RONNIE BRADFORD RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN AT QUEENS AGM

Last updated : 11 July 2004 By Duke Of Galloway

JC SHOWS OFF TROPHIES AT QUEEN'S AGM





















Mr Bradford opened the meeting at 7.32 pm with both Trophies proudly displayed in front of a large turnout of shareholders. The formalities were quickly completed with Mr and Mrs Bradford being re-elected. Here are a few of the more important items that were discussed. Mr. Bradford began to explain that the current financial situation was due to an increase in player's wages. The weekly wage bill was around £8,000 and he felt this could not be sustained unless attendances could be increased or other income sourced. In January the pool of players will probably be reduced to 18 players which would be quite a saving on the wage bill. Most of the on loan players would be returning to their clubs but perhaps a couple more players may want to move on as they can't command a place in the first team. The club intend to produce a newsletter to improve the communication between management and fans. Training facilities for the Club have now been arranged at Maxwelltown School. JC joined the meeting halfway through and joined in the genaral Question and Answer discussion. Here are a few of the Questions asked from the floor.

Q. Why has the turnover only increased by a small margin
A. A large transfer fee of £80,000 was received for a player in 2001.
Q. What is the cost of sales ?
A. This is players salaries,transfer fees, etc.
Q. How much does the Youth Policy cost the club and is it worth continuing ?
A. The Youth Policy is funded by the SFA and costs the club very little.
Q. Is the club aware of fans sneaking into the ground for free and are they happy that the attendance figures are accurate ?
A. This problem has been addressed and security tags are now placed on all gates. As for the attendance figures,the chairman is satisfied that the figures are accurate.
Q. There is a general feeling that more income could be generated from the Palmerston Bars. What happened to the social club ?
A. New people will shortly be handling the catering including bars shortly. As for a social club. Mr Keith Houliston was looking into this and some news on this was expected shortly.
Q. Is there any news of TESCO moving and giving up their lease?.
A. No
Q. Why were the new Queens tops late in arriving ?
A. This was the club's fault as they ordered them too late. This will not happen next season as they will be ordered in plenty of time.
Q. Why did we play Clyde on the day of the Scotland international ?
A. JC wanted the opportunity to play at Broadwood and prefers playing on a Saturday.
Q. Why is Queen's merchandise not available in the larger stores in Dumfries ?
A. Unrealistic profit margins were being asked. The shop at Palmerston could be extended but there is a question of security.
Q. Is it possible to have a Queen of the South credit card ?
A. We are studying this but the set up costs high.

Ronnie Bradford brought everyone' attention to the current financial plight of other teams in the division in which only St. Mirren made a profit. Compared with the rest Queens are in a far healthier position. Next season he expects more teams including St, Johnstone to go part-time. JC also has no regrets signing Andy Goram who has turned out to be an inspiration in the dressing room. JC said Andy should still be playing Premier League football. Goram seems to enjoy life in Dumfries and has been invited to switch on the Town's Xmas lights in December. JC concluded that he admits that his ambition is to eventually manage at a full-time level but at this moment in time he and his wife are perfectly happy in Dumfries and he hopes to consolidate Queens as a First Division Club. The meeting concluded at 10 PM and most of us headed for the bar for some light refreshment. !


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