Cov City chief has vowed to keep fans engaged
COVENTRY City’s chief executive has pledged to keep supporters engaged after questions were raised about the disappearance of the group formed to provide fans with direct access to the board.
David Boddy has said the club has been actively communicating with supporters’ groups, such as the Sky Blues Trust, and plans for a replacement to the disbanded Supporters Consultative Group (SCG) were being formalised.
The SCG was a forum which allowed the club to regularly meet with fans and fulfil its obligations under the EFL’s rules on supporter consultation and engagement. It was disbanded almost a year ago after becoming blighted by infighting, rows over alleged changes to minutes, resignations and accusations of bullying.
But, with no replacement for the SCG announced, some fans have raised concerns that the club could fall foul of the EFL’s rules if the situation is not addressed soon.
A source at the EFL recently told the Telegraph the governing body was monitoring the situation, but was happy the club fulfilled its obligations for the past season.
Writing for the club programme, after the Telegraph raised questions about a replacement for the SCG, Mr Boddy said: “In one of my previous programme notes I spoke about my desire to engage with as many different groups of supporters and stakeholders in the club as possible.
“I recently met with the Sky Blue Trust and also the new Leamington and Warwick CCFC Supporters Club.
“Since those meetings I have managed to organise for the Sky Blue Trust for a Q&A evening with Mark Robins in November, which they will be announcing shortly.
“I’ve also arranged for myself and a couple of players to attend the next meeting of the Leamington and Warwick Supporters Club branch later this month, with the Checkatrade Trophy as well.”
On the SCG specifically, he said: “I have also met with Jonathan Strange, the last chair of the Supporters Consultative Group, to discuss further ways to engage with supporters groups and we plan to meet again with Tim Fisher to formalise a structured approach for organised engagement.
“All this means that though the Supporters Consultative Group and its monthly meetings do not take place currently, this does not mean that the club and its staff do not meet with its supporters and representative groups on a regular basis.
“We will keep supporters up to date with the structured approach for engagement once it is confirmed, while continuing to meet with these groups I’ve mentioned and others too to build these relationships now and for the future.”
Prior to its demise the SCG had also come under fire from some fans over concerns it did not accurately reflect the concerns of supporters.
The Sky Blue Trust labelled the SCG as “ineffective” following the last stormy meeting. In a statement, the fan trust said: “The SCG as it stands is not fit for purpose.
“We therefore urge those responsible to embrace the need for change, to offer proper representation and to set aside egos and personal aspiration in putting supporters first.” A large portion of the final meeting minutes are dominated by bitter arguments and criticism of various fans’ groups and organisations.
But the group also went on to discuss issues including why season tickets had been confiscated and the availability of funds to any new manger in January 2017.
According to the EFL website: “Clubs are required to meet with a representative group of supporters at least twice a season to discuss significant issues relating to the club. “The framework for each club’s specific consultation strategy is to be documented within its customer charter.”
It adds: “EFL regulations require clubs to appoint a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO).
“Their role is principally to ensure proper and constructive discourse between a club and its supporters.
“Working with both Supporters Direct and the Football Supporters’ Federation, the EFL provides guidance and support for all member clubs and their SLOs, to encourage greater consultation and engagement with all stakeholders across the game.”
We will keep supporters up to date with the structured approach for engagemenrt once it is confirmed... David Boddy