Norwich City Football Club
Supporters Consultative Group
Minutes of meeting on May 27, 2008

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Joe Ferrari, Kevan Platt, Kevin Spratling, Richard Martin, Richard Gough, John Aves, Peter Steward, Jonathan Whitwood, Richard Bland, Mark Burchett and Roy Blower.

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON MARCH 3

The minutes were agreed.

3. MATTERS ARISING

J. Woodrow asked if there was an update on supporter access to Colney for friendly/reserves matches next season. N. Doncaster replied that the Club was awaiting the fixture list before making arrangements for games next season although it was likely that there would be few games at Colney.

4. WORKING GROUP UPDATES

Young Supporters
W. Hoy presented to the group the latest work of the young supporters working group.

The working party has two SCG supporter representatives - K. Spratling and T. Cockburn and Club representatives from SoccerPM!, Football in the Community and the Study Centre.

The group has been looking at membership packages for under 16 supporters and creating a specific website for them and their particular needs. Focus groups have been set-up through the Study Centre to get young people's ideas.

The Associate Group Scheme, which involves youth groups, schools and football teams getting involved with Norwich City, is being looked at in terms of extending membership and maintaining value for money for members.

Ways of improving matchday entertainment for young supporters is also to be investigated.

There has been an increase in under 16 supporters purchasing new season tickets and the family area has been increased in the Norwich and Peterborough Stand.

D. Hawley suggested having a player of the month feature on any under 16 website and A. Palmer volunteered her services towards these projects as she currently assists in the Study Centre.

5. FOOTBALL MATTERS

The nature of the manner of Darren Huckerby's departure was discussed and fully debated.

The following points were made by supporter members present:

· Most members felt the handling of Darren Huckerby's leaving was poor and undignified.
· The timing of the decision - it was felt people should have been told once the Club was safe from relegation, before Sheffield Wednesday, to give fans the opportunity to say goodbye. Glenn's decision was thought to be based on him not wanting distractions from what was an important game for many teams on the last day of the season and being fully focused on winning.
· It was felt that experience from other significant players leaving in the past should have been used by the Club to avoid the same negative impact in this case.
· The ways other former players have left the club were raised - whether it was different if they had been sold or their contract wasn't renewed.
· The strength of supporter reaction to Darren Huckerby's departure. People divided over footballing decision (contract renewed or not renewed) but not divided over the way it was handled - the decision should have been announced earlier.
· Whether this decision has affected supporters' feelings for Glenn Roeder.

Discussion also took place on the following, led by questions raised by supporter members:

· The recent Colney staff changes. There was some concern over whether this restructuring was due to financial pressures. N. Doncaster confirmed that most of the changes were due to Glenn's restructuring plans and not because the Club needed to reduce the number of staff. The majority of these positions will be filled.
· Concern that this is the third summer in a row the squad needs significantly changing and the risk involved in requiring so many players to be brought in. The size of the current squad was of great concern for many.
· Further financial investment from current Board directors and seeking outside investment was discussed. A. Turner said that both himself and S. Turner were committed to the long-term future of the Club and did not rule out further investment. The Board and senior management are currently undertaking a review of the business and creating commercial plans for income generation. Any ideas to do this from supporters were always welcomed.

ANY OTHER BUSINNESS

· The Club were asked if any player signings were imminent. N. Doncaster replied that negotiations were ongoing.

· A. Cullen said that Travel Norwich City were investigating pre-season tour packages to Sweden.
· T. Cockburn asked if the new sponsorship deal with Aviva was the best yet for the Club. A. Cullen replied that this had potential to be the largest deal.
· N. Doncaster confirmed that a sell-on clause had been negotiated with Peterborough for signing Joe Lewis.
· The Club had agreed with West Ham compensation for Peter Grant leaving Upton Park but that sell-on clauses and other terms were still outstanding for Dean Ashton and Robert Green, which would be partly offset by the compensation. It was confirmed that compensation for Peter Grant would only be possible if the Club was to earn further sums from Ashton and Green.
· A. Cullen read out a report from police at Sheffield Wednesday applauding City fans for their good behaviour at Hillsborough.
· P. Anderson wished to congratulate the Club on the pitch hire idea. He recently enjoyed playing at Carrow Road. A. Cullen replied that this had been very successful.
· J. Woodrow felt that senior Club officials should be more greatly involved in reviewing the findings of the SCG working parties to maximise the full benefit for the Club and supporters.

NEXT MEETING

Date to be confirmed once fixture list released in June.