The latest meeting of the Fans Consultative Forum took place at Ashton Gate on August 2nd and bcfc.co.uk brings supporters the minutes.

Stadium managing director Doug Harman hosted the meeting, which took place in the Chairman's Lounge. Head of commercial Kerry Price and new matchday announcer David Lloyd were also in attendance.

FCF

Doug Harman began the meeting by restating the aims of the FCF.

He said: "The FCF is an opportunity for members to represent a broad cross-section of supporters, to raise questions with club officials on their behalf, on a regular basis.

"This covers a range of topics; shop and commercial, ticketing, stadium development plans, catering, etc - in other words FCF is a consumer forum.

"This is not forum to discuss football matters, expect for on the odds occasion when we invite Gary Johnson along."

SEASON TICKETS

Doug began by stating the Board's thinking behind the pricing of season tickets.

"We have to date sold over 9,200," said Doug. "I know some thought we should have debated prices with the FCF but for numerous reasons this was not possible.

"With promotion players' salaries and contracts have gone up. We have also recruited players of Championship quality and with that comes Championship fees and contracts. This costs money and we forecast the wage bill to double.

"Contrary to popular belief the majority of our income does not come from TV revenue, it comes from ticket revenue and season tickets.

"The board sat down with the requirement to balance the books and knew some tough decisions had to be made. The club has clearly made a step up it undertook research at a Championship level and pitched prices at an average level, resulting in a 30 per cent increase.

"Once the decision had been made we needed to get the prices out there to drive sales on the back of promotion, hence discussions with supporters groups were not possible. Had it been possible I believe the result would have been similar."

The main concern was a lack of early bird offer for existing season ticket holders, "a 20 per cent increase instead," said one member. Doug said a 20 per cent increase for a significant number of the support base would fail to generate the revenue needed.

Other concerns included: The lack of free entry for friendlies, City Foundation members having to pay more through Premium Credit - hence losing out on their discount, plus the late arrival of season ticket books.

Doug said that these comments had been received from other supporters directly and were duly noted.

He added that the season ticket books have now been sent out. Doug indicated there would be a full internal review of systems and procedures relating to season ticket dispatch to ensure significant improvements for next season.

One member asked whether Lee Trundle's signing had an effect on sales. Doug said that 120 sales had been registered since the signing, but this could be through varying reasons with poster, TV and postal advertising campaigns currently taking place.

Aston Villa's ticket prices are cheaper said one member. However it was pointed out that Villa, as a Premiership club, receive several tens of millions of pounds in TV revenue.

Another member asked whether a season ticket for night matches only could be made available. Doug said this was "a good idea" which would be "followed up".

PARKING/TRANSPORT

The first game against QPR coincides with the International Balloon Fiesta in Ashton. The Police have said they can cope with both events, which left the club with no opportunity to ask the Football League for an away game on August 11th.

Had the Police said, as they have in previous seasons, they could not cope with both events the club would have been able to have an away game on August 11th.

Parking around Ashton on August 11th is going to be "a nightmare" and the club has already released details of how best to cope with the situation via its website. Fans are asked to arrive as early as possible.

SMOKING POLICY

A Football League initiative means all 72 clubs' stadiums are NO SMOKING for 2007/08 onwards. Ashton Gate has to comply so smoking inside the stadium (as soon as fans come through the turnstiles) is no longer permitted.

BAD LANGUAGE

The FCF reported a differing opinion on stewarding reactions to bad language - some positive, some negative. The club's safety team will reiterate with stewards the need to stamp out persistent bad language during matches at Ashton Gate.

TRAINING GROUND

The club hopes to be in a position to announce details soon. "We are close, so watch this space," said Doug.

WEDLOCK STAND

The plan is to tear down the existing stand at the end of 2007/08 and build a new stand during 2008/09. The plan would see the new stand open from the start of 2009/10.

Full planning permission is in place to construct a stand, which includes boxes, retail/office units and a main stadium reception area, with a capacity for 5,500.

The plan is to go ahead with the new stand no matter what division City are playing in during 2008/09.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Two members complained about the season review DVD. One was unhappy with the content, the other wanted more music on it.

Music is a problem because of licences. The review did not show every game from the season to allow the extra time on the DVD for extra features such as Gary Johnson/Steve Lansdown interviews, every goal scored and the promotion tour footage.

David Lloyd explained some plans for the new season, utilizing the new PA system.

He said: "Fans will notice a big difference in the PA. It's like going from the Conference to the Premiership.

"We want to give a more professional presentation and from 2.25pm approximately we'll have a series of events taking place to entertain.

"It's a challenge because you can never please everyone, but after three to four games of settling in hopefully the fans will enjoy what we are trying to do."

He added: "We've got some exciting plans involving the Wurzels and a take on Sky's Crossbar Challenge. Watch this space!"

NEXT MEETING

To take place on Thursday, September 20th.