Supporters forum - 21st August (2 Viewers)

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MalcSB

MalcSB

Well-Known Member
Sky Blue Pete said:
Good point thanks malc


Questions For The Supporters Forum Meeting on the 21stAugust 2024

1. With road closures announced for this season after games, will some refreshment outlets stay open for a short period of time? (Coventry City London Supporters Club / Diamond Club / Rugby Supporters Club) – This is something we are discussing with the CBS Arena.

2. Will the club be discussing the possibility of special buses to/from Coventry Station/City Centre? Also, are the club in discussion with the train operator to amend the Saturday timetable to Coventry later than 16.50pm? (Diamond Club / Coventry City London Supporters Club/ Sky Blue Talk – Ongoing conversations have been taking place with the local bus provider to increase relationship. Supporter survey has also been issued to get feedback regarding locations for potential shuttle service on a matchday and the potential uptake. Conversations have also been taken place with the local train company and progress is being made in this area.

3. Is there a reason why an Adult supporter in the Family Zone cannot up-grade their adult ticket to another part of the ground without having to pay the Full matchday price? (Coventry City London Supporters Club) – If an adult wants to attend the game who has a season card in the family zone without a child they can list there ticket on the ticket exchange provided and then purchase a ticket in another part of the ground, they will receive a pro-rata credit for the season card element which will be used to offset part of the ticket price.


4. What is the latest on extending the current 5 year ground sharing agreement. (Diamond Club / Sky Blue Talk)Doug King update

5. Is there a delay on the second and third kits being announced? If so, why is this? (Sky Blue Talk / South Wales Supporters Club) No delay on announcement. All pre-planned.


6. Are there any plans for more work at Ryton? Is buying the connexion a consideration? Linked – Any plans for any changes to the academy? (Sky Blue Talk) Doug King update

7. Why was the Safe Standing not put in block 15 as this was the preferred location from the Supporters Survey? Any plans to add more safe standing and extend to other blocks? (Sky Blue Talk) – We fully understand the position with block 15, however, following conversations with all connected parties it was agreed on the currentinstall location due to the potential movement of supporters to the segregation position. The other consideration was a labour issue as a number of other clubs were looking at installing a similar product around the county so only a certain capacity could be installed. We are continuing to review as we want to ensure supporters have the best experience as possible.


8. Are there any plans to have a formal supporters consultative forum rather than what we currently have? (Sky Blue Talk) – This is something the club is reviewing. We need to ensure what we rollout is fit for purpose and is suitable in all divisions, we have just published our supporter engagement roadmap for the season and will continue to look to improve on what we offer as well as our current offering.

9. Has the roof been fixed in blocks 21/22 above disabled fans? (Sky Blue Talk) Not aware of this issue so we will look to review.


10. Are there plans to put match / season tickets on Apple Wallet and the Android version? (Sky Blue Talk) – An area which is currently being explored, along with stadium access system etc to help improve speed of entry but also supporter experience. We need to look at all options to ensure all accessibility needs are considered.

11. Will there be a season ticket exchange for all season ticket holders in the future , not just the family zone ticket holders? (Coventry City London Supporters Club / South Wales Supporters Club) – We are reviewing all options, however, in majority of clubs who use the ticket exchange this is normally turned on when the ground is sold out to general admission.


12. How many Season Tickets have been sold to date? (South Wales Supporters Club) -Final number will be confirmed once all sale deadlines have passed.

13. The Darmstadt away game was a big success, would the club look into maybe making it an annual friendlyalternating home and away with Darmstadt? (South Wales Supporters Club) – The Darmstadt game was a fantastic experience and it was great to see Sky Blue Fans mixing with the home fans, the feedback we received from all pre-season opposition was fantastic .

14. Home Shirt Quality. Issues with print quality, logo and sponsors lettering not straight and issues with lettering falling off after one wash. The club appear to have dealt with supporters who have raised concerns. However, has the club looked to improve the quality etc before the release of the Away kit and possible third kit this season?(Proud Sky Blue Members) - It’s great to hear that any concerns raised have been dealt with. We have had around 50 issues raised from over 14,000 shirt sales to date regarding slightly off-centre badges which in-turn has offset the alignment of sponsors logos. We have addressed this with hummel. Regarding washing there is rigid testing carried out as part of the production process to ensure this does not happen based on care label instruction and we have noted these on the website. We advise fans to always follow these care instructions to ensure this does not happen.


15. Can we have an up-date on the repairs to the Wall Of Fame bricks and any longer term maintenance plans? (Proud Sky Blue Members) - A working group is being set-up to discuss this sensitive area and what the options are open to us. We have done some short term maintenance as we had some blocks falling away from the wall.

16. Are the stadium seats due to be cleaned ahead of the Oxford game on the 16th August? It was noticeable during the pre-season games that there was a lot of bird droppings on seats and flaking paint on the floor? (Proud Sky Blue Members) We have raised this with the stadium, if any supporter is aware of any issues, please raise with a steward or text via the matchday text service.

17. Can more big screens be installed in the concourse to watch the game on if you are queueing for food and drink? (Rugby Supporters Club) – Something we can discuss with the arena.

18. Leaving Car Park C after the game has become a free for all. Can car park attendants be retained to cover the post game period to help with this issue? (Rugby Supporters Club)

Before the 2023 / 2024 season, Car Park C was upgraded with new car park lining and an increased capacity of 911 car parking spaces. Alongside this, the ANPR was upgraded on entry and speed bumps were installed to ensure vehicles registration numbers were correctly captured.

Last season, we trialled having a number of staff within the car park for exit and installed exit lanes for egress to this car park. Unfortunately, on a number of occasions, drivers got out of their vehicles and moved the temporary equipment we installed which led to further issues with driver behaviour.

For the 2024 / 2025 season, there will be a short road closure of the A444 but exit from Car Park C towards Coventry City Centre is maintained. As the A444 is closed there is minimal opposing traffic for this car park and as such the exit should flow better. This should relive the pressure within this car park and ultimately mean vehicular flow in and around the car park becomes more compliant.

Alongside this, the speed bumps have been removed from the exit as we have noticed the ANPR system is able to capture vehicles without having to reduce their speed to 5mph. This again should improve exit flow rates from the car park which should further relieve the pressure of 900 vehicles trying to exit the car park at once.

We will continually monitor the exit from, and driver behaviour, within this car park. We will review the exit times and vehicular flow around this car park following the Oxford United fixture on 16 August 2024 and see if there are any improvements that can be made.

19. Sky Blue International members (SBI)on average attend three to four games a season, some have now purchased season tickets despite only being able to attend a few games per season. Could a ticket exchange be set-up for SBI members to help more overseas Sky Blues fans attend? (Sky Blues International) - Something we can review.


20. Why can’t supporters take a bottle of water into the stadium? Why do the staff selling soft drinks have to try and rip off the top of the plastic bottle when most are now firmly attached? Holding a water bottle without a top is seriously annoying and can lead to spillages. (Coventry City London Supporters Club)

Bottles of water and bottle tops are not permitted due to the possibility of them being used as missiles.

If there is any medical requirements will be managed discretely by the stand managers.
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I have to say, the answer to Q7 (location of safe standing) is a complete cop out. Basically there are saying that, despite the majority of consultation responders wanting safe standing in singers corner, they decided to site it elsewhere because they expected that majority to move to where it has been put. The one "connected party" they don't seem to have discussed it with is - the fanbase.
 
Sky Blue Pete

Sky Blue Pete

Well-Known Member
MalcSB said:
I have to say, the answer to Q7 (location of safe standing) is a complete cop out. Basically there are saying that, despite the majority of consultation responders wanting safe standing in singers corner, they decided to site it elsewhere because they expected that majority to move to where it has been put. The one "connected party" they don't seem to have discussed it with is - the fanbase.
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It’s not consultation
 
MalcSB

MalcSB

Well-Known Member
Sky Blue Pete said:
It’s not consultation
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They did consult and then, in the end - and as others especially @David O'Day have said - ignored it and acted as if they understood how fans will behave better than the fans themselves. They simply didn’t factor in supporter inertia, supporter friendships, supporter “sentimental” attachment to their current location or the negative effect of potentially being moved for cup matches.

I thought there must have been a logical reason for putting the safe standing where they have. There clearly isn’t and so I now have no sympathy for the club in that regard.

Singers Corner - stand and sing!! (NB this is metaphorical and is not intended to be construed in any way as incitement to breach stadium regulations).
 
S

Skybluekyle

Well-Known Member
Sky Blue Pete said:
Coventry City Supporters Forum
Minutes of the meeting on the 21st August 2024 at 6pm

Attendees:
CCFC: Doug King (DK), John Taylor (JT), Jodie Jones (JJ), Tynan Scope (TS), Mark Hornby (MH)
Colin Henderson (Chair), Pete Griffiths (Secretary/ Vice chair/ Sky Blues Talk), Dave Eyles (Sky Blues Trust), Mark Silvester (Rugby Supporters), Steve Maloney (South Wales Supporters) Paul Armstrong (Coundon Supporters), Lewis Wale (Proud Sky Blues)

1. Apologies for absence
Pat Raybould, Steve Harding, Daren Cowley, Mike Garlick, Alan Ludford.

2. Matters Arising from last meeting

2.1- Streets named after former players. CH reports no progress as yet but will chase the council. Also notes that a replacement is needed for the Former Players Association after Jim Brown has announced he is leaving.

2.2- Permanent home for large supporter flags. JT agrees that we would all like a long term strategy for these and will work with the arena on how/ where these are displayed. Suggestions includes under the control room or around the top of the bowl in front of the corregated plastic.

2.3- Smokers Area review. JJ gave a review on the changes to smoking areas at the start of last season. 1 single complaint regarding the closure of the north stand smoking corral, but lots of positive feedback. Not feasible to have this reopened currently. JT discusses challenges we now face with home and away smoking areas being next to each other in the south stand, this needs reviewing.

2.4- Stadium wifi and PA improvements. JT states there have been no changes to wifi but the PA has been significantly improved. The club have received some feedback to say it is too loud, this is still a work in progress. A PA expert has been in to work on maintaining the current system until a long term solution is in place.

2.5- Match day reporting number being reduced to 5 digits. JT explains that this has been investigated but had no traction. The club has worked on promoting the current number with a new match day video on the big screen and social media channels. This did see an increase in usage at the Oxford game which we hope will continue. LW wants to give thanks on record for the video highlighting match day issues after getting good feedback through the Proud Sky Blues group.

2.6- Digital Ticketing for 2025-26. JT explains that the stadium infrastructure (turnstiles and entry system) is aged and the technology has issues. For the Oxford league game, paper tickets were issued due to a technical issue with the turnstile ticket readers at the pre-season friendly games. We are working hard to resolve so we can re-introduce print at home tickets as soon as possible.We also need to consider being accessible and inclusive to all supporters.

3. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EFL Mandate).

JT gives update on the club’s recent equality code of conduct audit. Club received the bronze, entry level award; a good start but we want to quickly move to silver and then gold. Details given on the new Audio Descriptive commentary system that was introduced last game; went down well with visually impaired fans and received all positive feedback. The club needs to focus on more consultation if wanting to continue to improve.

4. Club update by Doug King.

DK briefly discusses the incoming players in the transfer window so far. The window is not yet finished but he is happy with the progress made so far.
On coaching, there has been many changes at Ryton with regards to the infrastructure and new supersized gym which have made a big difference. There are now 4 coaches working alongside Mark Robins enabling us to focus on recovery and personal development. DK very encouraged by the work done so far since Dr Claire-Marie Roberts has come in.
Monzo are the new front of shirt sponsor who we hope to have a long-term partnership with.
Just under 22,000 season tickets sold for the 2024-25 season, DK very pleased given the increased TV coverage and noted an incredible atmosphere for the first home league game against Oxford.
The new ticket exchange has been working well so far, fans have been able to use easily and the family zone area is full as intended.
The main focus going forward is for a fantastic matchday experience, DK wants games to be great days out for families and is excited for the season ahead.

5. Submitted Questions.
The majority of responses were given by the club ahead of the meeting, see separate Question and Answers document. Additional answers to follow.

Question 4: What is the latest on extending the current 5 year ground sharing agreement. DK says the relationship with the Arena is as good as it has ever been. There is no update at present regarding a new deal but is aware of the situation and timeframe.

Question 6. Are there any plans for more work at Ryton? Is buying the connexion a consideration? Linked – Any plans for any changes to the academy? DK explains the upgrades and changes that have been made to Ryton with all non-football staff being moved out. The Under 21’s team now have the space to train with the first team regularly with the aim to narrow the gap between the 2 teams. There are no current plans to want or need the Sports Connexion. The academy is about to sign a new 5 year deal at their current location and progression/ improvement across the club is being prioritised accordingly.

PG questions the longevity of the Monzo deal, DK is positive on the relationship and hopes to keep them on board. Explains Monzo are an exciting company, they are a disruptive/ creative brand and aligned with our ethos.

6. Family Zone update.
LS explains there is not much to update currently. JT/JJ explain that the club want something in place for younger fans for all games going forward to improve the match day experience. JJ and JT eluded to having a plan for the future of the family zone; a more permanent solution which was being worked on with further information being released when finalised. A (smaller) family zone may be back in the concourse in the interim, LS voices health and safety concerns due to lack of space. JJ agrees to discuss with PR what could be utilised, how the family zone can have a presence, whether it be to hand out items and/or advertise.
LS emphasised the need for more volunteers. The club will push the ‘vacancy’ online.

7. Dates for Future Meetings.
JJ pencils the following dates for the remaining Forums in the 2024-25 season, pending fixture changes/ cup runs. Will confirm in due course.
- November 28th
- February 25th
- May 15th
8. Any Other Business.

PG raises a number of questions from supporters:
- Regarding us having posters in the concourse toilets to raise the awareness of Prostate Cancer, JT agrees he is happy to support and will liaise with the Arena on this.
- Are there any plans for any better/ wider range of non-alcoholic beers in the concourse. JT will liaise with the Arena.
- Can anything be done about upgrading the lights in the underpass? JT confirms that this will be done by the Council. They will also be cleaning and fixing the pump failure in the underpass as well as the lights along the canal.

LS asks whether the club has an official away travel partner for the season. JT says this will be confirmed shortly.
LW asks if there is an official EDI calendar for the new season from the EFL, JT confirms he will send a copy over.
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Shame Mike Garlick wasn't in attendance. Was looking forward to the update on the mature ladies in ripped jeans and replica shirts in the corporate section!
 
Mcbean

Mcbean

Well-Known Member
The closing of the road has increased the Jeopardy on the Foleshill road plus the ambulances had a job to get through. A lot of the traffic on the A 444 is nothing to do with the football - they should close the motorway junction if the aim is to slow it all down !!

Needs to be sorted
 
Sky Blue Pete

Sky Blue Pete

Well-Known Member
MalcSB said:
They did consult and then, in the end - and as others especially @David O'Day have said - ignored it and acted as if they understood how fans will behave better than the fans themselves. They simply didn’t factor in supporter inertia, supporter friendships, supporter “sentimental” attachment to their current location or the negative effect of potentially being moved for cup matches.

I thought there must have been a logical reason for putting the safe standing where they have. There clearly isn’t and so I now have no sympathy for the club in that regard.

Singers Corner - stand and sing!! (NB this is metaphorical and is not intended to be construed in any way as incitement to breach stadium regulations).
Click to expand...
Well they did mention availability of people to fit it at the meeting but I’m not sure it made the notes
 
shmmeee

shmmeee

Well-Known Member
MalcSB said:
If a full water bottle with the top on is used as a missile and hits someone, it will hurt a lot more than one without a top - as the bottle will partly empty in flight and also "collapse" slightly on impact. They are not talking about use of the bottle cap as a missile in its own right.

If the EU tethered cap regulations became a UK requirement presumably these bottles would have to be sold with the caps attached.
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The EU vs the SAG talk about an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
 
David O'Day

David O'Day

Well-Known Member
MalcSB said:
They did consult and then, in the end - and as others especially @David O'Day have said - ignored it and acted as if they understood how fans will behave better than the fans themselves. They simply didn’t factor in supporter inertia, supporter friendships, supporter “sentimental” attachment to their current location or the negative effect of potentially being moved for cup matches.

I thought there must have been a logical reason for putting the safe standing where they have. There clearly isn’t and so I now have no sympathy for the club in that regard.

Singers Corner - stand and sing!! (NB this is metaphorical and is not intended to be construed in any way as incitement to breach stadium regulations).
Click to expand...
They made a mistake but to be fair it does sound like they know this and the amount of safe standing may well increase in the future
 
pusbccfc

pusbccfc

Well-Known Member
MalcSB said:
I have to say, the answer to Q7 (location of safe standing) is a complete cop out. Basically there are saying that, despite the majority of consultation responders wanting safe standing in singers corner, they decided to site it elsewhere because they expected that majority to move to where it has been put. The one "connected party" they don't seem to have discussed it with is - the fanbase.
Click to expand...

It's ultimately nowhere near enough. The safe standing has been full for both games so far and there is at least 1 full block fully standing which isn't within the area.

Hopefully extended by next season.
 
David O'Day

David O'Day

Well-Known Member
pusbccfc said:
It's ultimately nowhere near enough. The safe standing has been full for both games so far and there is at least 1 full block fully standing which isn't within the area.

Hopefully extended by next season.
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also you get people sitting in safe standing which is weird
 
David O'Day

David O'Day

Well-Known Member
chiefdave said:
Have I imagined this but didn't they have to shut the away disabled section when they extended the home end. Sure I remember something about a plan to sort this out but in the meantime it would be shit.
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Yeah, As the club said away teams are aware of this and should be informing people of the situation before they buy.
 
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