Board Meeting online using Teams
Wednesday 1st April March 2026, 7:00pm
PRESENT
Board: Stu Rogers, Mark Newman, Miles Hendy, Marie Day, Shahan Miah, Jon Darch, James Nicholls, Terry Hamlin
Supporters: Tracey Carter, Christine Chard, Alan Payne, Teresa Short, Matt Seward, Kieran Hughes
Bristol City: Jerry Tocknell (SLO), Emma Jolliffe
Avon & Somerset Police: Tom Williams
Apologies: Tom Williams (Avon & Somerset Police), Jon Watts, Katrina Watts, Leah Davis, Amy Beard (DLO)
1. Welcome
Chair Stu Rogers (SR) opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. Stu confirmed that the meeting would be transcribed for ease of minute-taking.
2. Minutes and Matters Arising
The minutes of the March meeting were confirmed as a correct record.
Updates were given on matters arising:
· Lansdown concourse: no further news from the club on this matter
· Mark Kelly: response received and he is working with Jon Darch on progressing proposals for rail seating and additional rails on steep aisles.
· SC&T job profile: Stu Rogers (SR) to complete shortly. In the meantime, administrative tasks are being undertaken by various members and thanks were expressed to those providing that support.
· End of Season Awards: to be covered later in the agenda.
· Ticketing: SLO reported that no progress had been made in resolving the update notifications. We are not the only club with the issue and there appears to be no solution. It may disappear with the change of ticketing provider.
· Suicide awareness bench: SR has approached the club and a response is awaited.
· Fans travel exchange resource: Dave Clarke (DC) & Mark Newman (MN) have discussed. It’s something OTIB can host – we just need to agree a) the appropriate forum and b) whether club will work with us. DC will raise with club and agreed we aim to have this in place for next season.
3. SLO & Police Update
3.1 SLO
SLO said that the previous week had been both interesting and challenging and provided the following updates and observations:
· He recognised concerns about visibly reduced numbers in the ground, particularly toward the end of matches, and that this reflects broader dissatisfaction among fans.
· He emphasised the importance of maintaining respect for individuals and their differing views and he urged supporters to continue backing the team, regardless of those differing views.
· Aside from the events of recent days, he noted that a great deal of work is going on in terms of fan engagement planning for next season, and there is a particular objective around raising the profile of the club within the city.
SR asked for the views of others on recent events: there was a range of reactions, from shock at the decision and/or it’s timing to a cautious acceptance of the rationale provided by the club, particularly behind the appointment of the interim Head Coach. It was acknowledged that opinions among fans remain deeply divided and noted that online discourse does not always reflect the views or behaviours of match going fans.
3.2 Disability Liaison Officer
The DLO was unable to attend the meeting. Members noted that disability access and engagement remain a high priority and welcomed the active consideration of establishing a Disabled Supporters organization.
3.3 Police
The Police Liaison Officer was unable to attend but SLO said that he was unaware of any particular issues of concern around recent matches
4. Bristol City Women
SR welcomed Emma Jolliffe (Senior Operations & Projects Manager from Bristol City Women) to the meeting. SM along with Emma provided the following update:
· Consideration is being given to establishing a Fan Advisory Board for the women’s team. While the structure and processes are still being developed it could be in place for next season. MN asked about the recruitment process: whilst there are fewer existing supporters’ groups than the men’s FAB can recruit from, the objective is to ensure as broad a representation as possible.
· The emergence of a new women’s supporters’ group was discussed. It was noted that this group aims to complement rather than replace existing groups and to focus on matchday atmosphere and engagement.
· Coach travel for the final game at Sheffield United has been arranged. The game now clashes with the final men’s game, so uptake has been modest, but it was agreed that it nevertheless evidenced an important commitment to supporters.
· Plans are advanced for the end of season awards. There was discussion about the timing and format. Whilst there was strong support from the meeting for presentations to take place in front of supporters on a matchday, the club highlighted sensitivities linked to league outcomes and player welfare. It was agreed that EJ would feed back the views of the meeting so that further discussion could take place before a final decision is made.
5. Other Supporter Groups Updates
5.1 Fan Advisory Board
FAB chair Teresa Short (TS) reported that FAB members had met recently with the new CEO Charlie Boss. The meeting had been open and constructive, and his commitment to the FAB and to attending meetings is encouraging.
SR said that he had also met with the CEO and shared the FAB’s positivity. Members agreed that the recent press conference had not been good, but also agreed with the proposition that other, longer standing, senior people might have fronted it
5.2 Robyns Round
Tracey Carter (TC) provided an update on recent activities, including a successful matchday campaign which generated good interest and new members.
Work is also underway to spread organisational load and responsibilities.
5.3 Future Reds Collective
SLO reported a recent meeting attended by two players which had been a big success and a credit to the players. The club is taking members of the group to the away game at Charlton Athletic and they have been tasked with reporting back to the club on the matchday experience and on lessons that City could learn.
5.4 Senior Reds
Activities continue to be well supported, and the next lunch is on the 16th April. It was noted that no invitations have been issued to any representative from the women’s team for some time. EJ will approach the group to offer a speaker: SM will provide contact details.
6. Fundraising for 2026
Following support at the last meeting for the proposal that supporter groups co-ordinate to identify a shared objective that aligns with the club, SR has approached the Robins Foundation for a discussion. This is taking place shortly and SR will feed back the outcome.
7. End of Season Awards
James Nicholls (JN) sought views and guidance on the criteria for the player awards and after some discussion the consensus was that the shortlist should be limited to players currently registered with the club.
A few minor matters have still to be agreed with the club, but JN said that voting should go live within the next few days.
8. AOB
In response to a request from Marie Day (MD), approval was given for the replacement of the SC&T desk signage in the supporters’ bar.
TS shared feedback from the Fair Game conference she had attended. She highlighted:
· The growing significance of meaningful fan engagement which will be a focus for the new regulator
· The value of collaboration between supporter groups and the need for improved representation for disabled supporters.
· An insightful session on financial fair play and the need for fans to be realistic and to balance the pressure for spending with the financial risks.
Actions
· SR and JD to feedback on progress with rail seating
· SR to circulate secretarial and admin task JD
· DC to update on fans travel discussion with club
· EJ to feedback views of the meeting on women’s awards format and timing.
· EJ to approach Peter Wood from Senior Reds, offering speaker from the women’s team
· SM to provide EJ with Peter Wood’s contact details
· SR to update members on outcome of fundraising proposals and meeting with Robins Foundation.
· JN to update awards voting criteria before voting goes live.
· MD to seek prices for the desk signage.
Minutes recorded via transcript, reviewed and written up by: Dave Clarke on 4th April 2026
Next meeting: Wednesday 6th May 2026