Minutes of Last Mbro Fans Forum

rob_fmttm

Administrator
Sorry for the strange format - hope this is readable.

Middlesbrough Supporters Forum Meeting


Monday 19th April 2021


18:30 – 20.00


Via Zoom






MEETING MINUTES



Present: Mark Motley, Rob Nichols, Jill Atkinson, Matthew Gale, John Donovan, Paddy Cronesberry, Peter Hodgson, Yvonne Ferguson







Action

1

Apologies for Absence










Apologies were received for Red Faction, Jen Hayton, Ellen Sowerby, Caroline Walker







2

Welcome










MM Opened meeting welcoming all attendees and checking in with all. Last meeting was in January 2021.




There were no actions from the previous meeting to address.




3

Supporter Group Updates







Boro Supporters Club 2020

  • JA advised she had no issues to raise.
  • Jill mentioned that they had put out voting forms for player of the year award and young player of the year award and had plenty of votes come in and it was looking like a 3-horse race.
  • Group also looking to have another forum with Neil Warnock, which they are working on with YF at MFC.
  • YF is also working with group to organise a player of the year presentation via zoom.




Rainbow Reds

  • MG advised that the group had held their first AGM on Monday 12th April.
  • Group now have committee with roles including social media, treasurer, and a shared chairmanship.
  • Social media following is increasing with now over 400 followers.
  • YV advised that she was happy with how well the AGM went and how the group continue to increase their presence as a supporter group.










MDSA

  • PC is looking for ideas on ways to raise funds for MDSA as the usual yearly events such as player of the year has been cancelled due to Covid. This has meant much needed income to support the running and the servicing of the vehicles has not been available.
  • MDSA are paying money out for servicing and insurance but are getting no money in.
  • MDSA would like to travel to the summer friendlies in Plymouth, but at this stage the group are unsure if the bus would be road worthy to make the trip.
  • MDSA require around £45k for a new bus and have around £16k in the fund.
  • Any ideas or funding to support the purchase and kit out of a new vehicle would be welcomed.







Twe12thman

  • JD advised that the group had no issues to raise.
  • JD mentioned that Twe12thman Podcast team were organising a couple of walks (Home and away) to raise money for MDSA.
  • Home walk would be from Rockcliffe to the Riverside and away walk would be from the Riverside to Rockcliffe. Fans to walk in home shirts for leg 1, and away shirts for leg 2
  • Looking to do this on 9th May for walk 1 and do the other just before the season starts.
  • Want to publicise this on social media and raise as much money as possible.
  • Preference is for people to make donations rather than join the walk as big numbers may be unmanageable or have covid safety implications.
  • JD to speak to YF about further ideas.
  • MM to speak to Paul Dews re – asking Duncan Watmore to promote this as an ambassador.
  • MM to also investigate options around text donate services for MDSA.




FMTTM

  • Rob mentioned that he had collated several questions from the FMTTM message board that he would like to put forward for a response from MFC.
  • MM advised that he collate all questions together and send over to MFC to review and respond to. MM would then circulate the answers to the groups and on social media.




Questions raised:




  1. On average how many supporters are streaming home games? Are we able to know the split between season card holders and supporters that purchase a match pass? How many supporters are buying away match passes?
  2. How will admission to home games be allocated to season ticket holders when fans are allowed back?
  3. Will there be vaccination passports required for stadium entry?
  4. Next season Safety Advisory Group will determine specifics for Riverside – can fans have input here? (recommended by SGSA and FSA). Safety Advisory Groups
  5. Will fans still get their free pints or not?
  6. Would there be an option for Digital Season Ticket – some disabled fans for instance of other clubs have said they may feel safer watching virtually for now.
  7. Fans would like to see early bird season ticket prices available to all at the same price for at least a shortened period next season. Is this possible it would attract more fans to sign up.
  8. Fans are very much wanting to see Boro Pride card reintroduced. The average match by match fan very much feels like an afterthought. The cards could include loads of exclusive stuff. I think it would be good to bring in ex pats and folks living and working abroad too.
  9. Can the fans have more involvement in deciding on new kits like before?
  10. Do the club know if away fans will be allowed next season? What are the current plans?







7

MFC










YF gave an update on the Virtual concourse which has gone down well with supporters. Gordon Cox and Jeff Winter host, fans attend along with ex-players and sometimes current players. Prizes are awarded following a score prediction competition.




YF has advised that she has had feedback from supporters saying they would still feel vulnerable attending games next year. Club will look at options to continue the virtual concourse next season for those supporters who cannot attend or don’t feel comfortable yet attending games attending next year.




YF also advised that as lots of fans are still feeling vulnerable about returning, some matchday walks on non-matchdays are being set up to help them

MFC meet with them on a none matchday to do their matchday walk and take them to their seat.




YF advised that MFC would like ideas on how the matchday atmosphere and matchday experience could be improved. Ideas by mid may. All supporter groups to ask their members and MM to collate.




YF mentioned the Bridge café – This is now open at the Riverside Thursday and Friday 12:00 – 20:00 and on non-matchdays. Supporters need to book a table. Variety of food and drink available.




YF also wanted to give thanks to Danny Chapman from Twe12thman for putting out and collecting all fan flags and banners within the stadium










8

Wrapping Up










RN mentioned that MFC still ahead of most teams in terms of planning for supporter attendance next season. Boro have had plans in place early and some other clubs had yet to announce season card plans. Other Supporter groups (not Boro) had said Boro have been a great example to follow.




The group also wanted to say thanks to MFC foundation for all the great work they had been doing over the last 12 months supporting the community through the covid pandemic. Amazing work




Final point on the agenda was in relation to the news of the breakaway European super league. MSF are strongly against this. And had previously written to UEFA about this subject asking for assurances.




MM closed the meeting.






 
When is the next meeting?

Could i ask that you put forward to the club and ask for comment on the following:

" Do the club think it's acceptable that the manager uses the clubs official media channels to air his political views "
 
Back
Top