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Thanks to Saintglenn for posting summary of questions. It was good to see some information. However it is pretty ridiculous that people have to find out about it this way. A summary could have been provided on the website, promoted via twitter etc. There is a certain irony in that many of the points raised relate to engaging with the fan base and yet the club are unwilling or unable to publicise this event and what came out of it. Some of the answers given also leave a fair bit to be desired. Nobody is pretending it is easy running a football club; that does not mean you can fob supporters off with any old response. Many of them seem to show a certain degree of contempt for anyone daring to answer a question. It seems Ross will be very busy over the next wee while. We heard a lot more from him when he wasn't employed full time by the club in my opinion but hopefully that changes.

Right folks, here's my notes (apologies for the length of it). I am sure Jamie will correct/assist me if I have noted anything wrong (taking minutes is not my strong suit!). Bring the backlash..... Questions for Q&A Session 30th October 2014 Attending from the Club: Steve Brown, Charlie Fraser, Roddy Grant, Tommy Wright, Beve Mayer 1. How does the club propose to better engage with its customers/fans, in addition to the appointment of the additional staff recently? This issue appears to be the catalyst to the appointment of Ross Cunningham, as quite a few of the points raised regarding communication and engaging with fans were stated to be in Ross’ role. 2. Can the club clarify how the invitees to this event were selected and why the event has not been publicised to a wider audience? It was clarified that each of the members of the Fans Forum Group were asked to invite 5 people. This is designed to cast the net wider and engage with more fans. 3. Some areas of the support seem to think that there are a “Secret Seven”, and this invite-only session only perpetuates this rumour. Saints are seem as a “family club” and this type of engagement only seems to alienate the support – does the club plan to extend an invite to all areas of the support to gain their thoughts and ideas? There are plans to have more events of this type and to extend the net wider to ensure that all areas of the fanbase are covered. Already the club engage with disabled fans and the FFG is designed to target all areas of the fanbase, age, gender, location etc. 4. Can the chairman list the specific areas of infrastructure which will be carried out and also the total cost of all this work either behind-the-scenes or customer facing? **Note of expenditure as per my previous post** There are currently 6 youth teams in place at the club, designed to create a pathway to the 1st team if possible, hence the appointment of Alistair Stevenson. All clubs in Scotland see this aspect as essential, not only from developing their depth of squads and new talent, but also from the point of gaining compensation should players move on; which took us nicely onto the subject of Stevie May! Both Steve and Tommy stated that the club were not actively trying to sell the player, and he did have a desire to extend his stay – the deal would have made him the highest paid player at the club. Tommy did state that May wanted to stay but thinks his agent may have had an influence over this, as is their job. Preston, Rotherham, Peterborough and 2 other unnamed English Championship clubs all offered for him. In the end they sold him for £800k (£400k to be paid now and £400k on 1st August next year – due to financial fair play rules), with undisclosed and confidential add-ons for various aspects (presumably caps, goals etc.). Saints will also benefit if he is sold on in the future. They also stated that they could never stand in the way of a player who wishes to leave, and that the move will be good for the player’s development. 5. Why were the club not better prepared to capitalise on the back of the cup final to encourage season ticket sales? Steve fully admitted that the ticket office were not geared up to deal with season ticket applications during the Cup Final etc. Given that the ticket office handled 15,000 tickets sales, they were not in the position to issue or sell season tickets at the same time. One attendee commented that his Group of fans (unnamed) had stated they did not wish any other correspondence from the club at that time as they were happy with concentrating on the Final. I think the response from the club was more about the capacity of the ticket office rather than capitalising on the momentum of the Final. 6. What is the target “player’s wages as a proportion of total turnover”? Is it currently too high, about right or too low? What are your plans to increase revenue? Steve stated that currently the players wages are approx. 90% of “football-related” turnover (this does not include any non-football-related income). Steve then moved on to explain the potential effects of the FIFA financial fair play regulations which are probably coming into force during season 2016/17. Clubs will have to ensure that the wages represents no more than 70% of the footballing turnover, and this will represent its own challenges with regards both players’ wages and the generation of more footballing income. 7. Does Tommy Wright have the full backing of the Board of Directors? All stated he does (I would expect nothing less!), however in my opinion their body language at the meeting demonstrated that they do have a good strong working relationship. Steve stated that if Tommy wasn’t constantly asking for new players to improve the squad then he would be worried. Both Steve and Tommy stated that they were singing off the same song sheet. The main point that I took from the meeting was that there is a very fine line in managing the finances of the club, hence the delays in getting the budget sorted etc. The impact of (The) Rangers, Hertz and Hibs not being in the league has understandably taken its toll on income, both in terms of gate receipts and TV revenue. Coupled with the financial commitments to get the club into the Elite league for the development squad(s) is in excess of 6 figures per annum. This is key to the club developing their own talent. 8. Are the club working on identifying players to bring in during the January transfer window (assuming that the Chairman/Board will sanction this expenditure) Tommy stated that he is always on the lookout for players to bring in, whether the funds are there or not. He acknowledged the lack of goals at this time, however he sees that McFadden and Graham will form a good partnership over time. With Macca out for approx. 10 weeks, it is the intention to bring Kane back in when his loan expires in January. Tommy also identified that he feels they need a quality wide player and an attacking midfielder to bolster the squad. Tommy also noted his disappointment in not being able to sign Dunne over the summer, but he said that Stevenage’s demands for a fee of £175 were non-negotiable. Both the club and player were keen that he stay but Stevenage wanted to recoup their money, hence we was sold to Portsmouth. 9. Where does the Chairman see the club in 5 years? This meeting and some of the funding and expenditure figures detailed elsewhere only supports my assumption that running a football club is a fine line between success and failure. The Chairman is running the club as his father did – living within our means, however disappointing that may be to fans with regards to lack of investment in the squad. Steve did note that the stadium is now 25 years old and essential and extensive maintenance is required, coupled with the investment into gaining Elite status for the development squads. I, for one, would rather have a club than a situation we are seeing at Rangers, Hearts and now it appears Motherwell! We are on an even keel and despite the results on the pitch, I see this more as a period of consolidation. 10. Why was the decision to run the club without a GM so quickly reversed? This comment was not put to the panel, however I would suggest that running a football club requires a GM as the Board cannot actually be expected to run the day-to-day aspects of the club/stadium etc. 11. Point out to him some of the incentives other Premiership clubs are offering including 10 game season tickets. Motherwell/Dundee Utd are doing a deal for season ticket holders. Both clubs fans will be allowed entry into the opposition ground for a reduced price if they present a voucher from their own clubs season ticket book. This was a good point of discussion for the Group, with various methods of facilitating this. The club state they are actively looking at this (again more for Ross’ role) and how they better incentivise the ticket sales. This news aside, Steve stated that he was also aware that the club should not seek to disadvantage season ticket holders by introducing any further incentives, so this would need to be looked at more in the near future. The club are also open to any suggestions that the wider fanbase might have on how to achieve this. 12. There is a general concern about our lack of fans but the clubs lack of advertisement and incentives to attend games is surely the biggest factor in why so little of the Perthshire community attend games. I am in Crieff regularly, would I know there is a Premiership club 17 miles along the road that does deals for families? No I wouldn't. Again, this will form part of Ross’ role at the club, more advertising and engagement with fans. It was also stated that in the wake of the Final, Roddy made 1,000 calls to people who purchased tickets to attempt to encourage season tickets sales. Small change I know, but it shows that at least they were kind of thinking about engaging with the cup final fans at that point. Whether or not they would have been able to accommodate another 1,000 ST sales at that time is another matter entirely! 13. Why has the club not entertained online ticket sales? This is an area where the club could reach out to many more fans. No specific answer was given but this may well be part of the website development. 14. Why do the club not run competitions through its’ social media? This is a great way to interact with community and encourage more people to like St. Johnstone's page on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. More exposure the better. Already we are seeing and improved service through social media sites since Ross’ employment on a permanent basis, it’s just a bit disappointing that he wasn’t there on the night. From what Steve was saying it is likely that this form of communication will be the norm not the odd few here and there. 15. Why do the club not acknowledge your emails when you advise them of all the above 4 points via email? Again, back to Ross’ appointment to resolve this issue. Presumably down to a lack of resources previously. 16. Why did it take the club so long to get season ticket applications sent out? We were the last club in the league to send out the application packs. Will the club advertise season tickets better in the future? As stated previously, this is purely down to ticket office staff capacity, however this is an area where Steve gave commitment that future season ticket renewals will be sent out earlier. 17. I know of people who for one reason or another who have let their season ticket applications lapse in recent season, yet nobody from the club has ever got in touch with them to ask why, or to try and entice them back. Why is this? You talk about the playing budgets having to be reduced, due to poor attendances, yet very little has been done to a) keep loyal supporters attending or entice new supporters. Again this is incorporated into Ross’ new role and I understand he is tasked with contacting all fans who’s email the club have to discuss future requirements and cast the net wider. Again if the fanbase has any constructive ways the club can engage with current/future fans then please get in contact with them. 18. Why did the playing budget take so long to be finalised? Surely a business should have different budgets set for different scenarios. It seemed as though the club put all its "eggs in the one basket" when it came to the Stevie May contract situation and were caught out. Would you handle the budget situation differently, if he had the chance again? Surely you can appreciate when the manager, club captain and several experienced players are in the media complaining about the lack of investment in the playing squad, this does not look good to supporters. This has already been answered elsewhere. Steve did mention that the SPFL budget allocation is only notified to the club during late July for the season, and whilst some clubs gamble on buying/signing payers based on what they think their budget might be, if there was even a £50k shortfall in the allocated budget then this can have ramifications. He also stated that this situation was not ideal, and coupled with the lack of sponsorship for the league created more holes than money! He laid blame for the lack of sponsorship for the league firmly at Doncaster’s feet, and said there was growing unrest at lack of movement on this aspect. 19. Why are you investing so much money in the youth set up? Your father said it was a waste of money a few years ago, what has changed? The likes of Stevie May came through the ranks when we did not have a "proper" youth set up in place, so why the need to strive for elite level? See my previous text above. The youth setup is important both team-wise and financially for the club & country. When Geoff made the comment regarding the youth setup previously we had just been relegated in 2001/2 and it was far more difficult to maintain development squads and an extensive youth setup at this time. I appreciate the difficulties in maintaining even a full time squad following relegation and subsequent income drops. 20. When will the official website be updated? Will an online ticketing facility be made avaliable? As noted above. 21. Other Points - Budget: same as last year, increased costs (players paid through the Summer), July 27th fees noted by SPFL, no league sponsor. - Club will not/cannot spend what it does not have. - Cup Final DVD programmed to be release in time for Christmas (Ross Cunningham). - Delay in DVD because of consents being obtained from SFA etc. - Compulsory Purchase Order served by P&K Council on the morning of 30th October. - Objections to this by the club, with period for objections closing end of November. - Notice of Servitude also served.

It's obviously what all the other clubs in the leagues wanted or were satisfied with. Not one club took the SFA to task throughout this whole sad affair. They could have insisted that the SFA observed their own rules and ensured the Govan club went the same way as the others who similarly transgressed. Thirds, Gretna etc. but no those rules didn't/don't apply to the establishment club. I say again not one club sought to ensure that justice was done... they obviously don't enjoy being in the limelight and under the public gaze. Much better to get back to the status quo and let the two Glasgow clubs accumulate all the trophies. It's been two and a half years of non governance with barely a comment from the Hampden cabal. Any rare appearance is usually in order to bring a wayward manager or player of a provincial club to book after a minor infringement - they (SFA) quickly return to their bunker ignoring everything that has been going on down Govan way - I really can't be bothered anymore. Oh yes and our board/Chairman are/is as guilty as the rest. As for the Scottish media, it's not worth even getting started.

I have news for you - he was not booked on the bus - you only booked yourself !! DOH !

Postcards.

Don't put me in the replacement for Ghostie category!

Thanks for feedback on the meeting, Glenn. Also thanks to Steve Browns lapdog (Jamie Beatson) for his input as well.

Slim chance of actually getting a response though. I've emailed that a few times and got bagel back, even when enquiring about hospitality. That was a few years ago now, mind.

At least ST holders that bought extra tickets will get something back. Steve Brown will be gutted.

Did Glenn not shake your hand at some time?

Ha ha.i thought the same as you but I will give the dude the benefit for now.

I agree but it's difficult.all this cloak n dagger secret 7 stuff has left a nasty taste in the mouth along with the secret meetings of selected supporters.none of whom appeared to be very representative of ordinary supporters. And I don care what celtic do or don't do for there fans.

As I posted some time ago, I have no issues with money being spent on infrastructure. Indeed, this season was probably the most opportune time to do so.....increase in income from last season, less risk realistically of being relegated with Rangers, Hibs and Hearts out the league, as Jamie says, wait and it might cost more etc etc The whole issue has arisen due the way the club failed to communicated this positively to the supporters and general public. Hopefully lessons have been learned, the team we have can do the business and keep us in the SPFL and we can all look forward to next season with a financially stable club perhaps back in a better position to push for top 6 / Europe / cups again (based on the assumption that we wont be doing that this season - which I can accept as long as the guys on the pitch try their best week in week out)

I think we should stay at the barossa and negotiate a better deal for ourselves. We are in a great position to bargain And As the dudes in the bar would say - no surrender

why dont they put information in the match day programme then ? saintglenn72 you have given out more information in one statement than the whole club and secret 7 elite have ever done.i hope they don't excommunicate you for divulging secrets !

sevco

I must admit it was odd that Ross wasn't there, although I think that its not a case of setting him up as a fall guy. Re. the other Board members, Charlie has extensive legal background so that will be useful not sure about the others though. Beve on the other hand runs the lotto, the Muirton and all the associated bits like the hospitality etc along with other members of staff. Please note that all the attendees gave up their time for free, and its not every day you would get the Chair/Board sitting down with fans to discuss these types of issues. Can you imagine that happening at Celtic? Sure Peter Lawell would be quite happy to sit down and discuss what he was spending the clubs money on. Not.

ross was conveniently absent so the directors answered everything with its ross's job. thats buck passing supreme

Just like to put on record that Tam (Sixties Saintee), very kindly made a further donation of £55.00 to increase the funds raised to £700.00 Thanks Tam

thanks very much, I try my best in as little posts as I can muster!

Yes for the North Stand, or rather the land behind it. The plans no longer involve its demolition. Notice of Sevitude can also be called Dominant Tenement Dominant tenement A dominant tenement enjoys a right to exercise a real burden or a servitude, (the Scottish equivalent of the English easement or right over land) over neighbouring land. The land or property which is burdened is called the servient tenement. The more modern terms of "benefited property" and "burdened property" respectively are becoming more common.

Arthur Fowler?

Either that or the website designer was at Geoff's dinner and Steve didn't shake his hand.

Motherwell were heading for a season like this for a while. McCall done amazingly to hold it off until now.

So, go for a cheap option of using students and get a system with no back up for the inevitable bugs and no future enhancements, just so you can all whinge and moan when it collapses after a few weeks!!

People might not like what am about to say, but i feel sorry for the guy.

Been to hospitality a two or three times now at McDiarmid and always been excellent. The St Mirren offer was pretty reasonable, and got a table for me, mum and sister - sister never been to hospitality. I believe there will be other ones in the future, a Burns night one, and also a carvery being talked about. Certainly worth doing so long as they are reasonably priced.

Darling standing down at the next election. I would imagine he thinks he will not get voted in anyway. Think there will be a few joining him. Murphy standing down as cabinet minister because he loves Scotland. He probably wont become Labour leader in Scotland as he does not have the union vote. By the way Darling thinks there will be another referendum in a few years.

Getting that kind of thing done by a professional company - especially if it involves some kind of eCommerce system - isn't cheap. At all.

Despite being bitterly disappointed with the NO result, it's time to take it on the chin & get on with it! Had the vote gone the other way with the same percentages I would have been cock a hoop, so the NOs should be feeling the same! However, the 'genie is out of the bottle' things will never be the same again! Lib Dems, unelectable due to their 'union' with the Tories! Labour unelectable for the exact same reason. The sight of Labour & Tories punching the air and 'high fiving' after the result will be a step too far for many. I can see 'alliances' being made between all the 'Indy' parties in an effort to have a strong Independence presence at Westminster. David Cameron! I'd be afraid very afraid!

Speaking to Kamal from Odesi who did the food was really looking forward to it, saying he was having all the Saints in odesi for there xmas meal.

On Friday there was a point where a knackered Chris Millar chased down the ball and tried to put a bit of pressure on one of Motherwells defenders. MacDonald quickly moved into the centre of the pitch between both of their central midfielders and clearly was keeping an eye on both guys. Davidson would unlikely ever do anything like that. It's little things like that, that go unnoticed by most but can make a huge difference to your team.

Wasn't there ONE poll that had the YES camp ahead, a week or so before the referendum. We all know what happened.

I think I've managed to update everything from memory just for you Harry. Enjoy.

now ye have thanks. yes we had celtic fans and bristol city fans amongst others using the club facilities which was great so why did the hierarchy at barossa stop this? theres been no redecorating of the club and the toilets in the bar are a disgrace .i firmly believe there STILL is an underhand plan to shut shop ,take the money from property developers and be dammed.this is out of the we are perth dudes hands. the rangers thing is really just an excuse.whilst i hate there sleekit flags, beermats ,scarves and such adorning the bar,they usually keep to the bar but also contribute to the club.whether i like it or not they are also club members contributing to the barossa club.Of course apart from WAP the club itself does not promote or contribute to stjohnstone fc whether it be youth development ,sponsorship or any such thing. i too rejoined barossa street after an absence of several years in support of larky,ghostie and ginger bakers vision.i have always wanted a saints club independent of saints not being manipulated and free to contribute how we the fans see fit.not as dictated by the mcdairmid directorship.in essence we the fans are in control and i am sure bbd might like this sentiment.also the running of buses from the city centre home and away is a great idea.

He needs to let TW get players in January, we need about three or four, can see him retreating into his shell and denying any spending though

close it and get tae fuq.your not wanted

Personally enjoy the Wednesday fans keeping us updated on how he is getting on. It's the Stevie May thread, obvious what is going to be discussed in it. Don't like it then don't read it. As for the Rotherham fan, it's bizarre that he is posting on a forum because his team were linked with, and subsequently missed out on, a player. Obvious to see there's quite a lot of seethe directed towards Wednesday from them.

I get depressed with all the negativity and club bashing on this forum! Steve Brown is our Chairman and I don't see a queue rushing to want to buy the club. OK the club have made mistakes PR wise but its not as bad as some make out on here. I think wed all like to see more bums on seats and encourage new fans along. However, if I was new to the town and looked at this forum, I certainly wouldn't be tempted after reading all the crap on here. People moan about the Chairman ruining moral, but if ever I'm feeling a bit too cheery, a few minutes on We Are Perth lately soon brings me back down to earth. Let's all try and get behind the club we love for a change.

This has been mishandled. Secret invites? Does nothing to show transparency or solidarity, bit of an own goal. Rather sad.