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Burnley Football Club Annual General Meeting
Thursday 16 December 1999

The AGM took place in the North Stand Banqueting Suite, with between 150 and 200 shareholders present, including all the Board members plus Stan, the new auditors KPMG Andrew Watson (AW) and of course Cathy Pickup the Company Secretary. The floodlights were on before the start of the meeting, and I have to say it looked particularly impressive.

The official part of the proceedings lasted no more than half an hour, and was the quickest in thirty years apparently. This is probably indicative of the general satisfaction with the way the club is progressing despite the £1.8 million loss! There were few points of real note on the accounts, except that the bank account for the Gawthorpe Development Fund is separate from the Club’s own. Note no detailed profit and loss account, but nothing sinister here, as this can be obtained from the auditors.

All the resolutions were quickly disposed of by a show of hands including the re-election of Ray Ingleby (RI), John Turkington and Teasdale. The former two spoke well to the meeting. The latter was elected with only one objection, but a good few abstentions, of which I was most definitely one.

The question and answer session lasted an hour or so, and was not heated. Barry Kilby (BK) chaired well, RI made a good few points as did AW. Blakeborough said nothing at all. The following are some of the more interesting issues arising:

• The old chestnut of the lack of atmosphere was raised again, and a suggestion of the lower tier of the Jimmy McIlroy stand mentioned as a ‘collective’ singing area was made. This one will run and run.

• Shareholders possibly to have equal priority as season ticket holders for all ticket games. Like this one.

• Affinity schemes are close to launch, probably June, and will generate substantial funds, particularly for the Gawthorpe Fund. RI initiative.

• Moan at the state of the facilities in the Cricket Field and Bob Lord Stands. Accepted, but cash needed for players at present. Also moan re cost of food and drink in the ground, not accepted.

• Gawthorpe development is presently awaiting the Secretary of State permission. £30,000 already spent. More funds needed from Supporters clubs. CISA have already donated £300.

• Shirt sponsorship with P3 falls away at the end of the season. They wish to continue, and negotiations will begin in January 2000.

• A new publicity manager has been recruited from Leeds RFC, AW’s old stamping ground. Priority to encourage more kids to the games. No more dancing dogs. Jimmy McIlroy stand to be officially opened at the Oxford home game, with the Championship team, and some of the Youth Cup winning team present. Fan for life scheme on the Board agenda.

• Stan was asked a few questions, which he studiously ignored in his usual fashion. He did, however, give a considered and sensible response to the question as to why he is not interested in taking on players on loan. His view was that any players would need to be at least of first division quality to get in the team, with their attendant costs. Better time spent on improving existing squad. Has a plan for a substitute keeper if Crichton is injured or sent off, but isn’t telling! Presumably big Ronnie.

• Great emphasis on getting out of this division particularly this season to get at least some of the TV money that will become available in a year or two’s time. RI particularly emphatic on this point. Premier league 2 a distinct possibility. Club losses next year probably in the hundreds of thousands, and not millions.

• The question to Teasdale re his present role was interesting, and whether he had heard from Peter Pan Shackleton recently. Apparently involved in the Pontins and Second division committee’s. BK and AW fully supportive of his role. No contact from Shackleton, but has heard that he has been involved with similar bids for other clubs.

• Board seat could be made available still to substantial investors, but none around at present.

• Club already in profit on sales of the video.

Hego
December 1999