Stoke City – New Supporters Council – Q&A text
For those of you who may have missed the recent webchats on the Official Stoke City web site (www.stokecityfc.com) with Question and Answer sessions on The Stoke City Supporters’ Council there are copies of the text below:-
Supporters Council Q&A – Part One
11:05
stokecityfc.com: Welcome to stokecityfc.com for our live Q&A for the new Stoke City Supporters’ Council
11:05
Comment From Serene
Who will play goalie for todays game?
11:06
stokecityfc.com: It depends who the manager picks?
11:07
11:09
Comment From Paul
I may well have missed this is in the press release but what is the timescale whereupon this council would hold it’s first meeting and will their be any permanent members (e.g from the club etc)?
11:12
stokecityfc.com: The first meeting will take place before the Wolves game. Regarding Club members, the Chief Executive has stated that he will attend all meetings and I would imaginge both the PR Consultant Steve Buxton and Head of Community Adrian Hurst will attend and where appropriate any other senior members of the management team.
11:19
Comment From Jonathan
If I applied when do I have to send my video to you?
11:24
stokecityfc.com: Originally the plan was to wait until all applications had come into the club then film everybody over a week at the stadium. However we may review this due to the response that we have had. So you would come to the stadium and the filming would be done by us.
11:25
Comment From Glyn
Are the club looking to expand the capacity of the stadium in the near future?
11:27
stokecityfc.com: Glyn – you have read the Chairmans thoughts on this and I am sure its is being given due consideration.
11:30
Comment From James
How Old Do You Have To Be So You Can Be On Council
11:34
stokecityfc.com: James – Generally we expect most people to be over 18, unless standing in the under 18 categories. However if any member under 18 wishing to stand can do so if they are eligible.
11:34
Comment From Paul
Has there been a quantifiable response to date?
11:35
stokecityfc.com: Paul – yes
11:35
Comment From Emily
Will the supporters council be able to make recommendations to the club regarding ticket allocation to important games?
11:39
stokecityfc.com: Emily – recommendations will be welcomed from the supporters council regarding matters like this, but there are several key factors to consider
11:44
Comment From Angela Smith
How’s it going? I hope that fans will see this as an opportunity to get involved in the future of the club
11:46
stokecityfc.com: Well thank you! You are right its a great opportunity to get involved.
11:49
stokecityfc.com: Paul – the last couple of days have seen a large amount of telephone calls regarding the supporters council.
11:55
Comment From Guest
Not sure who is answering these questions, but gareth and I (we have been involved with setting up the council) are happy to answer q’s on Oatcake if needed
11:59
stokecityfc.com: We have this official Q&A today until 1 and again on Thursday from 4-7pm. If you have any questions we would encourage you to ask us during these sessions.
12:11
Comment From bjorn
as a member of the norwegian supporters club will we have a place?
12:15
stokecityfc.com: Any supporters club or branch who wish to adhere to the terms and conditions to operate as a recognised supporters club or branch with over 200 members will have an automatic place on the council.
12:18
stokecityfc.com: Paul – I personally have taken over 30 telephone calls. A colleague has taken a similar amount and through the information email we have had several enquiries.
12:18
Comment From Paul
If I can’t get a straight answer to my question at this stage it doesn’t bode well for the future. How many telephone enquiries and how many by other means. I am not looking for exact numbers but “yes” is not a quantity!
12:20
Comment From bjorn
will we be able to pick our own representative?
12:26
stokecityfc.com: bjorn – as a supporters club or branch you will nominate your own representative to the supporters council. It can be be any member you choose, but this person will be the communication link to the supporters council from your supporter club or branch.
12:26
Comment From Paul
Thanks for that. Will the council be allowed to raise issues directly with external organisations (e.g Local council, UEFA etc)?
12:34
stokecityfc.com: Paul – Thats a good question. The Supporters Council will not be able to represent Stoke City Football Club. Any individual or group is able to make representation to any third party should they wish.
12:36
stokecityfc.com: Supporters Council questions only please!
Get your application filled in and make Oatcakes part of your first manifesto 🙂
12:37
Comment From Guest
when will the club start selling the fantastic north staffs oakcake at the club on match days. I love the pies but miss the oatcake
12:38
Comment From tony myatt
im a platinum plus member why have people been given priorty tickets because they have booked the valencia trip with stoke some people can book that tripand not of been a game all season
12:43
stokecityfc.com: Tony – Sorry I am not able to answer this question for you. The Commerical department will be able to answer your question. Their contact details are matchday@stokecityfc.com.
12:45
Comment From Clive
What’s happened to the traditional bacon and cheese oakcake via the in ground catering. I love the pies but miss the potteries traditional meal deal!
12:46
stokecityfc.com: All this talk of food is making me feel hungry !
12:46
Comment From Clive
where do I find application?
12:47
stokecityfc.com: All the information regarding the application process for the Supporters Council can be found at: http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/SupportersCouncil/0,,10310~2580260,00.html
12:49
Comment From Paul
Why have we only been allocated only 2,300 tickets at Valencia; when under UEFA regulations we are entitled to 2,750 (5% of 55,000) plus 200 VIP tickets?
12:53
stokecityfc.com: Paul – We have had the same amount of tickets as previous English clubs had been allocated (Manchester United & Chelsea). I can assure you we have requested more tickets on several occasions, but as of yet our requests have been unsuccessful.
12:56
stokecityfc.com: Anymore supporter council questions?
12:57
Comment From MICK
IF I STAND FOR ELECTION HOW WILL PEOPLE VOTE FOR ME
13:03
stokecityfc.com: Mick – I look forward to seeing standing as the voting system is simple. The same software (questback) which you will need to complete to be a candidate will be made a available to vote for you favourite candidate. An example of what it would look like is the current Stanley Matthews story on the website. http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2583455,00.html
13:03
Comment From Stu
ANYONE WHO SHOUTS GETS MY VOTE MICK!!
13:04
stokecityfc.com: Stu, lets see what is campaign looks like:)
13:07
stokecityfc.com: Thanks for all your questions we now have to get ready for this afternnons Premier League fixture Stoke City v WBA. Remember we are back Thursday afternoon 4-7pm.
Supporters Council Q&A – Part Two
Thursday January 26, 2012
15:56
stokecityfc.com: Welcome to stokecityfc.com for the second Stoke City Supporters Council Q&A session
15:56
stokecityfc.com: Any supporters wishing to ask a question relating to the Supporters Council can do so below
16:06
Comment From Rob
Hello, I submitted my application for nomination online at the weekend, just wondering if I will get n email confirmation of my application as I’ve heard nothing as yet
16:10
stokecityfc.com: Rob
Originally we were going to wait until the end of the nomination period before contacting candidates. However somebody from the Club should be in contact with you next week.
16:11
stokecityfc.com: Clive can we keep the topic of supporters council please.
16:13
Comment From James
What is the youtube link to view the videos?
16:13
stokecityfc.com: James this is the link that you are after http://www.youtube.com/user/SCFCSupporterCouncil/
16:14
Comment From Chris
When will we be able to vote for our chosen candidates?
16:15
stokecityfc.com: Chris – Voting starts on the 1st March
16:17
Comment From Jim
When will the candidates videos be uploaded?
16:20
stokecityfc.com: We are hopeful to load the first batch of candidates some time in the next week or so. Or as soon as we can get the first group of candidates filmed
16:20
Comment From TPs Cap
has there been much interest from people to become councillors? How many have applied so far?
16:21
stokecityfc.com: We have had significant number of enquires and several people had already put themselves forward.
16:24
Comment From Josh
It’s great we have a supporters council going. So, what advantages will this give to the club and supporters, and, are you open to ideas from members of the public not in the Council?
16:25
stokecityfc.com: Josh – The published terms of reference for the supporters council is listed below.
Purpose and Terms of Reference
• The Council is established to facilitate dialogue between the Club and its supporters on matters of mutual interest. The Council can discuss any such matter placed on its agenda by a member or the Club, but excluding individual issues or disputes, except that general issues arising out of such matters may be discussed. The Club may use the Council as a sounding-board for significant new ideas before they are implemented.
• The Council is a consultative body and, as such, cannot take decisions which are binding on the Club. Where appropriate a “straw poll” of the views of the supporter representatives on the Council may be taken to inform the debate and assist the Club in its consideration of issues.
• All supporters on the Council will be democratically elected by a constituency of supporters.
16:27
Comment From tony myatt
why hasnt my question been answerd plz
16:27
stokecityfc.com: Tony – We are here to answer questions on the supporters council
16:28
Comment From Steve
Do you have to do a video?
16:30
stokecityfc.com: Steve – Yes all candidates will be asked to record a video because we believe that a position on the council will be a public facing role to some degree.
16:31
Comment From TPs Cap
A lot is expected from supporters in terms of commitment to the council as pointed out by the former chair of the fans forum, will the councillor’s get any reward from the club in return or is it expected to be an unpaid role?
16:32
stokecityfc.com: It is an unpaid role.
16:32
Comment From James
several = 2? are you disappointed with the response so far/
16:33
stokecityfc.com: No we are not unhappy with the response.
16:34
Comment From jason
how many candidates is there
16:35
stokecityfc.com: Following the launch of this story the initial response has been very positive.
16:36
Comment From TPs Cap
Are you disappointed that the Tony Scholes video on the link above has only had 113 views?
16:37
stokecityfc.com: No
16:40
Comment From BenH
Will the supporters club be able to influence such club decisions as the team kit? Especially with the club s 150th anniversary approaching?
16:43
stokecityfc.com: Ben – please find the link to the website which provide the terms of reference of the supporters council. http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/SupportersCouncil/0,,10310~2580260,00.html
16:44
Comment From TPs Cap
Could the council look at things like the poor mobile phone reception at the Britannia and why some phones lose internet access as they enter the ground?
16:45
stokecityfc.com: TPs Cap – I see no reason why not.
16:47
Comment From Dan
Whats the difference between this and the fans forun
16:51
stokecityfc.com: Dan – the main difference is that the supporters council will be a democratic elected body.
16:53
Comment From Guest
will supporters get a say or just give suggestions on things like who we would prefer upfront or in goal or something and if not what does the council do?
16:54
stokecityfc.com: Guest – I would refer you to a previous answer that we gave Ben. http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/SupportersCouncil/0,,10310~2580260,00.html
16:56
Comment From DB
Do the club really believe that the Supporters’ Council will influence any major change? Many fans have absolutely no confidence in this council having any effect whatsoever.
17:01
stokecityfc.com: The supporters council is being established to enhance dialogue between the club and its fans on matters of mutual interest. The achievements of the council will be there for all to see… in the future
17:01
Comment From OCLions
Will the CEO be in attendance at council meetings?
17:02
stokecityfc.com: OCLions
Tony Scholes has confirmed that he will attend the supporter council meetings
17:03
Comment From Dan
How many people are you looking at to be on the council, Could it be a case whereby there aren’t enough candidates to fill the amount of spaces and therfore there will be no need for a voting system
17:05
stokecityfc.com: Details on the election and places/ seats available are on the website. http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/SupportersCouncil/0,,10310~2589263,00.html
It might be the case that one person stands for a certain seat.
17:06
Comment From Steve
How will reps interact with the fans in their section? Will they have a yellow vest on or sit at a table on the concourse so we know who they are?
17:08
stokecityfc.com: I would like to suggest that they will interact with there fans on a number of different levels that could include match days, social media or any other way they might decide. I guess my question would be how would you want them to interact?
17:09
Comment From Tubes
will Tony Scholes be present at meetings?
17:09
stokecityfc.com: Yes
17:10
Comment From z
Do you have any specific issues you would like the council to deal with? Maybe better communication with fans, for example?
17:13
stokecityfc.com: I am sure that there will be many topics that will require supporters council and club discussions.
17:14
Comment From janet
I would hope that supporters wishing to make a comment or suggestion would be able to do this via email to a secure area of the SCFC website. Some face to face meetings may also be useful
17:15
stokecityfc.com: Janet – Should the supporters council have there own website?
17:16
Comment From Jake
Will it be okay for me to bring along my pet dog Rusty to the filming session about candidacy as I will have no-one to look after him?
17:16
stokecityfc.com: Jake – How will you attend the meetings then?
17:17
Comment From janet
I would also hope that supporters who wish to be considered as council members, will give some ideas of what issues are important to them. A website for this forum is a good idea – ideally with a link from SCFC
17:18
stokecityfc.com: Janet – This is something that we can look at.
17:19
Comment From Runar K
How can Stoke City Supporters Club of Noray apply for a direct representation, I think we are qualified
17:23
stokecityfc.com: Runar K – If the SCSC of Norway fulfill this criteria then they will be entitled to a place on the Council.
Any democratically constructed supporter organisation which can demonstrate it has 200 + members will be entitled to appoint a member to the council. Such groups must have democratically-elected officers/committee and give its members the chance to meet to discuss club issues at least 3 times a year.
17:26
Comment From Tubes
agree with Janet – the only way to have a forum truly representative of the larger body of fans is to have candidates publish a manifesto of sorts so fans can select those who they feel would best represent their views.
17:27
Comment From Runar K
Yes, I know. But I ask about how we apply, or join in. We fulfill all the criteria. But will we be invited, do we send in a formula or by email? Bec direct repr will nor be elected, right?
17:31
stokecityfc.com: Runar – I would suggest contacting Adrian Hurst or Steve Buxton at the Club as they will be able to talk you through the process.
17:32
Comment From barry
will Tony Scholes be present at meetings?
17:32
stokecityfc.com: Yes he will.
17:35
Comment From Runar K
Thanks. We know Mr Buxton, we’ll take it from there. Keep up the good work.
17:35
Comment From shaun
how do i apply
17:36
stokecityfc.com: Shaun – All the information is on the website. If you have any further questions. I am listening.
17:40
Comment From neil
will the council be included in any ground improvments plans? eg filling in the corners
17:43
stokecityfc.com: The Council will have the opportunity to discuss many topics with the Club. Some of these topics will be driven by supporters through their Council members.
17:44
Comment From Rob
Wil the supporters council actually be getting a say in what goes on throghout the club? Or will they just be general meetings in a way to appease supporters?
17:45
stokecityfc.com: Rob – The Council will have the opportunity to discuss many topics with the Club. Some of these topics will be driven by supporters through their Council members.
17:46
Comment From janet
Looking at the comment from Tubes at 17-26, it may be worth having a council member who is willing to liaise with all or some of our overseas supporters clubs. They may have a different perspective on club matters and also be able to provide good links if needed when we play abroad e.g. in Valencia
17:48
stokecityfc.com: Janet – Any supporter branch who has 200 members will be entitled for direct representation to the supporters council. Regarding overseas we plan to announce the meetings at the start of the season so should they wish to attend they can schedule the meeting into a visit.
17:48
Comment From TPs Cap
Is The CEO involved in this web chat? Who at the club is answering these questions, is it Steve and Adrian?
17:49
stokecityfc.com: Tony was involved earlier. Adrian and Steve are still here.
17:50
Comment From Status Quo
The Official Site said the club “may” take supporters views into consideration. That would suggest that they will not always count, if so under what circumstances would the club NOT take fans views into account ???
17:53
stokecityfc.com: Any question can be asked or any point can be raised. The purpose of the supporters council is to have an effective mechanism to communicate between the Club and supporters.
17:54
Comment From TPs Cap
How many council members will sit at each meeting when the full quota is achieved? Will it be 8 plus all representatives of Any democratically constructed supporter organisation? Will there be an upper limit on numbers?
17:56
stokecityfc.com: TP –
Each of the following categories will be entitled to one seat elected from the electorate within that category.
* 1x Registered Disabled supporter
* 2x Season Ticket holders sitting in the family area, one of whom must be aged under 18
* 1x Corporate member
* 1x Season Ticket holder in the Q-railing Stand Upper Tier
* 1x Season Ticket holder in the Q-railing Stand Lower Tier
* 1x Season Ticket holder in the Boothen End
* 1x Season Ticket holder in the Seddon Stand other than the family area
* 1x Season Ticket holder in the South Stand
* 1x Season Ticket holder, must be aged under 18
Plus eight general seats. Plus several direct represenation seats
17:57
Comment From TPs Cap
Sorry for so many q’s, when will the meetings be scheduled for? This is important to me as I would like to ensure that I can attend meetings before committing to be a candidate
17:58
stokecityfc.com: TP – The Council will meet a minimum of three times a season. It will normally meet on a Saturday matchday morning from, 11.00am to 1.00pm. The Club will ensure appropriate Board/Senior management representation from the relevant sections (ticketing, stewarding, membership etc), who could speak with authority. The Club will provide a buffet at the meeting.
Shall we be seeing you?
17:59
Comment From Adolf
Out of respect for our best player I believe we should play the german national anthem before our home tie against Valencia, Robert Huth deserves some recognition. If Crouch is regarded as a “Rolls Royce” then surely that makes Huth our “Bugatti Veyron”.
18:00
stokecityfc.com: Come on its taking to long to read all your questions lets keep it supporter council focused.
18:04
Comment From TPs Cap
You could be seeing me, unless I get a dog named Rusty 🙂
18:04
Comment From TPs Cap
It could be a fair sized meeting then, 18 members plus several direct representative seats. Possibly upwards of 40 people?
18:06
stokecityfc.com: It could more than 40, this will be dependant on the amount of supporter club branches with over 200 members.
18:08
Comment From TPs Cap
Can you remind me of who is entitled to a “general” seat? Is that for non season ticket holders?
18:09
stokecityfc.com: TP – There will be eight general seats elected from an electorate comprising all Season Ticket holders and members. Season Ticket holders and members will be eligible to stand in this category.
The candidates with the most votes will be elected, subject to at least one being a Member but not a Season Ticket holder. In the event of any election resulting in all the seats in this category being filled by Season Ticket holders, the candidate elected with the lowest number of votes will be replaced by the Member with highest number of votes from among the unsuccessful candidates.
18:12
Comment From TPs Cap
How do the club anticipate dealing with supporters that aren’t pc literate? Will there be a budget to have things like flyers printed to assist communications from council members?
18:13
stokecityfc.com: I can confirm that the Club will provide sufficient resources to enable the supporters council to function.
18:27
stokecityfc.com: The supporters council will be established by then. So I am sure members of the supporter council will want to discuss this.
18:27
Comment From BILL
Would you anticipate the Supporters Council having involvement in the 150th year celebrations with regards to which ways the club commemorate it? I’m sure there would be lots of ideas
18:29
Comment From TPs Cap
What is a member? Is it someone who has paid for one of the membership schemes? Do Foundation members qualify if that is the case? Is there any provision for supporters that attend games by paying for tickets on a match by match basis?
18:32
stokecityfc.com: In the current make up of the supporters council has no provision for a non member, however the supporters council may decided to review this.
18:33
Comment From janet
Apologies if this is on the SCFC website – are the comments from saturday available for viewing?
18:34
stokecityfc.com: Janet – All of Saturday’s question are available at the link below. http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/SupportersCouncil/0,,10310~2581240,00.html
18:48
Comment From Paul
Will the council be allowed to appoint a smaller team to look into specific issue (e.g Ground improvements or car parking) and report back to the council?
18:49
stokecityfc.com: I see no reason why they would not, but that would be for the supporters council to decide.
18:58
stokecityfc.com: Many thanks for your questions. We look forward to lots of applications. Good night