Sheffield Wednesday Steering Meeting

[asteener1867]

2 hours ago, Bearwood Owl1 said:

Here are my notes. I'm sure I didn't get everything, but it covers the main areas at least.

 

 

 

The meeting began with Mr Chansiri asking an open question of us all of what we thought the meeting was for. After a few brief replies he then spoke very passionately for nearly an hour. He wants the meeting to be a place where fans can come with ideas. He wants to engage and listen. He will answer questions on anything but wants the meeting to be reported fairly. If people have issues, then the meeting is the time to bring them, not outside on social media or elsewhere. He repeatedly talked about "you" as in the whole fanbase needing to support the club and what they are doing. He said that he respects the fans and wants our respect in return. DC said that he speaks from the heart. A point he made several times. He mentioned that fans had been messaging his children. He doesn't like criticism via social media – feels that criticisms should be brought to him via the meeting or email and that fans should otherwise support the club. He mentioned particular posts and people on social media who had upset him – including one person in the room. My notes at this stage say that the meeting was beginning to feel fractious here.

 

After the opening remarks there were some questions. One related to DC's management structure at SWFC. DC talked about how he has the final say, and that he has had to build trust in his employees but that he does not get fully involved in everything. Kits for examplewere Joe Palmer's area. DC says he is trying to teach his team the correct way of doing things. Before DC he felt that things were too relaxed at times. DC said that he does not want to sack anyone. He wants people who have worked for the club for a long time to stay working for the club. He wants Owls fans to be able to tender for work for the club where they have expertise – a recent ICT project was an example.

 

Corporate support was mentioned. DC was frustrated by corporate support – he feels that as they have the ability to pay more, they should. He only makes 10% margin on the boxes for example. More support from corporate supporters would help the club overall.

 

The kit was discussed at length. Some key points are that the club have learned lots from the process and next year will be much better. The 3rd kit is hopefully going to be launched in time for the Villa game. They have some deliveries of the yellow away kit, and hope to put it on sale within 2 weeks. Pulling production in-house was always risky, and was something that was agreed at previous meetings. DC says that he did speak to Adidas and others, but they were expensive, the profits would go elsewhere, they also have long lead times, and would have expected a 3 year deal. The 70% on last season's kit was in way of an apology to the fans for some of the problems. They are working on plans for next season's kit. DC did say that he would not completely rule out stripes! The price was again mentioned, which brought mention of FFP – the club needs income this season to avoid FFP. DC thanked fans who buy any merchandise, as it is one of the areas where the club do make money.

 

In a change to previous meetings DC did discuss some playing matters. He knows we have a large squad and would maybe like to release some players – but it's not easy. He has been influenced by fans into buying at least two players. One of these players he did not really want to buy as he felt the player might negatively affect the team dynamic. He also talked at length about the potential signing of another player from Barnsley at a similar time as Winnall, and why that fell through. A follow up question of who picks the players gave the response of Carlos asking for players in a certain position. A committee, other advisors and Carlos and his team then identify players. The club then negotiate transfers where possible. Doyen Sports are one of the advisors (but not the only one). DC makes final decisions on funding the deals. DC accepted that some of the deals that have been done were good, others not so, but contracts and other issues make it difficult to move players on. He also was happy with the size of the squad – and that some players are brought in simply as cover (although that is not advertised at the time!). DC then returned to the theme of support. He feels that fans should support and cheer the team and not boo. Players are human beings and need support. He feels that negativity from fans has affected the team and Carlos.

 

Stan then talked about changes to the ground. The SAG is now led by an Owl, so hope that they will continue to be more reasonable. Large flags are coming behind the goal soon for example. There will be work completed soon segregating the North Stand from the NW Corner with the aim of pulling some of the NW corner seats back into action. The current capacity is 34,285 and the club are looking to extend that further as time goes on. The kidzone is going to be restarted and developed soon (bean bags, computers etc). The Wednesday Ale is going well and new kiosks on the south are also a success. They club are looking at clearing some space at the bottom of the Kop which will allow more fans in and the possibility of selling 1,200 restricted view seats.

 

DC and JP talked about the 150th anniversary game and how they had tried very hard to get a prestige friendly. The cake was an attempt to get the SWFC name in the Guinness Book and therefore more widely known. The evening at Ponds Forge was generally acknowledged to be a success. They would have liked to have offered something in Hillsborough Park on similar lines, but couldn't get agreement from the council. TB felt that the 150th year is going well, and commented that it isn't finished yet – though there were no further details announced.

 

TB talked about the successes of the community programme who can now offer BTECs, Apprenticeships and Degrees. They are also developing international links. They also have a new(ish) website https://swfccp.co.uk/

 

A question was asked about George Hirst. DC did answer the question though it's probably best I don't share exactly what was said – other than it does seem that he won't be playing for us again as it stands, and that I can see the club's perspective very clearly on the matter. As part of that discussion it was said that Doyen Sport (one of SWFCs advisors) are an entirely separate entity to Doyen Global.

 

The Wednesdayite car park will be available until the end of the season (and maybe longer).

 

A question was asked about Carlos' future. DC is 100% supportive of Carlos (later upped to 200%!). This got a round of applause from many, but not all, in the room. A follow up question was about the length of Carlos' contract. DC's response was that the length of the contract is not important, what is important is what is in the heart. The aim is still promotion this year – and we are only 4 points behind last season. DC asked two rhetorical questions: If DC were to sack Carlos then A) Who would he bring in? And B) What if the new manager fails? DC spoke to around 20 managers/coaches before appointing Carlos. It may well be that any manager a fan thinks DC has already seen. DC did say though that as promotion is the aim this year (and every year) - he had not thought further ahead than that. DC had met with the players earlier that day and told them that he felt they lacked consistency, but that they are a good team. He also commented that Carlos and the team did know how important the Sheffield United game was despite comments online to the contrary.

 

Financial Fair Play (FFP) was mentioned several times. DC suggested that it will be difficult to keep within the rules this year, and very very difficult next year. He has put £150m into the club so far. There was some discussion about ticket prices and shirt prices to which DC made the point that he could reduce prices, but then he would need to sell players and play youngsters only. He could go back to how it used to be if we (the whole fanbase) preferred. The 1867 scheme was mentioned, which has only had a small uptake – DC has designed it to ascertain fan reaction. He didn't rule out sponsoring Hillsborough, but they are only allowed a fair market value within FFP – Derby get £600,000 per year for example.

 

DC returned to his points as the meeting neared its conclusion. He wants the fans to support the team. He said that his mindset is changing. He has always done what he thought was best for the fans as it is the fans' team. He is now beginning to think that he should do what is best for him and the club and that as the owner it is his team. I left at 11:15 just as DC was wrapping up with a further plea to the fans to please back the team.

Thanks for that mate....

Ive highlighted the two sentences cos its simply Adidas doing to Mr C..That he is doing to the corporate support isn't it?

The tat about not answering on social media , fair enough...but I don't expect him to address everything by email on a one on one session with  individual fans, all you need do is ignore the abuse, those fans who abuse him and his family are simply not worth the bandwidth, but its not hard to glean the major concerns and address them, they are all on here, and in general are put in a coherent and respectful way.

Pleas for fans to back the club?...I would respectfully suggest he looks at the history of Sheffield Wednesday fans and support, and the teams they have largely had the misfortune to watch, the Chairman who sued them, the Chairman who sold them down the river, the players who have stolen a living....then have a think about that particular statement.

He's been here 2 years...We have had these promises of jam tomorrow for nigh on 2 sodding decades....crowds of 27'000 tipping up/...?...What sort of backing does he mean...slavering subservience and silence?

[Bearwood Owl1]

8 minutes ago, asteener1867 said:

Thanks for that mate....

Ive highlighted the two sentences cos its simply Adidas doing to Mr C..That he is doing to the corporate support isn't it?

The tat about not answering on social media , fair enough...but I don't expect him to address everything by email on a one on one session with  individual fans, all you need do is ignore the abuse, those fans who abuse him and his family are simply not worth the bandwidth, but its not hard to glean the major concerns and address them, they are all on here, and in general are put in a coherent and respectful way.

Pleas for fans to back the club?...I would respectfully suggest he looks at the history of Sheffield Wednesday fans and support, and the teams they have largely had the misfortune to watch, the Chairman who sued them, the Chairman who sold them down the river, the players who have stolen a living....then have a think about that particular statement.

He's been here 2 years...We have had these promises of jam tomorrow for nigh on 2 sodding decades....crowds of 27'000 tipping up/...?...What sort of backing does he mean...slavering subservience and silence?

Backing the team I think was his specific point. He did say that any issues at the club are his responsibility (the buck stops with him I guess). I'm going to follow up with a few questions in an email/letter as he suggested. I sit in the grandstand with my lads, so not too much singing and chanting up there! Nevertheless, I'll do my best to support the team on Saturday. As for the Adidas/boxes thing I'm not a good enough businessman to judge!

[Lord Snooty]

17 minutes ago, asteener1867 said:

..We have had these promises of jam tomorrow for nigh on 2 sodding decades....crowds of 27'000 tipping up/...?...What sort of backing does he mean...slavering subservience and silence?

 

I'll bet it's thirty years since I had a Jam sandwich.

 

[Bearwood Owl1]

49 minutes ago, Lord Snooty said:

 

I'll bet it's thirty years since I had a Jam sandwich.

 

About 30 minutes for me!

[steelowl]

3 hours ago, Bearwood Owl1 said:

 

Corporate support was mentioned. DC was frustrated by corporate support – he feels that as they have the ability to pay more, they should. He only makes 10% margin on the boxes for example. More support from corporate supporters would help the club overall.

He said that his mindset is changing. He has always done what he thought was best for the fans as it is the fans' team. He is now beginning to think that he should do what is best for him and the club and that as the owner it is his team.

 

Thanks mate good write up worth the wait

re bolds

B*llsh*t

and both statements are true    except he is a transient custodial owner ..we are here for life 

[Mike Hunt]

150 m  !!!! 

 

Wowzer 

[@owlstalk]

 

Wonder how the 150 million breaks down

Be interesting to see where the money has been spent

I'm worried how much our chairman is spending 

[owls maniac]

5 minutes ago, hugeowl said:

150 m  !!!! 

 

Wowzer 

And Carlos still has us bored to tears and 15th in the second division. He has DC’s 100% backing though. 

[31Dec1966]

I don't understand the "10% margin on the boxes bit" at all.  At, say, £35000 a box they have each person paying £3500 for 23 games with a meal, programme, tea and a car parking place. The staff will be on around £8 an hour for about 6 hours.  How can the profit only be 10% ?  Alienating long standing well off fans was a huge mistake, these people had supported the club through the bad times and were always likely to sponsor a player and go to corporate events.

[steelowl]

11 minutes ago, 31Dec1966 said:

I don't understand the "10% margin on the boxes bit" at all.  At, say, £35000 a box they have each person paying £3500 for 23 games with a meal, programme, tea and a car parking place. The staff will be on around £8 an hour for about 6 hours.  How can the profit only be 10% ?  Alienating long standing well off fans was a huge mistake, these people had supported the club through the bad times and were always likely to sponsor a player and go to corporate events.

 said couple of posts up it's bullsh*t and I think MK suggested it's how they are accounting either that or the student staff are on £50 an hour and the caviar is disguised as chutney

[Guest Deleted member]

It just goes to show you what a massive loss these clubs were making last season 

 

Derby County - £26,500.00 for 10 people

 

·         Four course menu

·         Executive balcony match view padded seats

·         Premium reserved parking

·         Access to the suite three hours before kick-off and one hour after the final whistle

·         Dedicated member of waiting personnel

·         Complimentary teamsheet and matchday programme

·         Licensed betting facilities

·         Satellite LCD TV including live match feed

 

Forest - £21,000 for 8 people

 

- Champagne reception (served up to one-and-a-half hours before kick-off)

- Access to Munich and Madrid bars

- Two-course meal

- Eight seats in private executive box

- Forest legend as host

- Half-time interview with former player

- Matchday programme and teamsheet

- Two hospitality car parking spaces

- Betting facilities

 

Leeds Utd - £22,000 for 12 people

• Private Hospitality Box for up to 12 guests
• Three course choice menu
• Private balcony seating area 
• Padded match seats - including wheelchair position
• Dedicated waitress service throughout the day
• Matchday betting service provided directly to your Hospitality Box courtesy of Coral

 

Blackburn Rovers - £21500 for 10 people

 

Welcome Drink on Arrival 

Inside Viewing or Open Balcony (limited availability) 

One or Three-Course Menu 

Half-time Refreshments

Licensed Pay Bar

Betting Facilities

Match Programme & Team Sheet 

One Car Parking Space for every Four Guests

Dedicated Waiter/Waitress

 

 

Birmingham City - £10,500 for 10 people (doesnt inc food - but that is optional)

 

• Entertain between 10 to 20 guests in your own private facility
• Option to pre-order from our matchday menu with dedicated waiter/waitress service
• Birmingham City host on hand throughout the day
• TV screen within the box showing a live feed of the game and access to Satellite TV
• Matchday programme for each guest
• Access to the Alex Govan Bar throughout the day
• Opportunity to purchase food upon booking or on the day

 

Huddersfield Town - £7500 (doesnt inc food - but that is optional)

 

Executive box ownership also includes many other superb benefits, including:

• Padded seating at the front of your box on the outside balcony, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere
• Your very own en-suite facilities so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action!
• A 10’ advertising board below the external seats
• A door plaque featuring the name of your party or company
• Dedicated waitress and bar service
• Colour TV with terrestrial and satellite channels
• Use of your box for external meetings during the week
• Option to purchase food at an additional cost
• Priority on away tickets, delivered to your box

[@owlstalk]

Quote

 Padded seating at the front of your box on the outside balcony, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere

 

 

[steelowl]

5 minutes ago, Grandad said:

It just goes to show you what a massive loss these clubs were making last season 

 

Derby County - £26,500.00 for 10 people

 

·         Four course menu

·         Executive balcony match view padded seats

·         Premium reserved parking

·         Access to the suite three hours before kick-off and one hour after the final whistle

·         Dedicated member of waiting personnel

·         Complimentary teamsheet and matchday programme

·         Licensed betting facilities

·         Satellite LCD TV including live match feed

 

Forest - £21,000 for 8 people

 

- Champagne reception (served up to one-and-a-half hours before kick-off)

- Access to Munich and Madrid bars

- Two-course meal

- Eight seats in private executive box

- Forest legend as host

- Half-time interview with former player

- Matchday programme and teamsheet

- Two hospitality car parking spaces

- Betting facilities

 

Leeds Utd - £22,000 for 12 people

• Private Hospitality Box for up to 12 guests
• Three course choice menu
• Private balcony seating area 
• Padded match seats - including wheelchair position
• Dedicated waitress service throughout the day
• Matchday betting service provided directly to your Hospitality Box courtesy of Coral

 

Blackburn Rovers - £21500 for 10 people

 

Welcome Drink on Arrival 

Inside Viewing or Open Balcony (limited availability) 

One or Three-Course Menu 

Half-time Refreshments

Licensed Pay Bar

Betting Facilities

Match Programme & Team Sheet 

One Car Parking Space for every Four Guests

Dedicated Waiter/Waitress

 

 

Birmingham City - £10,500 for 10 people (doesnt inc food - but that is optional)

 

• Entertain between 10 to 20 guests in your own private facility
• Option to pre-order from our matchday menu with dedicated waiter/waitress service
• Birmingham City host on hand throughout the day
• TV screen within the box showing a live feed of the game and access to Satellite TV
• Matchday programme for each guest
• Access to the Alex Govan Bar throughout the day
• Opportunity to purchase food upon booking or on the day

 

Huddersfield Town - £7500 (doesnt inc food - but that is optional)

 

Executive box ownership also includes many other superb benefits, including:

• Padded seating at the front of your box on the outside balcony, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere
• Your very own en-suite facilities so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action!
• A 10’ advertising board below the external seats
• A door plaque featuring the name of your party or company
• Dedicated waitress and bar service
• Colour TV with terrestrial and satellite channels
• Use of your box for external meetings during the week
• Option to purchase food at an additional cost
• Priority on away tickets, delivered to your box

think that puts it in perspective 

however all these clubs are charities and these boxes are run as loss leaders  they must be right ?

[@owlstalk]

 

 

We need an emergency Steering Meeting calling by the fans for Wednesday morning

[Mr Farrell]

I'm sure the 30 who seal clapped the Chairman are still clapping.

[@owlstalk]

 

Looks like the steering meeting has had some bizarre results