I think in theory that these kind of meetings ought to be fruitful, but in practice I am not so sure.
As a vehicle to let the club know the concerns of the fans I think they serve a purpose, if the club then listens, considers and reports back in a measured way and the liaison person (Baz) then gets back to us with the responses.
Instant responses are useless, just as fans forum questions and answers are useless.

What you get is stock answers like ... we are thinking big, going for it, are committed etc etc .....just words basically to keep people sweet.
Meaningless drivel really.
But I like Baz and wish him well.

I've tried to frame my questions so we get proper answers. I agree, it's easy to give sound bite answers that sound good but lack substance,. Hopefully, the club will see this as a proper opportunity to address our concerns.

Baz is a good guy. I think we all appreciate what he does.

When G Thornton was in charge of York City Knights in 2014, there were really only three teams capable of fighting for promotion from Championship 1 – York City Knights, Oldham and Hunslet Hawks.

In 2015, there are eight strong teams in League 1; Oldham Roughyeds, Keighley Cougars, York City Knights, Swinton Lions, North Wales Crusaders, Rochdale Hornets, Barrow Raiders and Newcastle Thunder.

For 2016, two of the five top teams will be promoted. Donny and one of Hunslet Hawks or Whitehaven or Batley will come down. Also, Toulouse may enter League 1.

Clearly, there will be some movement of players and coaches. The financial status of some clubs may be better than others allowing them to offer more competitive financial deals to get better players. So some teams may strengthen and others may weaken. Given that our financial position is good, let’s hope that the club spends the money wisely.

However, this year we struggled to compete with Hunslet, Whitehaven and Batley. We were soundly beaten by North Wales Crusaders – currently fifth in League 1.

If Donny’s aim is to come straight back up to Championship, then it is clear that Donny needs to build a team that can compete for the top slots in League 1. This year, Donny’s management admitted to making mistakes. The management problems of this year must be resolved fully so that they are not carried forward as a burden into 2016.

It will be good to see the complete player picture when it is released. Given the numerous comments of the importance of the spine of the team, it will be of particular interest to know which players will fill the 1, 6, 7 and 9 positions.

Only by selecting good players who can be moulded by the coaches into a strong competitive team, will we have a chance of succeeding in achieving promotion.

The challenges of League 1 should not be underestimated.

My thoughts entirely ....
If the calibre of the incomers is not exceptional, and I am talking of the likes of players with the abilities of Briggs, Gale, Wood, Sammut, et al, then Donny can forget it!
They need to know that!

One good thing is that Rovers sacked their useless manager very quickly this season, so Thornton beware!

Club Doncaster can't trumpet high ambitions and put up with this kind of mediocrity....
... only the Belles are performing ... the soccer side and the rugby side are SERIOUSLY UNDERPERFORMING!

There is a dichotomy even a numpty could see, never mind a board member.
In other words let's have some action, words are cheap ... as cheap as the ethos demonstrated thus far!

Minutes from the meeting will be posted as soon as Jackie Green types them up.

Thanks Baz.

No problem. Let this season finish and start fresh next year.

Very good meeting tonight and the future looks good.Several signings already made and names released at the meeting,yes they are young players who have been at Super League clubs but they are better than those signed by Cooke at the start of this season.Seen videos of three of them and they all look good especially the winger Foggin- Johnston who looks a real gem and will quickly become a fans favourite. Scrum half signed and again a youngster but he is highly rated and the Dons have beaten several Championship clubs for his signature.His name and those of others in the bag cannot be named for contractual reasons.Some overseas players also possibly lined up.So as yet no big names signed or if they have details cannot be released again for contractual reasons.Let's draw a line under this season and look to the next because from what I have seen and heard tonight , the future is beginning to look very promising.

Can someone who attended the meeting please verify that Liam Welham has indeed signed for next season, as on facebook he seemed to question it, if obviously it was Liam, but I have no reason to doubt it. Important signing for me.

Yes he has signed.

Thanks, good to hear. Not Sure what that on facebook was about then.

It says in the Free Press that Thornton HOPES that the Dons hold on to Wilkinson.
Hopes?

If they can't retain a talent like Wilko, then how do they attract anyone has good or better?

I have been to these kind of meetings and it is easy to get enthused and excited, not least in part because you WANT to to be excited.
Sorry to be a caution again, but I have seen these YouTube type clips in the past showing someone as a worldbeater and it's just selective best bits.
The reality is different.

The facts ARE thus far we have signed nobody new of note. We are signing potential again and HOPING we can knock them into a team.
Sound familiar?

The side will win at least half of its games, of that I have little doubt.
But for a side to win Championship 1, they have to be as good as Dewsbury (say) are NOW! ... IMHO.
And our team is nowhere near without two great half backs, three if you include Wilko and plan that he will be crocked a lot.
Kids won't do it, I am convinced.
Three years down the line maybe, but that runs counter to the stated aim of immediate promotion.
With Toulouse there etc, it won't be easy.

We need more than we are getting from the Dons.
I can't think of the Dons anymore without thinking about the Rovers and the pursestrings.
Still,I am a few weeks ahead of being able to make some sort of informed prediction, but I am NOT impressed thus far!
Sorry ...