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I am a regular reader of some of the various online fans forums. It helps me get an idea of what supporters are concerned about, and I will occasionally make a posting to clarify something.
Some supporters ask me why I don't get more involved in some of those online debates, particularly as I was a regular poster on the One Team in Bristol forum before I started working at Ashton Gate.
The forums are great. They provide an outlet for fans to voice their opinion, their frustrations and their love and passion for all things City. But anyone who follows them will know that passionately-held views can sometimes get out of hand, and the last thing I want to do is to get sucked into online arguments with fellow fans. In order to ensure a positive and constructive conversation I'd much rather fans contacted me directly.
I can be emailed at david.lloyd@bcfc.co.uk. My direct dial phone number is 0117 963 0683. You can follow me on twitter at @dave_backwell. I chair meetings of the Fans Consultative Forum every six weeks as well as regular meeting with community groups in the local area.
I am always happy to meet any supporter, either individually or in a group, to discuss any aspect of the running of the club and any concerns you might have. If you see me on a matchday, come and say hello. If I am busy, I will always arrange a time when we can talk properly. My door is always open - though you might need to make an appointment.
Your views really matter to everyone at the club and I look forward to hearing from you.
Talking of ways in which we can increase communication with supporters, I have been working with Tim Shires on a brand new podcast which should be available as a free download on iTunes and also as an extra feature on Bristol City Player. Tim is a local DJ who joined the matchday team three years ago and is the other voice you hear over the PA at Ashton Gate. Working with our media team we've been able to secure unprecedented behind-the-scenes access at Ashton Gate. In the build up to each home game we'll be releasing an exclusive package of audio news and features for you to download and listen to at your leisure.
Available from this Thursday, you'll be able to listen to more than 20 minutes of exclusive content, which will include interviews with Guy Price and myself and an insight into transfer deadline day from former player Scott Murray and head of media Adam Baker. We'll also see how David James fares in what we hope will be a regular quiz feature: Brain of Bristol City.
We'd love fans to get involved with the podcast, which we aim to produce in the build up to each home game. If you've got any suggestions for features, drop me an e-mail or follow us on twitter: @bcfcpodcast.
It would be wrong for me not to mention of a special date this weekend, which sees the 30th anniversary of the day in which eight players tore up their contracts in order to help ensure the survival of Bristol City. Once again we acknowledge and thank Julian Marshall, Chris Garland, Jimmy Mann, Peter Aitken, Geoff Merrick, David Rodgers, Gerry Sweeney and Trevor Tainton, more famously known as the Ashton Gate 8, for their sacrifice.
We haven't always been as good as we could have been at acknowledging the contribution made by our former players, and we have plans to put that right. Watch out for news of a big upcoming matchday event where we hope to welcome not only the eight, but many other City legends, back to Ashton Gate.
Finally, while talking of club legends, our thoughts go out to the family of former physio Les Bardsley who passed away recently after a short illness. We also offer condolences to the friends and family of Arthur Potter who sadly died in hospital after being taken ill in the Williams Stand at the end of the game against Doncaster.
David Lloyd
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E-mail questions, requests and dedications for David to david.lloyd@bcfc.co.uk. Alternatively write to Ashton Gate Stadium, Ashton Road, Ashton, Bristol, BS3 2EJ.
