DT Election 2003 - Questionnaire

Are you a member of WISA? If not, why not?

No, at the present time I don't feel that Wisa take an active enough role in AFC Wimbledon . I believe that there were several issues last year whilst I was a member that they should have pursued which would have been in the interests of their membership but they failed to do so. Until Wisa start taking a more active approach to AFC Wimbledon and the DT I won't be a member. However, I've always supported Wisa since attending the inaugural meeting at the Phoenix hotel during the ‘Dublin' time to serving on the Wisa committee during the last protest year at Selhurst where I was responsible for sales of the protest t-shirts and also matchday leafleting and organisation.

Why should WISA members vote for you?

I have drive and ambition for the DT. I'm a firm believer that it should be a member lead organisation. I have worked for a student union as VP Finance and Development and helped turn a year end loss of £265k the year before I joined into a £44k profit the year later through a series of commercial decisions. I feel that this small business commercial experience and financial/budgeting knowledge will be important for any new board member. I believe that I can see the big picture and not get bogged down with minor details. I have a proven track record as someone who is a ‘doer' rather than just a talker.

How much time can you commit each month to DT duties (excluding AFCW activities?).

As much as is needed.

What role would you perform on the DT board?

Until the board is elected it is very hard to tell. As a matchday volunteer I'd like to think that there would be some reporting back to the board from the ground up that is for sure. I'd certainly like to be involved in more commercial and financial aspects as this is more my background.

Would you undertake any additional activities in AFCW?

Yes, I would continue to be chief steward for AFC Wimbledon 1 st Men's and women's teams. I suspect I would still spend a large chuck of my day at Kingsmeadow helping answering phones and painting/cleaning rooms. I would still continue to sit on the newly formed volunteers committee and also the Stadium Safety Committee.

Did you support the recent share issue enthusiastically, with reservations, or were you unhappy with the idea?

I think once the vote in the theatre was passed for the DT board to go and investigate options and then when they came back with the share issue I feel that we all had to rally behind it.

Do you favour a register of interests to record any benefits (financial or otherwise) Trust members gain from their dealings with the Trust or PLC?

No. I don't think its fair that somebody working in the tea bar has to reveal their earnings if they are a DT member (if anything this would persuade them against being a DT member). Also I don't think its fair that any players should have to reveal their individual wage/expenses if they are a member of the DT.

However, I am very much open to the argument that DT board members could have a register of interests. I have no qualms about a DT board member being paid as long as the process was open, quotes were tendered for etc..

What personal qualities (apart from professional skills, and a capacity for hard work) do you have that the DT Board needs?

I'm very approachable and feel that I can balance two sides of an argument. I can be a good task leader and perhaps more importantly work in a team to achieve what is best for the DT membership and AFC Wimbledon fan base. I feel that I can quickly see what issues are important and pursue them.

Please list all financial benefits that you have received in the past through dealings with the Trust or Plc.

Whilst I think this question is aggressive towards several candidates, I'd answer that I since we have purchased Kingsmeadow, I receive money for stewarding (as do 10 others which is dictated by the council who require ‘professional' stewards in order to maintain the regulations of the Kingsmeadow Stadium Safety Certificate) and I've also done some paid work around the stadium alongside many more hours of unpaid work. I receive no regular income from AFC Wimbledon .

What do you think of the Trust's performance and achievements so far?

I think that despite the excellent achievements that the board have made, there is still vast scope for improvement. I'd like the trust to come up with a series of unique solutions to help reduce the debt. I want the trust to be more open and transparent with the membership. I'd like the trust to continue with the excellent Community Football Scheme and general community program such as school visits and attendances at various fairs in order to promote who we are.

The Trust needs to regulate more than it appears to do at present. It has to hold account the club on financial matters and be dynamic enough to drive the club onwards. It has to be a proactive and strong body that assist and help the club in all areas. The trust has to be the support and backbone that the club needs.

How could the Trust board improve its communication with members?

Having spoken recently to a number of DT members most feel that the Trust is very weak in this department. I'd like to see regular info sheets (A4 double sided with no need to be glossy and full colour) distuributed during matches. I'd also like the DT page in the program to be taken more seriously by the board with more informative articles and feedback. Minutes of DT board meetings should be available in the quickest timescale possible. Let the members know what is gong on and things will be much better.

When considering candidates for board member positions for the Club, what characteristics would you look for?

I'd look for someone who is financially sound and understands budgets and their processes. I'd look for dynamic people who are able to help reduce the debt. I'd look for a varied skills base and someone who understands the responsibilities of office.

Should directors of DT subsidiaries (E.g. AFC Plc) be allowed to take up elected posts on the DT Board?

No is my initial response, although clearly I'd need to know how effective this structure has been on the present board which is something I'm unsure of. I think for the ‘top down' role that I believe the DT should have, then there shouldn't be any representatives of the PLC on the DT board apart for reporting purposes only.

How do you currently understand the duties and relationship of the DT Board in relation to the AFC Wimbledon PLC, AFC Wimbledon Ltd., and AFC Stadium Ltd. boards?

Whilst several of the naming conventions are wrong in the above question, I understand the point of it. As it is at present I have knowledge of the current structure, however I feel that at present the DT are somewhat out of the loop. I feel that the role of the DT should be to harness member opinion and use that to give direction to the board. Budgetary decisions should be made by the DT board although clearly day to day financial decisions should be made by full time day to day staff.

Should the Trust membership have the final say on the big issues, like where the club has its home ground or selling shares in the club?

Of course. The membership should be consulted on any major issue and many minor issues as well. The power has to be in the arms of the membership.

Should Trust members have the right to propose motions at the AGM and other general meetings?

Yes if motions are submitted before hand. Amendments can of course be made during the meeting.

What ideas do you have for paying off the rest of the debt on the purchase of Kingsmeadow?

I think corporate sponsorship is the first avenue to be looked at. If we can sell all the advertising hoardings, get a stand named, or even the stadium, then this will undoubtedly help. I think the club facilities need to be used more in the week by local residents which again generate income not specifically from our own fan base. I think in some instances the Trust has to be prepared to spend money to make money. Events such as the comedy night raised vast sums and should be encouraged.

Are there any situations in which the Trust could, or should, relinquish control of AFCW?

Not more than it has done already with the share issue, no.

Do you see Kingsmeadow, The Fans Stadium as a temporary or permanent home for AFC Wimbledon ?

Certainly medium term I can see us being at Kingsmeadow. In the long term who knows? As we are currently struggling to pay off Kingsmeadow and given the cost of land/building a brand new stadium, it wouldn't surprise me if we are at Kingsmeadow for a long time. Is this preferable to a stadium on Plough Lane, of course not, but until we raise enough money without sacrificing the power that we as a fan base own, a return to Wimbledon is a very distant dream.