It’s that time of the year where we go “It doesn’t seem too long ago since the season ended”.
Whilst many of enjoyed a long summer break, the work continued around the football club for a lot of staff and volunteers. It goes without saying the ground is looking fantastic with the major improvements such as the perimeter fence and fresh tarmac. Even the small areas that required just a lick of paint are now looking fresh for the start of the campaign.
What does the close season mean for Magpies Trust? It’s usually a time of transition and this year is no different as we bid farewell to those board members who have done their part and wish to make way for a fresh intake. Pete Thompson, who has been on the Trust board since before Covid has decided to end his tenure of vice chair and Club Supporter Director. We thank Pete for his contributions to the Trust and Club over the years. We are not actively seeking to fill the role of Supporter Director but we will welcome supporters to step forward should they feel they could succeed in this position. We encourage all supporters who want to help in making a difference at Victory Park to come forward and join the Trust in our aims and objectives.
Throughout the close season we hosted our Annual General Meeting which was attended by several key figures at the club. Chairman Jamie Vermiglio, Chief Operating Officer Craig Dootson and Head of Media Pete Tscherewik all attended to take questions from the floor with the minutes being sent out to Trust members.
It was a welcomed change to make these events to be exclusive to members only as we looked at improving the membership benefits for the Trust. Other benefits we have discussed and agreed with the club range from free room hire to 10% discount at the club shop.
You will have noticed our home has moved from the half way line and we are now situated just behind the Duke Street End next door to what will become the new club shop which leads me nicely onto one of our key aims for this season. Access to the shop on match days became somewhat of an issue to supporters with being located outside of the ground, the club have now moved the facility to within the boundaries of Victory Park and we are thrilled to be supporting the club in running the shop on their behalf.
Finally – Away travel. We have managed to strike a deal with Redline to organise coach travel to every Saturday fixture for the whole season. This deal has made it possible for us to make this away travel as affordable as possible.
Again, thank you for your continued support and enjoy the game!
Julian
Chair, Magpies Trust
