Fans’ Forum Report
12th February 2004
In attendance were General Manager John Reynolds, the whole board of directors, youth supremo Jimmy Lindsay and manager Kevin McAllister who joined the panel after training. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Cliftonhill
It's feared that Cliftonhill will not be awarded a safety certificate when it's due for renewal in May. It's almost certain that the necessary repairs would be prohibitively expensive and Rovers would have to move out. No specific ground to share was mentioned as the likeliest destination but it doesn't take much imagination as to the few contenders. Several sites in Coatbridge had previously been identified as suitable for a new stadium, all of these fell through, mostly due to the prices being demanded. There are more being investigated currently. The club is more hopeful of finding a site in the town for a training academy which would be partly financed through SportScotland who are unwilling to finance stadia.
The fans in attendance were all against moving from Coatbridge but mostly seemed to accept that it may be the only option short of the club folding.
North Lanarkshire Council
A fan brought up the "fact" that the council were less than helpful, seemingly scuppering the club at every opportunity. The board pointed out that NLC had one of the most strict interpretation of the ground safety guidelines.
Finances
General manager John Reynolds gave the forum an idea of the meagre amounts generated from gate receipts. Financial guru David Wright told us that a share issue was a non-starter as current shareholders would have to be given first option on any new shares. As this was deemed unlikely to raise significant sums no issue of shares is planned.
A.G.M.
The club expect A.G.M. notices to be posted in approximately a fortnight, the meeting itself being held 21 days after that. Your webmaster requested that it be held on a weeknight as the usual Wednesday lunchtime was inconvenient for many shareholders.
Crunchie
Kevin McAllister informed the forum that his priority was to bring some younger legs into the team and confirmed that he had hung up his boots but may play one last game near the end of the season. He also revealed that his assistant manager and striker Scott Crabbe was on loan from Alloa until the end of the season with a view to him signing on for next term. The other on-loan player Tony Low is also a likely permanent signing next season assuming the wee man is given the job on a more permanent basis which the board said seemed likely.
The reason for listing an outfield player as a goalie on the substitutes bench was that Chris Fahey is injured as is the under 19's 'keeper, the under 17's 'keeper isn't really up to the job yet.
McAllister looked forward to the prospect of proper training facilities in Coatbridge as bad weather has several curtailed proper preparation in recent weeks. A question from the fans prompted Crunchie to say he had as complete freedom from the board as could be expected and he wouldn't stay around if that wasn't the case.
Gordon Dishington
Following a question from the floor the circumstances surrounding Gordon Dishington departing the board of directors was explained.
8th May 2003
The Fans’ Forum on Thursday 8th May was a very uncontroversial affair which seemed to answer most of the concerns raised from the floor.
In attendance were General Manager John Reynolds, Director Eddie Hagerty and Manager Peter Hetherston who joined the panel after training.
Ground Sale
John Reynolds gave a brief résumé of the current situation and said that the upsurge in the town’s retail development made this the ideal time to sell Cliftonhill. Although One interested party had pulled out of negotiations as the site wasn’t big enough for their purposes, another two are still in the frame as somewhat delicate negotiations continue.
The first alternative site at Carnbroe appears to be the best option, but as another developer is also interested in that location, it may not come to pass. Other options might be at Langloan or Espieside.
The annual inspection of Cliftonhill by North Lanarkshire Council threw up a few aspects which require attention, the most important concerning the enclosure on the north side of the ground.
Promotion
In answer to a query from the floor, John and Eddie both stressed that the club was most anxious for promotion. This applied from the Board down, with no question of any dissension.
Sportsman’s Dinner
John reported that 21 of the 30 available tables had been booked, with confirmation awaited about another four. At the dinner, awards will be made to the Supporters’ Player of the Year plus youngsters in all the age groups.
The upstairs disco/karaoke event for fans will run in tandem with the main "do".
Playing Staff
Everyone agreed that irrespective of the outcome of Saturday’s final match, Albion Rovers had enjoyed a great season. The gaining of almost a record number of points, the sale of goalkeeper Scott Shearer and the emergence of at least another four youngsters were all reasons for a great deal of satisfaction. It was reported that the atmosphere in the dressing room was first-class.
All contracts expire on 15th May so decisions on who will be retained and who will depart are imminent.
Souvenirs
John was delighted to report that sales of replica strips had exceeded all expectations and that he has had to re-order on more than one occasion. Jerseys had been sent to exiles in many corners of the world. The new batch of scarves also made significant sales in their first couple of weeks.
Season Tickets/Complimentaries
It was stressed that no decision on this topic could be made until after Saturday’s match. John advised the meeting that from next season only 10 "Comps" would be issued to visiting teams, and these for access to the Boardroom.
Manager’s Comments
Peter was full of praise for everyone at Cliftonhill. All had contributed to the successful season, with the players having responded magnificently. He also paid tribute to the loyal and vociferous support.
He stated that he intended to retain "the backbone" of this season’s squad, with the acquisition of a quality midfielder and an out-and-out goalscorer high on his shopping list.
He also revealed that Kevin "Crunchie" McAllister would remain at Cliftonhill for at least another season, adding the title of "First Team Coach" to retention of his playing skills.
The Manager was accorded a hearty round of applause.