Notts County Supporters Trust, Fans’ forum, Saturday 27th November

After the victory against Cambridge United, fans congregated in the Meadow Club for the latest of the regular fans’ forum organised by the Supporters Trust. Present from the Trust was Keri Usherwood and Nigel King (Chair and Vice Chair respectively) who were later joined by Chief Executive Patrick Nelson, to respond to fans’ queries and concerns. Supporter Director Steve Thompson sent his apologies as he was unwell, having been in hospital with food poisoning.

The forum threw up a wide range of questions, relating to both on and off the field matters. One common thread was whether caretaker manager Ian Richardson would be provided with funds to strengthen the playing squad, and if the Trust would assist in raising money to help bring in loan signings. Keri responded by stating that the long-term financial sustainability of the Football Club was the priority, and that the lessons of the past gave stark evidence that throwing money at the playing side was not the answer. Patrick concurred, stating Notts County has one of the highest wage bills in League Two and that the playing budget for the current season has been spent. In response to a question about Stefan Oakes’ contract, which expires at the end of the season, Patrick said that it was too early to comment but that there were about five players whose contracts finish in the summer of 2005.

Ian Richardson’s future as caretaker manager was enquired about, with suggestions that setting a timescale – say, until the end of the season – would remove any uncertainty and pressure. Patrick noted that Rico had done a fantastic job so far (four wins out of five) and that the Board of Directors did not want to place any unnecessary pressure on him, stating that they had no plans to make a change at this stage. He went on to comment that it was the managers’ responsibility to get the most of their players and given the current situation at Meadow Lane any new manager would undoubtedly ask for funds to make changes to the team, which reiterated the point that a change in manager was unlikely. Patrick said he was comfortable with the present arrangement and as far as he was concerned, so was Rico.

Asked about whether Rico would have a testimonial, Patrick explained that current rules dictate that players need to be at a Club for ten years. Rico’s playing contract is up at the end of the season, which would mark nine and a half years at Meadow Lane. He joked that if Rico the manager wanted to extend his playing contract by one year, his long service and loyalty would be rewarded by having a testimonial.

Gary Mill’s situation at the Club was then asked to be explained, with a number of fans expressing concerns that a resolution may place Notts County in financial difficulties. Patrick answered by stating that Gary was still an employee and made it explicit that there was nothing in the financial accounts to suggest that the Club was likely to fall back into administration. Keri went further – after being pressed by fans – that the last few weeks had been difficult for the Supporters Trust. He stressed that whilst honesty, openness and imparting information to fans were key aims the Trust had to act in the Club’s best interests and would not make any statements that might legally jeopardise the Club. What he would say was that Gary Mills has been reassigned a position working with Youth Development within the Club. Patrick clarified that assistant manager Darron Gee’s contract had been terminated.

With regards off-the-field activities Patrick explained that he had only been in his role as Chief Executive (having got involved after meetings with Steve Thompson) for less than seven weeks but that it was his responsibility was to raise the profile of Notts County FC and generate greater revenue, by utilising the excellent banqueting and conferencing facilities at Meadow Lane, and opening up the Meadow Club beyond match days. Here, Patrick noted that the Meadow Club hosted a special Champions League football night on Wednesday but that the paucity of interest meant that the Club was closed early. Patrick went on to stress the importance of targeting the 1,700-2,000 fans that occasionally attend matches at Meadow Lane, highlighting the ‘Charlotte wants your number’ initiative that started before the game.

The Club’s public relations were criticised by one supporter, who believed that instead of getting better, the situation had got progressively worse. Patrick reiterated that customer and supporter service were top of his list of priorities, but that eleven and a half months ‘limping out of administration’ had left the office staff in a tough shape and that he would be personally disappointed and personally accountable if improvements didn’t occur. Keri explained that having met with Patrick, the Trust would be organising regular meetings so that if supporters had any issues they could contact the Trust. He emphasised that the supporters were the Club’s lifeblood, without which the Magpies wouldn’t exist.

There were then questions about the scoreboard (which is still not working), credit card facilities, and whether Patrick Nelson could utilise his past business contacts at Capital One to bring in new sponsorship.

Patrick explained that he had been compiling a list of things that need to be done at the Club, which included fixing the scoreboard and making improvements to the PA system. Both of these tasks would require significant funds (in excess of £10,000) which the Club does not have.

Patrick then went on to explain that when the Club exited administration in December 2003 a new company had been formed, which credit card companies were reluctant to work with given the Club’s recent tumultuous history. This situation has now been resolved, and that the Club had come to an arrangement with Barclaycard so that credit and debit card payments are now accepted.

With regards Capital One, Patrick took full responsibility for forging the current deal that the company has with another local Football Club. The arrangement means that Capital One cannot invest in any other local Club, although there is a proviso that Capital One supports Notts County’s excellent Football in the Community scheme. Patrick concluded by stating that the Club is extremely proud of its relationship with current sponsors Paragon Interiors.

Keri stressed that one way fans can make a positive contribution is by joining the Trust. By becoming a member you are investing in the Club and playing a positive part in the future of Notts County. He also plugged the Trust’s annual raffle, which represents a key part of the Trust’s fundraising activities.

To summarise some of the other key points from the forum: the Club is looking at Magpie TV, installing monitors in the concourses of the Jimmy Sirrel and the Main Stand, which would help keep fans entertained and help reduce any queuing problems. Limited numbers of the yellow third kit had been ordered from Errea, which was based on sale figures of the first and second replica strips. Asked about the possibility of banning smoking in meeting rooms at the ground, Patrick conceded that it was not something he had considered, but that the Club would follow legislation and would take customers’ views into account. Patrick was also asked about his future at Meadow Lane. Patrick explained that he was persuaded to join Notts County after meetings with Trust Supporter Director Steve Thompson. He explained that he had wanted to get involved in football for some time, and that less than seven weeks into the job it was more fun than selling credit cards! He said that he was committed to working at the Club until the end of the season, when the situation would be reviewed.

Trust Chair, Keri Usherwood then brought the Forum to a close by thanking everyone for attending and stated that the next forum would be planned for January. He also urged everyone to try to use the Trust’s ‘buy at’ shopping portal for their on-line Christmas shopping: http://buy.at/ncst.

i read this and i think it is a good honest statement what is happening at notts keep up the good work

A very detailed description of the fans forum. Keep it up!