 | Adam Pearson - still smiling |
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With such a poor start to the season, it would have been easy for Mr Pearson to have been downbeat at this, the second meeting of the Fans' Forum. He was, however, as positive as ever and the debates were as long and as open as those of the first meeting.
No agenda, but rather a discussion about each of the matters raised at the first meeting. Gary Scafe is head of stewarding at the Ark and was immediately asked to introduce himself. A 45 minute discussion about stewards and how they are studying for NVQ(2) in house in order to be able to "meet and greet us" rather than act as nightclub bouncers ensued. Mr Scafe admits that he has to work with what he is given - some are excellent, especially the women; some will never make the grade. He accepts his responsibility eagerly and is keen to listen to views offered to him. There was concern about away fans clashing with home fans in the car park and police forcing us to walk silly distances to get to cars parked a few yards on the other side of police lines - to be resolved by holding away fans for 12 minutes after the game. The subject of ejecting hooligans from the ground for racist and sectarian chanting was broached, but not resolved because the stewards safety is of concern. The use of video cameras may be preferred as a means of identifying the miscreants.
Catering next, and John Holmes (sales director) studied the approximation offered during the first home game (against Southend). The contract between the caterers and City means that the club has no real say about the service. Danny (FLO) announced that there will be two queues for two cabins (one for hot food and drink, one for cold food and drink) in the East stand. The question of what happens when you require a cold drink and a hot pasty raised a moment's silence for reflection. "Err, maybe there should be cold drinks available in both cabins."
Mr Pearson then announced that he was still deciding how to over-charge the casual, last-minute-decision fan. The current scheme of charging extra (currently £2) for tickets not bought in advance may continue at the new stadium if it proves successful at the old one - the price difference may be less though.
The nice turf behind Roary's bar is now a nicely gravelled area and will offer a large area for disabled parking - the catch is that regulations mean that places must be taken before the turnstiles open - 1.30pm. There are plans to have a tearoom or similar for those don't like the idea of sitting in their car until kick-off.
 | Parking at the KC Stadium |
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A member of the stadium committee then discussed plans for Park-and-Rides/Walk-and-Rides and the various parking options at the new ground. They seem to have this one covered - they know how many extra parking spaces are needed for various crowd figures. Instructions about where to park will be issued with purchased match tickets. There are discussions being held with Railtrack for a halt and local residents may be pleased to hear that parking around the stadium will be permit only.
Those who paid twice for the privilege of drinking Tetley's Smooth in Roary's Bar at the old and new stadia will be relieved that they only need pay £10 next year.
 | All sit down |
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Those who enjoy watching their football standing could be in for some disappointment. Mr Pearson has instructions from the top (well, the FA) that he cannot encourage standing during games at the new stadium (we can stand while we celebrate goals though). This will be strictly enforced in all areas of the ground except the east stand, where discretion will be observed. Standing is viewed in the same light as coin-throwing and could result in the closure of certain areas of the ground.
We were assured by Brendan Smurthwaite that the new website will run alongside the old, free one. From January there will be "stadium radio" (unfortunately for exiles, only available locally), and televisions at the new stadium will show highlights of the day's game after 5.00pm.
 | More chance of H'Angus the Hartlepool mascot leading the carols than Rev. Alan Bagshaw! |
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The next meeting will be held at the new stadium on Monday 23rd September.
Finally, a word of warning should you wish to sing along with the Reverend Bagshaw on Boxing Day. He won't be leading the singing at the new stadium - there will be a band of some sort, probably a brass one - apt considering the opposition.