Welcome to the latest update from the team at MUST covering developments over the last month or so.
Club Engagement and Fan Consultation
Recent weeks have seen a busy period of engagement with the Club. We have had a Fans Advisory Board meeting, a Fans Forum meeting, and we had a regular MUST Board meeting as well.
A whole host of issues have been discussed at these with the possible redevelopment of the stadium (more on that below) probably top of the list. But these discussions also cover ticketing (and collections – see more on that below too). As usual, we can only cover in more detail once the minutes of the Fans Forum are published so this is giving an insight into some of the topics we raised.
The key concerns raised at the Fans Forum were around the impact of cuts to budgets especially impacting Supporter Services (ticketing staff). The cancellation of Euro Away ticket collections is covered further below. Concern over future ticket prices was also flagged with club management especially as we expect they will start to model revenues and we want to ensure fans voices are heard before decisions are made. Another issue raised again at Fans Forum was the withdrawal of the match-day bus service back to Piccadilly which used to go from outside the Ford garage. United had previously funded security for these buses (albeit at a really modest cost) but the local authority requested a further subsidy which the club declined to make and so the services have ceased. To us, these seem like a great examples of a penny-pinching approach from the Club which is affecting fans. We’re challenging it, and will continue to through these forums.
On fan (and member) consultation we have been increasing resources and expertise in this area with some highly qualified professionals being recruited so we anticipate we will be able to take such consultation to a new level and ensure we fulfill our role in reflecting fans views to the decision makers at Old Trafford. More on this to come soon.
Stadium and Old Trafford Regeneration
As you will have seen, the Club has now begun the process of seeking fan input on the stadium question, which is something we have been pushing for since the beginning. MUST had input to the recent survey that went to all Season Ticket and Facility holders and other matchgoing members, and will continue to have input to ensure fans are consulted on all matters, including how the project might be funded and the potential impact of any ticket price rises.
As you may also have seen, our CEO (Duncan Drasdo) is a member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force (OTRTF), chaired by Lord Coe and made up of many stakeholders including Andy Burnham and Gary Neville. United have, smartly in our view, looked to expand the group of stakeholders and use the stadium project to hopefully bring new life and economic opportunities to the immediate Old Trafford area. It is important to make clear though that the OTRTF has a remit for regeneration for the wider area rather than the stadium itself and that is reflected in the representatives who sit on it. This is not the body which will look at the stadium itself once the club have made the decision on whether to go for a new build or redevelopment. We will push for continued and greater fan input once decisions on the stadium itself are being considered.
It would seem now that a new build stadium appears to be the Club’s (or new owners) first preference. It’s not yet clear that that is definitely the case, nor are we party to even the slightest hint from the club. And it is even less clear how that mega-project would get paid for! But whichever way it goes fans must have their say at every step of the way. The recent survey needs to be just the start of the consultation and engagement process.
Away Ticket Collections
When collections were first introduced for Euro aways, we know a lot of people considered them a pain in the backside. But a number of years on, pretty much all Euro-away-goers have realised what a vital role they play in the process of making sure we have a reasonable and fair process for allocating these most sought-after tickets.
So the abrupt removal of a collection for Porto, accompanied by speculation that they are not to return, has caused a lot of concern. It’s even more worrying if it is true that the reason behind it is cost-cutting at the Club meaning they don’t have enough staff any more!
We don’t have all the answers on this one yet, but rest assured we’re on it and we will get to the bottom of what on earth is going on.
Elections and AGM
The nomination period for new Committee and Board members is now over. Happily, we have enough open positions to welcome everyone who indicated an interest in serving. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping advance our cause! Ideally people who wish to serve on the committee or board first get involved as volunteers and this helps us to better match skills and interests with the needs of the organisation.
The next steps are twofold. First, we will ratify the results and vote on the other essential matters (accounts and other administrative matters) at our upcoming AGM on October 19th. Then, the Board will choose a Chair from amongst its members, which will be ratified by the Committee. This is a change from our old rules, where you ran for a specific position. Then, we’ll get back to work!
And what about Erik?
Nothing was said at the FAB meeting about the manager, nor would we have expected any comments from United for what should be obvious reasons. And MUST has never taken a position on the hiring and firing of managers or players, and we’re not going to start now. That said, it is a matter of public record that nobody at United is satisfied with the state of things on the pitch, and nor are we fans.
With a completely new management team on the footballing side of the operation, all fans are hoping that United can return to its rightful position, competing for all trophies. But we will have to wait and see how things play out. With any luck, we are back to winning ways at home vs Brentford!
Many thanks for your continued support
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