Board Meeting online using Teams
Wednesday 3rd September 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)
Supporters: Chris Chard (CC), Wendy Rowlands (WR), Leah Davis (LD), David Clarke (DC), Neil Palmer (NP), Alan Payne (AP), Matt Seaward (MS), Paul Hunt (PH)
Bristol City: Jerry Tocknell (SLO)
FSA/Fans for Diversity: Nilesh Chauhan (NC)
Apologies: Terry Hamlin (TH), 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
My City, My Shirt
Following the last meeting, NC from the FSA/Fans for Diversity campaign had been invited. He presented the concept of the “My City, My Shirt” initiative. The campaign aims to celebrate diverse fanbases through initiatives such as photography exhibitions and kit launches. LD and SM expressed interest in collaborating, particularly around International Women’s Day. The Robins Foundation was suggested as a potential partner.
Supporters Bar
JW reported improvements in bar operations, even when full:
· Guest pass system working well.
· Door person presence has improved control.
· No long queues at the bar.
· Members are pleased with the new system.
JW confirmed that:
· Digital photo frame now displays sent-in images of fans that have passed away.
· Framing of memorabilia (City Women poster and drum skin) is underway.
· Honours boards updated.
· Trophies are with engravers – the Men’s Golden Boot is fragile and JN suggested purchasing a more robust one.
MD noted that wristbands are now used to identify former players.
3. SLO & Police
SLO updated the group:
· Stadium access is restricted due to the Women’s Rugby World Cup until 23rd September. This will affect club shop, ticket office and ticket collections. MD commented that the club must have been aware that this would happen and might have communicated earlier.
· Additionally, seats in block W5 have been removed for the duration of the Rugby World Cup and City season ticket holders of those seats will be accommodated elsewhere for the Oxford United game on Sunday 21st September.
· Separately, all season ticket holders for Bristol City Women who had purchased seats in the Lansdown stand will be moved to the Dolman stand. This is a consequence of the new broadcasting requirements. No refunds have been offered according to the communications. There were concerns about how this had been managed and it was felt that communication had again been poor and, in particular, lacked any apology.
· A supporter had been found in possession of class A drugs at Derby, but otherwise both that and the Fulham game had gone well. PB said that the management of access to the right aisle had been poor at Fulham, in contrast to Derby.
· SLO confirmed that no decision has been made yet on physical season tickets for next season. This is one of several key decisions to be made as part of the transition to the fever.com ticketing platform.
· AP asked about the FA fine arising from the Cardiff game last season. SLO confirmed that this resulted from racist chants at the game. SR & LD both mentioned racist & sexist chants and comments at other games and there was a concern that this be addressed. JN suggested that SC&T might approach S82 and look at what can be done collectively and all agreed that this would be helpful.
4. Other Supporter Group Updates
· LD advised that Robyns Round working with the club and police on the WAGS project (Women and Girls Safety at Ashton Gate).
· Posters and reporting lines added to women’s toilets.
· Survey launched to gather feedback.
· Walk and Talk initiative planned.
· Increased visibility of female PCSOs on matchdays.
· Positive response to reporting system improvement
· NP advised that FPA is celebrating 4th anniversary.
· Upcoming visits from former players: Shaun Taylor, Glenn Humphries, John Emanuel.
· Robins Memories events temporarily relocated from our Supporters Bar due to stadium access issue
5. Bristol City Women
· SM advised of plans to recruit new board member to replace D-M Withers’ position have fallen through after lack of communication between them, SM & SR
· Pre-season friendly against Newcastle saw supporters in the Dolman. Not known at the time, but club may had done this as a test ahead of season ticket holder move which was communicated afterwards.
· No supporter coach travel planned for early away games, but this will be monitored by the club throughout the season.
· 12 new signings and positive feedback on new head coach Charlotte Healy.
6. Meeting with BCFC
· SR confirmed upcoming meetings with both men’s and women’s club officials. Topics to be discussed include:
– Ticketing fees and transparency.
– Fan Advisory Board (FAB): a significant step in the club’s fan engagement plan.
· JD explained the “capo stand” concept and was pleased that the club are supportive and taking forward his proposal to consider installing one for S82.
In response to SR’s request for other items:
· MD asked that the club ensure the SC&T is introduced to Dave Storr’s replacement. Dave Storr is the Head of Safety and Security at Ashton Gate Stadium but is leaving for a new role
· SM asked about dates for the fans forum: decisions on both venues and the composition of the board are yet to be resolved.
7. AOB
· PB raised lack of shelving in Lansdown stand concourse; JD to follow up with stadium manager.
· A £100 donation by the SC&T for Sean Takle’s flag commemorating departed fans was approved.
· JN reminded members that AGM is due shortly. There were concerns about the Treasurer’s availability and the urgent need for accounts. MH suggested exploring AI tools to assist with routine financial tasks.
Minutes recorded via transcript, reviewed and written up by: Dave Clarke on 9th September 2025, approved by Stu Rogers on 25th September 2025.
Next meeting: Wednesday 1st October 2025