Forever reds meeting update

As end of season, we did an update as to what we have done over the months.
We have purchased various unbudgeted pieces of equipment for use in various departments within the club, we donated new weight lifting bars for the training facilities with Alan Hunte & Mike Eccles, a state of the art De-fib machine, so there is always one available at all games.
Next up we donated a re-hab Slide board & a new portable treatment bed for the physio dept.
All the above came to a total of approx £2500 + the sponsorship for Jack Spencer totalled £3000.
We have recently purchased a 1900 C.C medal belonging to a former Salford player to donate to the new Museum, along with a few other small items for the set up at the museum, which John Blackburn has worked tirelessy at, along with Paul & Steve McNally.
This season, without holding any events, due to not being in competition to Stu Littlers testimonial, we have donated overall £3500 of much needed equipment to the club. With more members, we could help out even more, which benifits our youngsters to develop, which we are now seeing the fruition off.
Karl & Andrew(Walshy) came up with a great money making scheme with "Sponsor a Try", If everyone pays their pledges, it will make in excess of £2000.
We are going to run the scheme again next year, so look out for the forms to download pre-season.
F/Reds are presenting a small momento to all the departing players at the event on Thursday night.
Reds Foundation are holding an event on Sunday 26th Sept/10 "Challenge for Change" the information is on the Reds website, if you are interested contact a member of the Foundation team on 0161 737 0610.
Supporters Direct are holding a conference w/e 8/9th October 2010 at The George Hotel Huddersfield, if you are interested, please speak to Iain Peacock.

Steve Simms was asked why the club have advertised for an Ass. coach if Malc has been given the job.
He said, Malc will be very good as Ass coach, but he needs experience, so an ass coach with a lot more experience will be installed to help Sean & also to give Malc chance to develop in his role. There has been a possible 12 applicants at this time.
Andy Haigh has parted company with the club & Mike Eccles has taken over as conditioning coach full time.
Was asked if Malc having surgery, said doesnt need it if not playing.
John & Howard asked where the money streams will come from with the stadium not belonging to the Reds.
Wether we are at the Willows or the new stadium, running costs will still be the same, so costs would still have to be found.
Mainly from the hospitality side, other clubs they have studied, the corporate is sold out for 2 years in advance.
The board is very happy with what is being delivered from the council & feel very lucky to get a stadium. Three companies are vying for the contract at this time, its a community stadium, to which the willows is used as now with plenty of amm games played on the pitch not just the professional club.
Remediation is still ongoing, but it will be finished by 9th Nov if not before, & work will start as soon as a contract is approved to build. All companies involved are quoting 52 weeks to build.
It will be a 12,000 stadium, but the sooner we reach that capacity the extension s can begin.
There will be 750 corporate places + 10 boxes with scope to increase those, with wedding, conference & seminar facilities.

Was asked what will happen to the playing pitch/turf at the Willows when the club move as so many past fans & families ashes have been scattered/ buried on there.
John is adament that a square in the centre of the housing plan will have the grass area kept, to which he has discussed with Ian Watson to incorporate into the scheme.
Also, plans to take some of the turf & make a "Memorial Garden" at the new stadium with benches for fans to sit at & reminise.
The above is perhaps something F/Reds could look at funding towards, donating benches or families could with a memorial plaque.
Was then asked if the recruitment is complete, Steve Simms said if someone worth having became available the club would look at the finances. Said the club did offer Willie Mason, but HKR obviously offered more.
Dan Holdsworth been instrumental in getting Luke Patten, which in turn attracts other better names. Hopefully, with a better team on the park, winning more games it will attract more fans so we can move to the new stadium with a winning side.
John was asked if picking a new ass coach will the board be looking forward to when & if Sean finishes in 12 months, at someone to take over the top job. John said he was mindfull not to do what he had in the past, as he eluded to when he gave Steve McCormack the coaching job & he wasnt ready for it, he doesnt want to make the same mistake with Malc or anyone else.
They were then asked what about Alan Hunte for the available role, said Alan was very happy doing the job he is doing, but also said, he had had some major input this season with the 1st team.
Steve & John hinted that another possibly high profile player may be coming, but declined to name names at this time.???????
Where will Stefan Ratchford fit in, answered, he can play anywhere, he is a great utility player.

Went on to ask as to what will be the last game at the Willows?? Very debatable on who to have at this moment, but there is major plans for events leading up to the games next season.
Asked about a fans area for pre /post games like we have now where we can mix with the players /directors etc, John said they are pushing for that within the facilities.
Asked will John have a say in if another professional club using the stadium, said they hope to, as already said, the Willows is used for numerous teams from the community.
Steve was asked if any pre season friendlies are planned, hope to have 3, thats if other teams want to play, said lots of clubs are becoming reluctant due to so many getting injuries in these friendlies that impedes their start to the season.
Next up was the subject of Jacksonville, due to the economic climate presently, it was said it was a luxury too far at the moment, but the squad will be going somewhere, ie the Lakes or the likes of.
Asked was it not worth keeping Steven Tyrer, said Clay in the 20's is as good as & needs to get a chance.
Back to the stadium, was asked if a staaanding area was still happening, said yes, behind the sticks, was pushed to answer if any along the touchline, said it was difficult to incorporate standing with seating because of the levels.
All agreed that the club is very lucky to be where we are with the stadium & the council after the demise of Red City Developments, & the only real thing we need to be sorting is the attendance's it is our biggest downfall.
John & Howard assured the fans we will be in our stadium for 2012 season, just need to get good performances on the park next season & take it forward to the new ground.
Cheers to everyone who attended, next meeting is scheduled for 18th October, which will also be a board meeting, Iain will notify everyone.