MANCHESTER CIY F.C. SUPPORTERS CLUB (1949)
SOUTH WEST BRANCH
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday 12th July 2008
TOPSHAM UNITED F.C.
Meeting Started 1:40
APOLOGIES
Stuart Hamilton, Mandy Aspinall, Lee Korsak, George Bowden,
Sean Knill, Kevin Hole, Gary Gillard, Ian Clarke, Tony Walsh, Ged Monks, John Yates
MINUTES 2007
Proposed that the minutes circulated from last years AGM were a true an accurate record.
Proposed: Trudi Duncan
Seconded: Nigel Stacey
Vote: Unanimous
Matters Arising: None
OFFICERS REPORTS
Chair (Geoff Coope)
Geoff opened by reflecting on last years meeting when we were in the position of not knowing who are manager was going to be. However, Sven came and has since gone leaving us with memories of two derby victories and form had it been reversed may have had us in relegation trouble by Christmas!
As for the forthcoming season Geoff was unsure of what to think of our chances but suggested that football had changed considerably since our days in the Second Division, when this branch was able to sponsor a pre season game at Torpoint Athletic. However, no matter what changes have happened, be they good or bad, we, the supporters, have remained constant and that is to be applauded.
Secretary (Andy Foden)
Andy welcomed everyone to the meeting, especially those who were attending for the first time and apologised for the late announcement of the date of the meeting due to the delay in confirmation of the Supporters Club AGM which will be held in Manchester on Sunday 27th July.
This delay had, unfortunately, cost us the use of our intended venue of Torquay United. However, after many unsuccessful telephone enquiries for a suitable venue Malcolm Stone was able to arrange the use of Topsham United FC Social Club and Malcolm was thanked for this gesture.
Andy continued with another apology to all members as due to pressure of work he had not been able to commit as much time to the branch as usual and this meant the web site was largely ignored and much of the admin particularly the banking had slipped making the Treasurers job difficult. However Sean had, once again, produced excellent accounts and was thanked for that.
It was reported that membership had remained stable for the season. However, it was disappointing to report that whilst there had been 20 enquiries made during the course of the season only two of those enquiries actually joined the branch and Andy was at a loss to explain why that should be.
As usual the branch was well represented at all games, including the debacle at Middlesbrough, and, once again the branch had continued to use both Bristol & West and Vospers for vehicle hire.
The annual coach trip was made at the beginning of the season rather than the usual last home game when we travelled en masse to the first derby victory of the season.
The prepayment of fundraising tickets had continued successfully and all members were encouraged to do this as it saves a great deal of time and admin work. The branch has a good record of winning prizes and last season was no exception with George Bowden and Chick Cheetham winning £100 and £250 respectively for the Euro 2008 Draw.
It was felt by Andy that with the branch so far away from Manchester it was important to maintain our profile by taking part in as many OSC events as is reasonably possible and the Annual Dinner was such as occasion with a number of members attending in September where our guest was Dave Watson who was just one of many ex City players in attendance.
Thanks were expressed for the support and cooperation of all other committee members and also Tony Hall who had shared driving duties with Andy throughout the season. Thanks were also extended to those members who had used their own vehicles during the course of the season.
As we approach the new season we find ourselves with another new manager and whatever the rights or wrongs of Sven Goran Erikssons’ sacking we now have to lend our full support to Mark Hughes and his management team despite our new manager having a shady past!
Andy suggested the appointment was a good one and if Mark Hughes could bring some of the qualities his Blackburn teams had along with the quality we already have in our squad we should have another successful campaign.
In closing, Andy mentioned the events at Old Trafford in February when the world was waiting with baited breath for City fans to disgrace themselves during the silence to commemorate those that died at Munich in 1958. Andy suggested many newspapers had already had stories ready to go to print that dragged the good name of Manchester City through the mud. However, despite the reservations of many, Andy included, the silence was obeyed impeccably and whatever we may think of Manchester United it was the right thing to do.
Once again, we have proved that we are the best fans in the land, in all the world!
Treasurer (Sean Grinsted)
Whilst a full set of accounts were available for inspection, if required, members in attendance were provided with a copy of the Receipts and Payments page which showed all income and expenditure for the season and Sean talked through a number of points.
The end of year surplus had increased significantly from £82 to £428 and whilst this is commendable the idea is to run the branch as non profit making. It is not intended to have a large surplus but rather to give members value for money.
Branch cash funds were the highest they have been for quite some time although members were reminded that this figure includes bond money held on behalf of members which had increased this season also.
Cash flow was erratic during the season, as mentioned by Andy earlier.
Sean concluded by reporting that the main source of our surplus was money made on transport and this was something that was going to be discussed later in the meeting.
Questions were invited from the floor with regard to the accounts and whilst none were forthcoming Malcolm Stone wished to place on record a vote of thanks to Sean for his efforts in producing the accounts which was met by applause from the floor.
Vice Chair (Pete Moss)
Following the conclusion of the officers reports Pete Moss made a presentation of a statue along with vouchers and a card to Andy in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the branch which was gratefully received (See photograph below).
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
In accordance with Supporters Club rules the committee resigned their positions and with no volunteers to take up positions it was proposed that, as all members were willing to continue in post, the committee were re-elected en bloc.
Proposed: Trudi Duncan
Seconded: Keith Astbury
Vote: Unanimous
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Transport
As mentioned earlier the branch made a significant profit from transport last season and the reason was explained as follows. A hire bus suffered some damage at Bristol City early in the season and it appeared that whilst the damage was minor it was going to cost us our deposit of £250. With this in mind, Andy decided to increase fares from £22 for adults to £25 for the remainder of the season in order to recoup this loss.
However, after some negotiation we were refunded £200 of our deposit meaning the cost of the damage repair was only £50.
It is not intended to change anything with regard to fares for the forthcoming season and whilst an idea had been tossed around with regard to donating our surplus to the City Academy it was proposed that we sit on the surplus money for 12 months reviewing our position at the next AGM and making a decision then. This was deemed prudent when considering the current cost of fuel which will no doubt have a knock on effect to hire charges.
Proposed: Andy Foden
Seconded: Geoff Coope
Vote: Unanimous
Fundraising
Members were, once again, encouraged to pre pay for Christmas and Grand National Draw tickets and Andy reminded members to return all unsold books in order that figures provided to the Supporters Club could be reconciled.
Andy also mentioned an anonymous letter received from a branch member, in December, who obviously took umbrage in being asked to sell Christmas Draw tickets but didn’t have the good grace to return the unsold books they found so offensive. All members are asked to return books if they can’t or won’t sell tickets and the fact that one member found it necessary to act in such a manner was not appreciated.
It is hoped that whoever wrote the letter will be embarrassed enough to have the courage of their convictions and return the unsold books this season.
City Social Memberships
As with last season memberships are available to all Supporters Club members at a cost of £7.50 for adults and £4.00 for OAPs/Juniors (U16). All applications for membership should be forwarded to the Branch Secretary with a passport photograph as soon as possible.
For information the City Social Club is situated above the City Store adjacent to the Ticket Office at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Guvnors Bar
A further membership is also available for a newly refurbished sports bar a short walk from the ground. Guvnors Bar, Mill Street, Beswick (formerly The Bradford Hotel) are accepting memberships which are free of charge. Application forms are available from the Branch Secretary and further details are available at the link below
Pre Season Fixtures
A list of City’s pre season games were announced and with only away games at Stockport County and Celtic and the annual Thomas Cook Trophy game, at home to AC Milan, it wasn’t anticipated that any official transport would be arranged. However, tickets can be ordered as usual for those wishing to attend.
Possible Fixture Changes
Whilst both Sky TV and Setanta have now confirmed the games designated for live television coverage, Andy warned that progression in the UEFA Cup will almost certainly mean further disruption with games being moved to Sunday to allow an extra days rest as the designated night for UEFA Cup fixtures is Thursday.
Members are asked to be aware of this when ordering tickets and transport.
Bookings for Early Season Fixtures
Orders are now being taken. Please contact the Branch Secretary. Members were reminded that City Cards should be renewed before ordering tickets. This will be a minimum requirement with the possibility that a Season Ticket will be a minimum requirement for high profile away games.
OSC 60th Anniversary
2009 will see the 60th anniversary of the Official Supporters Club (1949) and it is anticipated that a number of events will be planned. As soon as details are announced members will be advised via the usual channels.
The Supporters Club have already announced the production of two commerative badges details which can be found on the branch website. Orders should be made to the Branch Secretary for those interested in purchasing one or both badges.
South West Branch 20th Anniversary
It is also worth noting that our own branch will reach its own anniversary having been in existence for 20 years. It is attended to mark the occasion in some way. The committee have agreed to investigate the options which include a weekend in Manchester for a game and a night out or possibly something a bit nearer to home such as a Dinner with a speaker and possibly guests from the club.
Any sensible suggestions will be considered.
Donation to Topsham United F.C.
As is the norm when facilities are made available to us free of charge to hold our meetings it is proposed that a donation is made to our hosts in recognition of their generosity. It was, therefore, suggested a donation of £50 be made to Topsham United F.C.
Proposed: Andy Foden
Seconded: Paul Cruickshank
Vote: Unanimous
AGM 2009
In order to avoid confusion over the date and venue for our annual meetings it was proposed that a fixed date be agreed so that members are aware every year and diaries and calendars can be filled accordingly.
After some discussion with regard to an appropriate time to allow bank statements to be received and accounts finalised it was agreed that in future all AGMs will be held on the first Saturday in July.
This means next years AGM will be held on Saturday 4th July at Torquay United F.C.
Additional Business
A discussion then took place with regard to how to promote the branch further especially with regard to the poor percentage of take up in membership in comparison to enquiries made (i.e. 2 from 20). It was decided that as well as receiving the usual membership package sent to all prospective new members they are also provided with a contact telephone number for someone in their locality with whom they can contact for a chat and, hopefully, make joining the branch a little less daunting. It is perhaps easy for long standing members to forget how overwhelming a single person joining a well established group can be.
This was deemed an excellent idea and will be encouraged.
It was also suggested if we become too successful in attracting members we may become too big. There were a number of opinions shared in this regard with Andy concluding by announcing that he had no intention of restricting the number of branch members as it was not intended for cliques to appear and this was the reason our AGMs were moved around the south west area to give everybody an opportunity to attend and have their say in how the branch is run.
All new members would be welcomed with open arms. It was suggested that the branch had been run very successfully for a number of years and there was no reason why this couldn’t continue if managed properly with regard to committing large sums of branch funds to ordering match tickets and coach hire if and when applicable.
Meeting closed: 2:50 p.m.
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