OUFC-OxVox Meeting - 16 August 2005

Minutes

Present: Steve Hanks , Mick Brown, Neil Carter, Trevor Lambert

Apologies: Helen Joslin

Minutes of last meeting (6 June 2005): Accepted.

General

SH spoke about his role, which covers everything at the football club except the football itself. He was taking the time necessary to learn about the club and changes will be made incrementally and cautiously. He and MB are happy to meet representatives of OxVox monthly for focused meetings. TL said that OxVox was willing to work together and hoped for real improvements addressing areas where supporters were broadly agreed changes were needed. SH remarked that he is convinced FK remains ambitious for OUFC and he is impressed by Brian Talbot who is thorough, organised and easy to work with. Organisationally, Lorna Gosling works exclusively for OUFC and the stadium company is under the new manager Anne-Marie Brennan. SH did not anticipate there would be further staff appointed to support marketing or PR for the foreseeable future.

Distribution of fixture posters, and follow-up

OxVox was distributing fixture posters and almost all outlets approached had been happy to display a poster. A list of contacts OxVox has made so far (around 25) was passed to club - more to follow. SH confirmed they will follow up soon and visit.

Matchday buses

Services had been ceased by Oxford Bus Company who cited lack of demand. OxVox disagreed, felt the decision was short-sighted and detrimental to the environment and would maintain contact with Oxford Bus Company. Club was discussing situation with City Council.

Lindleys concourse catering

TL and NC passed on criticism of new prices though service was felt to have improved. SH said prices set by Lindley's as part of the contract with the stadium company. From OxVox's investigations prices at OUFC appear to be consistent with those used by Lindleys at other clubs.

Other matchday catering

OxVox's proposal first made in June for a matchday supporters club bar with reasonably priced food was passed on by TL to SH, who confirmed that the possibility of a meal deal along these lines is being considered for the Exhibition Bar.

Progress with stadium maintenance issues

The current list was passed to SH for consideration. Many items had simply been marked 'On maintenance schedule' and OxVox asked for clarification and progress. SH replied that the need for an active maintenance program was now accepted by the club and stadium company. The leaks in the SSU roof would be repaired, hopefully under guarantee.

Concourse painting

OxVox had estimated time and materials cost for painting the East Stand concourse following agreement in principle by Nilu Kanani subject to affordability. SH to consider.

Forum with OxVox members, and date of next general fans forum

Dates will be arranged shortly.

Plans for National Anti-Racism Week of Action in Football, 13-25 October

MB confirmed the club will give its full support to the event as usual and is open to suggestions for further involvement. MB has written to Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council for advice.

The Bronze Ox

The plinth is being designed and the job will be done soon, no date available as yet.

Stadium branding

SH would like to introduce some club colours 'identity' in the stadium. TL and NC felt most fans would be enthusiastic about this move, and also believed that adding some identification with OUFC in the Quadrangle and conference centre would be a distinctive feature.

Shop/merchandise

SH sees the need to improve sales outside the 2 peaks - shirt sales pre-season and Christmas. He is looking at offers on slowly moving merchandise. A commemorative Milk Cup DVD and a dinner on 20 April 2006 are planned.

Additional sponsorship

Club is looking at ways of taking advantage of new rules which allow two shirt sponsors and a shorts sponsor.

Date of next meeting

To be agreed.