DERRY City FC will be staying in the FAI league for the “forseeable future”, says a review into the running of the club.
The review was carried out over the past two months by Denis Bradley and Derry businessman and hotelier Paddy Simpson.
On the issue of staying in the FAI or moving into the IFA league in the North of Ireland, the review says the club is staying where it is.
They stated: “This issue demanded little time in this consultation.
“The overwhelming response was that it would be foolish to give any time or energy to these arguments.
“Derry City was in the right league and for the foreseeable future that is where it should stay.
!The lack of tension among supporters at home games and the warmth and normal hospitality at away games out- weighed any other consideration.”
In a statement, Derry City Football Club said: “We would like to thank Denis Bradley and Patrick Simpson for their hard work in carrying out the review over the last two months.
“The Club would also like to thank all those groups and individuals who contributed the review.
“What follows is the main issues and recommendations arising from the Review. It quotes directly from the text of the actual report.
“The response to the consultation was widespread and generous. It revealed the love that exists within the community for Derry City but it also revealed an underlying anxiety that the infrastructure and the relationship between club and community was far from perfect.”
“The suggestions contained in this report are mainly the edited version of the issues and the recommendations that the individuals and the groups considered appropriate and necessary to make Derry City Football Club a healthy, sustainable and dynamic presence in the City and its hinterland.”
Core Observations and Recommendations
To address the current difficulties and to energise the off pitch life of the club we are convinced that two main actions must be taken as soon as possible.
- That a small (no more than 4) management committee be immediately established to implement the broad thrust of the other recommendations and suggestions attached to this report.
- That the new management committee should appoint (as soon as possible) a general manager to help them implement the suggestions contained in this report and undertake any further developments that the management committee identify.
MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS:
- It is very understandable that during the long history of the club most of its interest and resources went on to the football pitch in order to build a winning team.
- However, a somewhat greater focus needs now and in the future needs to be given to the infrastructure and the life that is off the field. The new management committee and the general manager should aspire towards increasing income from season tickets, increasing attendance and sponsorship.
Communication
- Communication and as much transparency … needs to happen out into the community but also among the internal entities that make up the club.
- There were differing views about the need/financial viability of a dedicated commercial manager and suggestions about a ‘placement’ relationship with marketing students from the management courses run at UU Magee and the NWR.
- In whatever way it is decided to address these issues of management and commercial prowess, it is of great import that it is given priority.
Governance
- There has been a move in recent times to involve the fan base in the ownership and management of some clubs.. Our view is that it is an option that should not be totally dismissed and should be explored again in the ..future.
- Some people, including present and former directors, thought that the present Board was too large and should be reduced in number. They thought that it should be reduced to six or seven members.
FAI or IFA?
- This issue demanded little time in this consultation. The overwhelming response was that it would be foolish to give any time or energy to these arguments. Derry City was in the right league and for the foreseeable future that is where it should stay. The lack of tension among supporters at home games and the warmth and normal hospitality at away games out- weighed any other consideration.
Security and Stewarding
- Even though the Brandywell stadium is not owned by Derry City, the club becomes responsible for Health and Public Safety at a designated time on the day of home matches. The club has been fortunate throughout the years in the loyalty and professionalism of match day stewarding……it is … important that high standards of security and stewarding are maintained.
- The management committee and the general manager should be advised by the stewards as to the best procedures and standards necessary. That advice needs to be sought and implemented on a regular basis. The line of authority needs to be crystal clear.
Derry City and Junior Soccer
- We met with a substantial delegation who are long standing and committed organisers of junior football in and around Derry and its hinterland.
- It is probably most appropriate that relationships between Junior and senior football involve the team manager, back room staff, a Board member(s) and the representatives from junior football. It seems to us that it is important that the fracturing is healed as soon as possible. To achieve this quickly we would recommend that the Board appoint a facilitator acceptable to both sides and that the team manager take the lead in organising this facilitation.
Conclusions
- The substance of this consultation report is clear. There is continuing loyalty and passion for Derry City Football Club. There has been a failure to attend to the off –pitch life of the club that has resulted in some neglect of important and perhaps even vital aspects. There needs to be immediate and ongoing attention to the issues outlined in this report.
