Held On Saturday 7th July, 2001 @ 1 pm
Sponsor’s Lounge, Boundary Park, Oldham
PANELLISTS:
Carl Marsden (CM) SAFE
Brian Wood (BW) SAFE
Shaun Jarvis (SJ) OAFC - PR and Marketing Manager
Alan Hardy (AH) OAFC - Chief Executive
Andy Ritchie (AR) OAFC - Manager
Bob Telfer (BT) OAFC - Deputy Chairman
Shaun Garnett (SG) OAFC - Player
Lee Duxbury (LD) OAFC - Club Captain
David Eyres OAFC _ Player
PRELIMINARIES:
Carl Marsden (CM) opened the meeting by welcoming all who had taken the trouble to attend SAFE’s inaugural AGM. He thanked various people who had been helping out behind the scenes ranging from Oldham Athletic staff such as Shaun Jarvis, Alan Hardy, Betty Pascall and Bob Gorrill to SAFE members such as Kevin Anderson and Penny Chapman. By starting the meeting off with those ‘thank-you’s’ CM suggested that he was highlighting a key theme of the AGM - that hard work from supporters and Club alike - with a shared focus for action - can produce excellent outcomes which benefit supporters and Club alike. That, in a nutshell, is exactly what SAFE is all about.
CM stated the SAFE had experienced high demand for tickets, which was good given that many supporters might be tempted to mistakenly now think that SAFE’s work is complete and that we can simply all wait for the good times to roll again.
SAFE’s achievements were highlighted:
- Established just six months previously, SAFE has now grown to become the largest organisation of Athletic supporters
- Numerous successful activities including-
· Lobbied successfully for Chairman David Brierley to put the majority shareholding in OAFC up for sale, resulting in recent takeover of the Club by Chris Moore;
· SAFE Day - Attracted an attendance figure of 6,883, which is over 2,000 up on Athletic’s matchday average. That 6,883 included just 581 Away fans. This was therefore the highest showing of home fans at Boundary Park in 2000/01;
· Consultation with OAFC on a number of initiatives including season ticket deals, sponsorship etc.
Hope was expressed that SAFE has an even lengthier and more impressive list of achievements to celebrate next year, alongside some success on the pitch.
Apologies for absence were delivered on behalf of two SAFE Committee members - Steve Ragg and Dave Ogden - both of who were unable to attend due to long-standing family commitments. New Chairman Chris Moore also sent his apologies, after having had to pull out due to business commitments. CM pointed out that the attendees were themselves proof of SAFE’s appeal across the whole profile of supporters on the Boundary Park terraces. Members of the Official Supporters Club, for example, and the leading lights of all Latics-related internet-based activity were all present. It was noted that as an organisation one of SAFE’s key strengths is its’ inclusiveness of as wide a range of backgrounds, opinions and experiences possible. This makes SAFE a strong, legitimate and widely representative body.
Usual SAFE Meeting Rules were quickly read to all present in order to maintain order and decorum. CM asked for a volunteer joint minute-taker with whom he could work to pull together the minutes of this meeting. Alec Cross kindly volunteered his services.
QUESTIONS TO THE PANEL:
Brian Wood next chaired the discussion panel, which was held at the start of proceedings out of courtesy to enable the players, who had just completed a morning’s pre-season training session, to get home at a reasonable time.
The following is an account of some of the many questions put to the panel:
QUESTION RESPONSE
Danny Standring stated his pleasure at hearing that new players were potentially on their way to the Club, but asked Andy Ritchie why one of the finest young defenders - Andy Holt - had been allowed to join Hull City. Andy Ritchie (AR) agreed that Holt was a good attacking player but said that an analysis of goals conceded last term had found Holt at fault on too many occasions. The player himself was not happy and therefore asked to go out on loan. This occurred before the takeover of the Club and at the time the Club were under financial pressure and could not turn down the offer they received from Hull, though they did insist on a sell-on clause.
Craig Lavis asked the panel if this money would now be made available to enable Andy Ritchie to strengthen his squad? Alan Hardy (AH) stated that cashflow was tight as ever, but that the new Chairman had agreed that the money be made available for Andy Ritchie’s wage bill.
Paul Mainwaring pointed out that the difference between success and failure in the Second Division was usually down to having (or lack of) a prolific goalscorer. Was Andy Ritchie continuing to look for such a player? AR stated that he had been searching for all of the close season period. He pointed out that the likes of Butler and Cureton cost too much. He felt Carlo Corazzin could have had 20 goals last term and both Allott and Dudley should also have got more than they did. All strikers generally underachieved, AR said. He has been sifting through the list of some 800 players available on Bosman free-transfers. Many are youngsters, he pointed out, whilst others are Dennis Irwin-type players nearing the close of their career and looking for a lucrative final payday.
The Panel was asked if there had been any progress on the proposed Leeds Youth Development deal. AH stated that the matter is still under discussion but tangible progress remains elusive. The matter is subject to a wide range of Football League/Premier League discussions and committee meetings etc. Some progress has been made and a host of other 2nd and 3rd division clubs await the outcome in order to allow them to proceed with other similar deals.
Craig Lavis asked the new Deputy Chairman what he personally wanted for Oldham Athletic in the future. Bob Telfer (BT) was unequivocal. He stated that the chief aim was a promotion push, with a run in the play-offs being an attractive financial option. He said that the backroom staff at the Club had studied last season’s action on video and believed that there was a fine line between success and failure whereby six or seven goals at the right time might have pushed the Club into the play-off zone. Financially, he said, it is absolutely essential for the club to get to the First Division as soon as possible and Chris Moore is absolutely determined to achieve it. His comments were welcomed by all present.
Ian Hurst asked what the mindset would be if the Club were to indeed achieve promotion to Division One. Would the Club aim to stay there or push further onwards? BT stated that the dream was to bring Premier League football back to the Club. The Club needs to fill the ground more regularly and get more people behind it again. Dormant support needs to be reawakened. He highlighted the considerable role that SAFE can play in helping to achieving this.
Kevin Anderson asked if there were any developments in regard to the Stadium redevelopment. Alan Hardy said that he was pleased to report that the Stadium Company (Stadco) held its first meeting in June and that OAFC feel optimistic both about the political climate and commitment of the Council and partners to advance these matters further.
John Standring congratulated Shaun Jarvis for his work in attracting youngsters back to the fold and asked how important this was to the club. SJ reported that membership of the Boundary Blues (the revamped Junior Latics) is already up some 55%. He stated that the Club are targeting the 0 - 6 age range at present and intend to try and capitalise on the universal popularity which mascot Chaddy The Owl has engendered.
Mark Winterbottom asked why the away game at Bournemouth has now been switched to a Friday evening, making it virtually impossible for many Athletic fans to attend. AH explained that for Athletic to object to Bournemouth’s request would have left the Football League with no alternative but to support Bournemouth and force the change. It was therefore better to accept the decision. He pointed out that Athletic themselves had requested two fixture changes already, in an attempt to secure the first two games of the season away from home in order to give the new Boundary Park playing surface more time to bed in.
Paul Blackwell asked if the Club felt that the local media was often guilty of ‘talking the Club down’ into the status of a small outfit when it actually had a large potential catchment area. AH agreed, stating that Athletic have a 600,000 population to appeal to within a 6-mile radius. Paul Blackwell stated that he felt there is a need to cultivate a belief in OAFC’s ability to spread its’ net wider. SJ agreed and asserted that mentally if we all believe in the Club and act as ambassadors the fight back can begin.
Andrew Sutcliffe asked how the new pitch was faring and where the reserves will play next season. AH said that the pitch was now doing very well although it has been victim of a fungal disease - ‘Yellow Spot’ - which new pitches often suffer in hot damp weather. The disease causes dieback above the affected stem and has been treated. The surface has since been cured and re-cut. The Club feels entirely confident that the pitch will be ready for August 18th. A decision has been made to play reserve team fixtures at Ashton United next term. Stalybridge Celtic are having pitch troubles of their own and have now had to restrict the number of games played on their home surface.
Ross Coyne asked what the reaction of the players had been to the news of the recent takeover. Lee Duxbury confirmed that it was good to know that the matter had been finally sorted out. It is now up to the players to kick-start the season, he said. In particular the focus is to try to have a positive first 10 weeks of the campaign. This is crucial to confidence and something that has not gone according to plan in recent years.
Carl Marsden cited Preston North End as an example of what is achievable at Athletic in the years to come. With this in mind he asked David Eyres what he thought had turned around Preston when he was there and whether the signing of new players served to inspire others. David Eyres (DE) said that when he joined PNE they were a mid-table team but he could see potential amongst the players there. The arrival of David Moyes proved to be the spark that turned things around. DE said he felt Andy Ritchie was working hard on improving fitness levels amongst the players in addition to bringing in new faces and adding strength-in-depth to the squad. New faces in the dressing room served to lift all the players, he said.
Alec Cross asked if last season’s SAFE Day event had any affect in the dressing room on the players beforehand. Had it served to motivate or did it have a negative effect given the additional pressure on the team to perform? DE said that the players had not felt any additional pressure on the day. They had a job to do - three points for a win that would secure Second Division survival - and that was motivation enough for them.
Craig Lavis asked Shaun Garnett if he was worried about his first-team place now that Stuart Balmer had signed for the club the previous evening. Shaun Garnett said that, on the contrary, increased competition benefits all players. The Club’s aim was to remain the overriding concern - promotion - and he was confident given that there are a number of young players at the Club with great ability. More stability, however, was needed in terms of League form.
Danny Standring asked why stewarding at matches had, he felt, hindered the match day atmosphere. Why, for example, had air-horns been confiscated from children by stewards at matches? AH stated that the Club wanted to see and hear a better atmosphere at Boundary Park but that Government Ground Regulations no longer permit the use of air horns and the stewards are trained to uphold these rules. A general discussion ensued about the possibility of employing other methods, such as a Samba band, to whip up the matchday atmosphere more. Shaun Jarvis said that one had been arranged for SAFE Day but had to pull out at the last minute. He said it was something the Club was looking into and that - on a similar theme - a ‘flag day’ (with miniatures of the giant ‘Keep The Faith’ flag being sold) was a possibility for the home game against Chesterfield. AH stated that the Rochdale Road end of the ground was acoustically superior to the Chaddy End, generating more noise. Andy Ritchie agreed and wondered if people were still set against changing the home end of the ground to Rochdale Road instead. Dave Moore of the Canadian LSC (Latics Supporters Club) informed the panel that he had run a survey on his website which showed a majority now in favour of such a move. A show of hands by those present showed a near 50-50 split on the topic. AH said that another survey might be worth pursuing in the future. SJ said that he would do this through the official Club website. It was also pointed out that the Chaddy End would require a new roof in the next few years or so.
Paul Mainwaring asked why there were no season tickets available for the Rochdale Road end of the ground. AH stated that this was simply because of the revenue that is raised from away supporters. Stoke City, for example, filled that end last season. It is also used for the youngsters when free tickets are issued to local schools in an attempt to attract new fans.
Mark Appleton asked Andy Ritchie if he felt under pressure. AR reminded those present that there is nothing more certain in life than the fact that you will get the sack as a football manager. He said that it had already been a very hard summer for him in terms of trying to attract new players but that signs of improvement had been there for all to see last term where the Club could have caught the tail end of the play-offs after a disastrous start. In direct answer to the question AR said he is working hard but pressure is part of his job and he simply has to get on with it.
Brian Wood asked all players to comment on which teams they most look forward to playing against and why. David Eyres said he liked to play Blackpool and score - in fact he likes to play against all his old clubs and do well. Lee Duxbury cited Reading and Wigan - the latter because he usually scores against them(!) Shaun Garnett, not surprisingly, said he was looking forward to taking on Tranmere Rovers next year. He said he had a hard time from Rovers fans last year about Athletic’s chances of relegation yet - ultimately - it was they who went down. SG also said he likes to beat Reading. Andy Ritchie agreed with all and said that he too is looking forward to beating Reading next season.
Mark Winterbottom asked if Andy Ritchie was looking forward to taking Bury on next year after what had been said following the derby at Oldham last term. AR said that some things that had been said behind-the-scenes were clearly out of order, in particular by Shakers manager Andy Preece. AR said that Bury officials did apologise afterwards. This was reported in the Bury press, but not locally. He stressed that there were - and are - no problems with former player Steve Redmond, who is Preece’s assistant.
Paul Blackwell asked about the availability of old matches on video. There must be a considerable archive of 1960s/70s matches available. Could the Club investigate the possibility of releasing them? SJ said that if there were a possible market he would investigate this further.
Danny Standring asked Andy Ritchie what was to account for the remarkable improvement last term in the form of Matthew Tipton. AR said that he had sat down and had a chat with Matthew and that the player had agreed to channel his aggression purely into his football. He has since been encouraged by the results.
Mark Appleton asked if the panel saw the future of SAFE as working alongside the Football Club. Bob Telfer stated that the Club had been through hard times and that SAFE had been a “godsend” to it during that period. He re-iterated his wish to continue to foster the relationship, working together for common goals. He said that the Club would willingly ask for their help and that SAFE is essential for the future development of the Club in many areas. CM agreed that the relationship with the new owners of OAFC was a case of “business as usual” and that SAFE looks forward to working together with the Club on a number of ventures in the coming months.
Paul Mainwaring asked how the Club was faring attracting sponsorship since the takeover. SJ stated that the new board has been very supportive of OAFC’s efforts. All aspects of the Commercial department have been looked at and a new structure has been instigated to take the Club forward. In his opinion, the “green shoots” of success were already being seen. It was noted that the Ellen Group has gone into liquidation but that a ‘big name’ is hopefully in line to take over their stand sponsorship. He paid tribute again to the help received from SAFE and the Supporters’ Association in these endeavours.
Ann Winterbottom asked if the Club intends to do anything in regard to the racial chanting at the final two games of the season at home to Stoke and at Millwall. AH said that the Club will be doing everything in their power to stop it. He pointed out that the chanting was largely caused by Stoke fans but that regrettably some in the Oldham end had joined in. AH pointed out that all present at this forum can have a big bearing helping to prevent this kind of behaviour next season should it occur. A statement from the floor advised that Stoke fans and not Oldham fans had caused the post-match trouble. CM stated that SAFE had already had discussions about this with the Club and that there is an ongoing dialogue in place to address the problem.
Brian Wood brought the Question and Answer session to a close, thanking the players, Club officials and Andy Ritchie for their time and openness in answering the questions. Applause confirmed these sentiments as being unanimous and the meeting adjourned for a drinks break.
SAFE BUSINESS:
WHY HAVE AN AGM?
CM chaired the second part of the meeting, which consisted of SAFE AGM business. Attendees were reminded that the purpose of this meeting is to provide formalised accountability within the organisation, acting as a ‘check and balance’ upon the way that it is being run. It is also an opportunity for the delivery of detailed updates from all areas of the group and to outline/debate future plans.
A salient issue that had been discussed amongst members at length recently was the possibility of changing SAFE’s name given the recent change in the Club’s circumstances. CM stated that, after considerable deliberation, the SAFE Committee did not advise pursuing such a course at the present time for several reasons. These were briefly outlined to those present and included:
· PRACTICAL: Various sponsorship and publicity deals have already been arranged under the 'SAFE' identity for next season and it is very late in the day to withdraw artwork, commission another lengthy logo-designing exercise and re-launch as an organisation with press releases etc;
· OPTION OPEN FOR FUTURE: There would be no problem whatsoever with the idea being re-visited in a few months and voted upon, for example, at next year's AGM if developments prove wholly favourable. At that stage a wholesale change to a completely new name could then be feasible if the membership desired it;
· HEDGING OUR BETS: The policy should be 'SAFEty first' for now as we could lose credibility if we suddenly had to change name back again in twelve months' time, for example in response to another financial crisis;
· CONFUSION REIGNS: By changing name again (less than six months after becoming SAFE) the organisation could leave the matter open to confusion, even possible ridicule. It was pointed out that SAFE have already experienced problems getting many fans and media sources to even get the present acronym correct (e.g. Save Athletic From Extinction etc).
Points were taken from the floor which echoed the recommendation. Attendees generally agreed that SAFE was a positive brand which it would be foolhardy to ditch hastily. A show of hands was taken which confirmed that the status quo was the desired option.
The meeting next heard reports on SAFE’s current activities and financial standing, commencing with the Registration and Treasurers Reports which were delivered by Brian Wood in the absence of Dave Ogden, Treasurer.
REGISTRATION REPORT
As at 5th July 5, 2001 a total of 419 Latics supporters have registered their backing for SAFE. This represents over 10% of the home support of last season.
While the SAFE Committee are pleased with this figure we do not consider that we have reached any sort of target as we want SAFE to be regarded by all as the genuine voice of the Latics supporter. It is our belief that this is the largest group of Latics fans who have ever belonged to a single non-club body but we want to continue to build the numbers regardless of the club’s financial and league position.
Supporters have registered from all over England and from nine other countries as far afield as Abu Dhabi, Canada, Malaysia and Australia.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Before reporting the figures two points were highlighted. The first was a ‘thank you’ to all those who have generously contributed to SAFE funds - we would not have been able to achieve much without them - and, secondly, an explanation of the nature of the approach to fundraising taken was given.
SAFE have never set out to raise a large sum as we thought it was inappropriate to do so without a very clear plan of what we would do if we were successful. At an early stage we took the view that we were unlikely to raise enough funds to form any sort of buy out vehicle and therefore the funds that have been donated to SAFE have been used largely for publicity purposes.
As far as donations go particular thanks are due to Danny Standring whose soul nights at The Bank Top Tavern raised around £500. Other donations came from individuals and included two three-figure sums. A total of £860 in addition to Danny’s efforts has been donated as well as various sums from auctions and the sale of OASIS books. As agreed at the initial SAFE meeting all donations will remain anonymous.
As regards expenditure promotional activity around SAFE Day accounted for almost £800, which was principally accounted for by the costs of printing of posters and photocopying of leaflets. These services were all provided at cost by SAFE members or through their contacts
We currently have a total of £740.52 and have no harsh specific spending commitments other than the promotion of SAFE Day II. We will however be aiming to produce regular newsletters and will therefore incur postage and production costs throughout next season.
SAFE GENERIC ACTIVITY UPDATES
A series of general updates on different newsworthy elements of SAFE’s activity was next delivered in quickfire fashion. Key points to note included:
SAFE AND SUPPORTERS’ DIRECT (SD): SAFE recently sent a delegation of 8 members to a conference at the McAlpine stadium in Huddersfield run by Supporters’ Direct. SD is a flourishing government-funded organisation which helps supporters get involved with assisting (and in some cases even running) their local football clubs on a varying number of levels. It has, for example, helped many supporters’ groups form trusts e.g. Lincoln, Carlisle, Bournemouth and Northampton and some to seek formal representation on their Club’s board of directors. SAFE had booked to attend this conference as a possible fall-back position should no deal for ownership of the Club be concluded and a worst-case scenario of the Club’s search for new investment proving fruitless and receivers being called in etc ever materialising.
Thankfully, that situation no longer looks likely but it was highlighted that SAFE has still established some extremely valuable contacts within Supporters Direct. Brian Lomax, Chairman of SD has offered to attend a future meeting of SAFE. In terms of supporters’ representation on the board of directors, SAFE had a discussion with new Deputy Chairman Bob Telfer and it has been agreed - for the foreseeable future at least - that our present working relationship with the Club is extremely healthy and mutually beneficial. Such a measure, therefore, is not seen as one that would serve to enhance this relationship further at present. It was pointed out, however, that SAFE remains an independent supporters’ organisation and that further involvement with Supporters Direct could never be fully ruled out.
Fortunately, since day one of SAFE’s inception, it has been working to SD’s model recommendations of how a respectable supporters’ organisation should be run. For example, we have a model charter and constitution and also have an AGM - all essential pre-requisites of such a body. SAFE look forward to utilising SD’s knowledge and expertise in the future as part of efforts to assist the Club.
SAFE NEWSLETTER: Received during June by all members via email or post. This, hopefully, was the first of many and is part of what it is hoped will prove to be a better internal communications drive. SAFE fully recognise the need to keep the membership base fully informed of what is happening. Not all can attend meetings but it is recognised that doesn’t mean that members have lost interest or still cannot contribute in another manner. Through future newsletters it is hoped that we will be able to continue to encourage wider participation, no matter how big (e.g. sitting on a working group) or how small (e.g. simply casting a vote in a poll of SAFE members). At present CM envisages producing these on a quarterly basis, but there are obvious arguments for additional ones in certain circumstances, for example, in the run-up to SAFE Day II.
SAFE WEBSITE: Another ‘arm’ of the drive to keep fans better informed. This is pretty much completed now and has been put together by Martin Godfrey, who was publicly thanked for all his efforts. Martin has worked very hard to get original content together to go on the site and to that effect, for example, he has conducted interviews with OAFC Club officials. There will be a wide range of information held on the site. In addition to fully downloadable documentation of the minutes of all SAFE meetings, SAFE’s steady stream of Press Releases and internal documents there will also be other sections such as FAQs, ‘How You Can Help SAFE’, and Profiles of SAFE Members etc. The aim is to have it launched before the season starts and use it as a springboard for building SAFE Day II and the other working party activities.
FUNDRAISING: SAFE are grateful to a number of sources who have come forward with different schemes to raise funds for SAFE next season including…
- Pete Mason, who is donating a proportion of all Beyond The Boundary fanzine subscription fees;
- Jack Scott, who is running an online Fantasy Football competition next season at jklatics.com, the full proceeds of which will got to SAFE;
- Gary Davies of the Boundary Bulletzine (an excellent daily email digest). Gary is in possession of Gary Kelly’s away shirt - which he sponsored last season - and will using it to raise funds for SAFE in the near future via auction or raffle;
- Glynn Roberts, an agent for the OAFC’s Premier Starline, has offered to forego all his commission for SAFE members who join the scheme. The commission would be handed back to the Club and SAFE will shortly commission a drive amongst membership to promote the venture.
SAFE: REDEFINED ROLE IN CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES
As referred to earlier in the meeting, the circumstances surrounding OAFC have changed dramatically since SAFE’s inception in February. CM reminded those present that when SAFE was first established the situation was desperate financially with the Club having had to ask the Council to waive several months’ rent. The Club was still in debt despite having sold Boundary Park and the future of said Stadium was under a considerable cloud of uncertainty. In short, the prospects of new investment looked decidedly bleak. On all these fronts, the situation has improved considerably already and therefore it was quite understandable why the key question in the minds of many present was, quite simply, ‘Where does SAFE go next?’, ‘What can SAFE contribute?’
The answer is - a great deal. CM argued that it would be to toss away a terrific opportunity for supporters to now pack up, go home and fold the organisation. The Club still faces battles it needs to win on a great number of fronts; challenges that we can help equip it to tackle with confidence. SAFE’s key focus now is to provide local knowledge and assistance to OAFC in all possible spheres of operation. SAFE must continue to be an agent for positive change - a catalyst. It can be the ‘glue’ that holds supporters and the Club closer together than before, acting in the mutual interests of both.
CM stated that SAFE cannot become complacent and expect Chris Moore and existing Club officials to have all the answers to how to revive the club’s fortunes. The new owners may have funds to provide, but the Club also needs to be able to pick itself off its feet and ensure that its growth is not only sustainable, but also long-term. With this in mind, the meeting was now given a rundown of the latest news in regard to the two current SAFE working parties in existence:
CO-OPERATION WITH OLDHAM ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB
SAFE have continued a dialogue over the close season with the Club, the extent and details of which is documented in the minutes of our last meeting. The following are updates on some of the subsequent activity from this:
FA CUP ROADSHOW: SAFE are currently in discussions with AXA, the multi-national insurance and investment company who sponsor the FA Cup, to bring the AXA FA Cup roadshow to Boundary Park around Easter 2002. The roadshow is a family day out involving a celebrity football match and opportunities for families and children in particular to take part in a range of activities including receiving coaching from the club’s playing staff. We hope to get a positive decision some time in January 2002 - unfortunately the decision-making wheels turn inexorably slowly on things such as these - however we are confident given that we have Dave Ogden on the SAFE Committee to bat for us on this one, he works at AXA. If we are successful in attracting this event to Boundary Park it will be run in conjunction with the club’s “Unity In The Community” scheme as part of an attempt to grab some positive headlines for both Athletic and the town;
ON-DIGITAL QUIZ TEAM: Competing against English teams from all leagues and some Scottish sides, SAFE representatives will answer questions related to Nationwide League football, international matches and a round of specialist knowledge in the televised ‘Do I Not Know That’ series;
PROGRAMME: It has been agreed that SAFE will have a regular slot in the matchday programme;
COMMUNITY: SAFE has expressed a willingness to become more involved with the Club’s ‘Unity In The Community’ initiative. We will presumably have discussions about this in the near future;
SPONSORSHIP: SAFE has agreed to sponsor goalkeeper Gary Kelly - although this not quite like the usual kit sponsorship deals. SAFE will sponsor his gloves and generate positive publicity out of it for both Club and SAFE based loosely around the notion of things being ‘In SAFE hands’. The organisation will receive numerous benefits from this. SAFE have also agreed to advertise on the usual annual fixture list poster;
KEEP THE FAITH: The ‘Keep The Faith’ flag has gone down enormously well since its revamp to the point that Shaun Jarvis is considering selling mini-versions in Latique. CM took this opportunity to highlight again the ‘heroic work’ of the Shearsmith family - Alan, Ian et al - who put so much hard work in on restoring the flag and will be carrying out further maintenance work during the summer;
RACE: SAFE has discussed the ‘hot political potato’ of racial tension with the Club, particularly in regard to potential problems at next season’s fixtures. The Club is now in discussion with the relevant bodies regarding this matter and will be liasing with SAFE again at a later date.
SHARES: SAFE made a bid for former-Director Ian Stott’s shares recently with the assistance of Alan Hardy, who put the offer to him on their behalf. It was felt strongly that these shares should be released to genuine Latics supporters to hold for the future, especially given that the ex-Chairman had recently decamped and taken a place on the board at Cardiff. Unfortunately Ian Stott has indicated that he is not willing to sell these shares and will retain ownership of them.
DISCUSSIONS WITH OMBC/OLDHAM ROUGHYEDS
BW explained how contact had been made with Oldham RLFC and, more importantly, with representatives of its supporters.
The original purpose of making contact had been to establish links with like-minded supporters in the Roughyeds supporter base as part of SAFE’s initiative with Oldham MBC regarding the redevelopment of Boundary Park.
At this point, BW gave a brief synopsis of some of the plans for ground redevelopment and relocation which had been aired since the late 1980s. These included the following:
§ The construction of a new stand and facilities at Boundary Park as a part of Manchester’s bid for the Olympic Games.
§ A double-sided stand to be erected on the Broadway side of the ground with a rugby pitch being constructed on the land which is presently occupied by the main car park.
§ Sports Park 2000 which was intended to be constructed on Clayton Playing Fields and which was aborted when the Liberal Democrats gained control of Oldham Council in May 2000.
It was recognised that a key player in the ground redevelopment was Oldham MBC with its war chest of approx £7 million which was derived from the sale of Westwood running track and Furtherwood Farm. Around the time of SAFE’s inception, concern was mounting about the great deal of negative publicity surrounding the rent rebate which OAFC had secured from Oldham Property Partnerships Limited (the new owners of Boundary Park). It seemed like not a night went by without the local press containing letters of complaint regarding the so-called “handout” which Latics had received from the public purse. Accordingly, it was decided that action needed to be taken to redress the balance and to impress upon councillors and council officials that a large body of opinion existed to whom the survival of professional sport in Oldham was absolutely vital.
SAFE was then faced with a dilemma of whether to go it alone in trying to influence OMBC or to mount a joint initiative in conjunction with the Roughyeds supporters. The latter option had been heavily favoured given that we could be said to be speaking and acting on behalf of a greater cross-section of Oldham council taxpayers and voters than had we decided to plough a lone furrow.
In this regard, we had established contact with David Patterson, the Chairman of the Roughyeds Independent Supporters Association, and Maureen Alldridge, who represents the Elite group of official supporters. A joint meeting had been held which had been attended by Chris Hamilton, Chairman of Oldham Roughyeds, at which areas of mutual interest had been identified.
Following that meeting, an approach had been made to Councillor Chris Hilyer who is the Deputy Leader of Oldham MBC and also Chairman-designate of the new Stadium Company (Stadco) which will oversee the redevelopment of Boundary Park and the future management of the stadium. It had proven difficult to arrange this meeting owing to the general election having taken place in June, the Oldham riots and people having work and holiday commitments. Nevertheless, the date of 17 June had now been fixed for the meeting and it was envisaged that the attendees would be BW and Steve Ragg from SAFE, David Patterson and Maureen Alldridge of the Roughyeds supporters, Councillor Hilyer and colleagues from Oldham MBC including both elected representatives and council officials.
Details of the meeting would be reported via the normal press and multi-media outlets in due course.
As a final word on this subject, BW commented that there was clearly a good deal of dislike and mistrust between elements of the supporters of both Athletic and the Roughyeds for each other’s teams. Whilst we would perhaps make for uneasy bedfellows in the future, we had to recognise that the Roughyeds are here to stay at Boundary Park, that there is no possibility of them playing at another stadium within the borough and that we had to make the best of the situation. For his own part, BW said that he had found the Roughyeds supporters’ representatives to be every bit as keen on their team and as devoted to their club as Latics fans are to our club.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW WORKING PARTIES
CM explained that SAFE’s new working parties are intended to be focus groups and ‘sounding boards’. They will ideally identify problem areas, commit to an evaluation of the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats offered and, finally, lay a set of possible solutions and new ideas to the Club for their consideration and internal debate. Three new working groups were established at the AGM:
1) NEW SUPPORTERS AND STAY-AWAY FANS
This working party’s remit is to look at the successful schemes in existence at other clubs to attract new supporters. Naturally, a key focus area for this is the attraction of youth support. In addition to this, the remit enables the group to research other sports where similar drives have had success to see if any lessons can be learned and adapted for Athletic. It should also consider how Athletic might be able to tap into attracting support from all sections of the community, as Athletic is - at the end of the day - a community Club.
Attracting stayaway fans back to the fold is the second key area of this group’s remit. It has already been suggested that this could be done by means of setting up an informal group to quiz ex-fans, perhaps even a canvas session in town, asking carefully selected questions to try and identify areas of contention. Registration Forms were distributed and thirteen volunteers signed up to help this working party.
2) OAFC COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT
This group also has a wide remit - again to look at successful commercial schemes in existence at other clubs to attract new revenue streams in the form of sponsorship and fund-raising activities. The party already has a project to be getting underway with. At the request of Tony and Betty Pascall of Athletic’s Commercial Department, the group is to begin by researching a number of areas of operation at other football clubs including:
· Types of fundraising schemes
· Methods of recruiting new members
· Prize structures
· Commission and Expenses paid to agents/collectors
· ‘Extra’s for members and methods of advertising winners and publicising the schemes
In general terms, this information is needed in order for the Club to consider positive changes and amendments to the existing Premier Starline scheme. We have undertaken to initially research (or even approach) 5 or 6 different clubs and present initial findings early-season. Eight supporters volunteered to sit on the party.
3) SAFE DAY II
The meeting was informed that two potential dates had been identified with the Club for the next SAFE Day event. These were:
Saturday 15th September: Oldham Vs Peterborough United
Saturday 30th March: Oldham Vs Cambridge (Easter Saturday) - too far away?
It was felt by many contributors from the floor that to wait until next Easter’s date would result in a considerable loss of SAFE’s momentum. A vote was taken and there was an overwhelming majority in favour of proceeding with plans with a view to holding the event on the September date.
CM pointed out that SAFE mustn’t be seen as a ‘one-trick pony’ and that a fresh approach will be required if this event is going to better the success of the first. The SAFE Day II working group will initially look at things from that angle and then proceed to carry out the necessary organisational work. CM and SJ pointed out that, although it was quite stressful to organise the last event in short timescales, it was also a lot of fun and anyone helping out with this could derive considerable personal satisfaction and pleasure from their efforts. Registration Forms were again passed around and a total of 16 supporters affirmed their interest.
At this point Danny Standring, who raised the lion’s share of SAFE Day I funding, pointed out that a Fundraising working group was required. CM suggested that Danny head this up himself, a notion which was accepted by a show of hands. It is envisaged that the SAFE Committee will work initially alongside Danny to establish this, recruit helpers and identify effective fundraising ideas and methods.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
It was noted that The SAFE committee currently comprised:
Carl Marsden : Chairman
Brian Wood : Secretary
David Ogden : Treasurer
Steve Ragg : Committee
In accordance with SAFE’s Constitution, adopted at the second public meeting, a letter and email communiqué was sent out in June to all SAFE members on the membership database. This provided a method for any SAFE members to nominate new faces onto the committee for election. No new nominations had been received. At this point a member from the floor queried whether this information had actually been sent by email, as they had no recollection of seeing it. This triggered an ad hoc nomination process through which Ross Coyne was nominated by Dave Moore and subsequently elected to the SAFE Committee in addition to the existing members. It has since been confirmed that this information had indeed been distributed to all members and that no similar ad hoc election process should re-occur in future.
Elections will next take place either at the SAFE AGM 2002 or if a situation arises whereby a Committee member expresses the need or wish to stand down in the interim. CM took the opportunity to stress that in his own personal case that situation may well arise before the next AGM and would trigger such a process.
CHANGES TO CHARTER AND CONSTITUTION
In accordance with similar membership groups, the SAFE Committee recommended that an additional clause be added to the SAFE Constitution as follows: "The SAFE Committee will have the right, at its discretion, to refuse registration to or expel from registration any individual whose conduct could be considered to be prejudicial to the reputation of the association."
No objections were raised to this amendment and the motion was carried unopposed.
CLOSING REMARKS
CM handed over to Alan Hardy who stated how impressed he had been with the enthusiasm, professionalism and passion of the meeting. He thanked all for their efforts and affirmed the Club’s commitment to working alongside SAFE. CM thanked AH and SJ again for their efforts in making the event possible. He than thanked all attendees for their time, ideas and efforts. The meeting closed at 4:30 pm after a brief memorabilia auction which raised funds in the region of an additional £300 for SAFE.