Minutes from last Fan forum

[RogerE]

What is the current situation with the Training Ground?

SV gave an update on progress outlining that Wasps now own the facility and planning application is now in for work on the facility. This work includes improving/building pitches, kitchen, gym, office space, digital infrastructure etc. ETA for moving in is the start of the 2020/21 season. There has been some in the Henley-in-Arden community who have been against the facility but Wasps having nothing to hide on the basis of acquiring the facility.

 

Ricoh Arena pitch quality

SV stated the Club’s awareness that the pitch is not performing as it should be or was during his time at Gloucester Rugby using the same pitch. Wasps have met with the company that manages the pitch and raised concerns and next season the pitch will be grown using different methods. There is a wish from the Club for the team to train on the pitch more frequently once issues are ironed out.

 

What will the Saracens fine money be used on?

This money will be put towards business operations, in line with what many other clubs will do.

 

Will Brexit affect Coventry City FC situation?

There has been no update on this situation since last meeting but Brexit will not have any implications on the legal side.

 

Why are we spending below the salary cap when Dai needed improvements particularly with the recent second-row injury situation?

SV explained that the second-row injury situation was a short-term problem inflated by many in the media. Due to the short-term nature it was decided that no action was required. With marquee players not counted towards the salary cap, included Wasps wage bill is actually in line or above most other Premiership clubs. Coaching and training facilities are equally important to performances on the pitch and also need funding. Current form is not where it should be but there is a belief that the squad is equipped to compete with majority of the league and everyone in the team is committed and cares about results.

 

Why have there been less Fan Villages this season?

SV identified that this has been a commercial decision as unfortunately the revenue derived from the Fan Village did not cover its costs in most cases. Wasps are looking at where we can create an area for Season Members and children to enjoy before games for next season.

 

Joint matchdays with Wasps Ladies and Academy teams

SV and Wasps want to support the Academy and women’s sport as much as possible. This season fixture alignment has been an issue but we have discussed with the relevant organisations improving this for next season.

 

Food and drink service speed and provision

MOS addressed planned developments and improvements including provision in the West Stand, which currently has very limited concessions, training with partners such as Purity and an app to help the service process that is being worked on with Vodafone. MOS acknowledged improvement needed but highlighted issues with getting consistent staff due to less event days in CCFC’s absence and the student nature staffing which means losing a number of regular team members over holiday periods. Supporters highlighted an issue with stewards insisting on lids being removed from bottles which will be raised with the stewarding team.

 

Flags on island around Ricoh Arena

VB highlighted that this was another commercial decision due to the cost of £3,000 which would be better used in other areas.

 

Are Wasps overstewarding on matchdays and wasting money in this area?

VB confirmed Wasps are not overstewarding and the number of stewards is a legal requirement based on predicted attendance figures.

 

Car Park C

VB confirmed Car Park C issues are being addressed and feedback will be provided shortly. Survey responses from the Bordeaux game mentioned an improvement already.

 

Provision of flags for fans

VB discussed that cost and wastage has made the Club more considerate around flag usage. However, we will always make them available for away travel when requested.


VB is Community and Matchday Marketing Manager Verity Brown
MOS is General Manager – Delaware North Mark O’Shea
SV is Chief Executive Stephen Vaughan

[Neils]

Thanks for posting.

Do you expect another meeting before the end of the season?

[Hymenoptera]

Insightful thanks.
Agree on the flags, in these times of plastic/fabric environmental impact its the right approach to phase these out.

[Neils]

Insightful thanks.
Agree on the flags, in these times of plastic/fabric environmental impact its the right approach to phase these out.

Don't agree they are well received gifts by foreign fans.

[Hymenoptera]

As a free gift they eventually end up where they shouldn't.
Everyone has their own opinion on this but for me in 2020 i'm glad to see the back of them and glad the club agrees.

[RogerE]

Don't agree they are well received gifts by foreign fans.

I only ever pick flags up when we are away in Europe. Then I usually give them away to local kids after the match.

I've got loads at home, but always forget to bring them to matches at the Ricoh.

Do you expect another meeting before the end of the season?

I would expect there will be one or two more

With regards to that if you have anything you would like raised  - it needs to be in before the meeting, as now only issues sent in prior to meetings are being discussed.

You can either send your issue direct to feedback@wasps.co.uk

or raise it on here and we willl forward it.

[westwaleswasp]

Interesting, and many thanks.
The fan village is an odd one for me, I enjoy it, and when they have things like facepainting it really makes my daughter's day, but I don't spend much money in it because of the fact that I don't like the alcoholic drinks on offer. Without it, the 4 + hours traveling makes it a bit miserable to turn up and basically have the concourse and seats as the only option. That is true of places like Castle Grim, but then there are pubs very nearby which have a nicer feel to them. I guess the solution for me would be to move and get a season ticket. It feels bad that the club get so little of my money compared to the amount I spend on prem rugby generally, but by and large I do enjoy the away games more.

[Gaz]

Don't feel too bad, they're the ones that decided to move so they must have anticipated a change of behaviour for pre-coventry supporters in all their business modelling.