Newsletter - June 2024
Latest MoU Meeting, AGM Update & 150th Anniversary
June 14, 2024
5 members of the ‘We Are The Rovers’ (WATR) Supporters Trust Board met with representatives of Blackburn Rovers on the evening of 12th June 2024.
These are the notes agreed by both BRFC and WATR.
Rovers CEO Steve Waggott (SW) started the meeting apologising that the Owners representative Suhail Shaikh (SS) was unable to attend; Suhail was travelling to Heathrow to catch an early flight to India the following morning to discuss budgets with the Owners. SW assured WATR that SS would be at the next MoU meeting.
A discussion took place on the issue of Club communications with some criticism aired at the lack of updates on when Season Tickets were going on sale and the lack of feedback on the recent Fan Engagement Survey.
The Club responded by saying they are reviewing their communications and media plans and that they are also working on website feedback that will give feedback on supporter comments and surveys including what action is being taken.
This feedback loop was welcomed by WATR as they want to see comments being taken seriously and a purpose behind supporter surveys.
2024/24 ST’s were discussed at length. It was clear that supporter group representations had positively influenced the Rovers ST offer. The delay in announcing ST details was due to them being fully considered and approved by the Owners.
Online purchases were running at over 67% of the current full season ticket numbers compared to 47% in 2023/24 with this being up by 20% compared to a similar stage last season.
The £10 fee for ST’s purchased in the club shop was discussed and the Club explained that 2 iPads were available in the shop, along with staff support, for those who needed assistance in buying a ST without incurring the £10 fee; this facility had been welcomed and had been well utilised. Match day ticket prices for the coming season would be frozen at 2023/24 prices for digital sales.
WATR asked the ‘what if‘ questions such as what is the plan if no finances are forthcoming from the Owners and what if the Owners decide to put the club up for sale.
WATR were advised that there was no current impediments to allow the Owners funding the Club in the future and that the Delhi High Court case in August does not involve the running of the Club.
SW informed WATR that funds had been requested from the Owners to cover operational costs for the forthcoming 24/25 season that included looking at strengthening the squad for the coming season.
The Club are working on bringing in new players to give more strength and depth to the first team squad this season and this will obviously include some current players going out.
The Owners are very clear in that they are not considering selling the Club. Should they ever decide to change their position on this matter then the usual sale process would kick in as has happened at other clubs.
The Owners continue to fund the Club as they have done since they acquired the Club that gives us financial stability unlike other Clubs with many currently looking for either new investment or selling their clubs to new Owners.
WATR advised they wanted to move away from the ‘Fan Takeover’ days for the coming season; while the takeovers had been successful, they wanted to try something different. WATR would be submitting proposals for ‘special event games’ that would link in with the 30th anniversary of the 1994/95 Premier League winning season.
The Club advised they would be extending an invite to WATR to participate in an initial planning meeting for the 150th anniversary celebrations. It is expected this meeting would be in late August. WATR reiterated their wish that a Blue Plaque be erected in the centre of Blackburn at the site of the former St Leger Hotel where the Club was formed on 5th November 1875.
Don’t Forget!!!
‘We Are The Rovers’ AGM
6pm, Wednesday 26th June 2024
At Blackburn Rovers Senior Training Centre
Brockhall Village, BB6 8FA
Guest Speaker: John Eustace, Head Coach
Free raffle for attendees
All Welcome – Only Members Can Vote
Steve Waggott
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Graham
Chair of ‘We Are The Rovers’ Supporters Trust
