Introduction
Welcomes. FAB confirmed that Chris Wait and Mark Silverstein had been appointed as FAB Co-Chair and Vice Chair respectively.
Agenda
The group discussed the process for compiling meeting agendas going forward.
CPFC issued a reminder that agenda points for these meetings need to be kept as ‘big ticket’ items; for example, the club’s plans to implement 100% digital ticketing.
Smaller items, which are not within the scope of the FAB role, will be redirected as appropriate.
Meeting Summary
CPFC will produce meeting summaries in conjunction with the FAB. This will be checked and agreed with FAB reps before being published on the FAB webpage.
Webpage Statement
The FAB requested that their mission statement be featured on the FAB webpage so fans can clearly understand the scope of the FAB's role. A request was made for the FAB page on the CPFC website to be more prominent and for it to be made available on the app.
CPFC assured FAB that these requests would be raised with relevant department to implement changes where possible.
FAB Emails
It was agreed that CPFC would initially monitor the FAB email inbox and forward any emails received. This process will be reviewed at the next meeting.
An automatic response will be set up to be sent thanking supporters for their email and advising that it will be passed to the FAB who will respond directly.
FAB Comms to Wider Fan Base
FAB suggested a newsletter on website with FAB email contact. CPFC commented that it was a good way of reaching the supporter base and agreed to support this where possible.
Fan Surveys
FAB would like a survey on a variety of topics to go out before the end of the season.
CPFC to action.
Rep Meeting Frequency
CPFC asked whether FAB had any thoughts on how frequently they would like to have these meetings. It was suggested that there were at least two a season with preference being every two to three months. April 3rd was proposed for the next meeting and FAB reps agreed between them that they were to have their own meeting beforehand.
Communications
A discussion about how CPFC can communicate better took place. CPFC advised it was open to suggestions.
The possibility of using slates on concourse TV screens to promote the FAB and communicate details of the fan representatives was discussed.
CPFC advised the club’s financial annual report will be out in the next few weeks on the website/in the public domain.
Liaison Representatives for All Fan Groups
It was decided that FAB reps were already performing the roles of liaison representatives within their respective supporter groups. It was agreed that the Club’s customer service email address should be used for any concerns that aren’t considered ‘big ticket’ items and therefore wouldn’t be discussed as part of the FAB forum.
Ticketing
CPFC advised that ticket distribution will become 100% digital over the coming seasons. Discussions were held around how the club can encourage supporters to be more comfortable with the move to digital ticketing and how the process of doing so could be made as smooth as possible.
FAB raised concerns regarding away digital tickets, ticket transfer and re-sale. CPFC confirmed that going digital resolves touting issues and tickets getting lost.
CPFC advised that the quickest and safest way sell your ticket if unable to attend is to use the club’s ticket resale platform. Transferring your ticket to a friend is straightforward and can be done online. Step-by-step instructions on how to use both options are available online. CPFC acknowledged that there were the occasional technical issues with these processes and CPFC were working with Ticketmaster to ensure the transfer/resale process was as smooth as possible.
FAB queried why the club was making the move to completely digital ticketing. CPFC advised that there are a number of reasons including clamping down on ticket touts and the time/manpower it takes to get paper tickets packaged and sent out, freeing up Box Office staff to deal with other concerns/enquiries in a timely manner.
FAB stated that one concern raised by supporters in objection to digital ticketing is phones running out of charge resulting in them being unable to access their ticket. FAB identified phone charging stations as a potential solution. CPFC agreed to look into this further.
FAB highlighted that on physical cards there is nothing obvious printed to show the difference between ST and ST+; CPFC agreed to look into this.
Women’s Team
FAB expressed their thanks for the scarf and flags that were left on every away seat at the FA Cup fifth-round game. FAB stated that this was incredible, went down very well and that they were very grateful.
FAB asked if the Women’s Team Information could be displayed directly after the Men’s first-team on the website. FAB explained that it currently sits at the bottom of the drop-down list as follows: first-team, U21s, U18s, CPFCW which looks like an afterthought. CPFC agreed and promised to raise this with the relevant department to better promote CPFCW on the club website.
CPFC agreed to look into building the away clubs' stadiums on CPFC's ticketing site, to enable booking away tickets with CPFC directly for Palace Women’s league fixtures in 2024/25.
FAB advised that the current away ticket-buying process involves having to register with all other clubs in the league. In doing so those clubs then have all contact details and supporters are bombarded with their club comms.
FAB asked if the Women's players' names and numbers could be added to the player list in the shirt-printing area to make it easier for those who wanted a Women player's name and number on their shirt. This will also help to increase visibility of the women's team around the ground. CPFC confirmed they would look into this.
FAB reported a lack of information on social media. CPFC confirmed that this would naturally evolve.
International Supporters
FAB discussed how there used to be an international page on the website for international supporters' groups that were active and contacts for these groups so that supporters in certain areas could be viewed. CPFC agreed that some work could be done around identifying these supporters and reaching out to them. FAB mentioned that multiple cities have multiple meet-ups. FAB confirmed they were happy to facilitate if CPFC contacted everyone in USA and requested they email FAB international Rep and give details of pubs so can send flags etc.
Match Day Park and Ride
CPFC confirmed they have been looking into this since last meeting. A couple of local schools have been identified who are willing to rent their car parks to the club on match days. The next step is to identify transport options to and from parking facilities and the stadium, and planning routes, as well as viable pick up/drop off points around the stadium considering compulsory road closures. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.
New Stadium Developments
CPFC advised that it still plans to begin physical works this summer; there is still lots being done behind the scenes and enabling works, such as clearing existing office space and relocating full-time staff, are currently underway in preparation for a scheduled start date.
How To Handle Minor Issues/Niggles
CPFC confirmed minor issues could continue to be shared via the WhatsApp group, but advised that feedback regarding catering and maintenance issues should be directed to the club’s customer service team, customer.service@cpfc.co.uk , for investigation and resolution.
Proud and Palace
FAB asked for a greater presence at London/Croydon Pride events and asked to have more of a dialogue with the club on this. They also requested the LGBTQ+ progression flag be flown by the flag bearers when the players walk out onto the pitch. CPFC confirmed will look into this.
FAB asked about gender-neutral toilets. Club noted this request.
A.O.B
Issues were brought up between CPFC and HF. CPFC confirmed that banners have not be banned directly by the club, but that concerns had been raised by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and the local authority about how they were secured in place. The SAG and Croydon Council specified that they would need to be secured in place by club representatives/external contractors with the appropriate qualifications for them to continue to be displayed.
CPFC confirmed the regulations regarding flags/banners and the need for them to be fire rated. CPFC have paid for and carried out fire-proofing of the existing flags/banners.
CPFC reiterated that pyros are illegal and detailed the dangers of marine flares. CPFC confirmed tighter measures will be in place to identify supporters carrying them on their person and, subsequently, confiscate them at the turnstiles.
It was agreed that better dialogue is needed between CPFC and HF which the club is eager to get underway.
FAB asked whether the club had any plans to hold a “Family Fun Day” to bring supporters together on a non-matchday and hopefully encourage new supporters to join the club. CPFC agreed that they were great events and said they would look into the possibility of reintroducing them, or something similar.