FANS FOCUS: BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS FANS FOCUS: BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS

FANS FOCUS: BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS

Earlier this evening Walsall Football Club held another 'Fans Focus' event. Stefan Gamble, Leigh Pomlett & Dan Mole were in attendance. Below are some highlights of the evening's discussion.
Earlier this evening Walsall Football Club held another 'Fans Focus' event. Stefan Gamble, Leigh Pomlett & Dan Mole were in attendance. Supporter Gary Ellison was there, below are some of his highlights.

Walsall Chairman Jeff Bonser is unlikely to attend many home games, as he and others are aware of the reaction he's likely get.

Stefan Gamble is happy to take up all media assignments in absence of the Chairman, all agree that they are satisfied with the current set up.

Rumoured Liam McAlinden deal, is not something either party wish to discuss, although they do seem to admit interest in the Wolverhampton Wanderers striker.

The club confirm that there is an active sell-on clause in the event of Troy Deeney leaving Watford, although declined to admit the percentage.

None of the clubs transfer business depends on a the sale of Deeney.

The clubs youth set up is described as "very exciting".

The club is firmly against the proposals for 'League 3', and have yet to see any tangible solution to the issues outlined by Greg Dyke earlier this year.

Clubs have a response team of SIA trained stewards in ESS. Which consists of six people. This is believed to be a better solution than casual stewarding and increased Police numbers.

Club also revealed that there must be there must be atleast 86 stewards to legally open the stadium.

Last season's Police bill dropped from £100k in the previous year to £60k. This season's is set to be around £50k, and will hopefully continue to downward trend next season.

The club are keen not to outsource stewarding as it will be an unnecessary extra cost, but do acknowledge that some of the stewards require more training.

Decision to move home fans for large away followings is considered a good business move. Adds money to transfer kitty. The recent Aston Villa friendly, though timed badly, had no Police bill and bought in much needed funds.

The path which connects the near-by retail park to Banks's Stadium is nothing to do with the club, and therefore they can make no improvements to it. However the club have seen plans to regenerate the site, and believe the improvements could help matchday attendances.

The League One Fair Play Award, which was collected by Stefan Gamble yesterday, carries with it a five figure prize.

Former Saddler Will Grigg's appearances for current loan club Milton Keynes Dons DO NOT count towards our agreement with Brentford.

The club are keen to continue the changes to infrastructure and believe they have the ability to challenge for promotion, but are keen to sustain any challenge and are disappointed at last season's drop in form.

As revealed last week, season ticket holders are allowed back into the Bonser Suite after the club received much feedback on the issue. 

The club are still unhappy with the current website but are powerless to do anything about it, due to decisions made at League level. They will continue to use Social Media to interact with fans.

The club agree that they need to advertise more to people in the town, and acknowledge the need for a bigger emphasis on the town centre.

The club are disappointed with BBC WM's handling of the Ikeme incident. Journalistic standards called into question. Especially as the FA's assessor saw no evidence of an incident taking place.

The club maintain a good relationship with Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite the above issue.

There are no plans to introduce unemployed or student discounts at the ticket office, all are satisfied with the current structure.

Season ticket sale are up 5%, average match attendance is also up year-on-year.

75% of those who took advantage of the 'free' season tickets for under 18's moved on to become paying season ticket holders.
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