One of our objectives is for DHFC to be a well-run Football Club and making sure that the ground and match day operations are working to the satisfaction of the supporters is part of that. We have therefore been in touch with the new General Manager, Chris Taylor, since early August to try and ensure that happens and continue a dialogue that was taking place with Hadley Property Group for the last couple of years.

We’ve resolved many items but some are still outstanding or will be kept under review for quality purposes. It’s worth stating that Chris is an approachable person and although some of the changes made may not have been popular or been done in what we [the supporters] might consider the correct manner, it’s clear that Chris is working very hard to try and rectify many things which are largely the result of being neglected and mismanaged for a long time.

We have also discussed lines of communication to supporters and staff alike. We’ve certainly encouraged Chris to communicate any changes that are proposed or have been made so that everyone is clear what the situation is. Clearly there is room for improvement in this area but we are aware that things are happening in the background to improve this going forward starting with Chris’ attendance at the Football Committee meetings. Chris is also looking into creating a monthly fans forum to air views on items relating to match day operations and the existing stadium.

It’s likely that we haven’t captured all issues but we will continue to press for resolution of any outstanding and indeed new issues that our members make us aware of.

Brief summary of items that have been raised and their current status:

1. Lack of rubbish bins in the ground – new bins purchased [RESOLVED]

2. Main refuse collection bins are broken and leaking – new bins purchased [RESOLVED]

3. Door into reception needs to be switched to opposite side – door has been switched [RESOLVED]

4. Rubbish and weeds need clearing – partly complete but will need constant upkeep [TO BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW]

5. General lighting around the ground not working – being investigated but it has proved expensive and problematic. Hopefully works to resolve are commencing shortly. [UNRESOLVED]

6. Floodlights being turned off so soon after evening matches that the food outlets are having to pack up in the dark – floodlights to be left on until stadium is empty including the removal of all food stalls. [RESOLVED]

7. It’s not possible for many fans that prefer to stand behind the goal to see the game when attendance reaches 1,000 and over. This is due to the inadequate design of the terracing. We would be very keen to see additional steps added or the terracing extended to aid viewing of the game. Can this option be explored? Perhaps temporary platforms can be added, as we recognise a low cost option is required given the proposed ground redevelopment? – lower priority on Chris’ to do list but we consider this a priority in the context of it being a basic requirement of paying to see a football match. We are liaising with a view to improving. [UNRESOLVED]

8. Bulky waste to be cleared from around the ground – other areas around the ground to be cleared which may necessitate a skip to clear. [UNRESOLVED]

9. Turnstiles – can the second set of turnstiles be used? – now in use [RESOLVED]

10. Searching of bags on match days and specifically the need to do it at this level – search policy to remain in place however, now that the outside bar is in place, drink being brought or sneaked into the ground should become unnecessary and therefore searching other than very large bags should also become unnecessary and, as soon as Chris deems it unnecessary it will be discontinued. Chris does not want to operate practices that upset fans however coming into the Club and seeing many holes, loose and dangerous practices he has felt the need to act. As the Club regains control of its operations many of these things will cease. [TO BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW]

11. Car wash – people queuing at the turnstiles are still getting sprayed – was planning to use the section of fencing we have inside the ground to add additional cover to the car wash however it is too badly damaged and a new section of fencing will be purchased to do this. [UNRESOLVED]

12. Pre-match goalkeeper warm ups take place directly in front of turnstiles and shop – concern that stray footballs are going to injure someone. Can the warm up be relocated to opposite side? –Chris to discuss with Gavin. [UNRESOLVED]

13. Entry into the ground after half-time, what is the current policy on this? – One turnstile will now remain open until the start of the second half, with late arrivals being allowed entrance for the concession price of £4. Once this turnstile is closed late arrivals will be welcomed and allowed entry through the blue gate by a steward with a suggested but optional donation to the 12th man. [UNRESOLVED]

14. Main bar: staffing, serving operation including price of drinks – new outside bar should relieve pressure on main bar. Issue of pricing remains. [TO BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW]

15. Outside bar in old groundsman’s shed – update required on licence application and general progress to be able to open – Now open [RESOLVED]

16. Numerous bar-related items at Grays match including: no change in bar tills, bar running out of tap drinks, bar staff struggling with using the new tills, staff not decanting bottles into plastic cups, bar staff unaware of who they should be serving – largely down to bar manager leaving the business prior to this game and culminated in a number of issues manifesting on match day. Following the departure of the previous bar manager, Chris discovered that the organisation of our stockholding was very poorly organised with some stock very close to being unusable. Stock for the Grays match was run down on purpose with products close to expiry sold and not wasted (Saved the club around £900). Chris is looking to get a new senior supervisor in place asap but in summary, a number of these issues (a) won’t be allowed to get to this stage again (b) are partly the result of new staff which will improve over time. [TO BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW]

17. Who is managing the food outlets and ensuring they turn up, have power and offer a vegetarian option? – The food operators are now being managed directly by the General Manager to ensure that there is food available at all matches. The mobile food outlets have also been relocated away from the turnstiles to alleviate congestion. [RESOLVED]

18. Urinals in mens (bar) toilets overflowing – Being looked at this week. Noted that additional toilets have also been installed on opposite side of ground. [BAR TOILETS UNRESOLVED]

19. Soap dispensers and loo rolls not being regularly restocked Ladies toilets (under main stand) – no light in cubicle; no toilet paper, flush doesn’t work. – Additional member of staff is being employed to check toilets regularly (30 min intervals) [RESOLVED – to be kept under review]

20. Temperature of hot water in toilets – needs to be reset or notices displayed as a child nearly burnt their hand – being looked at when plumber visits to fix toilets [UNRESOLVED]