BLYTH SPARTANS MANAGEMENT MEETING 26th November 2007
Present: K Scott, I Evans, B Davison, S Ord, J Wilkinson & J Young
Apologies: A Platten
Part ; H Dunn & C Baxter.

** Prior to the normal meeting a discussion took place with H Dunn regarding team matters.
a) It was confirmed that we have not received an offer for S Bell, despite reports in the local newspaper. If any such offers were made they were to be discussed and agreed with the executive.
b) The financial situation regarding the reduced attendances was discussed. The problem being that the current wage budget was running slightly higher than that which was agreed but the funding in the shape of gate receipts was lower than budgeted. This will be reviewed again once tomorrow night’s outcome was known.
c) HD reported that he was encouraged by recent performances apart from the second half against Gainsborough. The second half performance proved to him the areas of the squad that still required improvements.
d) A discussion took place as to the executives concerns regarding the organisation and fitness of the squad. HD did not believe this was an issue and sited the trip to Stalybridge with extra time on a Thursday night, back late Friday AM and a win against Leigh the following day. It was confirmed by HD that there were agreed routines for both defending and attacking dead ball situations.
e) HD raised concerns regarding the time being taken to reach away destinations. After discussion it was not felt that much could be done. CB will discuss again with Priory.
f) A discussion took place with regards to “target” players.
g) IKE raised the situation regarding the actions of players in the lead up to Harrogate’s equaliser in the Setanta Shield. Would it not be possible to agree with the officials and opposition manager prior to any game that we will not put the ball out for “injured” players and would ask the opposing manager to “follow suite” thus leaving the referee to decide the outcome. Any resumption in play would be by way of a contested dropped ball. HD did not think this necessary and S Ord believed that match officials would not agree. HD has instructed players to ensure that the ball is played out.

1. Minutes of previous meeting.
a) The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

2. Matters arising and action points.
a) First estimates received for replacement glass washer seen to be too expensive. MT to keep looking.
b) Due to our re-play with Gainsborough S Ord will accompany K Scott to tomorrow evenings steering committee meeting with BVC
c) Thanks passed to JW for the successful golf night held last Friday. Through sponsorship and extra teams we did in fact make more than forecast.
d) IKE has held meetings with BVC, technical and streetcare departments. All repairs are in work, the most important being the heating system, which will be up, and running by Monday the 3rd of December.
e) IKE reported that the Supporters Day has been planned for Saturday the 26th of January. Advertising for the day will begin at our game on Boxing Day. He was awaiting a request to the supporters club regarding their participation in the event.
f) IKE reported that the launch of our “Play it Square” competition would take place in the social club on Thursday the 13th of December. Posters were up and a press release will be made next week.
g) After reviewing the disciplinary record at last weeks meeting IKE pointed out that P Snowdon’s yellow card against Southport means that he is suspended for our trip to Telford.
h) IKE confirmed that the BT Broadband was now fitted.

3. Correspondence.
a) BD has received confirmation regarding the Gangsters of Ska who are booked for the club on Friday the 22nd of February. A discussion took place regarding how to set up the club in order to maximise the attendance/tickets to sell. After discussion an initial 150 tickets will be produced by JW/BD
b) KS reported that we have received the completion notice from BVC regarding phase 2 ground improvements.
c) CB reported that we are invited to attend the AGM of NCFB 2004 (formally The Federation) As only one director can attend IKE will arrange to go.
d) IKE has been notified that Blue square now have a Blue Square Football website and have asked for contributions. IKE has spoken to both I Hertwick and P Castiaux.
e) NCC has confirmed that a grant has been made available to install the additional emergency pitch side gates and work will begin soon. This weekend KS will mark where gates will be and IKE will re-arrange the advertising boards where necessary.

4. A.O.B.
a) After discussion it was agreed that there will be no change to the issuing of complimentary match tickets. They will only be available to players (20 per match day) ground board advertisers (2 on payment of a years rental) press and scouts on written request.
b) KS asked CB to remind all travellers on the team bus that it was against the law to drink alcohol on the way to any sporting occasion.
c) JW will discuss the production of the “No Standing” and “Players & Officials Only” signs.
d) GY reported that no fewer than 12 clubs have had their Charter Standard removed by the NFA. Our club will be audited within the next 12 months and it was not felt that this would be a problem.
e) GY will be discussing with BS juniors exhibition matches prior to Saturday games at Croft Park with the offer of bucket collections at the gates.
f) IKE confirmed that the annual safety meeting with BVC/NCC/police/fire brigade/ambulance services had taken place with no major issues to report.
g) IKE will keep a record of BSFC input to PFS in order to evaluate our required contributions “in kind”

5. Next Meeting MONDAY 10th of DECEMBER @ 6 PM.