Key Notes from the Supporters Meeting with Carl Hall : Wed May 20, 2009 4:25 pm
Some key notes from last nights meeting;
Meeting with the RFL
Carl outlined that a meeting with the RFL took place two weeks ago concerning the financial situation at Doncaster RLFC. The Club were advised that they needed to cut costs by reducing contracts and/or releasing players. The players agreed to a 25% reduction on inclusion of a release clause (this was confirmed by the RFL as the players were effectively free-agents once the reduction was implemented).
Peter Green
It was confirmed that Club Captain Peter Green had left the Club and signed for Sheffield Eagles.
Other players
Carl advised that he was not aware of other players leaving at the moment but could not rule out further departures.
Corporate Targets
It was identified that corporate targets for 2009 had not been met creating a financial shortfall. Alick Jeffrey was confirmed as working on a commission-only basis. Carl admitted he had no idea what had happened to 'marketing guru' Sven.
Lottery
It was confirmed that the Dons Lottery provides a minimum of £1,000 per month for the Club.
Club Ownership
An announcement is expected in the next few days concerning current and future ownership of Doncaster RLFC.
The Martin Winter-led consortium had been the preferred route for the current owners although Carl said he would not rule out working with the advisory group who he had worked with earlier in the season if they were still interested. It appeared that this had gone on hold with the potential emergence of the consortium.
Carl was honest enough to admit that the people at the Club whilst they had tried very hard to succeed simply didn't have sufficient knowledge, resources and experience to take the Dons forward as things currently stood.
Keepmoat Stadium
Carl confirmed that the Club had negotiated a significantly reduced rate for 2009 and that there were no plans / negotiations in place to relocate.
First Team Coach
It was stated that there was no intention currently of reviewing the position of the First Team Coach.
Obviously, other issues were touched on and if I have missed any major items, I apologise in advance but it is difficult to cover everything.
I think it is fair to say that the gravity of the situation was an eye-opener to some in attendance last night and probably will be to others as the word spreads. The harsh reality is that the public of Doncaster aren't supporting the Club in big enough numbers on matchdays and other potential revenue streams have either failed to materialise or are not returning the finance that the Club Owners had expected.
Dependent on events over the next couple of weeks we may well look to call a follow-up meeting at the same venue.
Gary.
