Attendees : Steve W, Steve H, Graeme C, Susan S, Dennis T, Rob M, Zahra, Duncan J, Ashley P, Elaine P
Apologies: Neil M, Bill C, Ian C, Malcolm D, Geoff O’B,
1. Club Loyalty Points and Changes of Circumstances: Susan explained the issue of missing loyalty points on her Club account and the issues she was encountering in trying to ensure that her account was brought up to date with the correct information and the reclaiming and retention of the points. The situation does seem rather irrational and it was suggested that we contact the club on Susan’s behalf to see what could be done for her.
POST SCRIPT: Many thanks to Wendy Taylor and Derek Llambias for intervening personally and helping to resolve the situation being encountered. A great example of the power of positive communication.
2. European Away Ticketing Allocations: Very much an up to date and ever changing issue, as more information comes to hand regarding the allocation granted for away tickets, particularly for Brugge: where demand for tickets is extremely high. We are aware of restrictions that are being put in place regarding travel and how fans without tickets are going to be handled once they arrive in Belgium. Restrictions of movement including a 3km cordon around the ground have been mentioned and we feel that it is imperative that the club are open about the arrangements so that all who plan to travel are aware of what they can expect.
We are also aware of the Club’s own chartered flight arrangements that have been put in place through Thomas Cook Travel. The question being asked at this stage is what priority is being given to those who book to travel in this way with regard to allocation of a match ticket. Does such a booking bypass the normal priority point allocation scheme that the club have in place?
Other concerns include the very low allocation of only 1470 tickets (Birmingham City received over 5,000 when they placed there in the same competition last season). Supporters would like the club to speak more clearly on what is being done to obtain any increase in the allocation.
3. NUFC Official Twitter Account: we are aware that recently the Club official Twitter Account was caught in a very public conversation with Steve W regarding tweets that he posted concerning matters related to the first team squad and whispers about unrest and disappointment within, which was picked up in the national press. Steve W is a very positive supporter of the NUFC Fans Utd concept and has been a driving force in its set up and his desire to remain so proactive in the groups desire to develop communication with the club is applauded; as is the Club’s desire to reciprocate.
Newcastle is a unique City and Newcastle United has a fan base that is passionate and loyal; living on the oxygen of club news. It is unfortunate that the spat between the two parties was played out in the manner that is was and we are pleased that both Steve W and Nufc Official were able to meet and appreciate each sides position and opinion. Communication should not be seen as divisive and we hope that the positive outcome helps to build a stronger relationship and respect between club and supporters as we move forward.
4. Home ticket Booking Fees: many supporters have voiced their disquiet regarding the £1 booking fee that is now being placed on home cup ticket purchases as well as those already in place on away tickets. We consider this penny pinching exercise is unnecessary and while we all appreciate the financial situations that the club is in, this extra burden on fans has not gone unnoticed and is extremely disappointing.
5. Xmas Event: we plan to hold an xmas event preferably immediately after a home game just before the Christmas festivities kick off; More information to follow.
6. Fan Group Link Up: Once again we put the call out to fellow supporters, fanzine editors, bloggers and internet Administrators to join us at our monthly get together to discuss and listen to issues that may be affecting our match day experience or support of the club on and off the field in the hope that a balanced opinion can be put forward to the club. Our meetings are open to anyone and everyone. All we ask is that we all respect each other’s position and leave our pre conceived ideas at the door.
7 AOB: mid way through the meeting we were contacted via phone by Andrew, an Expat based in Dallas Texas. Andrew gave an enlightening perspective on being a supporter who relies on the media, fanzines, blogs and local news outlets for news and opinion. It was great to listen to how he viewed performances on and off the pitch. Andrew accepted an offer to post his thoughts on our website and to remain in touch during future meetings.
Time and date of next meeting: to be confirmed
Apologies: Neil M, Bill C, Ian C, Malcolm D, Geoff O’B,
1. Club Loyalty Points and Changes of Circumstances: Susan explained the issue of missing loyalty points on her Club account and the issues she was encountering in trying to ensure that her account was brought up to date with the correct information and the reclaiming and retention of the points. The situation does seem rather irrational and it was suggested that we contact the club on Susan’s behalf to see what could be done for her.
POST SCRIPT: Many thanks to Wendy Taylor and Derek Llambias for intervening personally and helping to resolve the situation being encountered. A great example of the power of positive communication.
2. European Away Ticketing Allocations: Very much an up to date and ever changing issue, as more information comes to hand regarding the allocation granted for away tickets, particularly for Brugge: where demand for tickets is extremely high. We are aware of restrictions that are being put in place regarding travel and how fans without tickets are going to be handled once they arrive in Belgium. Restrictions of movement including a 3km cordon around the ground have been mentioned and we feel that it is imperative that the club are open about the arrangements so that all who plan to travel are aware of what they can expect.
We are also aware of the Club’s own chartered flight arrangements that have been put in place through Thomas Cook Travel. The question being asked at this stage is what priority is being given to those who book to travel in this way with regard to allocation of a match ticket. Does such a booking bypass the normal priority point allocation scheme that the club have in place?
Other concerns include the very low allocation of only 1470 tickets (Birmingham City received over 5,000 when they placed there in the same competition last season). Supporters would like the club to speak more clearly on what is being done to obtain any increase in the allocation.
3. NUFC Official Twitter Account: we are aware that recently the Club official Twitter Account was caught in a very public conversation with Steve W regarding tweets that he posted concerning matters related to the first team squad and whispers about unrest and disappointment within, which was picked up in the national press. Steve W is a very positive supporter of the NUFC Fans Utd concept and has been a driving force in its set up and his desire to remain so proactive in the groups desire to develop communication with the club is applauded; as is the Club’s desire to reciprocate.
Newcastle is a unique City and Newcastle United has a fan base that is passionate and loyal; living on the oxygen of club news. It is unfortunate that the spat between the two parties was played out in the manner that is was and we are pleased that both Steve W and Nufc Official were able to meet and appreciate each sides position and opinion. Communication should not be seen as divisive and we hope that the positive outcome helps to build a stronger relationship and respect between club and supporters as we move forward.
4. Home ticket Booking Fees: many supporters have voiced their disquiet regarding the £1 booking fee that is now being placed on home cup ticket purchases as well as those already in place on away tickets. We consider this penny pinching exercise is unnecessary and while we all appreciate the financial situations that the club is in, this extra burden on fans has not gone unnoticed and is extremely disappointing.
5. Xmas Event: we plan to hold an xmas event preferably immediately after a home game just before the Christmas festivities kick off; More information to follow.
6. Fan Group Link Up: Once again we put the call out to fellow supporters, fanzine editors, bloggers and internet Administrators to join us at our monthly get together to discuss and listen to issues that may be affecting our match day experience or support of the club on and off the field in the hope that a balanced opinion can be put forward to the club. Our meetings are open to anyone and everyone. All we ask is that we all respect each other’s position and leave our pre conceived ideas at the door.
7 AOB: mid way through the meeting we were contacted via phone by Andrew, an Expat based in Dallas Texas. Andrew gave an enlightening perspective on being a supporter who relies on the media, fanzines, blogs and local news outlets for news and opinion. It was great to listen to how he viewed performances on and off the pitch. Andrew accepted an offer to post his thoughts on our website and to remain in touch during future meetings.
Time and date of next meeting: to be confirmed
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