Tony Pulis
TP was introduced to the Forum. He was impressed at the level of communication between Fans and the Club. He was keen to see attendances improve, specifically mentioning the long term benefit to the Club of attracting youngsters to watch more first team football at Stoke.
Ticket Pricing – Block 26 Price Reduction Exercise
The initiative had largely been a success and had led to the same offer being extended to cover the Grimsby and Millwall matches.
Analysis of the ticket sales for the reduced priced games suggested that although there had been some migration from the Boothen End and the Sentinel Stand, roughly 1/3 of the block had benefitted supporters that would not have attended the games had the tickets not been on special offer. Financially this had also resulted in a small benefit to the Club.
The Family Stand initiative had also shown a benefit to the Club, with an increase of almost 300 tickets.
Thanks to all those supporters who took the time to complete the questionnaires on the day.
There was discussion revolving around other potential pricing initiatives for the future. Various ideas were tabled to the Club to be discussed internally before feedback at the next FF meeting.
Football Violence
There are separate ‘home’ and ‘away’ issues, the most recent ‘home’ issue having surfaced at the Wolves match. The 12 individuals photographed had all now been identified, and hopes were that charges would follow. The club is considering further segregation of fans to reduce trouble.
As for the ‘away’ issue, the problems at Burnley were highlighted. There are real possibilities that travel restrictions for Stoke fans are being considered by Leicester and Notts Forest, if no action is taken.
It appears likely that the Club may introduce an identity membership scheme for travel to all away matches. Any scheme would need to be robust if it were to be acceptable across the country, allowing unrestricted travel for true Stoke fans. The Club has consulted with Staffordshire Police regarding what is likely to be acceptable to other Police forces throughout the country, allowing Stoke City fans to travel without the restrictions that were imposed at Derby.
The FF raised concerns regarding the introduction of such a system, as it realises that such a scheme will be an imposition on the majority of fans. However the gravity of the football violence problem associated with Stoke City should not be underestimated. In an ideal world, such a scheme would not be necessary, but unfortunately we are not living in an ideal world.
The FF is therefore broadly in favour of such a scheme.
Grimsby
The FF is holding a ‘meet and greet’ session with Grimsby fans, in the away end concourse prior to the game. If successful, this will be repeated with other teams.
Catering
A meeting with Sodexho is being arranged to review their performance against the established criteria and feedback supporter comments.
Date of Next Meeting
Friday Jan 17th – Britannia Stadium