1. Next season

A key focus of the meeting was where we will be playing and the planned move to Nantporth. One of the main topics of discussion was the role of Nanporth CIC, the community interest company that is entrusted to run the facility by the council. At the meeting, a letter from our main sponsor Mark Watkin Jones was distributed.

In the letter, Mark Watkin Jones stated that he is not prepared to continue his sponsorship of our club if we enter into an agreement with Nantporth CIC. He explained that this is due to his concerns about how Nantporth CIC has been operated, and highlighted the amount of money reportedly owed to Bangor City Council by Nantporth CIC. Furthermore, he also underlined his eagerness to continue to support Bangor 1876 in the long term in relation to both the football club and its involvement in community initiatives.

Bangor 1876 chairman Glynne Roberts provided some background to discussions about Nantporth, and mentioned that he had met with Nantporth CIC board members Dilwyn Jones and Gareth Thomas. Glynne reported that Dilwyn and Gareth appeared willing to discuss changes to the structure and composition of the CIC board that would involve the council taking a lead role in managing the facility..

The fans present at the meeting overwhelmingly indicated that they shared the concerns raised in the letter from Mark Watkin Jones. A great many of those present expressed disappointment that Bangor City Council had not progressed with their planned course of action concerning the management and running of Nantporth. This was a particular source of frustration given the fantastic efforts of our team on the pitch this season that has taken them to the verge of reaching Tier 2.

The meeting resolved that the board should try to lobby the relevant bodies in order to formulate a workable solution to the current impasse. In order to help achieve this, the meeting resolved that 1876 should push for dialogue between the parties involved and attempt to organise a meeting between the City Council , the full CIC board and 1876 Board.

The meeting also resolved that if an alternative Tier 2 compliant venue were to be needed next season - for example if the Nantporth impasse were to remain - the club should consider such a temporary move to another venue but only if all other avenues had been exhausted,

Johno then spoke to underline the point that the squad and management team want to be as successful as possible and stated that the squad was anxious to be successful for the co-owners

2. Appeals to the co-owners

The board made several appeals to help the club develop in a more general sense. Firstly, there was an appeal for potential candidates to put themselves forward for election to the board in July’s AGM, with an emphasis on trying to ensure that the board is composed of people of a range of ages and backgrounds in order to reflect the composition of our fanbase.

Secondly, the board asked people to consider volunteering to help the club as progression up the domestic pyramid means that demands upon the club’s infrastructure naturally increase. The club would also like to ensure that there are more volunteers on a matchday and for individuals to put themselves forward to be board members.

This matter is particularly pressing due to Dafydd Hughes planning to step down from his role as Club Secretary over the summer. It goes without saying the Dafydd has made Herculean efforts in the club’s development since its inception, and we are truly grateful to him for this.

Thirdly, the Board asked the meeting to consider ways in which the club could bolster its fundraising efforts. The meeting was asked to consider directing potential sponsors towards the club. The meeting was also asked to consider helping with a membership drive. The board resolved not to increase the cost of membership for next season but to add a method that allowed co-owners to make donations whilst renewing if they were able to do so.

Lastly, the board made an announcement that the club have organised an end of season celebration. The event will take place at 7pm on 10th June in the Crosville Club. The players and board will be there and the end of season awards will be presented. The event will be ticketed and all co-owners will be welcome.

3. Johno’s contribution

The last part of the meeting featured first team manager Michael Johnston’s main contribution. The meeting offered its congratulations and gratitude for the efforts of the first team squad and management team this season. Johno reciprocated these feelings by stating that the entire squad strives to do their utmost for the co-owners. Glynne brought the meeting to a close by thanking everyone for attending and thanking the Crossville Club for hosting us.