Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference
Saturday 22nd February – 11am

Attended:
Andrew Cullen, Rich Hughes, Tony Brown, Mark Judges & Johnny Moore (PFC)

Andrew Plenty (Armed Forces & Services Club), Barry Dewing (Pompey Independent Supporters’
Association), Donald Vass (TGFC Secretary & Chichester Portsmouth Supporters’ Club), Gill Davies (South West Supporters’ Club), Graham Price (Pompey 808), Ian Marshall (Chimes Lounge), Kev Ryan (Central Branch Supporters’ Club), Mike Fulcher (TGFC Chair & Social Media Groups), Mike Whittle (Pompey History Society), Nick Paul (Northern Blues), Pam Wilkins (Pompey Disabled Supporters’ Association), Peter House (Pompey Independent Supporters’ Association), Roy Gregory (Central Branch Supporters’ Club), Simon Colebrook (Portsmouth Supporters’ Trust), Steve Heaven-
Gandy (Isle Of Wight Supporters’ Club), Steve Tovey (Legends Lounge) & Tracy Jane (Portsmouth Women Supporters’ Club).

Apologies:
Vicky Lamb (Her Game Too).

1. Football

Q: What are the club’s reflections on the January transfer window and the playing squad going into the final part of the season?

RH: As we always say, the success of a window is judged on how you come out of it. We’re pleased with what we’ve achieved – we’ve made the starting eleven stronger, made the squad stronger, and brought in some long-term assets in Thomas Waddingham and Hayden Matthews. It can be hard to recruit players permanently in January, and so inevitably we’ve brought in a couple of loans.

That brings with it challenges for us to navigate – we’ve ended up with six loans, and can only name five in a matchday squad, but the injury to Callum Lang shows why we felt we needed to bring in another attacker. With where we were in the league, there was obviously a clamour for Championship-ready players with experience at this level.

We were pleased to bring in Rob Atkinson and Isaac Hayden early, to immediately impact the team. From a squad management perspective, we’ve let a few bodies leave, and we’re down to 24 registered players with one additional space.

Q: We’ve developed good relationships with parent clubs of loanees in recent years – do we risk upsetting them by having six loans when we can only play five at a time?

RH: No. We spoke to the parent clubs before making our sixth loan signing and explained the situation. They were very positive – they don’t want their players being cosseted. There’s now a scenario where one player won’t make the matchday squad, so they’ve got to be good enough to earn a place. That’s the mentality they need to break into their first team squad when back with their parent clubs.

Q: Once again, we’re suffering from a number of injuries to key players. Why do you think this is? Are we an outlier compared to other teams?

RH: Callum Lang’s injury was unfortunate. We’ve had a heavy reliance on him because he’s such a good player for us. The game at Oxford was a high risk of someone getting an injury. It was such a stop-start game, with the medical emergency delay and players going down for lengthy treatments, pausing the game a lot.

More generally, the injuries we’re seeing are indicative of the level we’re playing at. The Championship is such a physical league. The physical data we record has shown that we’re at a level 15-18% higher than all games last year.

We’re trying to be quicker, more powerful – we want to be a team who can compete. We’re still learning the Championship, and when things like this happen, we review everything – did we miss anything? Could we have done anything different?

There’s rarely one thing which causes injury, there’s usually a number of factors. We do have Kusini Yengi back now, Regan Poole is back, and
Freddie Potts isn’t far away. The thing we’ve struggled with is that our injuries have been concentrated in one area. We’ve had an average number of injuries, but mainly affecting our starting centre backs. Huge credit to Marlon Pack and Ryley Towler, who kept us going through a tough period.

Q: The financial sustainability of the club is dependent on the success of its player trading model. That will, of course, mean we need to sell players for a profit. Are you anticipating the sale of particular squad members in the summer?

RH: We can’t dictate the market. It will obviously depend on interest, and we don’t have any particular player in mind, but we’ll assess things if there is money on the table. We’re pleased with the composition of the squad. We’ve got players in from good markets who can affect our first team now, and may become more profitable further down the line.

Q: Are any Academy players coming through who may impact the first team squad in the near future, or become assets to the club?

RH: Profit from academy players often comes at a stage before you get to know about them – clubs in higher divisions can poach them early under the Elite Player Performance Plan rules. We were pleased to name three academy players on the bench at Wycombe Wanderers for our FA Cup tie, with Harry Clout coming on to make an appearance.

Players finish their academy journey with us at 18, then it’s up to John Mousinho, the academy staff and I to assess whether they have a future with us. That’s always challenging. We never make decisions about how good someone is at 18 – it’s always about where we see them going in the future

Q: Has the club begun making plans for our pre-season schedule?

RH: Yes. When we’re in a position to announce plans, we will. We have to iron out the final bits of the contract.

2. Ticketing

Q: We’ve previously discussed having a 2-year rolling window of loyalty points. Are the club planning to introduce this for the 25/26 season?

MJ: As mentioned in December, we’re exploring the possibility of a rolling 2-year window (plus the current one). We had looked to implement this for the 24/25 season, but circumstances outside of our control delayed it. It’s something we’re still looking to do, but would not be implemented without the approval of the Tony Goodall Fans’ Conference.

We won’t do it unless we have full confidence in the system. Until then, we continue to set loyalty point boundaries for each game using up-to-date live data. Games such as Luton Town are a challenge as demand outstrips supply. We’re making the current system work, but we do think a rolling system will be a better model.

Q: With many home games now selling out, the ticket exchange is an important part of our ticketing system. Can the scheme be opened up for all games in advance, to improve access? Can we offer more than £5.00, to encourage more fans to make use of it and ensure the ground is full?

MJ: The ticket exchange has been available for all home games this year except Stoke City, where there were still home tickets available for sale due to Stoke City giving back tickets from their away allocation that could be used for home supporters by moving the segregation netting within the stadium.

The ticket exchange goes live when around 100 seats are left, mainly single seats. What’s not perhaps appreciated or known is that season ticket holders can list their seat ahead of time, so they automatically become available as soon as the ticket exchange opens. That’s useful for the buyer as well, as it means more seats go live at once, rather than in drips and drabs.

For Cardiff City, we had the ticket exchange live, then had to turn it off it when 1,000 Milton End tickets were returned to us for home sale, before turning it back on again later.

Usage of the ticket exchange is increasing a lot. In the 22/23 season, it was used 490 times. In 23/24, that went up 280% to 1,870. This season, it’s already been used more than 2,200 times, and we have numerous games left. Previously, ticket exchange had to be turned off at midnight before each game. We’ve managed to move that to two hours before kick off (half an hour before turnstiles open), as a result of feedback from this group.

The contribution of £5 for selling a season ticket via ticket exchange will be reviewed at the end of the 24-25 season, but it is linked to the lowest season ticket price. Nonetheless, uptake of ticket exchange continues to grow.

Q: Some clubs operate a rule that if you aren’t able to attend a game, you have to list your seat on the ticket exchange, and if you fail to do this a certain number of times in a season then you can’t renew your season ticket. This is to encourage attendance and ensure more fans get to games. Given we have a large season ticket waiting list, is this a rule the Club would consider introducing?

MJ: Several clubs have introduced ‘fair usage’ policies, all of which have ignited fan debate and media coverage. We are therefore aware of the situation. We will continue to monitor the practicalities of such policy; however I have reservations over how feasible such policies are in practical terms. At this stage it is not something the Club is considering introducing.

Instead, our approach is to educate supporters by encouraging them to list their season ticket on ticket exchange if they are unable to attend. Any material change in policy, such as this we would consult with supporters and request approval from TGFC.

AC: I’m used to trying to maximise season ticket numbers, as that helps to give the business budget certainty for the season. Some of the biggest clubs in the larger cities are now actively trying to reduce their season ticket numbers however, so they can shift to selling more individual match tickets to tourists. I’m uncomfortable with that at Portsmouth.

Q: When will season ticket information for the 25/26 season be announced?

MJ: Conversations have started internally, but we don’t have a definitive date as of yet. We will
share details with supporters as soon as we can. I would encourage anyone hoping to purchase a new season ticket to join the waiting list if they haven’t already done so, as there are around 2,100 supporters on it already. However, it is important to note the season ticket waiting list does not guarantee a season ticket for next season, but instead ensures you are in the queue for a season ticket when one comes available, whether that be next season or in the future.

Q: Would it be possible to give people on the waiting list higher priority if they’ve been regularly attending games?

MJ: That would be almost impossible to practically apply, and not fair to those who joined the waiting list early.

Q: What are the plans for the away season ticket scheme next year?

MJ: The away season ticket is a legacy scheme from before I joined the club. It’s not open to new members, but I met the group last year to set out some terms of reference, and the scheme will continue to operate on those terms.

Q: There have been issues at sell-out away games of some fans not sitting in their allocated seats, leading to supporters standing in stairways, causing a safety issue. Whilst we appreciate this is an issue for home clubs to manage, is there anything Portsmouth can do about this problem?

MJ: I have great empathy for this issue. It’s frustrating to travel to an away game and find your seat occupied. We provide a full seating manifest to the club we’re playing at and expect them to steward based on that seating map. Unfortunately, the reality is that we can’t control that. I would encourage fans not to get involved in conflict, and to speak to nearby stewards, who are employed to help with issues such as this. It’s hard for us as a visiting club to do more than we’re currently doing.

Q: At the September TGFC we discussed the possibility of supporter groups sharing their allocation of tickets, and it was said that there may be a consultation with supporters on
changes to the ticketing policy. Are there any plans to speak with supporters about this?

MJ: I’d want to consult with fans before making changes to our ticketing policies – we can pick that up at the end of the season and consider any changes needed then. One thing we talked about in September though is that it can’t be discussed just as a closed group – we’d need to consult the wider fanbase. Operationally, the sharing of ticket allocations causes various operational issues for the ticket office.

Q: When season tickets go on sale, would it be possible for disabled supporters to have a dedicated day when they can renew at the ticket office?

A: We want to support all supporters. I’d want to understand what problem this would be aiming to solve – what issues are our disabled fans experiencing? We have 339 ambulant or wheelchair season ticket holders, of which 131 renewed online last year. I’ll discuss this further at the Disabled Supporters’ Association meeting on Friday.

Q: The hospitality offering has improved a lot this year, and sales appear to be very high. Are there any plans to increase pricing next season?

MJ: It’s nice to hear positive feedback – thank you. Demand for our hospitality offering has been high. In the first 15 games of the 23/24 season, we had 86% lounge occupancy, this year it’s been 96%. When I first came in, it was around 79%. On-field performance has helped, but there’s also been a lot of hard work gone into improving the offering as well.

We’ll look at pricing for next year’s hospitality after setting the general season ticket pricing, but costs have increased a lot, with National Insurance contributions, the national minimum wage and the cost of food and drink all rising. We can’t operate in our own bubble – we are significantly impacted by external changes.

3. Recent Incidents at Fratton Park

Q: Everyone at the TGFC sends our thoughts to the family of Alec Lumb, who sadly passed away at the Middlesborough game on January 18th. What lessons have been learned that may apply to future medical emergencies in the stands? How can fans best help when events like this occur?

AC: First of all, our thoughts are with Sharon and the rest of Alec’s family. The attendance at Alec’s funeral yesterday was a measure of how much Alec was loved and respected. l, and I hope his family, took strength from the number of people who attended.

We had several questions after game – I hope most have been answered and that supporters are reassured. We have 15 defibrillators within the stadium, and most of our own stewards are defibrillator and first aid trained. We had some questions about the paramedics and their speed of movement – they’re trained not to run to administer treatment. The second group of paramedics who were called out, who arrived just ten minutes later and walked across the pitch, were a secondary response unit called out after the incident to support the ambulance crews already stationed at the stadium.

We always have two ambulances stationed at the ground on a matchday, and while one was being prepared to take Alec to hospital, this next one arrived to take its replace it. Two supporters behind Alec were nurses and immediately gave him CPR after he collapsed, and we are truly grateful to both of them for their immediate reaction.

All incidents like this are debriefed and reflected on, including at our last Safety Advisory Group meeting. The Medical professionals and emergency services there reported that the speed of medical resources was as should be expected. By coincidence, we had an independent safety auditor in the stadium that day, and he has also commended the emergency services and staff for the response and handling of the incident.

Ultimately though, we still lost a supporter, and a family lost a loved one. It was a difficult and
distressing day for everyone concerned. As well as Alec’s family, we had staff and supporters impacted. We’ve spoken to counselling services who can help and have peer practitioners from Mind in the Fanzone today. We have provided similar support for staff. One of the things that’s come out of it is that we’d like to provide the opportunity for more people to learn CPR techniques. We’re looking at running this in fanzone on matchday.

Q: The club were fined £50,000 for the Barnsley pitch invasion after winning the League One title on April 16th. What are the likely consequences of a repeat in the future?

AC: As well as the fine, we were ordered to publish the FA’s decision on our website and in the matchday programme and were warned of our future behaviour. Future consequences could mean a heavier fine or could spread to sporting sanctions. We have to take that seriously.

Q: Has a final conclusion been made as to the cause of the power failures at the postponed Millwall game on November 27th?

AC: Yes. It’s difficult for me to go into too much detail as we’re still going through the insurance claim. What we do know is that the power loads coming from the ground going into the substation were no larger than on any other matchday over the last 2-3 years.

Q: Has there been any conclusion on the allegation of racist comments made to the Assistant Referee at the Oxford home game on October 5th?

AC: A supporter has been identified and remains suspended until the outcome of the case.

4. Stadium, Travel & Local Infrastructure

Q: Mobile internet coverage around the stadium is worse than ever on matchdays. Is there anything the club can do to improve this for supporters? Is it feasible to have stadium Wi-Fi?

MJ: Lots of new stadiums do have Wi-Fi, but they rarely work to the level expected when the stadium is at full capacity.

AC: I think the technology will get there – the costs will come down and it will become do-able for us.

Q: Are any improvement works planned for Fratton Park this summer? We’ve received reports of no hot water in the Fratton End toilets, and faulty PA system speakers in the North Stand Lower.

TB: We have brought in external consultants to assess the technical issues which are difficult to
replicate outside of matchdays with no fans in the stadium. We have a range of infrastructure
works required for pre-season and will continue to review.

Q: Are there plans to install another large screen visible to those in the Milton End?

MJ: It’s something we’ve talked about, but it comes down to priorities. It’s not lost on us that some supporters can’t see the screen, and it remains something we’d like to do, but not soon.

Q: Are there any plans to increase space on the Fratton End memorial wall?

AC: Space on the memorial wall is filling up fast. We’re now looking at a new, different area. Some of the necessary health and safety work coming up this summer, coincidentally, might create a new space.

Q: The Fratton Station Footbridge is shut for improvements until 28th April. Will the club and SAG be monitoring how this will impact plans for a future footpath?

AC: The closure of the bridge is for strengthening work – it’s nothing to do with football club or the feasibility study. Clearly, the closure will have a knock-on impact on access to and from the station and we’ll be monitoring how it operates and working with Network rail and South Western railway.

5. Retail / Kits

Q: Are there any plans to have merchandise available to buy in the North Stand?

AC: Not currently. We do have new merchandising kiosks in the South Stand and Milton End which are accessible to home fans, and a new kiosk in the fanzone. In the North Stand though, we’ve focused on maximising space for toilets and food/drink kiosks. We hope that has significantly improved some of the congestion and a better experience for supporters.

Q: Could we have two white stars added on to our shirts above the crest, signifying our two Division 1 titles?

AC: Any changes to a crest would need to be part of a careful process and of course considered by the Heritage and Advisory Board. Some clubs do have stars above their crest, others have stars on the back of their shirts. Personally, I would not want to change the crest.

Q: Was the Gunwharf Quays pop-up shop a success?

AC: The first two months in November and December were hugely successful and worked commercially. It was less successful in January, which is to be expected. We may look to repeat it in the future, but for a more condensed period.

6. Pompey Women

Q: The Pompey Women squad consists of a number of young loan players and a large percent of the squad has not played in the Championship before. Was this a planned strategy, or did we fail to get some of our main targets? In the worst-case scenario of the team being relegated, will we be looking to retain players on full time contracts next season to carry on the growth of the Women’s team?

AC: We didn’t lose out on any key targets. We significantly increased the playing budget to go from semi-professional to professional and were in a good position at the start of the season The coaching staff felt we significantly increased from where we were before. the division. We naturally wanted to reward the players who had earned the right to play Championship football.

We increased the budget further in January to investment has been employed ten staff where we previously had one. but sadly we find ourselves decimated by injuries and currently 4 points adrift at the bottom, it’s been a tough year. We went from amateur to semi-professional to professional in the space of 12 months – that’s very difficult, and it’s been a season of learning for everybody. We are considering different scenarios for next season, dependent on league status.

7. Other

Q: Are there any updates on the progress of the Football Governance Bill, and the Independent Football Regulator?

AC: The EFL as a collective of clubs remain strongly committed to the FGB. I attended to a meeting last week with Lisa Nandy [Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport] and Stephanie Peacock [Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth], and strongly made the point that clubs in the EFL want the Government to get on with it.

Q: The Pompey Lottery pay winnings by cheque. Are there plans to move to a bank transfer system for those that win?

AC: I raised this with the organisers, and its industry standard for small lotteries to pay by cheque, as many are charities, and some winners opt not to claim their winnings. Around 20% of winnings come back to lotteries like this. On a separate note, we had a lovely letter yesterday from a 96-year-old gentleman who won nearly £5,000 and his support like others over so many years is hugely beneficial to the Academy.

Q: The House of Commons Register of Members’ Financial Interests shows that the club has gifted match tickets worth £140 to local MPs. Why does the club do this? Could such gifts be offered to fans who have served the local community instead?

AC: We entertain a broad range of different people from all backgrounds in the boardroom each week. There are many people who can impact the football club and our community – commercial partners, local development partners, local charities, EDI groups, EFL and FA board members, FA Council members, and we do sometimes have supporters in as well, to recognise exceptional events or occasions. Four supporters were with us as recently as the Burnley match.

When MPs have attended they have, quite rightly, declared the value of those tickets as the price paid by others for a hospitality package. Stephen Morgan for example as our constituency MP has been instrumental and influential in facilitating meetings with key decision makers around the footbridge work, and previously Penny Mordaunt helped the club with the purchase of the training ground, again getting key stakeholders together.

It has also enabled us to forcibly and directly make our point to MPs on the need to get on with the Football Governance Bill and to make sure MPs and peers support us with that. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress are here today. Their charity appeal this year supports Pompey in The Community. The Chief Executive of the EFL Trevor Birch is joining us, as is the CEO of Shaping Portsmouth, an organisation which brings the biggest businesses and organisations in Portsmouth together to promote the city.

8. AOB

Q: Did anyone from Tornante attend the recent screening of the Sheffield United vs Portsmouth fixture at the innovative new Cosm venue in Los Angeles?

AC: Yes – several directors, staff and family attended and thought the concept was brilliant, despite the disappointing result. Michael Eisner’s reflection was the concept works particularly well for football compared to some other sports which have been shown there.

MW: An update from the Pompey History Society: The Gerry Spraggs Fund, raising money for Peter Harris’s First Division title medals, stands at around £8,000. Our aim is to put these medals on public display in Portsmouth. Fans can continue to support this by buying the 125 Official History book, and the Making of Modern Pompey book to raise funds. The next big fundraising opportunity is the Hall of Fame Dinner on April 11th, with ticket details to be released shortly. The Hall of Fame wall will be relocated in the vicinity of the Jimmy Dickinson statue in April.

– Minutes by Donald Vass