Feedback from Supporters Meeting

Wednesday, 21st Feb 2018

Following the “Meet the Chairman Night” held at East End Park on 25 January, we would like to provide supporters with an update.

Chairman, Ross McArthur commented: I thought it was a really good and informative night, and a chance for everyone to share ideas or concerns, as well as an opportunity to put points across that might not be otherwise possible. There was a good turnout, on the eve of a match, and I would like to thank everyone who attended and for the positive feedback I have received since the meeting. I would be more than happy to do this again, as it is important to me that all supporters feel that they have a voice, and are not taken for granted.

Myself, Drew Main, Michael Mlotkiewicz, Margaret Miller and Kenny Arnott have all met since the meeting, to discuss the points raised to try and obtain solutions, where we can. To provide feedback I thought it would be useful to provide this update.

North West Stand

We are content to allow supporters in the North West Stand to use the drum, as long as ownership of this is arranged by the supporters, in advance of a match. The noise in the North West adds to the atmosphere so we certainly don’t want to discourage this. The only condition being that we will need to heed the feedback from other supporters in the stand.

Our Safety Team will inform our stewarding company, G4s of our club’s position on the drum going forward.

In addition, G4s will be informed not to overcrowd the corner section at full-time, only if a serious issue gives us a reason to do so.

Pigeon Droppings on Seats

A meeting has taken place with a specialist firm, with a view to us trying to remedy the ongoing problem. The club are awaiting further details.

Charlie Ds/Legends

A number of issues were identified, and at present we don’t have all the answers unfortunately, so we need our supporters to work with us to improve the match day experience in Charlie D’s and Legends.

Firstly, our club would greatly appreciate the fans to help us out on a match day, by collecting their glasses and returning them to the bar, as this would speed up things for the bar staff.

It was suggested that we could mount spirits on the bar, as opposed to pouring measures from the bottle which could be more time consuming. Unfortunately, we have issues currently with the setup of the bar, as it has awkward shelving and mirrors. This would need some investment and joinery work. However, we have looked at the order pattern for spirits, and they are only significantly higher on certain games such as the bank holiday match on 2 January v Falkirk.

At higher profile matches, we will also ensure that a separately staffed bottle bar is in place in Charlie D’s to try and reduce queues.

As was discussed at the meeting, due to limited capacity and eliminating any risk of trouble, both bars will continue to be for home fans only.

Unfortunately, after further looking into the matter, the connecting door between both bars will need to remain closed, as it is impossible for our club or stewards to track supporters passing through both bars, and if we were in breach of our safety certificate, it would have serious implications for our club. Providing food in both bars could potentially resolve the issue.

That said, we would like to know what type of food supporters would like in Legends/Charlie D’s? At the moment, being totally honest providing food in both bars is not cost effective for our club, partly because we have to allocate a member of staff who could assist in other areas e.g bar or glass collecting. However, maybe that could improve if we sold the right type of food, so we would welcome any feedback.

Purvis Suite Post-Match

All hospitality members using the Purvis Suite will be notified of last orders from 5.30pm and to finish their drinks. If they would then like to move upstairs to Legends, drinks must be consumed first and exit has to be made out of the stand via the main reception doors to enter Legends from Halbeath Road. Internal entry is no longer permitted due to Health and Safety regulations.

Season Tickets swap for Match Tickets

We have no problem with this, as long as Season Tickets are handed into the Club Shop before the match. This has to be done before 2pm on a home match day.

Allocated Seating

Michael and Kenny are to ensure that a consistent message is agreed in terms of allocated seating, which will be passed onto G4s. It is clear that mixed messages are being given to supporters so we need to be clear on our club’s position.

Catering Kiosks

A meeting is to be set up with Stephens the Bakers in March to discuss complaints over the quality and price of food being provided, with a view to next season.

Away Tickets

We will continue to monitor the price of tickets for our own supporters, at away venues. All clubs must charge home and away fans the same price for comparable seats.

If you have any further feedback, or any points of clarification I would be grateful if you could email our General Manager - michael@dafc.co.uk

Thanks again for your ongoing support, it is much appreciated.

COYP!
Ross McArthur