“City Matters” fan committee

[willipp]

Congratulations on those elected. One question, what is the aim of 'City Matters'? Is it a genuine attempt by the club to engage with supporter groups, listen to what they have to say and potentially implement things to action it? Or, do people feel it will just be a smoke screen to be seen to be doing something yet nothing changes?

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

Congratulations on those elected. One question, what is the aim of 'City Matters'? Is it a genuine attempt by the club to engage with supporter groups, listen to what they have to say and potentially implement things to action it? Or, do people feel it will just be a smoke screen to be seen to be doing something yet nothing changes?

That's the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Is it just a box-ticking exercise so they can say to the PL & the Parliamentary Football Expert Working Group (both of who require clubs to have "regular structured engagement" with their fans) that they've done it? In the FEWG's last annual report only us & Southampton didn't have something that would tick that box. We may take the piss out of Liverpool but they've been doing this for a while now and have just split their single committee into 5 working groups covering different topics. That, to me, is taking it seriously.

When they rang me to discuss my candidacy I asked who would be leading this from the club as I wanted to make sure that it was a decision maker, not just someone who would simply listen to us, report back to senior management then tell us at the next meeting why they couldn't do it, as generally happened at Points of Blue. So when I was told it would be Omar Berrada I was happy about that as he's the guy who runs City on a day-to-day basis. Liverpool, Chelsea & United all send their senior people to these meetings and I'd be very disappointed if we didn't do that.

The only way we'll know is when we actually get started and you'll be in no doubt what my thoughts and feelings are on their commitment when that happens. I'm pleased that's it's seemingly very inclusive, so we'll get a range of views. but I'd have liked a few more people in the seasoncard category, one for each stand preferably.

 

[willipp]

That's the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Is it just a box-ticking exercise so they can say to the PL & the Parliamentary Football Expert Working Group (both of who require clubs to have "regular structured engagement" with their fans) that they've done it? In the FEWG's last annual report only us & Southampton didn't have something that would tick that box. We may take the piss out of Liverpool but they've been doing this for a while now and have just split their single committee into 5 working groups covering different topics. That, to me, is taking it seriously.

When they rang me to discuss my candidacy I asked who would be leading this from the club as I wanted to make sure that it was a decision maker, not just someone who would simply listen to us, report back to senior management then tell us at the next meeting why they couldn't do it, as generally happened at Points of Blue. So when I was told it would be Omar Berrada I was happy about that as he's the guy who runs City on a day-to-day basis. Liverpool, Chelsea & United all send their senior people to these meetings and I'd be very disappointed if we didn't do that.

The only way we'll know is when we actually get started and you'll be in no doubt what my thoughts and feelings are on their commitment when that happens. I'm pleased that's it's seemingly very inclusive, so we'll get a range of views. but I'd have liked a few more people in the seasoncard category, one for each stand preferably.

Thanks PB, positive by the club that its someone representing that actually has the influence to implement changes. Looking forward to seeing how it goes. Good luck.

 

[Adam Purdue]

That's the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Is it just a box-ticking exercise so they can say to the PL & the Parliamentary Football Expert Working Group (both of who require clubs to have "regular structured engagement" with their fans) that they've done it? In the FEWG's last annual report only us & Southampton didn't have something that would tick that box. We may take the piss out of Liverpool but they've been doing this for a while now and have just split their single committee into 5 working groups covering different topics. That, to me, is taking it seriously.

When they rang me to discuss my candidacy I asked who would be leading this from the club as I wanted to make sure that it was a decision maker, not just someone who would simply listen to us, report back to senior management then tell us at the next meeting why they couldn't do it, as generally happened at Points of Blue. So when I was told it would be Omar Berrada I was happy about that as he's the guy who runs City on a day-to-day basis. Liverpool, Chelsea & United all send their senior people to these meetings and I'd be very disappointed if we didn't do that.

The only way we'll know is when we actually get started and you'll be in no doubt what my thoughts and feelings are on their commitment when that happens. I'm pleased that's it's seemingly very inclusive, so we'll get a range of views. but I'd have liked a few more people in the seasoncard category, one for each stand preferably.

Nobody rang me to me discuss my candidacy and all emails I sent went unanswered so I am still not sure how well-meaning the whole thing is, but you have to go into it with a positive attitude

 

[Adam Purdue]

Nobody rang me to me discuss my candidacy and all emails I sent went unanswered so I am still not sure how well-meaning the whole thing is, but you have to go into it with a positive attitude

As for seasoncard holders I'm sure there'll be multiple card holders among the group. I also thought there was supposed to be a local resident rep?

 

[sweenyuk]

If they want people in the ground early then show the earlier game like a lot of clubs do. I don't know if it was down to a cost saving, or just trying to promote the shite on in city square, but it is an obvious improvement to show live footy.

I reckon it is a way to show the club have 'consulted' when they make unpopular changes, and then stitch everyone up with an excuse. The Cityzens guy was never heard of after he was appointed, and with the categories chosen it looks like a very political exercise this time.

The cityzens guy has left the club and now works in the world of cycling

 

[sweenyuk]

Seems some Bluemooners have been elected as representatives to the new City Matters committee. These guys will meet with the club once a quarter to address any concerns in the fanbase.

I know Colin Savage, who was elected to represent seasoncard holders, and Mark Barber who represents disabled fans are two regulars here though I can't recall Mark's username.

So what I'm basically saying here is if you're unhappy with something at City then PMing them two is a way to get your voice heard.

Think we should sign Messi? PM @Prestwich_Blue. He'll pass it on. Don't think we should sign Messi? PM @Prestwich_Blue so he can let them know. Not sure on whether we should sign Messi? PM @Prestwich_Blue so he can hear your voice.

Basically, Mark and Colin are now personally responsible for your bad or good "match day experience" and I know that both will be eager to hear your complaints. Enjoy lads!

I am Mark.. My user name being a rather sad play on my surname, deliberately misspelt as Sweeney is over used online so not available on many forums and the UK added for identification on international forums I use it on. Maybe time to change it.. But this is me, Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber about to kick ass on the city matters forum...

 

[inchy14]

I agree and have said so before a number of times. They'd seemingly rather have 40k paying £50 a ticket than 50k paying £39 a ticket.

@Prestwich_Blue can you also ask why i'm having to sit in a seat in 326 surrounded by away fans in CL games? In nearly kicked off last night as they can't just be quiet, and i'd probably be the same, however it isn't one or 2 it's fucking loads of them!

I asked a steward last night how they're getting tickets and he didn't know but did say imagine how they all feel as they'll be the ones stuck in the middle of the eventual trouble which will occur at some point.
When you add that to fans not getting in due to tickets not working, fans nearly missing out because they've lost card details (this happened with my lad for last nights game, they said his card had been declined in an email to me, on ringing them and pointing out all his tickets are paid on my card and they'd taken my money they sorted it) it's becoming no wonder that attendances are low for cup games as people can't be arsed with the hassle.

It's supposed to be an enjoyable experience going to a game, regardless of the result and it's becoming anything but.

 

[Bluep*ss]

@Prestwich_Blue can you also ask why i'm having to sit in a seat in 326 surrounded by away fans in CL games? In nearly kicked off last night as they can't just be quiet, and i'd probably be the same, however it isn't one or 2 it's fucking loads of them!

I asked a steward last night how they're getting tickets and he didn't know but did say imagine how they all feel as they'll be the ones stuck in the middle of the eventual trouble which will occur at some point.
When you add that to fans not getting in due to tickets not working, fans nearly missing out because they've lost card details (this happened with my lad for last nights game, they said his card had been declined in an email to me, on ringing them and pointing out all his tickets are paid on my card and they'd taken my money they sorted it) it's becoming no wonder that attendances are low for cup games as people can't be arsed with the hassle.

It's supposed to be an enjoyable experience going to a game, regardless of the result and it's becoming anything but.

This 100%............

 

[Ducado]

Can you mention about the smoking in the bogs at half time (pulls pin out of grenade and runs)

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

youve got to push the club on why they keep so many tickets back for corporates/tourists. i couldnt buy two tickets together last night in level one as it was apparently sold out, only to get there and theres loads of empty seats. its the same in the league. the games apparently sold out yet theres rows of empty seats in the family stand and elsewhere. that I'm guessing are held back for sponsors and the like. its getting ridiculous. when it was the north stand we never had this problem.

you'd think level one in the most visible place they would want it full..

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

youve got to push the club on why they keep so many tickets back for corporates/tourists. i couldnt buy two tickets together last night in level one as it was apparently sold out, only to get there and theres loads of empty seats. its the same in the league. the games apparently sold out yet theres rows of empty seats in the family stand and elsewhere. that I'm guessing are held back for sponsors and the like. its getting ridiculous. when it was the north stand we never had this problem.

you'd think level one in the most visible place they would want it full..

That’s definitely going to get mentioned.

I have this vision that the club think we’ll sit there nodding approvingly while they unveil their latest wizard scheme such as celebrating our fanbase’s cultural diversity by putting on catering offerings from around the world. In reality (at least as far as I’m concerned) I expect to be ripping into them because they can’t even get core customer-facing processes like selling tickets right. I hope my fellow committee members support me.

 

[sweenyuk]

That’s definitely going to get mentioned.

I have this vision that the club think we’ll sit there nodding approvingly while they unveil their latest wizard scheme such as celebrating our fanbase’s cultural diversity by putting on catering offerings from around the world. In reality (at least as far as I’m concerned) I expect to be ripping into them because they can’t even get core customer-facing processes like selling tickets right. I hope my fellow committee members support me.

I got invited to a forum discussion a couple of seasons ago where they wanted to discuss an idea they had to celebrate long standing supporters.. Problem one they had no records pre Etihad so didn't really know who was a long standing supporter but no problem they still had a fantastic idea to reward such loyalty at major milestones.. 20, 30 years etc... A fkin pin badge. . The room just exploded in laughter as we waited patiently for the real idea... We waited and waited and they simply didn't get that we were not excited by the offer of a fkin pin badge every ten years of loyal support

 

[Prestwich_Blue]

To bump this thread, for those asking I can explain as much as I can about City Matters and how it will work.

There are currently 10 of us representing various groups, some of which overlap. We've just had our first proper meeting with the club, where we discussed potential stadium enhancements, which are the subject of about 20 Focus Groups starting next week (12th November) so that's nothing really to do with us as a committee specifically although we had a preview of some potential opportunities and ideas. I'm sure those who attend these will reveal more.

The plan is to have meetings on a 3-weekly cycle, alternating between a full meeting with City representatives present and a committee only meeting. The plan is we stand for 2 seasons as this is the minimum we felt gave us a chance to get something done as a group. Things are still in the formative stage but we're hoping to have something on the club website, together with a full communication strategy, in a couple of weeks. A lot of this relies on the IT department and, understandably, they're a bit busy at the moment. We're talking about some face-to-face activities, maybe a "Meet The Team" event in City Square or even a Forum at some point. but most of the communication will be online/digital. I represent 40,000 seasoncard holders and I know quite a few but I'm never going to be able to speak to everyone of those individually hence the website and email will be the prime channels. However this forum is a useful way of getting instant feedback and interaction so as long as people are prepared to engage in a civilised way then I plan to use it as there's some very bright people on here and lots of different experiences.

The plan is to publish minutes after each full meeting, so on a 6-weekly cycle, and then we'll seek feedback depending on the subject. It's very much a two-way process in that the club will suggest things to us and we have things we want to talk to them about. This helps them to see things through our eyes and us to understand their objectives, strategy and limitations. As sweenyuk said above, they often don't really understand what's important to us. I have to stress and people have to understand that there will be some things we can be open about, some things we have to be a bit more cautious about & wait until the official minutes are published and some things we'll have to keep to ourselves as it's confidential information or data the club doesn't want to share. I think we've all been impressed with the way the club are approaching this and that gives us great confidence that we can make the whole business of supporting City and going to matches a better experience.

Last night we talked about ticket points and various ideas were exchanged. Some were a bit off-the-wall but some were very sensible and so we'll wait to see what the club decide to do. I don't know how quickly they will turn the minutes round but I'd expect to see the first draft early next week. Once we're happy then they'll go on the website for everyone to see.

 

[Saddleworth2]

To bump this thread, for those asking I can expalin as much as I can about City Matters and how it will work.

There are currently 10 of us representing various groups, some of which overlap. We've just had our first proper meeting with the club, where we discussed potential stadium enhancements, which are the subject of about 20 Focus Groups starting next week (12th November) so that's nothing really to do with us as a committee specifically although we had a preview of some potential opportunities and ideas. I'm sure those who attend these will reveal more.

The plan is to have meetings on a 3-weekly cycle, alternating between a full meeting with City representatives present and a committe only meeting. The plan is we stand for 2 seasons as this is the minimum we felt gave us a chance to get something done as a group. Things are still in the formative stage but we're hoping to have something on the club website, together with a full communication strategy, in a couple of weeks. A lot of this relies on the IT department and, understandbly, they're a bit busy at the moment. We're talking about some face-to-face activities, maybe a "Meet The Team" event in City Square or even a Forum at some point. but most of the communication will be online/digital. I reperesnt 40,000 seasoncard holders and I know quite a few but I'm never going to be able to speak to everyone of those individually hence the website and email will be the prime channels. However this forum is a useful way of getting instant feedback and interaction so as long as people are prepared to engage in a civilsed way then I plan to use it as there's some very bright people on here and lots of different experiences.

The plan is to publish minutes after each full meeting, so on a 6-weekly cycle, and then we'll seek feedback depending on the subject. It's very much a two-way process in that the club will suggest things to us and we have things we want to talk to them about. This helps them to see things through our eyes and us to understand their objectives, strategy and limitations. As sweenyuk said above, they often don't really understand what's important to us. I have to stress and people have to understand that there will be some things we can be open about, some things we have to be a bit more cautious about & wait until the official minutes are published and some things we'll have to keep to ourselves as it's confidential information or data the club doesn't want to share. I think we've all been impressed with the way the club are approaching this and that gives us great confidence that we can make the whole business of supporting City and going to matches a better experience.

Last night we talked about ticket points and various ideas were exchanged. Some were a bit off-the-wall but some were very sensible and so we'll wait to see what the club decide to do. I don't know how quickly they will turn the minutes round but I'd expect to see the first draft early next week. Once we're happy then they'll go on the website for everyone to see.

Good luck mate, sounds like quite a commitment but defo a good step by the club.

 

[blue b4 the moon]

To bump this thread, for those asking I can expalin as much as I can about City Matters and how it will work.

There are currently 10 of us representing various groups, some of which overlap. We've just had our first proper meeting with the club, where we discussed potential stadium enhancements, which are the subject of about 20 Focus Groups starting next week (12th November) so that's nothing really to do with us as a committee specifically although we had a preview of some potential opportunities and ideas. I'm sure those who attend these will reveal more.

The plan is to have meetings on a 3-weekly cycle, alternating between a full meeting with City representatives present and a committe only meeting. The plan is we stand for 2 seasons as this is the minimum we felt gave us a chance to get something done as a group. Things are still in the formative stage but we're hoping to have something on the club website, together with a full communication strategy, in a couple of weeks. A lot of this relies on the IT department and, understandbly, they're a bit busy at the moment. We're talking about some face-to-face activities, maybe a "Meet The Team" event in City Square or even a Forum at some point. but most of the communication will be online/digital. I reperesnt 40,000 seasoncard holders and I know quite a few but I'm never going to be able to speak to everyone of those individually hence the website and email will be the prime channels. However this forum is a useful way of getting instant feedback and interaction so as long as people are prepared to engage in a civilsed way then I plan to use it as there's some very bright people on here and lots of different experiences.

The plan is to publish minutes after each full meeting, so on a 6-weekly cycle, and then we'll seek feedback depending on the subject. It's very much a two-way process in that the club will suggest things to us and we have things we want to talk to them about. This helps them to see things through our eyes and us to understand their objectives, strategy and limitations. As sweenyuk said above, they often don't really understand what's important to us. I have to stress and people have to understand that there will be some things we can be open about, some things we have to be a bit more cautious about & wait until the official minutes are published and some things we'll have to keep to ourselves as it's confidential information or data the club doesn't want to share. I think we've all been impressed with the way the club are approaching this and that gives us great confidence that we can make the whole business of supporting City and going to matches a better experience.

Last night we talked about ticket points and various ideas were exchanged. Some were a bit off-the-wall but some were very sensible and so we'll wait to see what the club decide to do. I don't know how quickly they will turn the minutes round but I'd expect to see the first draft early next week. Once we're happy then they'll go on the website for everyone to see.

Or you've got a tunnel club ticket to keep you in-line?

I'm joking bud, the time & effort involved to hopefully improve the fans experience rather than 'matchday' experience by you is top notch.

 

[FantasyIreland]

To whoever it may concern........can you ask why the media coverage surrounding all things Academy is currently as shit as it can get?

 

[Saddleworth2]

That’s definitely going to get mentioned.

I have this vision that the club think we’ll sit there nodding approvingly while they unveil their latest wizard scheme such as celebrating our fanbase’s cultural diversity by putting on catering offerings from around the world. In reality (at least as far as I’m concerned) I expect to be ripping into them because they can’t even get core customer-facing processes like selling tickets right. I hope my fellow committee members support me.

In any decent size organisation, the Chief Operating Officer would be responsible for just about everything that we think is wrong. Web site, ticketing, managing outsource parties, property. Thats why I think OB is really key to this. Did he introduce his responsibilities to the group?

 

[creditunionhero]

Get on their case about continued annual increases in individual tickets and season tickets too.

There's a reason we haven't expanded yet, and it's because the club has chosen £ over bums on seats. They've shrunk demand.

It's made worse by how huge the TV money is nowadays too, makes the ticket price increases pale into absolute insignificance as far as importance to club turnover goes. It's a slap in the face to the core support.

+ 55,000

 

[cleavers]

To bump this thread, for those asking I can expalin as much as I can about City Matters and how it will work.

There are currently 10 of us representing various groups, some of which overlap. We've just had our first proper meeting with the club, where we discussed potential stadium enhancements, which are the subject of about 20 Focus Groups starting next week (12th November) so that's nothing really to do with us as a committee specifically although we had a preview of some potential opportunities and ideas. I'm sure those who attend these will reveal more.

The plan is to have meetings on a 3-weekly cycle, alternating between a full meeting with City representatives present and a committe only meeting. The plan is we stand for 2 seasons as this is the minimum we felt gave us a chance to get something done as a group. Things are still in the formative stage but we're hoping to have something on the club website, together with a full communication strategy, in a couple of weeks. A lot of this relies on the IT department and, understandbly, they're a bit busy at the moment. We're talking about some face-to-face activities, maybe a "Meet The Team" event in City Square or even a Forum at some point. but most of the communication will be online/digital. I reperesnt 40,000 seasoncard holders and I know quite a few but I'm never going to be able to speak to everyone of those individually hence the website and email will be the prime channels. However this forum is a useful way of getting instant feedback and interaction so as long as people are prepared to engage in a civilsed way then I plan to use it as there's some very bright people on here and lots of different experiences.

The plan is to publish minutes after each full meeting, so on a 6-weekly cycle, and then we'll seek feedback depending on the subject. It's very much a two-way process in that the club will suggest things to us and we have things we want to talk to them about. This helps them to see things through our eyes and us to understand their objectives, strategy and limitations. As sweenyuk said above, they often don't really understand what's important to us. I have to stress and people have to understand that there will be some things we can be open about, some things we have to be a bit more cautious about & wait until the official minutes are published and some things we'll have to keep to ourselves as it's confidential information or data the club doesn't want to share. I think we've all been impressed with the way the club are approaching this and that gives us great confidence that we can make the whole business of supporting City and going to matches a better experience.

Last night we talked about ticket points and various ideas were exchanged. Some were a bit off-the-wall but some were very sensible and so we'll wait to see what the club decide to do. I don't know how quickly they will turn the minutes round but I'd expect to see the first draft early next week. Once we're happy then they'll go on the website for everyone to see.

Thanks PB, a very useful summary.