxVox drew to the club's attention the poor state of some of the external features of the stadium and surrounds, specifically mentioned were the blue external wooden doors which needed repainting (preferably in yellow), weeds and debris in the landscaping and surrounds, the lack of proper pedestrian access to the Ozone from the car park, a number of broken or missing signs, and minor items such as a broken toilet door to the ladies in SSU. NK reported that modification to the pedestrian access to the Ozone was in hand. FK encouraged OxVox to refer to the club for attention any further maintenance issues of which they were aware.

5. Team manager selection process

FK confirmed that there was considerable interest in the post of manager; applications would be carefully considered and interviews held. He did not want to rush into a decision. He agreed to a request to hold a fans forum to introduce the new manager in due course.

6. Stadium tenancy

FK confirmed that Oxford United's tenancy of the football ground is not dependent on Football League status.

7. Season ticket holder survey

Club to do prize draw for 2 meal tickets. To discuss within club the best way of using the survey results.

8. AOB

Scouting: OxVox asked about the scouting system and whether the commercial company used was supplemented by traditional scouts. MB said that the club continues to use existing contacts, and as at many clubs, management and coaching staff saw many games as well.

Training ground: FK asked OxVox for help in locating a possible ground.

Club shop: On schedule for opening early in the New Year. Ox statue: Now has planning permission.

Stadium signage: NC queried whether signs would be erected around the stadium e.g. to the away end and ticket office as per the planning permission obtained some time ago. Club to consider.

Discounts and cross-promotions: CD suggested match ticket price discounts for Ozone multiplex customers, publicity for forthcoming matches at the Ozone, shop price list in the programme, and future match promotions advertising in concourses and bars.

9. Date of next meeting

Monday 17 January 2005 at 3pm.