United Pars Meeting

Greg Paterson and Iain Williamson join Karen Masterton and John Yorkston for meeting with fans.

Fourteen fans came along to the United Pars Meeting on Thursday night. The evening was chaired by Karen Masterton and firstly she invited questions to the two young players in attendance - Greg Paterson and Iain Williamson.

They were asked if the relatively small size of first team squad was a disadvantage. Neither saw that as a bad thing; Greg said that it gave youth a chance to show what they are made of and Iain felt that the smaller squad meant that the players were a tight unit. "We are more together".

Greg has been plagued with injuries all season with his wrist and then his back requiring surgery. Now that he is fit he conceded that he would like to be getting more games of football to play in. "In the SPL there were regular games every week, now it is every second week that there might be a reserve game. They try their best to try and arrange friendlies for the boys who are not playing."

Iain Williamson agreed that there was a bit of a difference:-

"In the SPL there is a Reserve League but this year we play in a League Cup with only so many games to play. They are spread out and come in batches with big breaks. It isn't as good as it used to be. We have had a few bounce games with the likes of Celtic."

Fans raised the lost community atmosphere at the club and asked what Greg and Iain might suggest to reintroduce engaging with fans. Iain explained that some team mates had gone to visit Crossgates Primary School recently and Greg said that when he trained with the Under 19 squad they had gone to schools in Dalgety Bay and they had trained with the kids. Iain said the players always enjoy the bowling nights with the Young Pars.

Karen reported that there had been a disappointing uptake after the club had written offering to visit schools in the area. A letter had gone out about a month ago and that will be followed up. "We will keep trying to get them in" she added. Ways to develop young supporters are easier than reaching adult and lapsed adult supporters.

Chairman John Yorkston chipped in from the audience to explain efforts that had been taken to encourage teenagers with the Midnight League and Blue Light Discos. Greg was able to praise the discos since his younger brother had been one of the customers.

Another concern raised from the floor was the apparent apathy setting in certain sections of the support. It was felt that this was an accumulated effect of poor results booth this season at home and in previous seasons. Karen was able to explain that a telemarketing survey carried out a few years ago had shown that changing working practices (people working on Saturdays) and competing attractions on Saturdays had made significant impact on attendances.

Questioned on pricing and stemming falling attendances Karen said there were no initiatives at SFL level. She emphasised just how vastly different the SFL was from the SPL in terms of finance. "It is all shoestring stuff and it is just a nightmare trying to manage it. There haven't been any discussion about what is affecting attendances, why are they falling off, why is it such a struggle to come along."

Greg Paterson added that in the current economic situation it was likely that fans would have to make a choice between football and maybe going bowling.  He claimed it was unlikely that many could do both. Iain praised the club's  Kids for a Quid initiative. "It's a really good idea.  When you see them from the pitch they are so enthusiast and come running up to you. They look as though they are really enjoying themselves and want to clap your hand as you walk pass. They just need to be introduced to it and bring their friends along."

The meeting discussed the use of the Gallery prior to home matches. The £25 deal for the game on 21st February against Ross County was good but not as attractive for season ticket holders. Karen said that they had to retain a benefit for those supporters who had taken out Legends membership. Ways of satisfying the police demands for usage of the lounges would be revisited especially in light of successful trials.

It was agreed that the Club should be looking at all means of maximising revenue and even including access for away fans. Those present said that there could have been better advertising for the Gallery opening.

Karen announced that the Club would welcome suggestions for ways of celebrating the Club's 125th anniversary. The birthday comes in June 2010 and Karen invited representatives from supporters group to join the Club's Committee to look into possible celebrations. Things like matches against Manchester United, Everton, other former European opponents and teams of celebrities or former players had been mooted. The opponents for Dunfermline Athletic's first match was Edinburgh University and a match against them could be included. A 125 logo would be required and Karen said a competition would be launched for possible designs.

A club was to be formed for former players. They would be present on match days and would be circulate lounges, Legends and they would be designated an area in the Main Stand to sit in. Karen said that injured players and those not involved in games would also be encouraged to circulate with fans prior to kick off.

A Help For Heroes day will be held at East End Park and an Open Day on Sunday 17th May.

Date of next United Pars meeting was fixed for either Wednesday 11th or Thursday 12th March.