Surgery held on 19th August
On Saturday, 19 August I held my first surgery of the season for supporters in the Princess Royal. I met with seven supporters. I would like to thank all those that came to meet me. The main topics that they raised were:
- Will the ground improvements happen at Griffin Park? To date the Club Board’s search for sponsors for the remaining £300K of the £500K contribution required has been unsuccessful. The search is continuing but we are rapidly approaching the deadline for committing funding. Everyone on the Board understands that we have to improve the facilities at Griffin Park, but we aren’t going to commit £500K if the Club doesn’t have the cash. It was suggested that the Club should issue a public appeal. I agreed to take this suggestion back to the Board.
- Why is Stripes going to be given to corporate entertaining and with no bar facilities for the “ordinary” supporter. The plan is to provide bar facilities for the “ordinary” supporter. The Sponsors/Guest Lounge will become a bar when Stripes is reopened as our hospitality area. We are also submitting a license application for the vacated Football In The Community (FITC) offices, which will open as a public catering outlet until such time the license is approved.
- Concern was once again expressed about the poor financial position of the Club. Whilst it was recognised that the Club was now being managed better financially it was felt more should be being done to communicate the financial situation more widely. I was requested, and agreed, to ask Joe Bourke to issue an update in the next home programme.
My next surgery in the Princess Royal will be on 16 September before the home game with AFC Bournemouth again between 1.15 - 2.15 pm.
19th August 2006