We started with a tour of what is going to be a superb new academy facility, led by Gareth Prosser, academy manager, and Jas, the physical conditioning dude for the academy scholars. The equipment isn't in yet so you need to use a little imagination to see how everything will finally look, but the full size indoor pitch is down and looks incredible. We got on there for a few photos with Jez that will probably appear on the website at some point. The surface is going to be truly superb. A lot of money has gone into Compton and it is clearly going to be a world class facility. When open (formal opening will be attended by parliament members) there will be an opportunity for STHs and members to take tours of the facility which may be interesting.
Onto the meeting itself:
Flexi-ticket launch. This idea has grown from a debate at the last parliament meeting which obviously I missed. It would seem that the idea is to cover the regular attendee who will miss a few games. Take up has been reasonably good and as yet no STH has complained that they would have taken this option had it been available at that time. Looks like the idea may be here to stay so will be interesting to see how it goes next summer.
Under 21 game:
Lots of behind the scenes work to get the game. Need to try and get a good crowd in as that was a selling point to the FA. There is a ticket deal for local charter standard kids clubs to get 25 tickets for free for kids and also for adults (Micro's club has taken advantage of this). Away support is expected to be minimal. The whole lower tier is being sold first and the upper tiers will be sold, if needed on a row by row basis to make the ground look as busy as possible for the TV.
Cash Turnstile.
Message is use the cash facility at the ticket office or Dudley street store on match day. Cash turnstiles are an invite for banned fans to get in as there is no data retention involved and no supporter number. The only place where there is a traditional turnstile that could be converted for cash is block 3 of the Steve Bull lower, and that would only potentially happen for a big cup match.
FFP
Transfer policy has not been constrained in any way by FFP.
Digital scoreboard
Cannot be done on the advertising hoardings in the current facility. Looking at an alternate using digi boards mounted on probably two stands, with advertising to help pay for those boards, but no promises that will definitely happen.
Sako
We want him to stay long term. Want success this year so he can have a new contract in the premier league. He loves it here, and has a brilliant relationship with Dicko, but it has to be recognised that if a Premier League club offered the right deal he may wish to take that deal. RVLP was purchased partly to protect us if an offer we had to take came in but thankfully the phone didn't ring.
Bully's 50th
Club will be doing something for this, but not sure what. Jez joked that it almost certainly wouldn't be rebuilding the stand!
Kings Arms original changing rooms
Club aware of the situation with this historic building for Wolves, and are in discussions. Would not say what that could entail.
I asked about the Fulham video highlights. As you would expect, Jez and Matt related the problem to the FLI contract. Would look and see if they can get a bit more of highlights, but the subscriber / non-subscriber set up with Wolves player might cause them issues.
Think that was about it. Steve Bull stand rebuild timescale is regularly discussed and Jez would love to press the button, but the club needs to live within its means and Compton was the priority.