This note is designed to give those unable to attend Saturday’s Fans Meeting a summary of the updates and discussion. It is not intended to be a verbatim account of the meeting.
The Supporters Trust is grateful to Charlie Christie (Interim CEO), Scott Young (Interim Chairman) and Andrew Benjamin (Commercial Director) for attending the meeting, giving updates and answering questions.
We are also grateful to the many fans who attended, to those who asked questions and to everyone who participated in the auction, raffle and football card during the day.
Administration and Club Update:
Charlie advised that he and Alan Savage had had a Zoom meeting with BDO the previous day, and BDO were aware that the Fans Meeting was taking place.
However, he was unable to give much of an update about the situation, confirming that there remained three or four interested parties with whom discussions were continuing. Those discussions were covered by Non Disclosure Agreements between them and BDO, which meant the identities of the parties and the nature of the discussions could not be disclosed.
At this time, BDO are not indicating a date when we should come out of administration.
With the majority of players out of contract in June, this means we do not have a timescale for being able to speak to players about new contracts, although at least six of those who will be out of contract have already told Scott Kellacher that they wish to remain with the club. We are not permitted to extend contracts whilst in administration.
His hope is that the outcome is a local consortium involving Alan Savage.
Scott advised that he and the Directors had had several meetings with BDO, and that he expected an update from BDO in the next two to three weeks about the way forward for the club.
He advised that BDO had also had several meetings with former Directors of the club, and BDO had assured him that the car park ownership issue is not a barrier to a way forward.
He also advised that the Board has limited influence at present, and is not able to hold Board Meetings, but they are doing all they could to try to get things going.
Regarding licensing situation, the club needs to apply for a derogation by 31 March which, if granted, allows the club to retain its licence and league position. Whilst the derogation is not guaranteed, Charlie expects it to be granted as all the indications are that it will be.
Footballing Update:
Charlie advised that he is confident the club will remain in League 1, which almost certainly allows it to retain its full time status. By remaining full time, he expects us to be challenging for promotion next season despite the five point penalty.
There is a much better atmosphere around the club.
He was relieved we did not have many bids from clubs for players during the Transfer Window. A very poor bid for one player was rejected.
The deal for Keith Bray is good for the club. It includes add on clauses, whilst his loan back is free of charge to the club, with Dunfermline paying his wages.
Developing and getting fees for our young players will be important going forward, and Charlie recognises that the club needs to change how it develops 16-19 year old players, to help them develop and prove their worth. He is confident that three or four will feature more next season.
He expects a squad of 22-23 next season, including loan players. There is a new scheme for next season where clubs can take in three players from one club free of charge.
Alfie Bavidge is loving his time here, and he is being well looked after, as are the other loan players. Charlie is planning to get a testimonial from Alfie that the club can use to attract other prospects to come to the club as a stepping stone to furthering their career. Agents are indicating to him that they expect a lot of players to be interested in doing that with us.
Interim Chairman / SLO Update:
Scott was very positive about the support being given by fans, both at home matches and away matches with us having, by far, the biggest travelling support in the league.
He was delighted with the progress with Bar 94, and to see such a good attendance at the meeting.
He recalled his first Fans Meeting in the Innes Bar, and noted how far the Supporters Trust and fans collectively had come since that time.
The 30th Anniversary Dinner had been a great success, with almost £35k raised.
The club had appointed Andrew Benjamin as Commercial Director, and Scott would be working closely with him to progress things.
Scott remarked that there had unfortunately been a small number of incidents at away games, involving a very small minority of fans, and those involved tended not to be regular attenders. This had included racial and homophobic behaviour. He asked for assistance in stamping out this type of behaviour. Comments were also made about over zealous stewarding, particularly at the recent Arbroath game.
Commercial Update:
Andrew Benjamin advised that this had been his first week working full time for the club.
He was struck by the great atmosphere in the club and the hard working staff.
His aim is to raise funds for the club, and he highlighted that some advertisers have not paid for their boards, so he would be chasing payment.
He would be looking at hospitality packages, the matchday experience and ways of getting more families and children attending games, including working with Primary Schools.
30th Anniversary Chat with Charlie:
Following the formal business, Charlie and George Moodie (Supporters Trust Chair) discussed Charlie’s memories of the club’s first 30 years.
Charlie’s stories were humorous as he recalled the Ballistic game and much more, with a lot of anecdotes about former players and Managers.
He also reminded us of who was the best Christie to play for the club.
We are grateful to Charlie for sharing these memories with us.
Scottish Transplant Active Football:
We were joined by Duncan MacAuley, Manager of the Scottish National Transplant Football Team, which participates in the European Transplant Football Championship.
Duncan explained the origins of the organisation, which were in Inverness, and how they actively promote the importance of Organ Donation and play to honour their donors and their families.
You can find out a lot more about their work at the Scottish Transplant Active Football Facebook page.
Closing Remarks:
George closed the meeting by highlighting some of the work carried out in Bar 94, particularly the matching (and comfortable!) chairs that we now have, whilst work on the Ladies’ Toilets is imminent.
George advised that the Trust is planning to hold a “Staying Up Party” in Bar 94 once our survival is confirmed, and announced that Calum Jones will be playing in Bar 94 from 1800 until 2000 on Saturday 12 April, following the game against Kelty. Calum is an up-and-coming local musician, who featured on The Voice last year. Watch this space for more details!
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