DT Election 2003 - Questionnaire

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

Yes I believe I renewed as usual last time around but honestly cant remember if it expired or not. If not please advise and I will renew.

Why should WISA members vote for you?

My intention is to make sure the fans voice is heard at all times in any important discussion, Trust members or not.

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

As much time that is required of me.

What role would you perform on the DT board?

Hopefully an advisory and influential role, particularly with regards to promotional activity, media and communications issues.

Would you undertake any additional activities in AFCW?

I already do, match day PA, world wide webcast service and any other requested hosting / compere roles.

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

Enthusiastically

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?

I would not oppose that. Do you mean all members or just board members?

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

Openness, honesty and moral integrity. I stand up for what I believe in.

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

A small quantity of tee shirts I had produced in the season of discontent at Selhurst were given to the Wombulance at cost price to bolster merchandise availability at the very outset of AFC Wimbledon.

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

Good, but fallen short of where we need to be.

What changes would you propose, if any, to the way the Trust operates?

Better initiatives and support for the football club that it protects, better harmony and communication with those who serve and the achievement of a far more united single front and far better communication with Trust members and non member fans alike.

How could the Trust board improve its communication with members?

A director of communications who is actively involved in discussion and co-ordination with the day to day running of the football club, the ultimate shop window for our captive audience of members and beyond. More visibility via the web is essential in this era of communication. I believe Dons Trust issues should be given a window via the official club web site through linkage and visible news bulletins, membership login and abuse free polling for gauging the general feeling on bigger issues.

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

A doer, an ambassadorial quality, a proven ability, influence, initiative, a decent articulate communicator and someone who will listen to the membership and act on it. Anyone favouring football franchising in any way or minority ownership of a community asset such as AFC Wimbledon should not be on the Trust board.

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

This needs further clarification and discussion before I can actually decide what is in the best interest. So long as accountability is open and visible to the board and ultimately the members then I will be happy. Should a Trust board member also resign from WISA membership?

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?

There is ultimate ownership and safeguard held by the Dons Trust. I am aware and happy that safeguards have been written in to each subsidiary that protect the membership from both itself and outside influences. The Trust board will uphold that protection at all times as it is accountable to all members and shareholders.

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?

Yes.

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

Yes.

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

For starters I sincerely hope we are gearing up to milk Kingsmeadow for all it's worth over Christmas both within and without our own community of interest and Kingstonian's. In the long term I'd like to look into development partnerships that won't compromise overall control of the Kingsmeadow Stadium and if a good opportunity exists to put that to the membership, Savings for shares / fund raising schemes, larger fund raising events in our own community, better promotion, development and use of the Kingsmeadow resources to bring in greater income and possibly the idea of a loan scheme from fans to the Trust / Club that we can repay at a far better rate of interest.

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

No.

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

I will always see at as the most secure current mid term solution but ultimately I want my football club back home in Merton somewhere (at least before I die!).