The latest meeting of the Fans Consultative Forum took place at Ashton Gate on September 21st and bcfc.co.uk brings supporters the minutes.

Chief executive Colin Sexstone hosted the meeting, which took place in the Premier Suite. Head of commercial Kerry Price was also in attendance.

CUP PRICES

Four years ago City, through Colin Sexstone, introduced discounts for season ticket holders for cup games and more recently friendly matches. This was very well received and was soon taken to be "the norm".

When the Manchester City draw came out there were two reasons why no discount was offered. 1) the board would not approve the proposal and 2) Manchester City wouldn't approve the proposal.

One FCF member said that he would have seen a discount as a symbolic gesture to season ticket holders for their support - which he claims has been lacking. Colin accepted the point and said he would put the proposal for discount to the board for the next cup match, but didn't know what their reaction would be.

Queuing was minimal during sales of Manchester City tickets and it was felt amongst the FCF that the attendance was good for a Carling Cup second round game.

The club was unable to sell tickets online to season ticket holders for the match due to their current system not running on a seat-specific basis.

The club expects to be able to do this from November onwards and it has only been a small problem between the bank and ticket provider that is holding up the process being implemented.

Around 9,000 tickets were sold to season ticket holders for the Manchester City game, but it was pointed out that season ticket holders had the option to purchase two tickets.

EAST END

The club has already made two statements regarding the East End (Micra Wedlock Stand) via its website.

For the foreseeable future the stand will be used as overflow, beyond the 242 fans who have season tickets in there.

DOLMAN STAND

The club has received some feedback from concerned fans about the Bristol Evening Post Dolman Stand and movement at recent games.

The Dolman Stand was the first 'goalpost' stand of its kind and it was designed to move.

During recent concerts, where fans tend to sway from side to side during songs, supports have been introduced in the stand to make it a little sturdier.

Colin says: "We had a leading Football League expert look at the stand a few years ago and he described it the best. When fans move in unison in that stand it can be like a big swing.

"There is some movement but it's meant to be like that, it was built like that. It is not about to fall down, as some people have been saying!"

The dust some fans has apparently seen "coming from the stand" is actually just from the dry track at the front of the stand, caused by fans running down when the team scores.

The new goal music also has a part to play with the recent concerns, as it entices fans to jump around together. Although the stand is not in danger of falling down, if there is continued concern from fans the club may consider changing the music.

STADIUM DEVELOPMENT

The plan is to start redevelopment of the Micra Wedlock Stand in the summer, with the final decision due by November.

At present the current stand can house around 3,700 to 3,800 fans during a football match, mainly due to segregation and fans' reluctance to use the back rows/corner seats.

The new stand will be a home end, with 5,300 fully usable seats, increasing the capacity by around 1,500. The stand will also incorporate hospitality boxes.

TRAINING GROUND

The club hopes to be able to make a statement soon but no contract has been signed yet.

TRANSPORT

The club is still working with the council regarding an improved rail service around the stadium, but no further progress can yet be reported.

AOB

One FCF member passed on thanks from fellow supporters to the board (for spending money in the summer) and Gary Johnson (for his continued success).

Another FCF member praised the new PA system.

Concern was raised about the late arrival back from the hospitality areas for the second half of matches. The club has a bell system in most areas to alert guests of the second half kick-off, although this will now be expanded to all hospitality areas.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place on Thursday, November 15th.