Sorry just to clarify again the "Captain's Run" event was for owners who took up either the Founder or President option, hence why not everyone was invited. There was a similar one for the Squadbuilder members previously. Nothing cloak & dagger about it at all.🤗
Basically we got a couple of free brews and a pastry (or 2 in some cases😋), photo with the playing squad, watch the players train for 45 mins and then a short Q&A with Paul King and a few of the other board guys. 2 council reps were also there.
So I'll try to summarise below what was discussed, I don't think there's anything particularly groundbreaking which isn't already in the public domain.
Stadium Purchase Update
- Meeting with Peel & council yesterday went well & Peel seem happy with terms of reference. Council expect stadium acquisition to be completed before end of month.
- Re: Commercial Lease Exclusive Possession (primary tenant or whatever you call it😊) - Not been decided yet and to be discussed further once stadium purchase goes through. PK says both Sale & Salford want to work together & do not consider the other as direct competition or detrimental to their individual growth.
Fan zone - We are taking some income from that but still nowt from stadium sales. Beer bus is ours so if you're having a drink tomorrow buy it from fan zone or the bus & the club will benefit! As someone said on here, ABK are involved from beer perspective & club are happy with the way relationship has started so looks like they may be involved long-term.
Stadium catering - Heathcotes still have catering contract and that may change once stadium ownership switches hands but will be discussed then. I raised the point of local businesses suppliers for booze/pies etc. Club are in direct contact with 7B's so something may materialise down the line. Club also willing to look at other local suppliers but stadium deal needs confirming first before looking into anything further.
Club shop - Being opened locally soon (Lowry Outlet). VX3 will be at stadium on match days from Wigan game onwards.
Big screen - Club are looking at getting a permanent screen via commercial agreement (discussions ongoing). I think PK said there may be IMG benefit from having this but can't be 100% sure.
Matched funding/£2m from levelling up - Will know more once stadium deal complete but this is to be used for assets (TBH I can't confirm what "assets" consists of but Salford1963 can probably elaborate)
Owner engagement/comms - Paul Trainor apologised this has been a bit quiet but stadium purchase has kind've taken priority for obvious reasons.
Plans are afoot for the following....
- AGM on 23rd May. Emails will be sent out in next couple of weeks.
- At AGM club are looking to appoint 6-9 CBS board members (all owners will be invited to put their names forward with what they can offer etc)
- CBS Website will be up & running "soon". Will contain updates for owners, FAQ's etc and other general updates.
Match day parking - Will be looked at. PK thinks no other SL club charges more than about a fiver for parking so they'll be looking to bring it more in line with that. Club has to pay out for parking on match day as well for players etc so more £££ going out the door which they could do without.
Stadium use - I asked whether long-term planning included any plans for concerts/events etc. Current pitch wouldn't support that and Council Rep said it would need £2m investment to install Desso hybrid pitch able to withstand concerts etc.
PK wants stadium to be truly "community" which would mean playing schools finals on there, Valentine Cup etc. Lots of work going into schools & community club engagement. Council are also keen to grow grassroots with current amateur clubs but also to try and resurrect clubs like Broughton Rangers to expand across Salford.
Other bits & bobs....
Prop - Jamie Pye was there training away from the main group. Didn't look like he was anywhere near in condition to be considered for 1st team duties (if he's deemed good enough by Rowls & co). He's a unit though so would definitely add size to the pack.
HKR - They have sold 1100 tickets so let's try and grab a few more friends & family & create a big atmosphere.
Nofo - He was training so assume he's in contention for tomorrow.
And I think that's about it. Like I said, nothing major but lots going on behind the scenes and I guess more Comms will be coming out in the next few weeks via email & Social Media.
