Karen Matthews
22nd January 2004, 20:59
COMMITTEE MEETING
SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY 2004 (1.30 P.M.)
The Norseman Room, Samuel Platts, Trafford Park
PRESENT
Jonathan Michie (Chair); Karen Matthews (Company Secretary); Sean Bones (Vice Chair); Roger Brierley (Finance Director); Theresa Towle (Vice Chair); Nick Towle; Margaret Orhan; Oliver Houston; Lee Shailer; Michael Crick; Sue Simpson; Duncan Drasdo; Roy Addison; David Aspinall; Chris Buston; Pete Butler; Chris Connolly; Bruce Crawford; Eric Downs; Lars Grobergsveen; Daniel James; Laura Hamblett; Mark Hamblett; Gary Hirst; Jack Hirst; Matthew O’Brien; Lars Olsen; Brian Pendlebury; Lucy Pendlebury; Shirley Roberts; Helen Sadler; John Shidiak; Tony Simmons; Christopher Small; J. Small; Mark Southee; Lawrence Spencer; Scott Taylor; Einor Vesthuin; Geoff Watson; Jean Watson; Paul Whatmore; Oli Winton; John Wroe.
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Oliver Houston, Lynette Cawthra. John Hurst and Tanya Taylor. There was a warm welcome for three guests from Scandinavia.
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous Committee Meeting held on 6th December 2003 were approved as a true record.
3. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
4. LATEST ON SPECULATION OF TAKEOVER BIDS
Following a statement made at the MU plc AGM by Sir Roy Gardner that the Board had no problem in turning more fans into shareholders and would be happy to discuss the issue, Committee members of Shareholders United met on 16th December with Sir Roy and David Gill to discuss proposals to keep the Club independent and resist any potential takeover bids. The main thrust of the meeting was to convert fans to shareholders and get individual shareholders to pledge their shares against a takeover. MU plc agreed to consult with their lawyers and advise SU of the outcome.
Concern was expressed that a Russian billionaire (Saffin) appeared to be emerging as a possible bidder for the Club. The share price had increased 6p in one day on the back of this speculative news.
5. BRIEF PROGRESS REPORTS
Share Scheme Report
Duncan Drasdo reported a very good month for December with 519 new members – a very positive message on recruitment for which both Duncan and Sean were congratulated.
Web Site
Changes have been made to the FAQs section, and a Who’s Who of Committee Members included under the “About Us” section.
Media Report
Sean Bones reported many requests/demand from the media and heightened interest in both Ireland and the USA.
Patrons
Currently have 19 Patrons with hopes of increasing this figure in the future, although perhaps better to have a smaller number of committed Patrons rather than a large number who are not really prepared to join in the fight to keep United independent. When or if there is any takeover bid all Patrons will be asked to support SU by helping to publicise its opposition.
Still no reply from Eric Cantona – a follow-up letter is being sent.
David Ruffley had suggested to Michael Crick that he might be prepared to reconsider his rejection of our invitation. He has therefore been sent a further letter but no reply has been received to date.
Sue Simpson, a neighbour of James Nesbitt, had indicated she would be prepared to hand deliver an invitation to him.
Anyone with any suggestions for adding to the patrons list is asked to contact Margaret Orhan.
Financial Report
Roger Brierley reported that to date monies in the current account amounted to £9784 with just over £5,000 in reserves and assets.
Recruitment Report
Reported as being an exceptionally good month with 519 new members. Sean Bones was interviewed on World Talk Radio (USA) on 9th January and reported that the station are regularly featuring spots on SU and carry a banner on their web site.
Sean also expressed his thanks to Tony Smith for his impassioned plea to supporters entitled “The Most Important Thing You'll Read This Year” which can be found on SU’s web site.
Newsletter
A breakdown on the costs of printing and distribution revealed that the last print run was 4,500 copies costing £929.43 and £695.37 for distribution (e.g. currently therefore approximately £1600 per issue but rising as membership increases). The need for advertising revenue was again discussed, and also the need to identify individual members’ skills.
It was agreed that Jonathan Michie (as Chair) would email members to enquire about their personal skills, explaining the reasons for asking and mentioning fundraising. Michael Crick volunteered to then carry out the analysis.
Action: Jonathan Michie/Michael Crick
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There were no items for discussion under this heading.
7. DATE OF NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Saturday 20th March 2004 commencing at 1.00 pm in The Norseman Room, Samuel Platts pub, Trafford Park (home fixture against Spurs).
All members are encouraged to attend all meetings.
This Committee Meeting was followed at 2.00 p.m. by a “Question and Answer” session with David Gill. Nick Humby and Paddy Harverson also attended.
SATURDAY 11TH JANUARY 2004 (1.30 P.M.)
The Norseman Room, Samuel Platts, Trafford Park
PRESENT
Jonathan Michie (Chair); Karen Matthews (Company Secretary); Sean Bones (Vice Chair); Roger Brierley (Finance Director); Theresa Towle (Vice Chair); Nick Towle; Margaret Orhan; Oliver Houston; Lee Shailer; Michael Crick; Sue Simpson; Duncan Drasdo; Roy Addison; David Aspinall; Chris Buston; Pete Butler; Chris Connolly; Bruce Crawford; Eric Downs; Lars Grobergsveen; Daniel James; Laura Hamblett; Mark Hamblett; Gary Hirst; Jack Hirst; Matthew O’Brien; Lars Olsen; Brian Pendlebury; Lucy Pendlebury; Shirley Roberts; Helen Sadler; John Shidiak; Tony Simmons; Christopher Small; J. Small; Mark Southee; Lawrence Spencer; Scott Taylor; Einor Vesthuin; Geoff Watson; Jean Watson; Paul Whatmore; Oli Winton; John Wroe.
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
Apologies had been received from Oliver Houston, Lynette Cawthra. John Hurst and Tanya Taylor. There was a warm welcome for three guests from Scandinavia.
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous Committee Meeting held on 6th December 2003 were approved as a true record.
3. MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising.
4. LATEST ON SPECULATION OF TAKEOVER BIDS
Following a statement made at the MU plc AGM by Sir Roy Gardner that the Board had no problem in turning more fans into shareholders and would be happy to discuss the issue, Committee members of Shareholders United met on 16th December with Sir Roy and David Gill to discuss proposals to keep the Club independent and resist any potential takeover bids. The main thrust of the meeting was to convert fans to shareholders and get individual shareholders to pledge their shares against a takeover. MU plc agreed to consult with their lawyers and advise SU of the outcome.
Concern was expressed that a Russian billionaire (Saffin) appeared to be emerging as a possible bidder for the Club. The share price had increased 6p in one day on the back of this speculative news.
5. BRIEF PROGRESS REPORTS
Share Scheme Report
Duncan Drasdo reported a very good month for December with 519 new members – a very positive message on recruitment for which both Duncan and Sean were congratulated.
Web Site
Changes have been made to the FAQs section, and a Who’s Who of Committee Members included under the “About Us” section.
Media Report
Sean Bones reported many requests/demand from the media and heightened interest in both Ireland and the USA.
Patrons
Currently have 19 Patrons with hopes of increasing this figure in the future, although perhaps better to have a smaller number of committed Patrons rather than a large number who are not really prepared to join in the fight to keep United independent. When or if there is any takeover bid all Patrons will be asked to support SU by helping to publicise its opposition.
Still no reply from Eric Cantona – a follow-up letter is being sent.
David Ruffley had suggested to Michael Crick that he might be prepared to reconsider his rejection of our invitation. He has therefore been sent a further letter but no reply has been received to date.
Sue Simpson, a neighbour of James Nesbitt, had indicated she would be prepared to hand deliver an invitation to him.
Anyone with any suggestions for adding to the patrons list is asked to contact Margaret Orhan.
Financial Report
Roger Brierley reported that to date monies in the current account amounted to £9784 with just over £5,000 in reserves and assets.
Recruitment Report
Reported as being an exceptionally good month with 519 new members. Sean Bones was interviewed on World Talk Radio (USA) on 9th January and reported that the station are regularly featuring spots on SU and carry a banner on their web site.
Sean also expressed his thanks to Tony Smith for his impassioned plea to supporters entitled “The Most Important Thing You'll Read This Year” which can be found on SU’s web site.
Newsletter
A breakdown on the costs of printing and distribution revealed that the last print run was 4,500 copies costing £929.43 and £695.37 for distribution (e.g. currently therefore approximately £1600 per issue but rising as membership increases). The need for advertising revenue was again discussed, and also the need to identify individual members’ skills.
It was agreed that Jonathan Michie (as Chair) would email members to enquire about their personal skills, explaining the reasons for asking and mentioning fundraising. Michael Crick volunteered to then carry out the analysis.
Action: Jonathan Michie/Michael Crick
6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There were no items for discussion under this heading.
7. DATE OF NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
The next Committee Meeting will be held on Saturday 20th March 2004 commencing at 1.00 pm in The Norseman Room, Samuel Platts pub, Trafford Park (home fixture against Spurs).
All members are encouraged to attend all meetings.
This Committee Meeting was followed at 2.00 p.m. by a “Question and Answer” session with David Gill. Nick Humby and Paddy Harverson also attended.