Notes of OxVox – OUFC meeting held on 21 May 2008

Attendees: Simon Lenagan, Mick Brown (OUFC), Simon Bradbury, Trevor Lambert, Bob Scholes (OxVox).

Background

The meeting had been called to discuss the Club’s plans for next season and to explore ways in which the supporters trust could work with the Club.

Aims for 2008-9

There was an initial discussion of the Club’s plans in the context of current finances and the continued non-league status of the Club. The Club confirmed that promotion was the firm aim for 2008-9 and that it was seeking to build a squad with that in mind.

Financial position and WPL

OxVox questioned the financial position of the Club and asked how long Woodstock Partners Limited was willing to continue to support the current substantial losses. Many supporters had expressed their concerns to the trust. The Club confirmed that Woodstock Partners remained committed to the task of returning the Club to the Football League. The Club confirmed that they were reviewing many areas of spending, big and small, and were seeking to make savings which would not adversely affect the prospects of promotion. They were also developing new plans for additional sponsorship options with the aim of increasing revenue.

Asked about the vacant position of Sales and Marketing Manager, the Club confirmed that they were close to making an appointment. The Trust was asked to hold back on launching its own commercial activity (see below) until the person was in post, thus avoiding any possible conflict of interest.

Season tickets

OxVox asked whether non-renewing season ticket holders would be followed up. The Club confirmed it intended to put a means of doing so in place, once the initial discount period had ended. The season ticket prices had been well received by supporters and the Club thanked the Trust for their input into the price setting process. Initial sales of season tickets had been encouraging, though a direct comparison with last season at the same stage was not possible, as tickets had gone on sale later in the close season last year owing to the playoffs. As the end of the month neared the Club would be promoting sales in various ways including a special opening of the ticket office on Saturday May 31.

Youth Development

The Youth Development funding situation was discussed in detail. OxVox was being asked about the future of the scheme in the light of media coverage. The Club was happy to confirm that there was no intention to cease the scheme despite the unfortunate error made by the Oxford Mail that may have lead some readers to think otherwise. It remained completely committed to maintaining the youth setup and regarded it as a fundamental part of its activities. The Club explained the difficulties of rebuilding the system of teams throughout the age groups if it were to be dismantled. It was regarded as a key aspect of the Club’s community responsibility and activity, which had produced many players over the years. The economics of it were increasingly challenging now that the tapered funding, which ran for two years following relegation, was ceased for the coming season. Funding would be expected to be reinstated following a promotion. The intention of the Club and of the Youth Development trustees was to work to find new sponsors to help with financial support for the youth setup. OxVox would do all it could to assist the process of finding sponsors and raising funds.

Stadium purchase

OxVox asked whether there were any developments on the stadium purchase. The Club restated its position that the intention remained to acquire the stadium. The Club was keen to assure fans that though there appeared to be a lack of information filtering through to the public, work was continuing daily behind the scenes to secure this goal. The Club appreciated that the lack of news was frustrating for supporters and would communicate in more detail when there was something concrete to report.

Pre-season

OxVox asked about pre-season plans. A QPR match had unfortunately been trailed in the local media but had never been definitely arranged. As with player signings, match arrangements would only be announced by the Club once they had been definitely arranged.

Trust and Club

A number of specific areas of trust-club co-operation were discussed. OxVox outlined its committee’s ideas for a corporate sponsorship package for smaller businesses to complement the Club’s commercial offerings. If successful it would bring additional funding into the club and trust. The plan was still to be adopted by the Trust in consultation with members. The Club agreed to consider the issue with the aim of finding a mutually agreeable way for this to work to the benefit of both Trust and Club.

OxVox was planning to take on a player sponsorship. The Club reported that new options might become available, extending the types of sponsorship. The Trust would be polling its members to choose a player to sponsor, on the understanding that it would select a player only subject to availability.

The Trust was looking at other means of fundraising which it would discuss with the Club as appropriate. It was agreed that rather than raise funds without a specific purpose in mind, the Club would work with the Trust to identify specific requirements which could be the target of individual fundraising efforts, so that something tangible was achieved.

A proposal to raise funds for new goal nets and posts for the stadium was rejected by the Club because this was an area of stadium company responsibility.

The Club agreed in principle to include leaflets promoting the Trust with its mailing of season ticket books. Inclusion of material from the Trust in match programmes could be discussed outside the meeting.

Miscellaneous

OxVox passed on the concerns of two sponsors of players, in which the advertised level of service in return for the sponsorship had not been received. The Club was reviewing its performance in this area and apologised for the shortcomings.

OxVox passed on an enquiry as to why the price offer for lounge renewals did not show the full 5% reduction. The Club confirmed this was because the ticket price element of the full price received the discount.

Time precluded discussion of plans for a Fun Day, and OxVox’s plans for a Golf Day.

The meeting had been a further opportunity to promote co-operation between Trust and Club.