By LISC
August 7 2002

Notes of a Meeting between LISC and LISR 1st August 2002. Background The meeting had been scheduled for Monday 29 July at Molly’s in Richmond but was called off literally at the last minute due to Richard Sanderson being unavoidably delayed due to flight delays from Dublin Airport. The meeting was therefore rearranged for Thursday 1st August at 6pm at Langley, Slough. Due to holidays and work commitments only a few LISC committee representatives were available but it was decided to go ahead with the meeting, as the next possible date was not until end of August.

LISR had prepared a response to the LISC survey for the 29th July meeting and this was provided to LISC in the meantime and published on the Supporters’ Website on Tuesday 30th July.

LISR attendees at the meeting were Richard Sanderson (CEO), Malcolm Ball (Marketing Director) Jon Salinger (Marketing & IT Manager) and Andrea Bray (Communications & PR Executive). LISC was represented by Patrick Tahany, Alan Murphy and Chris Weldon.
LISR Response to the LISC Survey
LISC expressed disappointment at the general nature of the response especially considering the length of time it had been awaited and the fact that LISC had reminded the club on several occasions that it awaited its response in the meantime. The club agreed to go through the survey point by point and to provide its response for distribution to LISC members and supporters.

Saturday/Sunday Rugby –

It will not be possible for London Irish to play on Saturday’s this season as 11 of the 14 weekend’s clash with Reading FC fixtures or England International matches. The club also remains concerned that alternating between Saturdays and Sundays might have a detrimental effect on 'walk-in' support. LISC took the position that the majority of supporters prefer Saturday rugby and that there is no evidence that walk in supporters would be reduced in number if the match days were alternated. LISC wants the club to try and provide some Saturday matches. The club understands the position but is unable to do so this season.

Madejski Facilities -

Clubhouse -

The club have been unable to reach agreement with the landlords (Reading FC) to provide, at a reasonable cost, the facilities that we had hoped for. Other options, both inside and outside the ground, are being considered. Negotiations are continuing so no further comment, which might endanger these discussions, can be made at this stage. LISC reaffirmed that this matter is the major concern of members and all supporters and that the traditions of London Irish Rugby Club are suffering as a result of this lack of social facilities. The club is aware of supporters concerns and continues to seek a solution. The principal obstacle remains that of being a tenant.

Stewarding –

The club continues to work with the stewards to increase their awareness of the policy of non-segregation at rugby matches and the camaraderie between opposing rugby supporters.

Catering –

The in-stadium catering contract is due for renewal this season. The club is aware of supporters concerns that mirror those received by Reading FC from its supporters club. The catering concessionaires outside the stadium are also under review. It is hoped this may result in a better choice of catering.

Ticketing –

The club have taken account of member’s concerns in relation to ticketing issues. These have been fully discussed with Reading FC and its contractors and it believed that they now have a better understanding of rugby supporters’ requirements. Season tickets will be distributed on 14th August 2002.

Merchandise –

The Madejski shop has been revamped and it is hoped that a better layout has been achieved. A major review of club merchandise has been undertaken and the club is confident of having a good range of quality merchandise in stock from the beginning of the season.

The new shirts will be unveiled at the pre-season press conference on 15th August 2002 together with the new club badge/logo.

Communication –

The club is aware of the supporters’ criticisms of its communications and advised LISC that it was about to launch a weekly e-mail newsletter, The Blarney. In addition, discussions are taking place with Ark Media to re-launch the ‘Official’ website.

Other matters

Away Games Ticketing –

LISC asked whether the club would be willing to obtain a block allocation of away tickets so that LISC members and LI supporters could be seated together rather than being scattered around the stadiums. The club were initially not willing to do so due to risk of financial loss and the administration involved. LISC therefore invited the club to consider obtaining a block of tickets for LISC to sell to its members and supporters as part of its away travel package. The club agreed to consider this over the next few days. LISC also asked the club to investigate the ticketing arrangements for the Heineken Cup match in Toulouse.

LISC Dinner/Dance –

The club will provide some valuable items for auction at the dinner/dance in aid of the Jarrod Cunningham fund.

LISC stands at Madejski Stadium –

The club agreed to investigate the possibility of LISC stands in the concourses under the East and West stands. Health and safety concerns are a major issue in soccer grounds and it is not a simple matter.

Marketing of London Irish Rugby Club by the supporters’ –

LISC reminded the club of its offer to assist in the marketing of London Irish in the Reading area and elsewhere using the many talents of its supporters. Reference was made to David Law’s recent request for assistance. The club expressed very strong interest and said that it needed about four weeks in order to get its ideas finalised on this issue. It was agreed that a further meeting would take place in the early part of September.

The LISR and LISC representatives committed themselves to regular meetings during the forthcoming season.

The meeting closed at 8.00pm.

London Irish Supporters Club Committee

6th August 2002