Board Meeting online using Teams
Wednesday 5th November 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: Wendy Rowlands (WR), Dave Clarke (DC), Tracey Carter (TC), Matt Seaward (MS), Paul Hunt (PH), Alan Payne (AP), Jake Clough (JC), Nathan Riddiough (NR)
Bristol City: Jerry Tocknell (SLO)
Avon & Somerset Police: Tom Williams (TW)
Apologies: Chris Chard
1. Welcome
Chair SR opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. He confirmed that the meeting would be transcribed for ease of minute-taking.
2. Minutes and Matters Arising
The minutes of the October meeting were confirmed as a correct record.
Updates were given on matters arising:
· Visibility of hotline number: SLO suggested that this be raised at the next meeting the SC&T has with the club
· Concourse shelf: no further news on this matter.
· Registration of Ashton Gate as Asset of Community Value: SR confirmed that the registration had been submitted.
· Stadium Wi-Fi: This remains an issue and solutions are being explored. MD said that she understood the problems to be significant with any short-term solutions being only temporary and investment in a complete overhaul required.
· Board recruitment: SR reported that he has been in contact with Michelle Dring to approach unsuccessful FAB applicants. He has also arranged, in response to comments at the previous meeting about the SC&T’s profile, to go promote on various City-related podcasts.
3. SLO & Police
TW provided an update on policing:
· A positive start to the season from a policing perspective with fewer incidents and fewer arrests.
· One fan had appeared in court following disorder at the Oxford United game, and another has received a suspended conviction for the supply of cocaine. The use of drugs and cocaine particularly has become a trend this season across football generally; the police are making this a priority issue.
· Increased numbers following the club to away games, where the vast majority behave impeccably and are a credit to the club.
· Some problems after the Birmingham City home game principally involving visiting fans.
SLO said that from his perspective there were several positives to report:
· Robyns Round had made their first away trip as a group – to Stoke.
· The fans forum had gone well, and the Fan Advisory Board had met for the first time.
· The first meeting of the new Junior fans group (13-17 year olds) had taken place.
· Amelia Griffith has started work as the new Fan Engagement Manager at the Club.
· Representatives from Southampton had visited the club and been very impressed by City’s approach to fan engagement and how much goes on.
· SR to write to Richard Scudamore congratulating him on his appointment to the Club board.
There were also some negatives:
· The Stoke City away game had seen the second recent incident between two City fans who had become very angry with each other & got physical.
· Fans who have had away tickets bought for them but failed to get them properly assigned have been unable to get tickets for recent games that have been sold on a priority basis.
· Recent issues with people buying single under 11 tickets for away games which have to be cancelled as under 11s are not permitted without an accompanying adult.
· SM asked about stadium tours: SLO confirmed that proceeds go to Robins Foundation and that tours are promoted more for City supporters rather than Bristol Bears supporters
· AP asked about season ticket seat moves: SLO explained that these create significant logistical issues which is why they are no longer offered. It was felt by several people that these issues could be overcome if the will was really there.
4. Other Supporter Group Updates
· SR explained for the benefit of attendees new to the meetings that various supporter groups will usually provide updates to the SC&T through this standing agenda item.
· TC reported from Robyns Round and said that the trip to Stoke had been a great success (result aside!). Their WhatsApp group is very active, and it is a growing community with lots of activities and new ideas.
· JD reported from the first meeting of the Fan Advisory Board (FAB). It had been fairly informal, a chance to meet each other and a briefing from the FSA who are supporting the group. DC (also a member) said that it was likely that at least one more meeting would focus on the logistics of the new group. In response to a question, JD confirmed that the minutes of the FAB meetings would be published independently from the Club & made freely available.
· JN reported on difficulties arranging the away fans forum, largely due to a lack of venues. A low key session will take place before the Watford game, with CEO Tom Rawcliffe & Michelle Dring from the Club. JN said that he didn’t want this to be seen as a formal session because a) it would be unfair on Tom and b) it would absolve the club of the responsibility to arrange a forum as they have committed to do. JN noted and welcomed the fact that we now have a CEO who is willing to participate in such events.
5. Bristol City Women
SM provided an update and reported:
· Difficulties at two recent games: Durham game at Ashton Gate where the Ashton Road entrance to the Dolman was closed without notice and fans were forced to make a lengthy detour, Aston Villa cup game at RHPC where the (usually permitted) drum (belonging to former SC&T board member D-M Withers) was not allowed & Villa fans were directed to stand/sit in section in stand where singing home fans usually go to. Feedback was sent to Tom Hambridge
· SM & SR are due to meet with Mercury13 but no date has yet been offered as acquisition still not approved by league. Lowri Roberts did make contact, advising she can get meeting with M13 set up, & is at the club in a “short term role” but no further clarification on this
6. AGM & Finances
· SR reported that the SC&T finances are in good shape and funds are sufficient to support projects like the sensory room as well as current projects – the Capo stand and tickets for youngsters.
· There are two further proposals for projects we might support: the multi faith prayer room at the stadium and events to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1975/76 promotion winning side. Both were agreed in principle but SR was asked to find out more about anticipated demand for the prayer room and whether it might provide opportunities for wider use such as remembering City fans who have passed away.
· SR reported that we are behind with filing accounts, but this is being addressed.
· The AGM will be held in the Supporters Bar on 24th January 2026 at 1pm (before the Sheffield Wednesday game). JN said that we need to start making plans and arrangements as the date would come round very quickly
7. AOB
· Several members confirmed that there is no visible signage around the Independence Sports Bar pointing to the disabled toilet facilities. Stu will raise this with the Club.
· SR cannot make the proposed date for the next meeting (Wednesday 3rd December) and it was agreed that he should sound out members about a move to Tuesday 2nd December instead
Minutes recorded via transcript, reviewed and written up by: Dave Clarke on 10th November 2025
Next meeting: Tuesday 2nd December 2025