What happened at the Surgery?
On Sunday, 25 March I held a surgery for supporters in the Princess Royal. I met with eight supporters. I would like to thank all those that came to meet me. The main topics that they raised were:
- Will Scott Fitzgerald be the manager next season? Scott has a years contract with the Club which ends at the end of this year. The board will need to review his position between now and the end of his contract.
- When will a decision be made on whether the away end will be changed to Brook Road? That decision has now been made. As someone that sits in Brook Road I share the disappointment of many of my fellow supporters who currently sit in the stand about losing our great view and unique atmosphere. The only consolation is if the Club gain as a result.
- When will season ticket prices be announced for next season? Following the decision on switching ends, season ticket prices have been announced. There is no increase next season and pay-on-the-day prices will not increase (with the exception of the terrace which will increase from £15 to £18). The rationale for the terrace increase is that in essence everyone in the ground sees the same game and, from the Ealing Road end, supporters will get a better view than previously. The Club recognises that the increase in match day prices is substantial and hence the reason for keeping the season ticket at 2006/07 prices. A very big challenge has been made to supporters by the Club to double the number of season tickets sold to 5,000. If that target is reached then the Club will refund 50% to all season ticket holders.
- Why was the game with Oldham Athletic played on a Sunday? At our last home game which clashed with an England game (Bristol City) it was felt that the attendance suffered as a result of playing on a Saturday. As a result we experimented by playing the match with Oldham on the Sunday.
My next surgery in the Princess Royal will be before the home game with Port Vale on Saturday 28 April between 1.15 - 2.15 pm.
2nd April 2007