Minutes from the meeting, as supplied by secretary Louise Jankowski:
Fans Panel Meeting
Thursday 10th October 2019
Attendees: Barry Brown, Gary Fox, Phil Buxton, Mike Lindley, Carol Lindley, Carl Hall,
Gavin Baldwin, Shaun Lockwood, Mark Hughesman, Martin Rowlands, Ray Green, Stewart Piper, Jackie Green
Apologies: Stewart Thompson, Chris Scorah, Scott Goddard
1. Welcome – CH thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
2. Minutes From Last Meeting – The previous minutes were discussed with various opinions shared.
The Wembley trip to The Challenge Cup Final went ahead and was run by Ray & Stuart and everyone had a great day.
Questions from the Forum – Previous meeting
A) We didn’t put any buses on to Featherstone but we did put a subsidised coach on to Workington.
B) Regarding us setting up a ladies team, Rhianna is setting up at Toll Bar, we want to show her our support. It should go well and we will see how that goes for starters.
C) CH has not heard anything about League 1 in 2021, will update when he has further information.
D) MH Dons4Life meeting went ahead, with a list of things we have done this year, will be publicised shortly. We are looking to relaunch before the end of the year, with our priority at this present time being the season tickets.
3. Introduction of The Legacy Officer – CH introduced Martin Rowlands as the new Legacy officer for the next two years for the World Cup and has been tasked with other things for us on match days and the academy. MR informed everyone he is looking into getting more activities happening on game day, stadium tours, mascots, the more children we have, the more parent’s we have. The main thing for me is engaging more with the community, schools and local teams. I will be speaking to local teams to get them playing before matches u7, u8, etc, talking to schools to bring years 3&4 & 5&6 down for tag rugby, a dance school from Armthorpe will be performing before the game and at half time. We want the children to enjoy the experience and they will want to return. People are there just need to engage with them and get them interested. We are working with The RFL with developments of the world cup, main aim at the minute is match day.
4. Marketing Update – Season Tickets – A discussion was made by SL regarding ticket revenue over the past few seasons and information was handed out. MH/SL presented various season ticket packages that have been put together, with an official announcement to follow in the next week or two. Opinions/thoughts were shared regarding the various offers. Different ideas were discussed regarding what would sell season tickets and bring more people to the game.
5. Questions from The Panel –
A) BB – Without mentioning any names how many players are on board at the moment?
We have approx 16 players on board at the moment, with more signings to be announced over the coming weeks.
B) BB – Can the club announce things quicker than Social Media?
Anything not announced by the club and is seen on Social Media is just a rumour. For example everyone knew Luke Gale was going to Leeds before it was announced by Leeds! The club announce signings when everything is concrete and signed off.
C) ML – If you had 24/26 players in your squad would players leave if not getting game time?
No as they will be eligible to play for community clubs, it will help to cover any injuries that we may come across. We can also have any super league players on loan if needed too. I will also be revisiting clubs we have a good relationship with.
D) BB – When will the season tickets be going on sale?
SL advised they will be going on sale towards the end of October, date to be confirmed.
E) SP – Will be have any friendlies?
The coach only wants one or two, so we need to choose wisely. We picked up a lot of injuries in pre-season last year and we don’t want this to happen again. We have Pete Greens testimonial to think about as well.
F) ML – It was mentioned last time about money being invested in local clubs?
Yes all community clubs can apply for Rlwc2021 Legacy funds, We have assisted the community clubs in applying for funding and believe one or two of these have already been successful with their applications.
6. Any other Business – SP commented it was refreshing that club is in the state it has been, there has been some great games of rugby. I know we didn’t get promotion. The season overall as a fan has been brilliant. CH pointed out that we were the last League 1 team in the 1895 Cup and last league 1 club Challenge Cup. We finished 4th in the League, we thought we would go into the play offs strong, but we had at least 4 bad injuries, which set us back. We will move forward with our own team, no dual reg and a full time Doncaster Head Coach. We have the backing of the board and early preparations are being made for the season ahead.
7. Date of Next Meeting – TBC by email
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