Leyton Orient Fans' Trust Official Website

Below is the report of the latest meeting of the Leyton Orient Fans' Forum, which took place last Friday 17th January 2014.

Present: Matt Porter (LOFC CEO and Supporter Liaison Officer), David Dodd & Tony Roome (Supporters Club), Mat Roper (Pandamonium), Doug Harper & James Cassidy (LOFT). Apologies: Matt Arnott (Leyton Orientear).

Update on previous issues:

1. North Stand hand-driers: first quote for replacements too costly. Club to obtain alternative quote
2. Gallery stairs: Club still trying to obtain reasonable quote for safety rails
3. Consultants' report on the effect of West Ham United playing at Olympic Stadium: still embargoed for legal reasons from general distribution, but 1 Fans' Forum member will be able to have sight of it provided it isn't shared further. There is nothing else to update on that isn't already publicly known regarding the Olympic Stadium
4. Telephone queuing system: installed
5. Fans' Forum stands/away/disabled reps: MP to request volunteers via programme/club social media in next few weeks
6. Stadium catering Q&A with fans: caterer has agreed. MP will arrange ASAP.

New issues discussed:

1. SUFTO free youth tickets take-up. Regularly getting around 500 attendees. A negative is that of the original applicants, about 1200 have not been to a game yet. Undecided on next season - especially if promoted when larger away fan contingents will need to be catered for
2. Upcoming away fans' allocation: MP still reviewing extended allocations for games with relevant parties. No final decisions yet, but club will advise home fans ASAP once made
3. Football League safe standing consultation: MP confirmed club will respond 'YES' to all four questions so that other clubs can take this forward, subject to Board ratification. We agreed it is a current hypothetical for Brisbane Rd as no development is planned or budgeted for
4. Notice Impending Club Costs: Improved floodlighting to comply with Football League rules (cost up to £100k); replacement of East stand wooden seats in away area due to repeated breakages and subsequent safety issues (not costed)
5. Essex coach service for home games: may try this again. MP and MR to liaise. Needs 40 passengers to make it worthwhile. The take up for LOSC away coach travel was raised by DD. The service will be reviewed in the close season, but is intended to continue provided it isn't a big loss-maker
6. Orient Player: Issues with the provider's technical service were noted. These are beyond the clubs control but complaints via Football League to Perform Group will be passed on when pertinent. The game commentary service is the main feature, as the club is using other social media more (such as YouTube) to supply other services these days.

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