A summary of the latest DTB meeting
The Dons Trust Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, 3 April with several important issues up for discussion.
We today publish a summary of what was discussed below so that Dons Trust members can keep up to date with the latest developments.
Neal had brought in experienced players and there was now a real strength of purpose across the squad. Each of the remaining four games would be taken one at a time, with the aim being to win every one of them. While acknowledging that the Football Club Board (FCB) and managerial team shared that disappointment, AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive Erik Samuelson said confidence remained high that League 2 survival would be achieved. The DTB felt that it was important to discuss the current league position of the first team, following the disappointing Easter fixtures.
The DT Board endorsed the proposed budget, subject to a few minor points of clarification. There was also discussion about budgeted commercial income, the Youth Development Programme and how current fund-raising efforts might be improved, including re-invigorating the Dons Draw. To date, 170 monthly pledges by fans have generated annualised income of around £50,000, a valuable contribution to a proposed playing budget of £1 million next season. Both boards expressed their thanks to the team of hard-working volunteers behind the We Are Wimbledon Fund. There was a detailed discussion about the proposed 2013/14 football club budget, which assumes we will retain our League 2 status. Erik then presented the latest FCB report.
Dons Trust Secretary, David Hall, confirmed that good progress had been made in finalising a proposed constitutional amendment for discussion at the SGM in May. If agreed by DT members, this amendment will enable the DT to launch a community share scheme as a primary source of stadium fund-raising. There was a discussion about possible sources of fund-raising to meet anticipated club costs associated with the stadium. Erik also provided an update on the possibility of a return to a new stadium in Merton.
Feedback had been overwhelmingly positive, a summary of which will be posted on the club and DT websites. There was a discussion about the feedback from fans which followed last month’s “Spirit of Wimbledon” matchday programme and website article. The article discussed how we can ensure that a lively, inclusive match atmosphere is maintained within the spirit and values of the club.
Finally, the board endorsed proposals to formally support the Football versus Homophobia campaign, and also the Gibraltar FA’s application to join UEFA.
Agreed minutes of the March meeting will be posted on the Dons Trust website shortly after the next board meeting on 9 May.