BIFF Meeting Minutes - January

[Linz]

** Clarification: All comments marked as "BIFF" were comments raised by individuals and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the whole group. **

Afternoon all.

Please find pasted on to this thread the full and unadulterated minutes from the latest BIFF meeting held on Tuesday night. The reason they are being posted under my username is because I'm happy to stand-by these being the full account of the meeting, seeing as for the first time, I was minute taker

Everything discussed in the meeting has been disclosed in the following minutes.

In attendance were ten members of BIFF as well as Dave McCarthy (Head of Operations) and Richard Batho (Supporter Communication Manager).

1. Introductions/Apologies

• Dave McCarthy was introduced to the group and the new management structure at Bramall Lane was explained. There are four strategic managers who report directly to Trevor Birch. Dave McCarthy as Head of Operations, Steve Lewis as newly appointed Head of Commercial, Carl Shieber as Head of Football Administration and David Harrop as Chief Finance Officer.

Going forward, all contact is to filter through Richard Batho, copying in Dave McCarthy and the relevant head of department if emailing.

• BIFF was introduced to Dave McCarthy. Copies of BIFF charter handed out and a brief outline of the raison d’être of the group and the plan for BIFF and the club moving forwards with regards to more engagement and more honesty from the club. All members around the table introduced. Dave McCarthy explained more about his background having been with Sheffield United for two years and heavily involved in Sheffield United’s international set-ups. Dave explained that he had been a Blade since he was six years old.

2. November minutes

Richard Batho confirmed that the minutes from the last meeting were being passed to the relevant departments.

• Captain Blades’ Booty Shack

More outlets were promised in the November meeting but it seems that some outlets opened but are now closed again. What is happening?

Dave McCarthy – will report that.

• Queuing at catering outlets (also raised in agenda point 3)

• Bread

Paul Garth (Compass) promised a change to local suppliers which doesn’t seem to have occurred.

Dave McCarthy – We are currently working with Compass with regard to all matters and will report back

• Food Prices lowered on Kop

Dave McCarthy – if prices were to be lowered on food, it would be a decision made for the whole stadium not just the Kop.

• Non-availability of certain items (i.e. chip butties) on different stands raised

Dave McCarthy – Disappointed that catering related queries from November meeting have not been answered by the club and they will be passed on.

• Ipswich offer flyers

Fans were still receiving flyers for the Ipswich game ticket offer weeks after the game.

Dave McCarthy – club are aware of this and it Richard Batho will discuss with Marketing to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

3. “Fan Experience” thread on S24SU.com

A thread was put on S24SU.com to gauge fan reaction to the fan experience. This had over three thousand views and one hundred and fifty replies to date. Dave McCarthy and Richard Batho are to receive a summary of the points following the meeting and also every point raised verbatim. BIFF require a response to all points raised.

Summary of points raised

• Online ticketing – fans would like the whole process to be online and require no in-person contact with club. Full review required

• Ticket pricing – Full review required in time for season ticket renewal date

• Box Office Opening Hours – to be brought in-line with when people are finishing work etc.

• Review of pay on day facilities – possibly having cash turnstiles or different outlets around ground

• Tannoy – volume is too loud on South Stand. Kop and John Street stand volume is variable.

• Screen – Show fewer adverts at half time and more United goals.

Acknowledgement of Greasy Chip Butty lyrics being removed. Thanks

• Star Wars entrance music changed and Tom Hark goal celebration music removed to allow fans to celebrate on their own (also addressed in “ideas”)

BIFF – My 9 year old loves Tom Hark.

BIFF – The problem could be that it’s the same celebration music every time. Could we change it to something different instead of scrapping it altogether?

BIFF – Perhaps a trial could take place at the Norwich game to gauge fan reaction?

• Kop – tarmac is covered in potholes on ramp at South Stand side. Health and safety issue.

• Hand dryers in toilets

Issues with paper towels all over the floor and running out.

Dave McCarthy – according to Simon Argall, there is an issue occasionally with fittings being kicked off the wall in the toilets in home areas of the ground. All toilets checked personally by Dave McCarthy prior to turnstiles being opened and problems addressed by the clubs maintenance and cleaning staff.

He and other staff were actually in the ground checking the toilets on Christmas Day as we had experienced burst pipes and leaks in the week leading up to the Boxing Day fixture. Plumbers were brought in and heaters hired to ensure toilet areas were kept at a temperature for the pipes not to freeze over and that the game could go ahead. The staff took it in turns to come down and check the risk areas throughout Christmas Day. All stated that this commitment to the cause should have been communicated to fans.

Dave McCarthy – Will do some costings on hand-dryers.

BIFF – could the issue of vandalism by home fans be raised more publicly so that people are looking out for it?

• Flag day

BIFF – Worked with Steve Hicks (Estates Manager). About a dozen flags were brought down and about four passed the “lighter” test. Paul has done research and found a company in Suffolk that can heat treat flags. Club could offer service to fans where they can send their flags to the club and the club pass them on and get them heat treated and certified.

Richard Batho – We’ll continue to work on that.

• South Stand – out of date adverts everywhere

Dave McCarthy - will address with the Commercial Team at SUFC

• Hot water taps

Dave McCarthy – hot water taps have been replaced on Kop. A full inspection will be held around the ground

• John Street smell – extractor fans wafting unpleasant food smells on to John Street

• The state of the Fan Bricks on John Street

Dave McCarthy - explained that he was aware of this situation and accepted it was unsatisfactory. Will look at a couple of options and report back at or before the next meeting with some option. The matter will be addressed.

• Catering pricing in general

• Queues getting longer even though attendances are dropping

Richard Batho – Already been noted

• Food availability – the food had run out at some kiosks before half time (after 40 mins) on Boxing Day

Dave McCarthy/Richard Batho to discuss with Compass

• Slow drink service

BIFF – Could pints be partly prepared before half time and just topped up when needed?

Example given of speed pourers at cricket games.

Richard Batho – There is a cost element to speed pourers.

Dave McCarthy – Someone is booked in to come and look at the drinks pourers.

• Bring back Hendersons Relish and Chip Butties

• Franchise some kiosks – could local businesses/large chains be brought in to run some catering kiosks?

• Shelter on back of Kop – more shelter for fans eating and drinking on back of Kop. May encourage people in earlier.

• Gary Sinclair

Some comments raised about Gary Sinclair’s approach and style.

Dave McCarthy – Gary Sinclair has a script to read from. Already met with Gary to discuss how we approach future games. He is one of the people that can improve the atmosphere and we want to get fans revved up.

BIFF – Could you put the run-out music to a monthly fans’ vote?

Dave McCarthy – We wouldn’t want to change it monthly but we do want to change Star Wars entrance music. How would the club pick the song?

BIFF– Want it to go to a fans’ vote so the fans are being listened to.

• 0871 numbers – why not 0845?

• Stewards – too heavy handed in away end

Dave McCarthy – I know what our stewards have to deal with. If they hadn’t have done their job versus Villa, we were in danger of having a pitch invasion. A steward was recently punched versus Doncaster Rovers. Fans get a three year banning order for encroachment so the stewards are protecting the fans’ interests by stopping them getting on to the pitch.

BIFF – Could a gate be put at the bottom of the gangways so there is a clear barrier between the areas where away fans are allowed and where they aren’t?

Dave McCarthy – This could be looked at.

Richard Batho – According to fan comments, stewarding can be hit and miss.

Dave McCarthy – Early impressions are that stewarding is generally good but will look at concerns raised.

• Official site – news disappears too quickly, no search availability, forced to view mobile site from mobile devices

Richard Batho – This is being looked at. Andy Pack will be made available for a future BIFF meeting to discuss the website. We are tied into a contract with Premium TV and any change will have to be cost assessed. Looking at different ways of communicating with fans online.

• Disabled fans – too exposed to elements at bottom of John Street?

Richard Batho – members of staff including Alan Cork, Chris Morgan, Mick Rooker, Richard Batho, Lucy Birks and Dave McCarthy attended Disabled Supporters dinner last night. They are important partners and the club are in constant dialogue with them about how things can be improved.

Dave McCarthy – a meeting is scheduled in with the SUDS Group next week to see where SUFC can assist and the club have been asked to think about raising the platform on the away end to give a better view.

• Summary – more positivity needs to come out of the club and acknowledgement of the issues the club have already spotted and dealt with.

S24SU.com – to pass on “What Club is Doing Well” thread to Dave McCarthy and Richard Batho in addition to the fans experience feedback.

3a. Ideas

• Working Groups:

Richard Batho is putting together four working groups and invites BIFF members to become involved. All Blades Supporters groups are invited to get involved as are the wider community of Blades fans. Richard wants one body of fans to oversee all other Blades supporters groups.

• Cross bar challenge: Prize money set-aside every week and would roll-over if not won.

BIFF – could it be penalties to make it more inclusive?

Dave McCarthy – will work with the relevant departments to look at half time entertainment.

• Win a box competition:

BIFF - Could be something exclusively for ST holders seeing as non-ST holders get so many offers.

Dave McCarthy – Will discuss with the SUFC Head of Commercial.

• Coaches: why aren’t people using official club travel?

BIFF - Trial free coach for one game?

Richard Batho – travel to away matches is currently being discussed with Steve Lewis

• Tickets for unwaged fans:

BIFF - Could we do more for unemployed and unwaged fans?

Richard Batho - This is something the ticketing working group could look into.

BIFF - Full time carers can get free season tickets so some tickets are available to unwaged fans.

Richard Batho – Availability should be publicised more and more ideas discussed with Emma Wylie.

• Richard’s role and thoughts from club:

Richard Batho – Happy to justify his role to critics. He wants to make sure that key figures in the club are held accountable to supporters.

Dave McCarthy – An open and honest meeting was held with staff, many of who are Blades fans, to work out where we are as a club , and discuss what the club can do to work with and assist SUFC supporters. Everyone is aware that more can and should be done so that when we get back to where we want to be on the pitch, everything else is in place to back it up. Some changes take time and there are cost elements to everything.

• Ticketing:

BIFF – being able to print tickets at home or cash turnstiles would help exiled fans who have to travel to the Lane. (E–Ticket)

BIFF – is it legitimate to have an increase of £5 on the day for FA Cup match?

Dave McCarthy – this was done to encourage fans to buy tickets early to reduce the last minute queues for tickets before the game.

BIFF – The way to look at it is that the tickets cost £17. It was an early buyers’ reduction rather than a late buyers’ increase.

BIFF – could more be done for fans who decide to come to the match at the last minute?

Dave McCarthy – asked Aston Villa why they brought so many fans and the answer was the ticket price we offered was very attractive in comparison to their own, especially as their season ticket holders also received the reduced price tickets if purchased in advance.

• Catering and alcohol:

BIFF – Harthill Blades meeting was pretty positive about catering but the possibility of wine and spirits being made available was raised.

Dave McCarthy – the club will look into the licensing implications.

• Player interaction with fans:

BIFF– Could injured players circulate pitch-side before games to interact with fans?

Dave McCarthy – any ideas that work towards getting the fans closer to the players are worth considering, but the final say would always lie with Micky Adams.

• Information points:

BIFF – Could information points be made available on all stands so that any concerns could be raised and addressed instantly at games?

Dave McCarthy – acknowledged

• Steak and Stones Pies

BIFF – Steak and Stones pies are nice but they always seem to be sold out.

Dave McCarthy - will discuss with match day caterers

4. Any Other Business

• Richard Batho – acknowleged voluntary contribution of BIFF members.

• Shop

Dave McCarthy – how was 50% sale in shop received by fans?

All – Positively.

• South Stand Signage and ticket sales

Dave McCarthy – Emma Wylie looking at signage on South Stand and improving directional signage to see whether we can improve on what is there at the moment. May make it clearer to people where to buy/collect tickets from.

BIFF – Tickets sold at times in recent weeks from shop and/or Promotions Department instead of ticket office. Will this continue?

Dave McCarthy – The plan is to sell tickets from Promotions Department from now on.

BIFF – Concerns about service offered by some ticket office staff in quiet periods. Staff chatting and not serving or acknowledging queuing customers.

Dave McCarthy – watched the ticket staff over the last three games and thought they performed extremely well under pressure, comments noted.

• Investment

BIFF – What is the process with how United is seeking investment?

Dave McCarthy – Contacts are being utilised but not personally involved in investment process.

Richard Batho – well-known in business community that the McCabe family are seeking investors to come in and work alongside them.

• Pre-season tour

BIFF – as soon as the club know the dates of the pre-season tour, can the fans be informed so they can take advantage of cheap flights etc.?

Dave McCarthy – Acknowledged

BIFF – Could fans have an input into pre-season fixtures to get grounds in they haven’t previously visited?

Dave McCarthy – The decision on the pre-season fixtures schedule always lies with the manager.

5. Next meeting date

Tuesday 1st March

 

[ghandi]

Thanks Linz..lots of good stuff there but what about some hot water taps on the South Stand toilets?

 

[Jim Chimmerney]

Cheers Linz

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Good stuff Linz and thanks. Will you be archiving the minutes so we can look at them again in future?

Thanks
BoSS

 

[Wards]

Good stuff Linz and thanks. Will you be archiving the minutes so we can look at them again in future?

Thanks
BoSS

Yeah will be interesting to go back to these in a few months to see how things have progressed/whether they are actually taking points on board.

Oh and thanks to Linz and Foxy once again for your work.

 

[beightonblade]

Well done Linz & Foxy ....
I'm afraid until i see sum action its bollox.....Tom Hark BIFF: the kids like it

 

[SwissBlade]

Thanks Linz,

Good to see a large amount of what was raised on here in the last few days actually made it to the Club.

Its still early days for this sort of interactivity, but seeing as though very few of the points raised could actually be answered I would expect the next meeting or an interim meeting of some sorts to be arranged for within 1 month. Obviously its easy for me to sit here and say this as I am not the one doing the work but 7 weeks is quite a long time when this is just kicking off.

I fear that the impact of these meetings will be lost. However I don't want to be too downbeat on your efforts as I think you've done a great job in getting to the table with the club.

I would've loved the club to have announced that we managed to get our boxing day game on because we spent the time effort and money on ensuring that the plumbing remainded frost free!

Finally, a suggestion - could the future threads which are to go to the club be started and finished by 7 days before the meetings. The points or just a summary should be circulated to BIFF and the club in advance as this would ensure that there are no major surprises in the meeting and perhaps reduce the duration of the meeting.

In addition are there any Expats &/ or Exiles on BIFF? The BladesBees website was initial set up by some friends of mine in the Netherlands and they also had a link into the club. The needs of Expats and Exiles are often very different to those who can make it more regularly and althogh in the minority I would recommend some involvement from us.

Thanks again to yourselves, BIFF and SUFC and keep up the good work to make things better for all!

 

[Linz]

Good stuff Linz and thanks. Will you be archiving the minutes so we can look at them again in future?

Thanks
BoSS

Everything remains on the forum until time immemorial so you should be able to go back and find them and these minutes will be reviewed at the next meeting in March.

---------- Post added at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------

In addition are there any Expats &/ or Exiles on BIFF? The BladesBees website was initial set up by some friends of mine in the Netherlands and they also had a link into the club. The needs of Expats and Exiles are often very different to those who can make it more regularly and althogh in the minority I would recommend some involvement from us.

I shall suggest them to the BIFF Chairman but the logistics of coming across for meetings might be slightly difficult to arrange.

As shown by the thread, the scope of what's covered is not covered by who attends but the points gathered by those who attend. Our jobs as members is not to just relate our feedback but to actively gather it from friends and family members (and for me and Foxy, you lot) who go to matches or perhaps, would go to matches if changes were made.

---------- Post added at 01:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:09 PM ----------

[/COLOR]

I'm afraid until i see sum action its bollox.....Tom Hark BIFF: the kids like it

That was a comment from one member.

I was asked to remove the individual names.

I am happy to state that I don't have a 9 year old, so it wasn't me

However, I note you are now stirring it with our "un-posh" friends. I'll not link... apparently that's not allowed

 

[Worksop_Blade]

"BIFF – My 9 year old loves Tom Hark."

If goal celebration music remains due to a 9 year old kid "lovin it" I think I'll just give up on life!

 

[Linz]

If goal celebration music remains due to a 9 year old kid "lovin it" I think I'll just give up on life!

My personal viewpoint is ambivalence. I wouldn't miss it if it went... but I'm usually that shocked we've scored that I don't notice it.

The thread with everyone saying they don't like it was passed on... but the individual expressed his opinion, the same as everyone on the thread did.

I'd say the weight of opinion was anti-Tom Hark though, as they will have seen by the thread and any emails received on the matter.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Not gone down too well on BM

BM has better posters? Check
BM has more posters? Check
BM is more active? Check
Club overlooks BM? Check.

Any silly sausage can see it would make sense to invite the mods from here to these meetings, but no the "down to earth" S24SU lot go. It doesn't bother me, but it's the clubs loss. They should have appointed me, not some BIFF lapdog. I'd do a much better job.

Were there any people from BIFF at the meeting that were also active on BM linz?

I'd respond directly on BM, but it seems the precious little souls got a bit offended yesterday, and my right to reply to posts has been removed.



Not Bothered? Check.

 

[raul]

"Captain Blade's Booty Shack"??

And to think poor Soton has gone all the way to Singapore.....

 

[Linz]

Were there any people from BIFF at the meeting that were also active on BM linz?

I'd respond directly on BM, but it seems the precious little souls got a bit offended yesterday, and my right to reply to posts has been removed.

Not Bothered? Check.

As far as I know, they were but I'm not sure who exactly they are or what their usernames are. People who post on Bladesmad have been involved with the meetings before Foxy and I were invited to.

Foxy and I are but two of the ten people who attended as BIFF members.

 

[travellingblade]

I see that my suggestion about "Weekend only season tickets" was not raised (unless I missed it)

Waste of time suggesting it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Non Sheffield based supporters ignored again.

 

[beechblade]

Cheers Linz, one question are any of us allowed to attend these meetings? I think your both doing a great job in conjunction with BIFF, If I can make it to the Meet The Manager I'll bob over and say Hi.

 

[Linz]

I see that my suggestion about "Weekend only season tickets" was not raised (unless I missed it)

The meeting lasted three hours as it was. As stated, full copies of the threads with everyone's suggestions verbatim (including comments about Amsterdam booths... Swiss) were sent following the meeting.

So please don't consider it a waste of time in offering suggestions.

---------- Post added at 01:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 PM ----------

Cheers Linz, one question are any of us allowed to attend these meetings?

It's up to the Chairman who attends... emails sent to [email protected] go straight to him.

---------- Post added at 01:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:48 PM ----------

Disclaimer added to original post by the way

To save being misrepresented elsewhere.

 

[SwissBlade]

Thanks again for your speedy comments Linz, good work and you've answered my questions.

Although my only comment would be that if the club are serious about this issue and this is Batho's job, that a higher priority could be given to meetings like this.

It would be good to get an overal summary of his remit though as the club have just introduced him, not given much detail of his actual job.

I've PM'd you on the expats thing.

 

[bartman]

Thanks for this,Linz. Be interesting to read the minutes of the next meeting to see if any action has been taken..especially as some of the points from November's meeting appear to have been ignored.

Good to read about getting plumber's in to fix frozen pipes.......i wonder why a certain MASSIVE club in S6 couldn't do this ?

 

[Linz]

Thanks again for your speedy comments Linz, good work and you've answered my questions.

No worries. I'll answer any questions I can because I think it's important that everyone understands what BIFF is there to do. It doesn't claim to represent all fans... it's just there to pass on comments, even if they are contradictory to each other. If people don't feel that they want to talk to BIFF, there's nothing to stop them contacting the club directly or setting up a group of their own. All BIFF does is offer a ready-made route into the club to have opinions heard.

Some people have said that they don't mind Tom Hark, some have said they hate it, others have said they (or their kids) like it.

Who wins?

The club ultimately decides.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

Good to read about getting plumber's in to fix frozen pipes.......i wonder why a certain MASSIVE club in S6 couldn't do this ?

I guess there's only so many things a plumbers prepared to do on Christmas Day, and getting your hands in a shitty drain probably isn't one of them

 

[Grecian2000]

Have I missed the bit in the minutes where my request for a stall serving chilled Bollinger and a nice beluga (nothing less than a OO grade of course) was discussed?
Bathers will be hearing from me if he doesn't sort it out immediately.

 

[lenners]

Thanks for the minutes Linz.
Was it made clear what these four working parties are for?

 

[SwissBlade]

Have I missed the bit in the minutes where my request for a stall serving chilled Bollinger and a nice beluga (nothing less than a OO grade of course) was discussed?
Bathers will be hearing from me if he doesn't sort it out immediately.

I'm with you on this one, always thought a Cognac and Cigar lounge would be ideal on the back of the Kop

 

[Linz]

Thanks for the minutes Linz.
Was it made clear what these four working parties are for?

Ticketing, merchandise, communication and another one I can't remember but can find out for you.

If anyone is interested, applications are through Richard Batho

 

[boo radley]

Thanks Linz
• 0871 numbers – why not 0845? - Is this a question that is gonna get answered next time?

 

[Linz]

Thanks Linz
• 0871 numbers – why not 0845? - Is this a question that is gonna get answered next time?

It's stated in the minutes that answers to all points are required... whether that's next time at the meeting or informally in the meantime.

 

[Trigger Blade]

Linz/Foxy,

Could you just clarify 2 small points.

Over on BM, people are getting worked up about the fact that "they" weren't invited to the BIFF meeting. You mentioned earlier that invitees are at the Chairman's discretion, I assume that means the Chairman of BIFF? Is the meeting open to any member of BIFF?

I think you also said that there were one or two mods from BM either invited or present, is that correct, because the ranters on BM don't seem aware of that, not that it's anybody's job on here to inform them.

 

[Foxy]

Over on BM, people are getting worked up about the fact that "they" weren't invited to the BIFF meeting. You mentioned earlier that invitees are at the Chairman's discretion, I assume that means the Chairman of BIFF? Is the meeting open to any member of BIFF?

It's not really our place to answer questions on who and who doesn't get invited to meetings, I will however see if we can get it cleared up for those with that question. I don't think there is a case of an "us" or "them" in any of this, we are all Blades.

I think you also said that there were one or two mods from BM either invited or present, is that correct, because the ranters on BM don't seem aware of that, not that it's anybody's job on here to inform them.

Like you say, it's not our place to identify people who are involved. Individuals from BM have certainly been present, they have discussed this on BM before. It's up to them I guess if they want to be identified or not.

We obviously have identified ourselves, mainly as we've provided a platform for information being released, but also offered people the opportunity to give us things they would like raising.

From purely a personal point of view, we have no problem with being identified as we will always stand by what we do personally and our reasons for doing it as individuals.... As much as we then seem to attract abuse for it.

 

[bartman]

It's not really our place to answer questions on who and who doesn't get invited to meetings, I will however see if we can get it cleared up for those with that question. I don't think there is a case of an "us" or "them" in any of this, we are all Blades.



Like you say, it's not our place to identify people who are involved. Individuals from BM have certainly been present, they have discussed this on BM before. It's up to them I guess if they want to be identified or not.

We obviously have identified ourselves, mainly as we've provided a platform for information being released, but also offered people the opportunity to give us things they would like raising.

From purely a personal point of view, we have no problem with being identified as we will always stand by what we do personally and our reasons for doing it as individuals.... As much as we then seem to attract abuse for it.

I agree with you,Foxy ,that it is not your job to name people but it is normal practice that when a meeting is held such as this,the attendees are named in the minutes to confirm authenticity and so people affected by the discussions can approach the people who attended the meeting and seek clarification and/or put forward suggestions.

Yourself and Linz are open and upfront about all this but I do find it strange that it seems to be difficult to identify other fans who have attended these forums. If they don't want to be identified,they surely shouldn't be in these meetings as they are treating it like a secret society. In fairness I cannot understand why they would want to keep their involvement from other fans.

Can I suggest at the next meeting that you ask if the minutes can be published including names of the attendees along with any absentees who were invited. The background of why they were invited would also help eg,forum,supporters club ,season ticket holder etc), I feel in this way the whole process would be open and transparent and consequently change some people's perceptions. If they don't want to be identified,it should be documented why.

 

[SwissBlade]

I agree with you,Foxy ,that it is not your job to name people but it is normal practice that when a meeting is held such as this,the attendees are named in the minutes to confirm authenticity and so people affected by the discussions can approach the people who attended the meeting and seek clarification and/or put forward suggestions.

Yourself and Linz are open and upfront about all this but I do find it strange that it seems to be difficult to identify other fans who have attended these forums. If they don't want to be identified,they surely shouldn't be in these meetings as they are treating it like a secret society. In fairness I cannot understand why they would want to keep their involvement from other fans.

Can I suggest at the next meeting that you ask if the minutes can be published including names of the attendees along with any absentees who were invited. The background of why they were invited would also help eg,forum,supporters club ,season ticket holder etc), I feel in this way the whole process would be open and transparent and consequently change some people's perceptions. If they don't want to be identified,it should be documented why.

Perhaps other just don't want the abuse for helping fellow Blades out.

Quite why anyone is abusing S24SU members, Foxy & Linz or BIFF is way beyond my exceptional higher than BM intellect (sorry couldn't resist)

Jeeves pass me a G&T and make it snappy!