Middlesbrough Supporters Forum……Meeting 28
Held at Middlesbrough FC. Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough-7pm. On Tuesday 16th. April, 2019.
In attendance were:
Christopher Joseph Chair / President – M.S.F.
Peter Hodgson Secretary – M.S.F.
Rob Nichols Fly Me to the Moon Fanzine
Dave Roberts RedArmy.TV
Mark Motley M.S.S.
Representative Red Faction group
Yvonne Ferguson Middlesbrough FC
Apologies were received from the following members:
Caroline Walker Diversity & Equality – M.S.F.
Paddy Cronesberry, MBE. MDSA
John Donovan Twel2th Man
Jimmy Wilson MOSC
David Joyes Middlesbrough FC
Per normal practice, after circulation to all parties by e-mail, the minutes of meeting 27were accepted as read.
Invited guest: Derek Matthews recently appointed ticketing Manager for MFC.
Derek Matthews was here to give a talk on the systems currently in place through the Ticketing office and how they affected supporters on-line experiences between MFC and the “digital platform” as at present.
Derek comes to MFC with a great back-ground in the game and the ticketing business. His remit is to review and recommend where needed – issues and systems which based on the latest technology available in the market-place – will provide a much improved, more efficient, flexible and adaptable system which will enhance the whole ticketing and communication systems with the fanbase and Club. He gave a very detailed and instructive chat about the system and the proven advantages it offers. Derek explained in detail how this would result in a better experience for both club and supporter. He will look to see what actual changes can be implemented in time for season 2019/2020 and would be happy to keep us updated before the new season gets under way.
Chris Joseph thanked Derek for a really interesting and worthwhile discussion.
Matters arising from previous meeting:
Foodbank – YF.
All systems are in place for the Foodbank collection on Good Friday – Stoke game.
Chris has arranged a donation of a purpose made ROOF-TOP sign for the Food-Bank Van from local company & and fervent supporters at SHUTTER MEDIA from Eaglescliffe.
All groups asked to promote the collection as much as we can. All the media have been alerted and have promised a mention before or on Friday. Thanks to all.
FANZONE Event at Norwich game on 30th March.
Flag day went very well and was a great success. Thanks to all volunteers.
Updates re- Celtic Safe Standing initiatives. RN.
Rob reported that the FSF have had further discussions with FA, FL and seem to be all agreed that general acceptance is now “ALL IN FAVOUR” of some kind of Safe Standing system to be introduced sooner rather than later, where possible.
Gary Parkinson Go Fund Me and other initiatives.
PH reported that there was approx. £900 in the Go-Fund-Me account for Parky.
The proposed dinner at the Jury’s Inn has been postponed until beginning of next season as too many of the invited guests were not all available on the 2 main days we had pencilled-in.
We also have a possible Golf-day planned – with support from an outside source to make it happen.
PH has also agreed to combine with Dave Hodgson and Steve Vickers to hold a sponsored “Cycle-A-Thon” in late August or early Sept from Riverside Stadium to Turf Moor and Deepdale and return.
We will look to recruit volunteers from some “FIT” footie fans – and maybe ex-players – to also do the ride – for about 25 riders in total.
DR has had a meeting with Boro Fans tv – who are arranging a sponsored footie match on 2nd June at Shildon FC against Newcastle Fans tv – and they have agreed to donate the funds raised to the Parky Fund. Good gesture – well done, Dave.
AOB
Red Fusion and Rainbow Reds group situations are both “works-in-progress” and can be discussed in the May meeting.
There is also the possibility of a discussion with the local Police with ideas and suggestions to improve the whole operational link between Police, fans, club, personal safety, travel ideas etc. Rob has suggested that we meet up with the Police group and they have offered us a chance to chat with them AND the Senior Police officer in charge of the Football unit in early May. Will pencil that in for a possible date at next meeting.
There was also a couple of minor things that could have been discussed today but they were postponed until the next meeting as the meeting was shortened due to time constraints.
Anyone with items for inclusion on the May agenda, please forward to me by e-mail on Sunday 12th May.
Many thanks,
Peter Hodgson.
Secretrary – M.S.F.
There being no further business to discuss, CJ thanked everyone for their support and closed the meeting at 8.40pm.
Next meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday 14th May, at the Riverside.
