Minutes for Mbro Supporters Forum……Meeting 32
Held at Middlesbrough FC. Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough 6.30pm Wednesday 11th Sep 2019
In attendance were:-
Peter Hodgson Secretary – Middlesbrough Supporters Forum
Caroline Walker Diversity – Middlesbrough Supporters Forum
Rob Nichols – Fly Me to the Moon Fanzine
Paddy Cronesberry – MDSA
John Donovan – Twe12th Man
Dave Roberts – Red Army TV
Mark Motley – MSS
Yvonne Ferguson – Middlesbrough FC
Apologies from Red Faction, Chris Joseph and David Joyes
The meeting was chaired by Dave Roberts
Invited guests from Rainbow Reds and the ‘being formed’ new supporters club were also in attendance
Also invited were:
Derek Matthew – ticketing (DM)
Chris Patzelt – safety office (CP)
Dave Sutherland – Cleveland Police (DS)
Per normal practice, after circulation to all parties by e-mail, the minutes of meetings 31 were accepted as read.
DM asked for feedback on the new ticketing system, which was positive from all parties
DM explained changes to the collection system for tickets to come into effect for the Reading match (CHECK) – tickets booked online for collection would be printed on collection using either the transaction number or other ID such as postcode, email, phone number. This will allow tickets to be collected at all the hubs for any part of the ground. These changes were welcomed as a positive move.
DM once again apologised for issues that a couple of hundred people had at the Brentford game with collection of tickets. This was down to IT/printing issues. DM confirmed that all those who collected tickets and did not get into the ground before 3pm were given a voucher for a free ticket for the next match they attended. This was
regarded by the Forum as extremely good customer service.
DM also cited a couple of other examples of the club being more flexible with fans regarding tickets.
A discussion followed on the priority points system. It was agreed it wasn’t perfect but was evolving and would be monitored. All agreed it was a good move. PC asked DM regarding disabled travel and points as some disabled members are unable to access the official travel. DM asked PC to get in touch to discuss further.
RN brought up walk up ticket prices and reciprocal pricing for away games.
DM was open to discussion on both subjects and intimated innovative pricing was something senior management were discussing regularly.
DM was thanked for his attendance.
DS and CP outlined policing at football and how it had changed over the years. DS said they aimed for a neighbourhood style policing at matches they attended. Many matches were not policed – risk assessments are agreed between club and police based on many factors.
JD asked about the flow of information for those arranging coaches to away matches. DS said he would discuss with the football officer and CP said to contact him at any time.
JD asked re designated pubs in the town centre for home/away fans – DS said this was dependent on discussions with landlords, but difficulties were when pubs were no longer operating.
PH asked regarding the use of the new Fan Zone by away fans and YF said yes with maybe notable exceptions were safety could be compromised.
JD asked if it could be common practice to encourage away fans to stay for a while after the match to facilitate exit. CP said this was down to assessment on the day but did happen. DS said mandatory staying behind was counterproductive.
MM asked if issues at away matches were fed back to Cleveland Police – DS said yes, there was a system in place.
DS was open to continued dialogue with fans regarding policing.
CP said he was an avenue for feedback from fans.
Chair thanked DS and CP for attending.
Other matters:
Next Foodbank collection Hull City – 23/11/19
The meeting closed at 9pm – other agenda items were held over.
YF is inviting a representative from Catering to attend next meeting.
Jill Atkinson will attend to update on relaunch of supporters’ club.
Representatives from One Boro have been invited to attend the next meeting as guests
Next meeting Monday 14th October 2019 @ 6.30pm at the Riverside Stadium
