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    Fans Forum 2023 Archived Message

    Posted by Coop Board on 2/8/2023, 11:58 am

    The Supporters Cooperative were very happy to again join with the Club to publicise and promote this season`s Fans Forum and with 150 tickets booked by County Supporters a great event was anticipated and that`s how it turned out!

    The Supporters Cooperative were set up at the back of the hall (near the bar – entirely coincidentally!), and helped by some kind opening remarks by the Club President Steve Bellis the calendars sold well and memberships moved also.

    Steve Bellis was in top form as host, and that can also be said of the strong top table of Director of Football Simon Wilson, Tom Mahon Chief Operating Officer, Dave Challinor, Chairman Ken Knott, and Academy Chief Damien Allen who answered all question clearly and with a decent volume which was great for our note taking for this report at the back of the hall.

    We offer our account of the questions and answers here listed by panel member not the order the question was asked.

    Tom Mahon

    Q On loyalty scheme for away tickets TM indicated a difficulty knowing who was buying tickets, confirming we will keep monitoring but at the moment demand does not outstrip supply.

    Q On ST sales. TM confirmed that 5800 sold so far and we were still selling indicating that the Club were aware of issues around delivery but that they are all on the way( albeit second class post)!

    Q Re stock issues etc with New Kits TM said the new kits have been well received. Issues predating the time of his arrival at County. Far more ordered this time around from Puma -the majority of which have been received by fans and they were working at clearing backlogs as rapidly as possible with more stocks due in November

    Q Regarding the ticketing system. T M said that no system was without its challenges and this one presented multiple challenges. Acknowledging the issues TM confirmed sorting same is a top priority and the current operators have been given our requirements & expectations to work to and we expect them to adhere to them.

    Q on Danny Bergara Stand Gents Toilets .TM said issues were due to the age of the stadium. Solutions were difficult to arrive at other than those short term in nature, but they would see what could be done!

    Q. Replying to a question on Disabled parking at EP, TM confirmed that currently due to our particular problems only 15 parking spots for disabled supporters were available, but they were sympathetic on finding a solution. Meanwhile any disabled supporters experiencing a difficulty in this respect should contact the Club who will do their best to resolve.

    Ken Knott

    On Redevelopment of Edgeley Park KK confirmed that they were studying potential plans for all stands barring the Cheadle End. EP is an old stadium and therefore difficult and costly to redevelop but they were looking to produce a new strategy to cover this possibly for the Autumn. Initially the goal is a stadium capacity of 17500 but we need L1 status to enable.

    Q- Stand Alone or Sweeping Stand. On this question KK confirmed the Club were conscious of the need not to load debt upon the Club, something that Mr Stott had successfully and happily avoided doing thus far so we were looking for the most cost effective solution ( probably stand alone stands therefore) as we aim for a 4500 Railway End .

    Q on the Asbestos in the Danny Bergara Stand Roof. Short term we do not want to commit to expensive repairs or removal, so with costs in mind we were doing only patchwork repairs.


    Q on training facilities - KK flagged up a preference is a single site in Stockport – a possible site has been identified negotiations in progress which will take a long time to come through, meanwhile the Carrington lease has been extended.

    Q on Edgeley Park. KK stated categorically we would not be moving away from Edgeley Park – it`s the club’s spiritual home, and the cost of moving to a new stadium would be astronomical.
    KK also clarified we are not seeking to buy Woodley Sports facility.
    .

    Q: KK indicated that the Club were talking to the local wildlife sanctuary group about the land behind the Pop Side regarding landscaping and preserving the areas trees etc but providing more car parking facilities is critical to the Clubs plans.

    Simon Wilson.

    Q on stats and ‘under-performance’ SW said we scored very few ‘worldies’ last season that saw a high volume of chances from crosses Addition of Powell and Barry he thought would address this.
    Replying to a question as to whether we bid £250k for Scott Banks SW gave an unequivocal ‘No` confirming the Club does its business quietly. . He also appealed for us not to believe everything we read.’

    Q on Emerging Talents SW said the Academy had only been going for a year, so a talent gap twixt years 16-20 was present but Joe Monks appointment is aimed at addressing.



    Dave Challinor.

    On rivals this season DC expected Notts County and Doncaster to be real threat. His tip was AFC Wimbledon – under the radar but direct and another threat.


    Q on ‘added time and new rules DC thought this would have a big impact this season with a lot of late nights in prospect but we had a ref in to help us understand what to expect and what was needed.

    Q on penalties last season DC confirmed Paddy Madden is our penalty taker, and we have plenty of others who can take spot kicks if needed as well.

    Q on Cody Johnsons loan at Rochdale and Rowan McDonald DC thought the Rochdale loan offered Cody a great opportunity to progress. The Club were looking at similar with Ashton Mee confirming also that Rowan was still with us- he`s a ball player which we were looking for in that area.

    Q on Play Off Final &` can we do better this time?` DC said our determined response began in changing room at Wembley after game. The team does not want to experience the same again this season and he is confident that the whole group want to succeed indicating that they were in a decent place, key players coming back, good signings on board. The team are really looking forward to Saturday and the rest of the season.

    Q on ‘struggling to break teams down’. DC: indicated that to break sides down, dribblers, ball carriers are an essential part of the solution - Louie Barry meets that requirement and we would love to add another if we can.

    Damien Allen.

    Q on the new Emerging Talents Programme. DA pointed to this as an opportunity to develop young players further and make an essential bridge between Academy and first team.

    The Fans Forum was another success – hopefully the first of many successes in 2023-24 for the Club.
    We have tried to be faithful and accurate in recording what went on and was said .

    See you all at Edgeley Park on Saturday for the start of it and at Marple Bridge on Friday for the massive Memorial Day!

    ……………………………..





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