Chairperson: Richard Hall (RH).

Present: Adam Winnall, Jeff Winnall, Phil Sturgess, Bob Bates, Steve Shaw, Paul Jones, Ray Rowley, Chris Miller.

Apologies: David Roe, Alan Salisbury.

1. Introductions and welcome

As the convener of the meeting, RH asked whether those present would like him to act as Chair which was agreed.

RH stated that he saw the aims of the meeting as follows: to allow those who had wanted to support the launch of the Trust to get to know each other; to work out the logistics of the launch and its publicity; and to discuss the Supporters' Liaison Committee (SLC).

The members of the working party then introduced themselves and stated why they were present. The reasons given were:

• to promote their own constructive commitment to the club;
• to put football, rather than business, back in its rightful place at WFC;
• that fans were disillusioned that the club would go so far and no further, and that there were fears surrounding the club's footballing future; and
• that the fans deserved better treatment from the club.

1. Any issues since the meeting of 27 April?

There were no specific issues, other than the SLC.

2. The role of the SLC.

RH handed out a document which had the club's statement on the recently formed SLC, and a second document which set out his reply. RH was of the opinion that whilst any dialogue with the club was to be welcomed, this committee did not appear to be democratic or accountable. Equally, he was concerned that the four members of the committee would not have enough leverage with the club over key issues and that their remit would be restricted to ticketing and merchandise. It was felt that the process of election to the SLC needed to be more open and that those who had been co-opted onto it were not elected to act as fans' representatives. PS noted that a Radio WM quote from Roy Whalley had stated that the SLC would meet with the Executive Board for issues at the top of the agenda, whereas all issues which affect WFC are relevant to the fans. RH agreed and noted that the club's memoranda of association stated that football was WFC Ltd's primary concern and hence all issues were pertinent for the supporters. BB noted that the remit of the SLC did not go far enough and it was generally felt that the Trust should seek to work with the SLC, but that the formation of the SLC should not detract from the work that the Trust had to do.

3. The Crystal Palace Supporters' Society (CPSS)

RH described the key points of the CPSS. It's key aim is:

This was felt to be the type of key aim that the Walsall Trust should be looking to work towards. BB stated that the CPSS articles were very comprehensive and if the Trust at WFC could develop some that were similar, then they could cover most eventualities without having to rewrite the constitution. BB noted that he would take the CPSS constitution away and edit it for the rest of the group.

1. The launch

There were several main issues.

• The aims of the trust (see 4 above);
• Publicity and invites - local councillors, ex-players, local M.P.s, representatives of the Saddler's Club, the ISSA and the club were to be invited. Word-of-mouth and the local media were to be used and RR noted that he would talk to Radio WM.
• When and where the launch should be held - the Liberal Club, local pubs and the Saddler's Club were all mooted. The consensus was that the SC may be reticent after the formation of the SLC. The Liberal Club was in the heart of a Walsall supporting area and pubs would be full on a Saturday in Euro 2000. BB liked the symbolism of a 3pm launch in a working man's club. It was agreed to work towards 24 June launch at 3pm.
• The cost of membership. After much debate it was decided that £10 adult membership and £5 concessionary (juniors, OAPs, unwaged, students) membership would be offered. A family and life membership amount have yet to be settled. £1 of the first fee would buy an equal share in the trust.
• Membership packs. JW noted the importance of getting quality materials distributed. It was felt that copies of the constitution and membership forms could be photocopied, but that a leaflet should be designed that incorporated the supporters of the initiative (Co-op bank, Football Trust, Supporters Direct etc.), its aims and contact address. SS and PJ agreed to look into pricing this up.

1. Possible Officers

RH stated that all officers would have to be re-elected at the first Trust AGM, but that in order to set the initiative up some responsibilities needed farming out. CM was asked to be the webmaster and stated that he would purchase a suitable domain name as soon as possible, with the aim to go live approximately a week before the launch date. BB agreed to look after the constitution along with RH. RH put David Roe forward to organise bank accounts etc. which was agreed.

2. AOB

RH asked whether it would be sensible for him to forward everyone's contact info. to the group members and this was agreed. RH stated that he would liaise with the central unit about the starter pack and the launch. He would also need to talk to the Saddlers' Club. The group acknowledged the need to get publicity right for the start of next season and to work with the club once membership had grown. It was agreed that 250 members by the end of next season would be a workable aim - PS again noted the value of word-of-mouth associations. At that stage the Trust would need to work with the shareholders.

Those present agreed to work towards a launch on 24 June and would meet again in the couple of weeks preceding that date.