End-Of-Season Awards

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The TrustSTFC and Official Supporters Club (OSC) recently learnt of the magnificent achievement of Club Safety Officer/Steward Douglas Coombs in that he has clocked up an impressive 56 years’ service to the football club as initially a steward starting in 1964, and having retired recently as a club safety manager in Nov 2020. One of the significant achievements that Doug achieved in the mid 80s was that of setting up and running the match day control room as well as many other initiatives over this period. Doug over the years was also responsible for looking after the VIP guests visiting the ground and has met famous faces such as George Best to name just one.

Both supporter groups were extremely disappointed to learn that there was no formal club recognition of Doug’s huge efforts and dedication to the club over these years and have therefore decided to honour Doug and thank him for all his hard work by presenting him with both a Town Hero trophy/award and Paolo Di Canio picture, as this was his favourite Swindon manager over the period he was involved with the club. Shown in the attached picture is Doug receiving his award and picture from James Spencer and Hannah Cinch at the County Ground.

On receiving the award Doug commented: “I am absolutely delighted with the award and picture for which I greatly appreciate the support of the TrustSTFC and Official Supporters Club in taking the time to recognize my efforts, all I wanted was a thank you from the club but unfortunately that wasn’t forthcoming”.

Both supporter groups would like to go on record and thank Doug for all his dedication and hard work over those 56 years, and wish him and his family a very happy Christmas and new year.

• 72 replies were received
• 56 suggested a discount on future season ticket purchases
• 10 requested a refund on this past season's season ticket
• There was a general acknowledgement that supporters will accept a reduction based on games attended and £10 per game (not season ticket) due to iFollow option being offered for matches
• Some people don't use iFollow due to personal circumstances (e.g. not comfortable with technology; only one iPad in the family)
• Many have already donated both home and away games from 2019/20 season, but feel the club hasn’t acknowledged this
• Minimum discount mentioned should be the price of this season, minus the cost of iFollow / games attended
• Some have car park season tickets too, so don’t want this to be forgotten
• Many multi-family season tickets have spent over £700 (some even have 5 season tickets) which needs to be considered in any discount
• Some people really need an option of getting a refund due to personal circumstances (e.g. lost their job)
• Some would accept a lower discount plus specialist merchandise for season ticket holders, such as a 3rd shirt (e.g. Cheltenham shirt with season ticket holder names, Polo shirt)
• General lack of recognition of them as customers; no communication to them as customers
• One member wrote to Lee Power, with SAE, but no response 
• Minority mentioned the club offering free tickets to give to friends & family
• Issue with comms - people still waiting on refunds from LAST season's cancelled home games. Are physical letters being sent out or just social media?
• The proposition must offer different options - not a one-size-fits-all, with people having different circumstances
• Frustration with lack of consultation with them - iFollow was given to them; not offered as an option
• Minority mentioned reaching out to the community with season tickets (e.g. UB40)
• Minority mentioned offering iFollow access for away games for next season
• Minority mentioned 50% discount for season ticket renewals
• If fans don't claim a refund (some said they don't want/need it), club has to make a gesture to acknowledge them e.g. free shirt
• Regular meetings requested with OSC and Trust to discuss off-field matters (e.g. things as simple as catering) that can be brought up by the fans
• Suggestion that the club offer some type of VIP experience (e.g. hospitality / evening event) for season ticket holders
• Suggestion that any discount could be spread over 3 seasons, to help the club
• Some would accept a voucher for the club shop, but as part of a package
• Some would accept free tickets for family / friends, but as part of a package
• Many comments on wanting assurance on the running of the club, and where their season ticket money goes
• Signed player shirt
• Vouchers for food / drink at the stalls for each game
• Do not raise the price of season tickets for next season
• Lots of goodwill but also lots of frustration at being taken for granted