What happened at the Surgery?
On Saturday, 4 October I held my third surgery of the season for supporters in the Princess Royal and then attended the BU Board Surgery afterward in the Hive in the Braemar Road Stand. I met with 7 supporters. I would like to thank all those who came to meet me. The main questions that they raised were:
- How will the current financial crisis affect the planning activity for the new stadium? The economic downturn has already had a significant affect on the property market and is likely to make the scheme more difficult to succeed. Having said that the stadium is being targeted for 2012 and most economic commentators are expecting an upturn in the economy by then. Although this may be the case we cannot bank on it and all the planning and cost considerations will continue to come under close scrutiny with the need to develop a financially robust plan. Everyone involved with the scheme remains committed to developing a viable plan for the new stadium.
- Why is there a collection for Craig Marshall at today’s game (Macclesfield Town)? Craig was an Acton lad who was stabbed to death in the week before the game. He had been involved with the Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust (BFCCST) for over four years. The idea for the collection came from his friends, who attended the BFCCST sessions with him, and wanted to help his mother with Craig’s funeral arrangements. In the circumstances the Club and the BU bucket collectors thought it right to support his friends’ efforts to help his mother at this tragic time.
- Will Andy Scott be given more money for players in January should he need them? The Board of Directors have given Andy an increased playing budget for this season and it is up to him to decide how to spend it. To provide this budget has been a severe financial stretch for the Club and there is no way of increasing this currently without risking the financial stability of the Club.
My next surgery will be in the Ealing Road Stand before the home game with Rochdale on 1 November between 1.30 - 2.30 pm and not 1.15 - 2.15 pm as previously advertised.
28th October 2008