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Birmingham City Fan's Forum minutes

11th January 2006



The inaugural Supporter Forum was held for the Supporter Representatives to meet the panel and inform the club of their views and concerns, in line with Premier League rules.


1. Perry Deakin welcomed the group and began by introducing the panel of club
representatives. He then ran through a short presentation, informing the group of the club’s vision and desire as how the panel will work with Supporters for future meetings. It was confirmed that the representatives would be invited to attend quarterly meetings at St Andrews.

2. Superstore

The quality of the current 05/06 season kit was raised, with supporters feeling the shirts were of a poor standard. Jo Raynes and Perry both informed the panel that the club has received positive feedback in relation to the current kit, and that Jo had only had 20 shirts returned to the superstore, of which 18 of those, having been tested were confirmed to have been washed at an incorrect temperature.

It was confirmed that the 2006/07 was already in the early stages of production and would be available to purchase June 06.

Samples of shirt designs are to be sent to the club within a couple of weeks, supporter panel to be invited to view three styles.


E-mail confirmation of date of kit viewing to be sent to the panel.

3. Safety Issues

The panel felt that there should be representation at future meeting’s from West Midland’s Police, who would be able to answer questions in more detail.

The panel raised the question of 12 noon/ early kick off’s and why Birmingham City FC seem to have so many. Brian informed the group that this decision is made by WM Police.

The selling of bottled beer was raised; supporters felt that this would be more cost effective and beneficial for catering to provide this as opposed to pints. Both Nino and Brian confirmed that the club was not in a position to sell this due to safety issue’s however this matter would be raised at the next Safety Advisory Group meeting which consists of representation from WM Police, WM Fire Service and the Local Authority.

A discussion took place on the parking of cars on match day’s in St Andrews Street. Brian confirmed that the club has recently paid for double yellow lines to be put along this road; however Disabled supporters were now using this road to park. Brian also confirmed that the issue of the lack street lighting within St Andrew’s Street was currently being looked at.

West Midlands Police to be invited to attend future meetings


4. Stadium Management / Maintenance Matters

Why are there no TV’s in the concourse area’s of the Olympic Gallery? Matt confirmed that 14 TV’s had been stolen within this area on two occasions and therefore there were no plans to install further TV’s.

5. Commercial Matters

The panel felt that there was an apparent lack of atmosphere this season, and the new stadium announcer was not popular.
Perry confirmed that Darren Porter had recently taken over as the Stadium Announcer and informed the group that it does take time in order to learn a new job. Perry also confirmed that the matchday music has reverted as an attempt to assist with pre match atmosphere.

Why do the club charge supporters pay £52.50 for the Away Travel Club?
Perry confirmed that demand was extremely high when the scheme was first introduced and confirmed that this will be looked at for next season.
The £1 handling charged was raised and why this applies. The panel was informed that this applies as any booking fee does when tickets are purchased for all types of entertainment and will remain in place.

6. Ticketing

Clarification on the date in which tickets go on sale was requested as people were under the impression that tickets were to be sold some 6 weeks in advance, but that this had not happened at the Liverpool/West Ham games. Rachel confirmed that this was due to both Liverpool and West Ham has been slow in confirming their requirements with us.

Are there any plans to implement an electronic entrance system at turnstiles. It was confirmed that there is a huge expense for this scheme and until the decision on a new stadium has been made it would not be looked at.

The panel felt that the cost of season tickets for the current season was too high and that there were no real added benefits to becoming a season ticket holder?

Perry confirmed that the club was fully aware of supporter’s feelings in relation to this matter and that a package with added benefits was being looked at for the 06/07 season.

7. Catering

Nino confirmed that Lindley Catering had recently taken over the stadium catering and also confirmed that he was looking at recruiting new staff for the concourse areas.

Problems with the speed of service are currently being addressed.
posted by kwacky at 11:23 am