Newsletter - December 2024
This month’s We Are The Rovers Newsletter covers: Notes of the 12th December MoU meeting and WATR 2025/26 Season Ticket Proposals
December 17, 2024
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The meeting was again conducted in an open constructive fashion. Positive two way engagement took place.
These are the agreed notes from our meeting with the Club.
WATR asked about the discrepancy in the statements made by the Club and those contained within the VLL Annual Accounts regarding the Club being a going concern. SW confirmed the Club statement within the BRFC 23/24 statutory accounts would reflect the current situation on the going concern notes and that due to a timing issue the VLL accounts had been worded without the adjustment that had taken place to allow the remittance of funds to the club. He confirmed he would be signing off the Club accounts by the end of December and that the Owners are able to make payments to the Club (currently with a bond / guarantee) having acquired a No Objection Certificate from the Indian Authorities.
The Club would be requesting further funding for the second part of the 2024/2025 period to assist with covering statutory payments, operational costs and to allow activity in the January transfer window. SW stated the Club was currently in a good position on the pitch and was financially stable. It was generally felt the Club had opportunities to build upon its current first team form and league position to stay in play-off contention and that it would be looking to strengthen the first team squad in key positions during the forthcoming winter transfer window in January.
The Club were also asked about the Senior Training Centre (STC) and its ownership. SW confirmed all loans had been paid off with funds provided by the Owners; he also confirmed the Club pay rent to the Owners relating to the transfer of the STC to VLL 2 but the aim was to bring the STC back into club ownership as soon as possible and at an appropriate future juncture. WATR welcomed the intentions regarding STC ownership and said this would be warmly welcomed by the vast majority of supporters.
WATR stated their support for Safe Standing at Ewood Park. The Club told us they were in discussion with the SGSA, Safety Advisory Group and various external parties in regard to the plan and costs for this exercise. Rovers had sought information from other clubs and recognised that safety rails could be fitted as a more cost-effective alternative to tip-up seating/barrier units. The Club were costing options, but this would have to be considered alongside other ground repairs and improvements.
The 2nd meeting of the 150th Planning Committee had taken place the previous day. This meeting included two representatives of the WATR Board alongside senior BwD Council representation, the 100 Club and the Community Trust. A Club lottery bid had been submitted and the Club now await the Heritage Lottery Fund coming back to them in the next two to three months. A wide range of ideas had been discussed including gable end murals on several buildings across town as well as a music festival, blue plaques, an anniversary book and a celebratory home fixture as close to 5th November 2025 as possible.
WATR welcomed the collaborative approach taken by the Club and offered to sponsor a gable end mural featuring Rovers supporters of all backgrounds and ages. WATR also reiterated that the 150th Anniversary year would be a good opportunity for the Owners to attend one or more games.
The Club welcomed the WATR document although they were unhappy it had been sent to the local media without being pre advised. The Chair of WATR recognised the concerns raised and stated we would give the Club sufficient notice with any future media engagement.
The WATR document focussed largely on the marketing of ST’s and the need to look outside of the Club’s existing database and to engage and market those outside of the immediate BwD area.
A lengthy discussion took place on pricing. It was noted that although the early bird pricing for adult tickets has varied between £319 and £399 over the past six seasons, the volume of adult season ticket purchases has remained largely unchanged. The number of adult ST sales in the 2018/19 season when the early bird price was £319 was pretty similar to adult season ticket sales this season. The Supporters Trust highlighted that other local clubs offered lower-priced season tickets. In response, the Club emphasised that while the lead adult early bird price might be lower, Preston North End's (PNE) U23 season ticket prices were twice as high, and overall, PNE’s average season ticket cost was £44 more expensive across all age groups. The Club also pointed out that, on average, only Oxford, Hull, and QPR had cheaper season ticket prices, while Cardiff and Stoke's prices were similar. With adult season ticket sales accounting for less than 45% of total sales, and 55% consisting of concessions, it is important to take both age groups and concession pricing into account when evaluating the overall season ticket pricing structure. There was recognition that financial targets were set by the Owners / Board and these would not reduce in the future; WATR stressed the need for more innovative approaches and bundling with other Club offers. The Club stated they would seriously consider our proposals and welcomed further discussions. WATR stressed the need for better fan engagement and proactive communications on financial matters.
The Club were open and receptive to the proposal of several roadshow meetings with supporter groups from February / March onwards. WATR volunteered toplay a key role in assisting in arranging these meetings alongside the Club. The medium-term aim is to set up a Fan Advisory Board with the longer-term aim of convening a Shadow Board with appropriate supporter representation.
Further discussion took place on the Football Governance Bill with the second reading in the House of Lords throwing up various amendments that could delay the Bill becoming Law. Both the Club and WATR were of the view that an Independent Football Regulator would be a real positive step forward for improved football governance along with Fan Advisory Boards / Shadow Boards eventually being established. It was clear that Rovers are continuing to advance their preparation and readiness for changes to the future framework of football.
The full WATR document can be found at: https://www.roverstrust.com/news/season-tickets-2025-26-proposals
Our proposals focus on: value; atmosphere; timing of sales; marketing outside of BwD and thinking outside the box.
We summarise our recommendations as follows:
We Are The Rovers Supporters Trust wish all members and Rovers supporters a very happy blue and white Christmas and New Year. Let us hope 2025 is successful.
If you have any feedback please email: chair@roverstrust.co.uk
