Joys and Sorrows Meet Michael Dunford (With Others!)
Nov 23rd, 2009 | By KevB8ll | Category: Blues News, Kev's RamblingsAylesburyblue and myself had the privilege to go to St Andrews on Saturday before the Fulham game, to meet Michael Dunford the club’s new CEO. We were invited along with a number of other representatives from supporters clubs and websites, to meet Michael so he could open communication with the fans.
Since the new board members have arrived, there has been a clear drive to communicate that the club belongs to us – we are a “fwamily”, as Sammy said on the Tom Ross phone in. To be fair to the board – that is being demonstrated so far.
We arrived at the ground at 11.00, which was weird. Crossing the Stratford Road with no one else around, was distinctly odd! Anyway as I was saying, we arrived at the ground, and were shown up and into one of the reception rooms in the Kop. Michael greeted us and introduced himself. We went around the room and introduced ourselves, and an impressive array of folk were there.
From the supporter’s clubs:
Norway, France, Holland, Mid and West Wales, Ireland – closer to home – the Disabled Supporters Club, Redditch and the Official Supporters Club. The American and Yorkshire supporters club were unable to make it.
We also met:
Mo from The official Forum, Andy and Daniel from the Small Heath Alliance, and Brian from Singing the Blues and ourselves.
I think everyone bought a number of questions, however this meeting was very much an introductions time. The intention is to have 3 meetings per year and we have already arranged the next one in February.
Michael Dunford addresses the supporters forum
I was very impressed with the whole set up, the club laid on a buffet for us and genuinely looked after us. I really believe that a new phase has begun. I don’t believe for one moment that the previous administration would have done this, and even if they had – they would have charged for it!
*EDIT – apparently the previous board did have some sort of forum, and they didn’t charge – but I guess my original comment is a mark of some of the negativity the previous board left us.
I’m really looking forward to see how this progresses. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking to support the groups listed above, by doing an article on them to plug them – so keep an eye open! Obviously we will keep you informed via articles how the communication / relationship with the club is going. I am VERY encouraged with this.
I don’t think I have missed anything, but Aylesburyblue can edit the post if I have! 
Kev
Sounds a great day out Kev. The board appear to be making all the right moves so far.
KRO SOTV
Absolutely Bazza.
Besides feeding you, and not charging you for the privilege, and aside from setting up next February, what did they tell you that’s newsworthy? Did you have an opportunity to ask questions??
Cheers, Kev!
Russ
As I said in the article Russ, this was an introduction – the next meeting in February will have a proper agenda and there will be discussion around key questions.
I handed Michael the questions that were posed on J&S and I know that Mo handed the official forum’s questions over too – so there will be plenty for him to look at!
People asked a few questions about the ticketing particularly the cost of phoning the 0845 number from mobiles. They said they’d look into bringing the 0121 number back.
A lot of it was about building a relationship with the supporters clubs rather than looking at specific issues. After all the guy’s only been in the job a few weeks.
It’s a long term project but a promising one.
Nice to meet you to Kev., and it was a interesting meeting with Dunford and all others there at St.Andrews . Cant believe whats happening with our new Blues now. The future looks so bright. KRO
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