Honorary Secretary’s Report Season 2002 – 2003

By Alison B
August 20 2003

In response to a letter sent to the Board of Directors of Leicester Football Club Plc by our Chairman, Lord Hazelrigg, regarding the future of the L.F.C Association

In response to a letter sent to the Board of Directors of Leicester Football Club Plc. By our Chairman, Lord Hazelrigg, regarding the future of the L.F.C Association, I am pleased to report that the reply received stated and I quote, “That there is no intention of the Plc to break the current contract which if due to end in September, 2003. Neither was it thought it would be necessary to alter after this date.”


It was also stated that the meetings of the Association had become more business-like and that the initiatives from the Association, i.e. Members’ evenings and the Road Shows have been expanded by the Plc and have developed into worthwhile additions to the supporter services. This is good news indeed. Committee meetings now take place every two months, and over the year include two members’ evenings, which are open meetings, when players, coaches and administrators are invited to attend.


This year we had Dean Richards, John Wells, Andy Key, Perry Freshwater, Darren Garforth and others. This coming year the first Open Evening will be held on Wednesday 29th October, 2003, when Daryl Gibson, Darren Morris, John Holtby and other up and coming stars will be in attendance. There will be no charge for the evening, but you must telephone Paul Hayes to book your seat.


The role of the Association is constantly being monitored, and rightly so, and must be seen as a means of providing members with an opportunity to discuss, praise, comment on all facets of the Club activities. I feel more members could and should become more actively involved, to support the PLC and it’s principal objectives in the preservation of the ethos and traditions of Leicester Tigers. Communication at all times is a two-way process. Good communication makes for a strong, healthy and vibrant club.


I can assure you that your Committee is constantly aware of the feelings of all members. We have a checklist, which we monitor regularly. Your views are most welcome. Active participation leads to constructive involvement in this great club of ours. The 84% of the members who returned the Consumer Survey can take heart that the club will look into the needs for better member facilities at the ground. The ladies are very concerned about access and availability of good toilet facilities, in particular.


Last season was a mixed one because we are the victims of our own success. However, the academy is extremely successful with 29 players representing their countries at different levels, and 8 players making their debut in the 1st XV. This coming season is going to be a very difficult one for the club, but we can rely on your encouragement, support and patience to help our players to even greater heights. We welcome Darren Morris (he’s first because he’s Welsh! and his name is Darren), Daryl Gibson, Julian White and Ramiro Pez and we look forward to exciting times with them on their return to Welford Road.
We were sad to say goodbye to Perry Freshwater, Frank Tournaire, Rod Kafer, Derek Jelley, Craig McMullen, Peter Short, Gareth Raynor and Darren Garforth. We thank them for their services to the club and wish them well in the future. (I often wake up at 6.00am – just to think of Darren off to work as a tubular technician.)


Lastly may I thank the Chairman and Committee of the Leicester Football Club Association for their hard work and tremendous support, and to Paul Hayes and David Clayton for all the work they put into the club.


Enjoy you rugby.

Let’s get behind the lads and let them know how much we think of them.

Thank you.

Tudor Thomas
Honorary Secretary L.F.C Association