9th November 2013
Minute of the Supporters Forum
9th November 2013
Club: George Yule, Ian Jack, Duncan Fraser, Ally Prockter
Supporters: There was a disappointing lack of representation from Supporters Clubs, however the a.g.m. of Dons Supporters Together preceded the Forum and those present remained to make the attendance at the Forum a healthy one.
Ian Jack opened the meeting with a brief overview of the work that has gone on at the club in an effort to move it forward. In particular he emphasised the importance of the progress of the team on the park and how that has a positive influence on all other aspects of activity within the Club. He also ran through some points from the previous Forum (27th April 2013).
Use of Away Kit: This season the away kit has already been worn several times and the manager is well aware of the need to do this. Derek is also closely involved in the selection of future kit.
Training Facilities: Since the new management team arrived the Club has made arrangements to use Albyn and Robert Gordons’ playing fields for training as a supplement to Balgownie and the Barracks. Good use is also being made of the Sports Village and the manager is quite comfortable with the use of artificial surfaces. It was noted that Aberdeen are now one of the few clubs who use turf pitches at youth level. All in all, the manager is much happier with training facilities now that at the beginning of his tenure.
Season Tickets: The Club has made some headway in improving ticket options for supporters, particularly those who travel from more remote areas such as Orkney. Other options continue to be looked at in an effort to make it easier for Dons Fans to get to home games.
Closure of RDU: This has clearly helped with atmosphere but it is also clear that with the team progressing the demand for seats will encourage the opening of the top deck more often.
Availability of Alcohol at Football Grounds: Ruth Davidson favours looking into this but support is needed from Local Authorities and the Police. Introduction could have a positive effect on the life of clubs, in particular getting more fans to arrive earlier at the grounds and perhaps linger longer at the end of games thus helping to relieve traffic congestion.
Craig Brown’s Role: Craig has fitted well in the boardroom and does a great deal to represent the Club and to help wherever he can. He brings a great football perspective to the board.
The Club Website came under fire with many pages not being maintained or kept up to date. It was observed that it was a pity that the same effort that apparently goes into the programme, which has a limited circulation, does not go into the website which attracts thousands of hits daily as it is the first port of call for most fans wanting reliable information.
The aim is to make it more user friendly and easier for the Club to update information. However, it is worth pointing out that AFC is much more active on Twitter and Facebook now.
ACTION: Ongoing by AFC
Timing of Fixtures Changes: This is a bugbear for many fans, especially for those who have made travel arrangements such as booking rail tickets and possibly hotel.
The arrangements in place are. Arrangements are very difficult to improve on but the SPFL is continuing to press the broadcasters for longer notice of changes.
It was suggested that the Rail companies could be approached by the SPFL to be more flexible on changing tickets. Fans of all clubs are affected by this so it would be a good thing for the SPFL to take up.
ACTION: DST to write to SPFL. – This action has been undertaken and a response from the SPFL is awaited.
The creation of a “Singing Section” was again discussed. The top deck of the RDS was suggested as a venue, and it was agreed that a pragmatic solution is needed but it was also pointed out that the atmosphere generated in the South Stand is so much better now.
Issues regarding Away Support were discussed. The huge travelling support at away games is fantastic and very much appreciated by all concerned but there are negatives. The use of flares and smoke devices are unacceptable and heave a negative impact on the club and fans alike. The club needs help with this from the vast majority of fans who are tremendously well behaved and who clearly know how to enjoy their football without resorting to the use of pyrotechnics An element of self-policing would be appropriate from fans willing to point out the people responsible for any kind of trouble.
Other topics mentioned included the possibility of issuing song sheets and use of PA to get songs going before kick-off- e.g. The Northern Lights.
People abusing Under-12 tickets. Stewards have been turning away people who should not have the tickets but not taking the tickets away from them. This should be addressed. How can this problem be dealt with better?
Extending contracts: Work is always going on behind the scenes and changes will be announced at the right time. We have a very hard working manager who aims to keep well on top of this area.
Semi-Final: The club has been fighting the fans’ corner regarding ticketing and will continue to do so.
It is worth pointing out that we are having to deal with many all-ticket games and the club is trying to ease the burden on our fans and itself as the work involved is substantial.
Next Meeting: To be arranged
