Middlesbrough Supporters Forum Meeting 20
Held at Middlesbrough F.C. Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough @7pm September 10th 2018
Attendees were:-
Caroline Walker – Chair – Middlesbrough Supporters Forum
Peter Hodgson – Secretary – Middlesbrough Supporters Forum
Christopher Joseph – President – Middlesbrough Supporters Forum
Paddy Cronesberry, MBE. – MDSA
Rob Nichols – Fly Me to the Moon Fanzine
Representative – Red Faction Fans Group
Yvonne Ferguson – Middlesbrough FC
Jim Wilson – MOSC
Mark Motley – Middlesbrough Supporters South
John Donovan – Twe12thMan Group
Dave Roberts – Red Army TV
David Joyes – Middlesbrough F C
The meeting was also part attended by Chris Patzelt – safety officer Middlesbrough F C
Per normal practice, after circulation to all parties by e-mail, the minutes of meeting 19 were accepted as read.
Following the published agenda the following was discussed:-
CP gave an overview of the road works and the new bridge and expressed a view that there would be no significant impact on match traffic. He advised that arrangements for traffic, road closures and directions to various car parks would remain as they are now before the match and the local authority would monitor traffic flow after matches to ensure best flow.
JD raised a concern about taxis dropping off causing congestion. CP believed it was better but accepted it could be an issue outside of club’s control.
CP also explained how sniffer dogs work at football matches following the issues at Elland Road recently. A discussion followed on stewarding at both home and away matches and CP gave a comprehensive overview of the stewarding system and listened to members’ opinions. It was suggested that league wide standards were implemented for consistency.
MM suggested that homes stewards should travel to away games as had happened to the Stadium of Light last season with great success. CP/DJ explained cost involved but accepted it could be looked at for high profile games
YF confirmed that correspondence from supporters affected by the issues at Elland Road had been passed to Leeds United who were dealing with it on a one to one basis. She confirmed some complaints had been resolved and others were ongoing.
CP answered a question from Twitter regarding the perceived delay in home coaches leaving the car park after a match. He explained that the timing of the car park closures was dependent on factors at the time, particularly how many people were leaving the stadium early. He explained that car parks c & D were released first and at the same time car park E was released to turn left only heading for Dockside Road – a right turn was implemented later once traffic and pedestrians had cleared. He believed that the delays were not in exiting the car park but in the congestion on the road due to vehicles leaving the private car parks and also those actually parked on Dockside road itself – the volume led to queues. He suggested waiting for the right hand turn to be opened which could give a quicker journey.
CP also updated on the ongoing investigation into the issues at the Millwall home game and confirmed police were interviewing both Boro and Millwall fans and court appearances were expected. The majority of the publicised images came from the club’s CCTV.
CP was thanked for giving up his time and for giving comprehensive and informative answers.
YF asked that all supporters’ groups publicise the upcoming FanZone at the Swansea match, particularly highlighting the events after the match finished.
YF advised that the Twelfth Man bar would be running as normal from 6/10/18
JD raised the concern that at recent cup matches with lower attendances bars were closed after the match. YF agreed to look into this.
Half-time entertainment – Twitter question – DY/YF confirmed the club was looking at this matter following the survey and would revert back.
WiFi in stadium – Twitter question – the Boro app should have signal sharing capacity however CW and DR both expressed their experiences that it was impossible to get onto app during matches – YF would raise with Bob Tait head of digital
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
YF confirmed the club was working through the survey results and discussing them – results were expected to be published soon
CJ raised the £50 ‘donation’ from member groups received by all but one. Heated discussion followed regarding the ‘donations’. No resolution came regarding the outstanding money but the member agreed to revert back to their group membership.
It was agreed that details of spending and the current funds would be brought to the next meeting and ALL spending decisions would be put to the Forum either at meetings or by email if short timescale.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD AT MFC ON MONDAY 8th October 2018 7pm at the Riverside Stadium
