skybluetony176
Well-Known Member
Is there a “Plan B” with UOW for the site? Ie combined new training ground and academy?
Coventry City Supporters Forum - Zoom meeting 3/12 5pm (10 Viewers)
- Thread starter Sky Blue Pete
- Start date
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Coventry City Supporters Forum
Zoom Call – 3rd December 2020 @ 5.00pm
AGENDA
1. Welcome – Including meeting protocols CH
2. Apologies for Absence CH
3. Dave Boddy up-date (inc feedback on questions received in advance of the meeting) DB
4. Deputy Chairman – Nomination process & Timetable. CH
5. Family Zone CH
6. AOB
7. Date of next meeting (Zoom call)
Zoom Call – 3rd December 2020 @ 5.00pm
AGENDA
1. Welcome – Including meeting protocols CH
2. Apologies for Absence CH
3. Dave Boddy up-date (inc feedback on questions received in advance of the meeting) DB
4. Deputy Chairman – Nomination process & Timetable. CH
5. Family Zone CH
6. AOB
7. Date of next meeting (Zoom call)
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Submitted Questions for Dave Boddy @ Supporters Forum Meeting – 3rd December 2020
1. How can the club continue to be funded without match day revenues, particularly when we are likely to need some additions to the playing squad in January to remain competitive in the Championship?
2. What will happen to membership and season ticket money paid in advance this season especially if no one can see a game this season?
3. When fans are eventually allowed into St Andrews with reduced capacities in tier 1 & 2 how is the club going to prioritise which fans will be allowed to attend? (note it appears there are more season ticket holders than places available)
4. Will home location and distance from the ground be a criterion for allocating who can attend matches?
5. Regardless of the final criteria used, if an individual selected cannot attend a match, can their ticket be allocated to others, family members or friends?
6. If fans are allowed back in before the end of the season will supporters be spread throughout the stadium?
7. Are talks still progressing with Wasps about an interim return to the Ricoh while the new stadium plans come to fruition at Warwick University? What is the state of those talks?
8. Has planning permission been secured for the New Warwick University Site? Is there a draft timeline? How is the PR being handled?
9. Is it the club’s intention to move the training ground to the new site as well?
10. Has there been any up-date on the European Court review? If so, what are the next steps?
1. How can the club continue to be funded without match day revenues, particularly when we are likely to need some additions to the playing squad in January to remain competitive in the Championship?
2. What will happen to membership and season ticket money paid in advance this season especially if no one can see a game this season?
3. When fans are eventually allowed into St Andrews with reduced capacities in tier 1 & 2 how is the club going to prioritise which fans will be allowed to attend? (note it appears there are more season ticket holders than places available)
4. Will home location and distance from the ground be a criterion for allocating who can attend matches?
5. Regardless of the final criteria used, if an individual selected cannot attend a match, can their ticket be allocated to others, family members or friends?
6. If fans are allowed back in before the end of the season will supporters be spread throughout the stadium?
7. Are talks still progressing with Wasps about an interim return to the Ricoh while the new stadium plans come to fruition at Warwick University? What is the state of those talks?
8. Has planning permission been secured for the New Warwick University Site? Is there a draft timeline? How is the PR being handled?
9. Is it the club’s intention to move the training ground to the new site as well?
10. Has there been any up-date on the European Court review? If so, what are the next steps?
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
I’d be pretty happy being deputy chair but I’ll see how that goes
Londonccfcfan
Well-Known Member
I listened to the Dave Boddy Podcast last night. Very honest and insightfull indeed, especially about the finances side and there was confirmation that alot of work going on behind the scenes with Warwick Uni.
Pass on the thanks to him from the fans about what a brilliant job he has done so far his team.
From what i gather we need to stay up (obviously) then we are can more than manage on the budget.
What was interesting from podcast was that they only budgeted for 3 live sky games money for whole season.
Grendel
Well-Known Member
I don’t think that everyone fan views Boddy in such glowing terms
Londonccfcfan
Well-Known Member
Not unexpected really. Get a minority in every fan base.
Grendel
Well-Known Member
Boddy is there to represent the owners strategy - whatever that may be
He is better at PR and he is better and self presentation and general communication than what has gone before.
I’m sure if you asked are people happy with on field results clearly it’s an overwhelming yes
If you asked fans are they happy with playing away from home you’d get a different answer
If you ask do people believe there is a new ground really on the horizon it’s also likely to be negative. That alone is not a support of Boddy it’s questioning his integrity in this area.
He is paid to deliver the message of the owners strategy and get fans on board with it. He’s good at that but is paid by the owner and will always support the owner first and the club second
I’m sure he was appointed due to his interesting past association with a nomadic football club
He’s not shown any analysis on why a ground is important and what happens if it does not take off.
His job is to keep the EFL happy and fans compliant. He’s doing that to an extent and the ultimate cost to the clubs future is not on his priority list
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Forum meeting was good. Nothing amazing and no revelations
Talks ongoing with wasps
Daily meetings on new stadium - only want to update when things are substantial. Covid delayed things
Budget includes significant support from owner but all agreed at start of season
Mark Hornby gave some interesting answers in terms of communication on the stadium. Recognise there’s huge cynicism so don’t want to make promises they can’t keep
First crowd should be v Stoke on Boxing Day. 2000. Priority to season ticket holders this and last year then ballot of season ticket holders this year. About 3000 bought season tickets
No away fans this season
I suppose the one take home for me was the trust in the form of dave Eyles working to play their part in supporting ccfc. Potential program involving afc bury and safe standing contacts that he has shared with Ccfc. Was impressed by Dave
Notes should be out soon
Talks ongoing with wasps
Daily meetings on new stadium - only want to update when things are substantial. Covid delayed things
Budget includes significant support from owner but all agreed at start of season
Mark Hornby gave some interesting answers in terms of communication on the stadium. Recognise there’s huge cynicism so don’t want to make promises they can’t keep
First crowd should be v Stoke on Boxing Day. 2000. Priority to season ticket holders this and last year then ballot of season ticket holders this year. About 3000 bought season tickets
No away fans this season
I suppose the one take home for me was the trust in the form of dave Eyles working to play their part in supporting ccfc. Potential program involving afc bury and safe standing contacts that he has shared with Ccfc. Was impressed by Dave
Notes should be out soon
mr_monkey
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the good work as always mate
Quick question for you/someone who knows more about things than me....
I thought sport viewing wasn't happening im tier 3 places, and if it does i thought you couldn't travel to a tier 3 place from outside? so does that mean it's only Brum based fans that can go on boxing day (if the current tier stays the same)
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
It’s a great question
Should have said first possible game rather than definite!!
If the tiers change on 16th the Huddersfield game is too close
If Birmingham tier 3 no fans irrespective of coventry tier. If Birmingham tier 2 and coventry tier 3 which is highly unlikely tier 2 fans shouldn’t go
I assumed from the way DB was talking that Christmas rules would apply for Boxing Day but I recognise this was an assumption and I didn’t clarify.
mr_monkey
Well-Known Member
Ah of course, the Christmas rule where covid takes its break for a few days
Thanks for the clarification
Skybluefaz
Well-Known Member
Talks ongoing with Wasps. Anything more on that? Is there an option to come back mid-season for example?
Frostie
Well-Known Member
What are the Trust & Dave Eyles doing in support of the club - just something about safe standing?
Seems very contradictory that he'd give anything meaningful given his previous positioning of refusing to go to games & undermining the owners at every possible turn.
shmmeee
Well-Known Member
Shame we didn’t ask about long term viability in this division instead of making it about COVID. Would’ve been more illuminating. Obviously this season we will get support from the owners, the more pressing concern is whether as a club we can compete at this level at all and whether a new ground will change that.
RegTheDonk
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the update Pete. Weather or not anything significant has happened, its' good to get it from someone who actually attended, so thanks to you and Mark for the continued insight.
D
Deleted member 5849
Guest
I have to say, Dave comes across as sincere and genuine, and honest in his opinions. I believe he wants the best for the club, regardless of whether he wants to go to St. Andrews or not. You can not want to go to St Andrews, but still want to support the club and the club's actions - there is nuance available.
Whether that applies for all the trust board is another matter (Lionel Bird should not be there, if they want to give any kind of impression of being neutral!!), and whether Dave is a leader rather than just administrator are other questions, but I don't have any worries about him, himself, in terms of why he's there.
Oh, as for the meeting, not wanting to update on a new stadium until something significant happens is excellent. Shame that they've done exactly that and updated on nothing repeatedly, however.
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
It was very different to what I expected. Next meeting in January so will look to ask things a little more. Not sure of what the remit is. I may ask for some terms of reference
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Nothing more
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Yeah Mark thought I was having a go. I genuinely wanted to know how he thought it was going down. I think the November update was unnecessary in all honesty
Frostie
Well-Known Member
The same David Eyles that encouraged boycotters, claiming he would never go to games, even at the Ricoh, under SISU until he was found out?
The same David Eyles that welcomed & enabled the likes of Kalns, Johnson, Bird etc?
The same David Eyles who intentionally tries to divide the fanbase with his "Scab" & "tearing families apart" comments to the national press?
The same David Eyles that constantly criticises the owners on how they run the club, stating that the Trust need to have a stake in it but can't even get his own organisation to follow their own Constitution?
Forgive me for being cynical.
mark82
Super Moderator
mark82
Super Moderator
Dave has been supportive when we've put statements out in the past. I don't always agree with him but he's a genuine fan and does want what's best for the club. I don't think he is necessarily the problem within the Trust. Hopefully some of the new blood will turn things round.
D
Deleted member 5849
Guest
Healthy disagreement is no bad thing. We all have subtly different positions, after all.
I think I asked you to ask how they thought the PR was going
It's a valid question that really, they should always be asking themselves, too. It would be remiss of them not to be! It's also an open question which allows them a whole range of answers, from excellent, to bloody awful.
mark82
Super Moderator
Confirmed with Dave B that the Stoke game will only have supporters if both Birmingham and Coventry exit tier 3.
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Makes sense - thanks Mark
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Yep. I think they were regretting the disconnect from saying we won’t update with nothing to update having just done soHealthy disagreement is no bad thing. We all have subtly different positions, after all.
I think I asked you to ask how they thought the PR was going
D
Deleted member 5849
Guest
I can't think of a new stadium update they've done, that's been more than they'd like to do it, really.
shmmeee
Well-Known Member
Just let it drop FFS. This petty eye for eye cancel culture crap on both sides isn’t conducive to any progress.
If people are being dicks right now then fine call it out, all this “you did a polite clap ten years ago and are really an evil coconspirator” crap needs to stop. Before you know it we’re onto whether Jimmy Hill should’ve been fired.
Leave it in the past. Are people really nostalgic for 2013 again?
Frostie
Well-Known Member
So all should be forgiven then because it wasn't in the last few months?
The "scabs" interview deliberately designed to divide the fanbase was only earlier this year.
If you only want to talk about the here & now are you telling me Dave Eyles wasn't directly involved in co-opting Lionel Bird on to the board of the Trust? On what grounds should somebody of his character be representing Coventry City fans?
As chair of the Trust is he not responsible for ensuring they follow their constitution either?
They don't file accounts on time & take well over a year to post meeting minutes for example.
As they continually claim to represent over 3000 fans & are the go to for the press it's robbing CCFC fans of a meaningful voice.
They're a joke organisation & our fans deserve better.
I'd send you a link but their website doesn't even work...
shmmeee
Well-Known Member
I just think at some point all this anger and grief between City fans isn’t getting us anywhere. The club have tried to reset relations and chosen who they want there, let’s give that a chance to work without bringing the baggage of the past.
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Can’t upload the minutes and answers to questions from my phone, they are greyed out. Will sort at some point
Sky Blue Pete
Well-Known Member
Submitted Questions for Dave Boddy @ Supporters Forum Meeting – 3rd December 2020
1. How can the club continue to be funded without match day revenues, particularly when we are likely to need some additions to the playing squad in January to remain competitive in the Championship?
DB - Quite simple answer – It will require owner funding and substantial owner funding. The Owners have committed to doing that from the start of this season
CH – Asked about Premier League bailout – DB said they will support the interest on CCFC borrowing money over a period of time. Communication from EFL says it can only be used for certain things. Only landed today so not read it yet. General funding is the issue, much like other clubs.
Prudently budgeted knowing what was coming so this is all in place.
2. What will happen to membership and season ticket money paid in advance this season especially if no one can see a game this season?
DB – Very clear in T&C’s that there would be no refunds made. Sold the membership on the grounds that it may not be possible to see any football.
RS – Doesn’t think there should be any confusion. He doesn’t think there will be an issue. He did say he hasn’t received the shirt. TS advised that the shirt would be available from January. Press release 25/10 – suggesting this would be towards the end of January.
CH – Most people understood the membership wasn’t refundable but what about the £50 season ticket. DB advised the I-follow product was added for this reason.
3. When fans are eventually allowed into St Andrews with reduced capacities in tier 1 & 2 how is the club going to prioritise which fans will be allowed to attend? (note it appears there are more season ticket holders than places available)
DB – First possible game will be 26/12 v Stoke. Not possible to do it for the Huddersfield game(16/12) even if the tiers were changed as there just wouldn’t be time after decision on 15/12. First priority for tickets to the game will be those that bought season tickets both last season and also for this season. Then it will go to fans who bought for this season if possible. Ballots will be used if demand exceeds capacity. Then for the next game those that missed out will have a higher priority in the subsequent ballot.
SC – TS advised that fans will not be allowed to travel from tier 3 to tier 2 or tier 1 locations of grounds.
DB – Thinks it unlikely Coventry will be tier 3 when Birmingham are in tier 2 but it could be the other way around.
For all decisions CCFC will be guided by Birmingham City Council SAG on a joint basis for Birmingham City FC and CCFC.
4. Will home location and distance from the ground be a criterion for allocating who can attend matches?
Covered above
5. Regardless of the final criteria used, if an individual selected cannot attend a match, can their ticket be allocated to others, family members or friends?
DB – No, because of track and trace purposes. CCFC need to be 100% certain the person who has the ticket attends the game
DE – Will that be policed / ID required at the ground? DB – No the policing will be by attending with the digital ticket provided.
6. If fans are allowed back in before the end of the season will supporters be spread throughout the stadium?
DB – Yes, the theory of the 2000 crowd is they will be split in two separate stands at St Andrews (Kop and Gil Merrick, due to stadium logistics) and it’s likely this will also apply once 4000 fans are allowed.
CH – How might car parking work? DB agrees the demand will be significant. Car parking on-site will not be available. MH – Wheels is an off-site option but there will be others. DB – As soon as we’ve hopefully got the green light for the Stoke game CCFC will be looking to supply details for the parking situation.
CH – Asked about whether there were more than 2000 people that bought season tickets. DB advised there were circa 3000 people that bought season tickets this season
7. Are talks still progressing with Wasps about an interim return to the Ricoh while the new stadium plans come to fruition at Warwick University? What is the state of those talks?
DB – Simple answer – Talks are still taking place. NDA’s as to what can and can’t say. Don’twant to say anything that may aggravate the situation.
RS – Asked about the pitch condition if we go back to the Ricoh. DB says that this is part of the discussions and it’s been made very clear that CCFC need to be involved in requirements for the playing surface at the Ricoh.
8. Has planning permission been secured for the New Warwick University Site? Is there a draft timeline? How is the PR being handled?
DB – The planning application is being worked on but it’s not a straightforward process. Travel plans need to be incorporated, for example A46 link road and light rail solution.
Lots of work going on and meetings taking place daily. He
couldn’t put a timeline on a planning application but hopefully this will be in 2021
MH – Is aware there is a lot of cynicism given previous communication about a new stadium. They are aware of the importance of taking a responsible approach to what is communicated. CCFC felt that an update was important this side of Christmas and so an update was made in November.
DB added he felt it was vital not to make promises that may not be possible but that as things are delivered, updates can be made to the supporters.
9. Is it the club’s intention to move the training ground to the new site as well?
DB – There will only be room on the site for the stadium and the other enabling developments to support the building of the stadium.
CH – Would this group get any involvement. DB – Explained that there may be an opportunity for representation. DB stated that the Stadium will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
CH – Felt that it would be beneficial to be involved in the drawing up of the stadium. DBUadded that it helps supporters to feel involved in asking their opinion through a supporter’s forum.
DB – When he gets notes from PG a call will be set up with this group for that purpose.
DE has been contacted by groups regarding safe standing. DB confirmed safe standing is very much part of the overall thinking of the stadium.
10. Has there been any up-date on the European Court review? If so, what are the next steps?
DB spoke with Laura Deering on receipt of this question and that there hasn’t been an updatefrom the European Court. DB feels it’s not really a priority at this moment in time for the EU
RS – Once we are out of EU – Does it still go through the court. DB – Unless there is a deal done between the UK government and the EU on state aid then a judgement will still be required. PG confirmed this was how the CCC saw the situation too. DB advised this was not an issue between CCFC and Wasps when agreeing a deal.
Additional questions
11. CH asked about away tickets and travel – DB thinks it’s highly unlikely that any away fans will be allowed this season in the Championship.
12. RS asked about money from I-follow – DB confirmed that CCFC get the money when i-follow is accessed through the CCFC portal for home and away games. MH clarified that it was easy to attach a laptop via a HDMI cable to a TV to watch the game. RS stated that this is not possible through an ipad.
13. DE fed back on his I-follow experience explaining that the Red Button commentary and opposition commentary leaves a lot to be desired. MH clarified that you can click on the settings button in the bottom right of the screen and select CCFC commentary for every i-follow game home or away.
14. Mike Garlick asked about the Premier League proposal for finance and restructure of the league – DB explained that it’s on the back-burner for now but it hasn’t gone away.
15. DB explained that with a 2000 capacity there would be no road closures on match days
16. DB advised he will check with BCFC about disabled supporters pre-ordering for half time but that at the moment no food or drink would be being sold inside St Andrews.
1. How can the club continue to be funded without match day revenues, particularly when we are likely to need some additions to the playing squad in January to remain competitive in the Championship?
DB - Quite simple answer – It will require owner funding and substantial owner funding. The Owners have committed to doing that from the start of this season
CH – Asked about Premier League bailout – DB said they will support the interest on CCFC borrowing money over a period of time. Communication from EFL says it can only be used for certain things. Only landed today so not read it yet. General funding is the issue, much like other clubs.
Prudently budgeted knowing what was coming so this is all in place.
2. What will happen to membership and season ticket money paid in advance this season especially if no one can see a game this season?
DB – Very clear in T&C’s that there would be no refunds made. Sold the membership on the grounds that it may not be possible to see any football.
RS – Doesn’t think there should be any confusion. He doesn’t think there will be an issue. He did say he hasn’t received the shirt. TS advised that the shirt would be available from January. Press release 25/10 – suggesting this would be towards the end of January.
CH – Most people understood the membership wasn’t refundable but what about the £50 season ticket. DB advised the I-follow product was added for this reason.
3. When fans are eventually allowed into St Andrews with reduced capacities in tier 1 & 2 how is the club going to prioritise which fans will be allowed to attend? (note it appears there are more season ticket holders than places available)
DB – First possible game will be 26/12 v Stoke. Not possible to do it for the Huddersfield game(16/12) even if the tiers were changed as there just wouldn’t be time after decision on 15/12. First priority for tickets to the game will be those that bought season tickets both last season and also for this season. Then it will go to fans who bought for this season if possible. Ballots will be used if demand exceeds capacity. Then for the next game those that missed out will have a higher priority in the subsequent ballot.
SC – TS advised that fans will not be allowed to travel from tier 3 to tier 2 or tier 1 locations of grounds.
DB – Thinks it unlikely Coventry will be tier 3 when Birmingham are in tier 2 but it could be the other way around.
For all decisions CCFC will be guided by Birmingham City Council SAG on a joint basis for Birmingham City FC and CCFC.
4. Will home location and distance from the ground be a criterion for allocating who can attend matches?
Covered above
5. Regardless of the final criteria used, if an individual selected cannot attend a match, can their ticket be allocated to others, family members or friends?
DB – No, because of track and trace purposes. CCFC need to be 100% certain the person who has the ticket attends the game
DE – Will that be policed / ID required at the ground? DB – No the policing will be by attending with the digital ticket provided.
6. If fans are allowed back in before the end of the season will supporters be spread throughout the stadium?
DB – Yes, the theory of the 2000 crowd is they will be split in two separate stands at St Andrews (Kop and Gil Merrick, due to stadium logistics) and it’s likely this will also apply once 4000 fans are allowed.
CH – How might car parking work? DB agrees the demand will be significant. Car parking on-site will not be available. MH – Wheels is an off-site option but there will be others. DB – As soon as we’ve hopefully got the green light for the Stoke game CCFC will be looking to supply details for the parking situation.
CH – Asked about whether there were more than 2000 people that bought season tickets. DB advised there were circa 3000 people that bought season tickets this season
7. Are talks still progressing with Wasps about an interim return to the Ricoh while the new stadium plans come to fruition at Warwick University? What is the state of those talks?
DB – Simple answer – Talks are still taking place. NDA’s as to what can and can’t say. Don’twant to say anything that may aggravate the situation.
RS – Asked about the pitch condition if we go back to the Ricoh. DB says that this is part of the discussions and it’s been made very clear that CCFC need to be involved in requirements for the playing surface at the Ricoh.
8. Has planning permission been secured for the New Warwick University Site? Is there a draft timeline? How is the PR being handled?
DB – The planning application is being worked on but it’s not a straightforward process. Travel plans need to be incorporated, for example A46 link road and light rail solution.
Lots of work going on and meetings taking place daily. He
couldn’t put a timeline on a planning application but hopefully this will be in 2021
MH – Is aware there is a lot of cynicism given previous communication about a new stadium. They are aware of the importance of taking a responsible approach to what is communicated. CCFC felt that an update was important this side of Christmas and so an update was made in November.
DB added he felt it was vital not to make promises that may not be possible but that as things are delivered, updates can be made to the supporters.
9. Is it the club’s intention to move the training ground to the new site as well?
DB – There will only be room on the site for the stadium and the other enabling developments to support the building of the stadium.
CH – Would this group get any involvement. DB – Explained that there may be an opportunity for representation. DB stated that the Stadium will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
CH – Felt that it would be beneficial to be involved in the drawing up of the stadium. DBUadded that it helps supporters to feel involved in asking their opinion through a supporter’s forum.
DB – When he gets notes from PG a call will be set up with this group for that purpose.
DE has been contacted by groups regarding safe standing. DB confirmed safe standing is very much part of the overall thinking of the stadium.
10. Has there been any up-date on the European Court review? If so, what are the next steps?
DB spoke with Laura Deering on receipt of this question and that there hasn’t been an updatefrom the European Court. DB feels it’s not really a priority at this moment in time for the EU
RS – Once we are out of EU – Does it still go through the court. DB – Unless there is a deal done between the UK government and the EU on state aid then a judgement will still be required. PG confirmed this was how the CCC saw the situation too. DB advised this was not an issue between CCFC and Wasps when agreeing a deal.
Additional questions
11. CH asked about away tickets and travel – DB thinks it’s highly unlikely that any away fans will be allowed this season in the Championship.
12. RS asked about money from I-follow – DB confirmed that CCFC get the money when i-follow is accessed through the CCFC portal for home and away games. MH clarified that it was easy to attach a laptop via a HDMI cable to a TV to watch the game. RS stated that this is not possible through an ipad.
13. DE fed back on his I-follow experience explaining that the Red Button commentary and opposition commentary leaves a lot to be desired. MH clarified that you can click on the settings button in the bottom right of the screen and select CCFC commentary for every i-follow game home or away.
14. Mike Garlick asked about the Premier League proposal for finance and restructure of the league – DB explained that it’s on the back-burner for now but it hasn’t gone away.
15. DB explained that with a 2000 capacity there would be no road closures on match days
16. DB advised he will check with BCFC about disabled supporters pre-ordering for half time but that at the moment no food or drink would be being sold inside St Andrews.