Karen Matthews
24th April 2003, 23:49
COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY 1ST APRIL 2003
Simultaneously at:
Birkbeck College, London (JM’s Room) and
Breeze Hill house, Atherton, Manchester (JF’s House)
PRESENT:
London:
Jonathan Michie (JM); Lynette Cawthra (LC); Nick Towle (NT);
Theresa Towle (TT); Roger Brierley (RB); Julian Lord (JL); Oliver Houston (OH); Michael Crick (MC) and Gary Hirst (GH).
Manchester:
John Fletcher (JF); Margaret Orhan (MO); Duncan Drasdo (DD); Sean Bones (SB) and Karen Matthews (KM).
APOLOGIES:
Lee Shailer; Tanya Taylor; John Hurst and Helen Sadler.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: 26TH OCTOBER 2002:
The meetings on 26th October 2002 were a Committee Meeting followed by an EGM. The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the proceedings.
APPROVAL OF THE GAPNET AGREEMENT:
This had initially been approved and recommended by the Directors and Scheme Administrators and now needed formal approval by the Committee. Approval obtained unanimously and it was agreed there should now be an exchange of signed copies. A vote of thanks was recorded for NT’s and DD’s extensive work on the agreement.
Duncan Drasdo confirmed his ‘stand down’ as a Committee Member. It was noted and agreed, however, that he would remain active in attendance at both Committee and Directors’ meetings.
Share Scheme Administrators are now named as: Jonathan Michie, Nick Towle and David Dunn of the Co-operative Bank. (The appointment of David Dunn in accordance with the Committee Meeting minutes dated 24th June 2002.)
SU MEDIA RESPONSE TO POSSIBLE FUTURE TAKE-OVER BIDS:
There was lengthy debate about how SU had handled the issue of speculation regarding a possible takeover bid. It was acknowledged that whilst damage was minimal, questions had been raised about whether there were differences between the views of SU and those of IMUSA, and concern expressed that any future public statements should be kept simple to enable people to understand what SU is about.
Agreement was reached that a policy, manifesto or brand statement was required which would serve as a PR exercise and develop a tone reflecting a neutral but sceptical stance.
JF had meanwhile prepared a list consisting of 25 bullet points outlining what SU is about as an organisation and agreed to email it to the SU Committee emailing list for discussion. This item to be added to the AGM agenda.
Action: John Fletcher
REPORTS FROM MEETINGS: FINANCIAL RESULTS, HARVERSON, YEA:
Financial Results
Manchester United plc published its Interim Report for the six months to 31st January 2003 on Tuesday 1st April. The main points of the report included:
* Group turnover up 3% to £92.6 million
* Group operating profit before player amortisation and disposals Up 32% to £31.1 million
* Profit before tax decreased by 34% to £20.3 million (reflecting lower player disposals)
* Debt free balance sheet, net cash of £3.8 million
* The Club's wage bill for the six-month period was £39.7m but at 43% of
turnover this is still within the Club's target of 50%
Although unconfirmed, there is a possibility the Board may consider paying another special dividend. JL agreed to write an article in time for the next newsletter.
Action: Julian Lord
Meetings with Yea and Harverson
JM reported that he, Nick and Theresa had met with Philip Yea and the meeting had been friendly and constructive. He had also met with Sir Roy Gardner and would now seek a meeting with Peter Kenyon.
DD, SB and JF reported they had held several meetings with representatives of the fanzines and IMUSA to present them with new application forms and generally update them with SU’s plans and improve communications. A confidential report on these meetings was tabled.
They had also met with Paddy Harverson, accompanied by Linchpin Marketing, at which two main issues had been discussed: (i) Affiliate Sponsorship/MU plc Attitude and (ii) Mailshots.
Apparent split on the Board on how they could work with SU. PH had hinted that some on the Board may be willing to facilitate a strategy of co-existence with, recognising the benefits of working with SU as a supporter/shareholder group. (Some SU Committee members expressed a need for caution regarding any permanent plans for co-existence as it was felt this was not what SU was about.)
RESOLUTIONS FOR THE MU PLC AGM 2003:
On the issue of having an SU Member on the Board, it was agreed:
* That pushing for a candidate on the MU plc Board may prove counter productive as it may be perceived by fans as SU seeking more power. This may be better pursued through ongoing discussions as a defeat may lower prestige and status of SU. As a democratic organisation this issue (and others) should be raised with members via the newsletter to enable discussion and other proposals.
* That an increase in membership, and therefore a broader shareholder base, would provide greater leverage and promote the supporter/shareholder concept.
* That it was not necessary to submit Resolutions every year unless the issue was important.
SU SHARE SCHEME REPORT:
DD reported that the SU article in the April edition of United Magazine had proved a very useful exercise and had already attracted 119 new members in just ten days. This compared to the best month in the past, and the expectation was that SU may gain 300+ members from the article. He also advised that 47 new memberships had been received during February – with many joining on-line – and 3 renewals.
DD had circulated his report ahead of the meeting and advised that there were currently 1109 members in the share scheme. He added that he would be speaking to NT about the issue of ‘dormant’ members in terms of dividend re-investment and the potential tax liability.
Action: Duncan Drasdo
FUNDRAISING AND PATRONS:
Fundraising
Completed items reported as:
· Web site
· United Magazine advert and article
· New application form
· Application form for programme insert - subject to MU approval
· Application form for fanzine
Meetings being arranged with Simon Donohue (Features Editor, Manchester Evening News); Brian Beech (Leedex PR); Fanzines and IMUSA; and a concert promoter contact.
Information sent to high profile sponsors.
Anticipating mailing from Manchester Chamber of Commerce (circa 800+ names).
Sponsorship letter – Clear Marketing have been briefed and a draft is expected by 4th April.
Action: John Fletcher
Branch Secretary letters sent out by LS – thanks Lee!
Patrons
Thanks extended to MO for letters and information sent out to potential Patrons.
Due to copyright restrictions, permission needs to be sought from the United Magazine publishers for SU to include a copy of the article in any future mailings.
Action: Lynette Cawthra
JF agreed to contact the Conservative MP David Ruffley.
Action: John Fletcher
AGM Co-ordinator
Seen as necessary to monitor timetable. Margaret Orhan and Lynette Cawthra had both agreed to assist with this work. Lynette agreed to draft a timetable of actions needed. It was noted, however, that the job description is still urgently required.
Action: Lynette Cawthra/Oliver Houston
WEB SITE:
DD reported that there were still some features to be implemented and some links to be put into place but otherwise things were progressing well.
NEWSLETTER:
The timing with the AGM has been difficult with the agenda, nominations and ballot forms having to go out separately ahead of circulation to comply with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The newsletter is due to be distributed during the third week of April with an absolute deadline for copy of 4th April.
It was agreed that a discretely placed notice would appear in the newsletter to explain to members why Brewin Dolphin had failed to cast the SUSS votes at the November MU plc AGM.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Annual General Meeting: Saturday 3rd May 2003
Nominations have been sent out for the positions of Vice Chair, Finance Director, Fans’ Forum Representative and Committee Members (5).
Notice of the meeting time change and two ballot forms to be emailed by DD to members with email addresses; with the remainder being sent out by post as soon as possible. KM to refer to Memorandum and Articles of Association to confirm the procedure and timing for the return of ballot forms.
Action: Duncan Drasdo/Karen Matthews
It was agreed that all six nominees for the Committee posts would be elected with the one receiving the least amount of votes to serve for a term of one year only (being the Committee place vacated by Duncan Drasdo).
JF and SB agreed to contact Jeff Boxen (member who has been nominated for two of the positions) to arrange an informal meeting.
Action: Sean Bones/John Fletcher
DATES AND VENUES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:
Annual General Meeting: Saturday 3rd May 2003
As the kick-off time has been brought forward to 12.30 p.m., it was agreed that the AGM would now take place between 11.00 a.m. and noon. KM to check the earlier availability of the Norseman Room, Sam Platts and amend the agenda time. Notice of the time change and the ballot forms would in the first instance be emailed by DD with the remainder being sent out by post as soon as possible.
Action: Karen Matthews
Directors’ Meetings
Next two dates were agreed as Wednesday 7th May and Tuesday 10th June 2003.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on the first home weekend game of next season.
ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
TUESDAY 1ST APRIL 2003
Simultaneously at:
Birkbeck College, London (JM’s Room) and
Breeze Hill house, Atherton, Manchester (JF’s House)
PRESENT:
London:
Jonathan Michie (JM); Lynette Cawthra (LC); Nick Towle (NT);
Theresa Towle (TT); Roger Brierley (RB); Julian Lord (JL); Oliver Houston (OH); Michael Crick (MC) and Gary Hirst (GH).
Manchester:
John Fletcher (JF); Margaret Orhan (MO); Duncan Drasdo (DD); Sean Bones (SB) and Karen Matthews (KM).
APOLOGIES:
Lee Shailer; Tanya Taylor; John Hurst and Helen Sadler.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: 26TH OCTOBER 2002:
The meetings on 26th October 2002 were a Committee Meeting followed by an EGM. The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the proceedings.
APPROVAL OF THE GAPNET AGREEMENT:
This had initially been approved and recommended by the Directors and Scheme Administrators and now needed formal approval by the Committee. Approval obtained unanimously and it was agreed there should now be an exchange of signed copies. A vote of thanks was recorded for NT’s and DD’s extensive work on the agreement.
Duncan Drasdo confirmed his ‘stand down’ as a Committee Member. It was noted and agreed, however, that he would remain active in attendance at both Committee and Directors’ meetings.
Share Scheme Administrators are now named as: Jonathan Michie, Nick Towle and David Dunn of the Co-operative Bank. (The appointment of David Dunn in accordance with the Committee Meeting minutes dated 24th June 2002.)
SU MEDIA RESPONSE TO POSSIBLE FUTURE TAKE-OVER BIDS:
There was lengthy debate about how SU had handled the issue of speculation regarding a possible takeover bid. It was acknowledged that whilst damage was minimal, questions had been raised about whether there were differences between the views of SU and those of IMUSA, and concern expressed that any future public statements should be kept simple to enable people to understand what SU is about.
Agreement was reached that a policy, manifesto or brand statement was required which would serve as a PR exercise and develop a tone reflecting a neutral but sceptical stance.
JF had meanwhile prepared a list consisting of 25 bullet points outlining what SU is about as an organisation and agreed to email it to the SU Committee emailing list for discussion. This item to be added to the AGM agenda.
Action: John Fletcher
REPORTS FROM MEETINGS: FINANCIAL RESULTS, HARVERSON, YEA:
Financial Results
Manchester United plc published its Interim Report for the six months to 31st January 2003 on Tuesday 1st April. The main points of the report included:
* Group turnover up 3% to £92.6 million
* Group operating profit before player amortisation and disposals Up 32% to £31.1 million
* Profit before tax decreased by 34% to £20.3 million (reflecting lower player disposals)
* Debt free balance sheet, net cash of £3.8 million
* The Club's wage bill for the six-month period was £39.7m but at 43% of
turnover this is still within the Club's target of 50%
Although unconfirmed, there is a possibility the Board may consider paying another special dividend. JL agreed to write an article in time for the next newsletter.
Action: Julian Lord
Meetings with Yea and Harverson
JM reported that he, Nick and Theresa had met with Philip Yea and the meeting had been friendly and constructive. He had also met with Sir Roy Gardner and would now seek a meeting with Peter Kenyon.
DD, SB and JF reported they had held several meetings with representatives of the fanzines and IMUSA to present them with new application forms and generally update them with SU’s plans and improve communications. A confidential report on these meetings was tabled.
They had also met with Paddy Harverson, accompanied by Linchpin Marketing, at which two main issues had been discussed: (i) Affiliate Sponsorship/MU plc Attitude and (ii) Mailshots.
Apparent split on the Board on how they could work with SU. PH had hinted that some on the Board may be willing to facilitate a strategy of co-existence with, recognising the benefits of working with SU as a supporter/shareholder group. (Some SU Committee members expressed a need for caution regarding any permanent plans for co-existence as it was felt this was not what SU was about.)
RESOLUTIONS FOR THE MU PLC AGM 2003:
On the issue of having an SU Member on the Board, it was agreed:
* That pushing for a candidate on the MU plc Board may prove counter productive as it may be perceived by fans as SU seeking more power. This may be better pursued through ongoing discussions as a defeat may lower prestige and status of SU. As a democratic organisation this issue (and others) should be raised with members via the newsletter to enable discussion and other proposals.
* That an increase in membership, and therefore a broader shareholder base, would provide greater leverage and promote the supporter/shareholder concept.
* That it was not necessary to submit Resolutions every year unless the issue was important.
SU SHARE SCHEME REPORT:
DD reported that the SU article in the April edition of United Magazine had proved a very useful exercise and had already attracted 119 new members in just ten days. This compared to the best month in the past, and the expectation was that SU may gain 300+ members from the article. He also advised that 47 new memberships had been received during February – with many joining on-line – and 3 renewals.
DD had circulated his report ahead of the meeting and advised that there were currently 1109 members in the share scheme. He added that he would be speaking to NT about the issue of ‘dormant’ members in terms of dividend re-investment and the potential tax liability.
Action: Duncan Drasdo
FUNDRAISING AND PATRONS:
Fundraising
Completed items reported as:
· Web site
· United Magazine advert and article
· New application form
· Application form for programme insert - subject to MU approval
· Application form for fanzine
Meetings being arranged with Simon Donohue (Features Editor, Manchester Evening News); Brian Beech (Leedex PR); Fanzines and IMUSA; and a concert promoter contact.
Information sent to high profile sponsors.
Anticipating mailing from Manchester Chamber of Commerce (circa 800+ names).
Sponsorship letter – Clear Marketing have been briefed and a draft is expected by 4th April.
Action: John Fletcher
Branch Secretary letters sent out by LS – thanks Lee!
Patrons
Thanks extended to MO for letters and information sent out to potential Patrons.
Due to copyright restrictions, permission needs to be sought from the United Magazine publishers for SU to include a copy of the article in any future mailings.
Action: Lynette Cawthra
JF agreed to contact the Conservative MP David Ruffley.
Action: John Fletcher
AGM Co-ordinator
Seen as necessary to monitor timetable. Margaret Orhan and Lynette Cawthra had both agreed to assist with this work. Lynette agreed to draft a timetable of actions needed. It was noted, however, that the job description is still urgently required.
Action: Lynette Cawthra/Oliver Houston
WEB SITE:
DD reported that there were still some features to be implemented and some links to be put into place but otherwise things were progressing well.
NEWSLETTER:
The timing with the AGM has been difficult with the agenda, nominations and ballot forms having to go out separately ahead of circulation to comply with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The newsletter is due to be distributed during the third week of April with an absolute deadline for copy of 4th April.
It was agreed that a discretely placed notice would appear in the newsletter to explain to members why Brewin Dolphin had failed to cast the SUSS votes at the November MU plc AGM.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Annual General Meeting: Saturday 3rd May 2003
Nominations have been sent out for the positions of Vice Chair, Finance Director, Fans’ Forum Representative and Committee Members (5).
Notice of the meeting time change and two ballot forms to be emailed by DD to members with email addresses; with the remainder being sent out by post as soon as possible. KM to refer to Memorandum and Articles of Association to confirm the procedure and timing for the return of ballot forms.
Action: Duncan Drasdo/Karen Matthews
It was agreed that all six nominees for the Committee posts would be elected with the one receiving the least amount of votes to serve for a term of one year only (being the Committee place vacated by Duncan Drasdo).
JF and SB agreed to contact Jeff Boxen (member who has been nominated for two of the positions) to arrange an informal meeting.
Action: Sean Bones/John Fletcher
DATES AND VENUES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:
Annual General Meeting: Saturday 3rd May 2003
As the kick-off time has been brought forward to 12.30 p.m., it was agreed that the AGM would now take place between 11.00 a.m. and noon. KM to check the earlier availability of the Norseman Room, Sam Platts and amend the agenda time. Notice of the time change and the ballot forms would in the first instance be emailed by DD with the remainder being sent out by post as soon as possible.
Action: Karen Matthews
Directors’ Meetings
Next two dates were agreed as Wednesday 7th May and Tuesday 10th June 2003.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee Meeting will be held on the first home weekend game of next season.
ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE COMMITTEE MEETINGS