Board Meeting online using Teams
Wednesday 1st October 2025, 7:00pm
PRESENT
Board: Stuart Rogers (SR), Jon Darch (JD), Marie Day (MD), James Nicholls (JN), Jon Watts (JW), Mark Newman (MN), Miles Hendy (MH), Shahan Miah (SM), Terry Hamlin (TH)
Supporters: Chris Chard (CC), Wendy Rowlands (WR), David Clarke (DC), Tracey Carter (TC), Matt Seaward (MS), Paul Hunt (PH)
Bristol City: Jerry Tocknell (SLO)
Apologies: Neil Palmer (NP), Tom Williams (Avon & Somerset Police)
1. Welcome
Chairperson SR opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. He confirmed that the meeting would be transcribed for ease of minute-taking.
2. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
· JW reported that all actions relating to the bar had been completed, including the engraving, with the exception of the signed drumskin, which is in hand.
· SM updated on the ‘My City My Shirt’ initiative and it was agreed to co-ordinate with other supporters’ groups due to an approach to the club the previous week had been well received.
3. SLO & Police
· SLO updated the group and said that he had found the past month one of the toughest in his time in the role
· The ticketing system has not been working properly; updates have failed, supporters have been unable to create links and forward tickets. The ticketing system problems have also resulted in delays sorting out the arrangements for access to S82 because the black bars, which now identify S82 tickets, have not been downloading properly.
· The Women’s Rugby World Cup had taken over the stadium for two weeks and had restricted stadium access to both supporters and staff. The impact had been particularly problematic for the shop with staff unable to access stock and then, when they could get in, to find where it had all been put. As a result, there was at one stage a backlog of over 1000 orders. This has resulted in frustration for supporters, especially when orders have been placed in good time for birthdays etc and not fulfilled in time. It has also led to some unacceptable behaviour directed at shop staff, who have been doing their very best to help resolve the issues.
· SR asked if there was anything the SC&T could do to help, and JN asked whether the separation between the football club & Bristol Sport had contributed to the problems. SLO said that there was nothing he needed from the SC&T, that the separation shouldn’t have an impact, and that he was hopeful things are now improving.
· In response to a question from SM, SLO said that he had been in contact with his counterpart at Birmingham City about an issue a supporter had at the City Women game at St Andrew’s Stadium; when they were initially denied access to the disabled car park despite being a blue badge holder because it was “for home fans only”.
· SLO the issues with City Women season ticket holders being moved to the Dolman had now largely been resolved: there had been only five requests for refunds.
· MS asked about tickets for the men’s game at Wrexham: Jerry thought it likely that sales would begin with those who’ve been to at least five away games. He said that away support this season had been consistently up on previous seasons.
· Several people reported problems with the in-stadium wi-fi recently. SLO confirmed that this would be monitored at the coming QPR game.
4. Other Supporter Group Updates
· There were no reports from other supporter groups.
· SLO reminded the meeting of the discussion at the previous SC&T meeting about racist and misogynistic chanting and said that there had been further chants reported at Preston away.
· It was agreed that this seemed to be on the increase at both City games and elsewhere. JN said that the club – supported by the SC&T if required – should do more to make it clear that this was unacceptable. All agreed with this. DC said that aside from the risks for the club and the politics, it was about ensuring that everyone coming to a match could feel welcome and safe.
· CC said that it was difficult to read the abuse hotline number from some parts of the ground. TC confirmed that this was the case and had been noted by several Robyns Round members. SLO will investigate.
5. Bristol City Women
· SM advised that a pre-arranged meeting in September with the club at which chairman Gavin Marshall failed to turn up, leaving operations manager Tom Hambridge (TH) as the only club representative with SM & SR.
· TH had been unable to answer questions about the takeover by Mercury13 but had promised that a meeting would be set up when all the necessary approvals for the takeover had been completed.
· The logistics of operational activity under the new ownership had still to be determined. SR said that there would be lots of changes and that Mercury13 would replace existing Bristol City staff with their own people.
6. Meeting with BCFC
· SR reported on the recent meeting with the club.
· Questions had been asked about future investment and the recent rumours: there is genuine interest, with much going on behind the scenes. JD commented that in these situations a high proportion of any discussion tends to come to nothing.
· A general discussion followed about the concerns over morality, ethics, competence, commitment that accompany any proposed takeover, especially in the football world. JN felt that the majority of fans probably had little interest and questioned whether the SC&T should take a strong stance on any proposal. SR suggested that the job of the SC&T was to ask the right questions. It was felt that the SC&T, along with the FAB and the regulator would all have a significant role.
· SR asked for views on the £25K the SC&T had pledged to support the extension of safe standing. This was now unlikely to happen. It was agreed that we offer £4.5K of that to fund the ‘Capo Stand’ in full
7. AOB
· SM reminded members that two positions on the SC&T board are vacant. SLO suggested approaching the unsuccessful candidates for the FAB.
· TC felt that there was a lack of awareness among fans about the SC&T and what it does. She suggested that – with the help of the club – more could be done to publicise what we do.
· SR gave an update on Sporting Quarter progress: bats to be relocated but that should be no more than a minor delay now.
· JN confirmed that the issue of Lansdown concourse shelving had been raised with Michelle Dring who is following up.
· CC expressed her appreciation for the way in which the recent An Evening with Neil Warnock event had been organised and run by the stadium. SLO will pass this on.
· SR proposed, and it was agreed, that the (lapsed) registration of Ashton Gate as an Asset Of Community Value should be renewed.
Minutes recorded via transcript, reviewed and written up by: Dave Clarke on 9th October 2025, approved by Stu Rogers on 12th October 2025.
Next meeting: Wednesday 5th November 2025