Based loosely on the model used by Hearts, fans will be encouraged to make regular contributions by direct debit with "football related" benefits kicking in as donations grow. The effect will be to lower the costs of rewards to the club while introducing more steps in the membership levels. At the moment the steps are reached after subscriptions of £300, £1,000, £5,000 and £25,000. The Society will write to members in the next week with further details.
Tweed and Fraz win the prize
Brian outlined the Society's strategy as it works to pay off loans within a five year plan to reach the goal of fan ownership. He explained that that there was a focus on raising income, membership, marketing and communication before he was joined by Alan Burrows as questions were invited from the audience of around fifty.
There was an assurance that, regardless of the division the team will be in next season, our benefactor was committed to the five year plan and that contingencies were in place. Society board members were attending all the club board subgroups to gain valuable experience.
Alan was asked whether consideration had been given to the introduction of an artificial pitch. The main impediment was the four and a half feet slope that remains on the playing surface. The cost of the necessary levelling before an installation could be undertaken made it unlikely that we would see a new surface at Fir Park. However, if were to move in the future that it would probably happen.
The closure date for applications for the head groundsman post was near and he was encouraged by the high quality of those what had already declared an interest.
Alan also explained why CFM, the catering company, had taken the decision not to serve unaccompanied youngsters with hot drinks. There had been some incidents when hot liquid had caused burns and as a consequence the threat of legal action became apparent. The club are talking to the caterer and are hoping that a solution can arrive before the end of the season.
The General Manager concluded with a fairly detailed description of the new scouting system that is now in place. It is one of the improvements to the infrastructure that Les Hutchison introduced as part the investment at the club. The generation of income from the sale of players is vital to Motherwell's financial security and it is hoped that we'll see the first signs of a return over the summer.
The afternoon concluded shortly ahead of the Hampden kick-off with the half-time pies already warming.