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In our newsletter of 31/8/2018 we committed to regular updates and so here is what has been happening since.

Stadium

One of the hot topics amongst fans over the last couple of weeks has been the potential for Freeman Street to be the location for the new stadium.

The first point to make is that our general stance on the new stadium has always been and still is that we are very much behind the principal of moving as long it provides the improved operational finances we need to be more competitive on a sustainable basis

After the frustration of the failed Great Coates project it is our understanding that the council highlighted Peaks Parkway (PP) as a potential alternative site and on the club’s own assessment this became their preference. As part of the feasibility the council quite rightly wanted to do their own assessment and as a result they commissioned and paid for two reports. First of all, they wanted to understand the social and economic benefit of actually having a new community stadium in the Town. This was very positive and so the next assessment was on the basis that it is the right thing to do then where should it be? This assessment was based on a number of factors such as site availability, condition, size, location, public transport, highways access, walking catchment etc. The conclusion of the study was that PP was the most suitable site and at that time Freeman St didn’t even make the shortlist based on size, complexity of ownership and timescale. Some have argued that the study was skewed towards PP based on the size criteria and that the stadium and enabling can be separate, but we do not entirely agree with that view. The facilities such as hotel, conference, restaurants, sports and education etc together with the sport and leisure facilities planned by Extreme would need to be part of the stadium site. Housing could potentially be elsewhere depending on land availability, ownership etc. This leaves the community/training pitches which ideally would be on the same site, and that was the assumption the criteria, but we agree they could potentially be separate and if that was the case as a suggestion we think Kings George/Clee Fields would be a good site and should be explored.

The situation as we understand it now is that the council have recently suggested to the club that Freeman St should be reviewed again on the back of regeneration. This is obviously at a very early stage and it would seem sensible to us that while that work is being undertaken the PP project is still there as an option. Also, it appears to us that this fundamentally changes the project from something that was a football club led project with council support to something that now has to be led and delivered by the council. We don’t particularly have a problem with that and would welcome the council’s commitment.

As we have already said we absolutely support the need for a new community stadium, but we are very open-minded regarding location. We have always backed PP because as far as we can see that is the best site where a club led project could be delivered and we still believe it is a good site, although we do appreciate fans views on that are mixed. We have always thought that if the fans had something more tangible to look at in terms of a worked up model or similar then it would get more support and understanding. The Freeman St idea could be very exciting but as we have already said it is very early days and there are a whole range of questions that need answering particularly in relation to financing.

We really need asap a public statement from the council and club to confirm where we are at with project and realistic time frames. We will be pushing for this as a matter of urgency.

The other thing that needs consideration further down the line is that if the Freeman St site proves not to be viable and there continues to be no political will for PP then at what point do you just draw a line under it and accept we will be at Blundell Park for the long term. We cannot go on forever with the uncertainty of re-location

One thing seems certain and that is we will still be at Blundell Park for some time to come and that raises concerns about upkeep/improvement projects and the cost thereof. We know there are major works needed on the floodlights as well as a big list of other things such as toilets and disabled facilities. The costs and potential funding assistance for these are currently being assessed.

Work with SD and the club

As we have previously reported we have been working with Supporters Direct (SD) and the club to look at how we work together. The output of this will be a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which will be a public document available on both the Trust and Club’s website. This was discussed at last week’s club board meeting and the final document is now being put together. Obviously, the document will contain the detail but what we can say is that within MOU agreement our board place is not conditional. As the majority of our income comes from the bars it is only right that we commit to supporting the club but this will be used on agreed projects and communicated to the fans accordingly. The agreement will also cover protection on what we would call red line issues such as club badge, name, strip, stadium use and “B” teams participation in the league structure. On both our parts there is a commitment to improved communication and engagement. We think this is a positive step forward and hopefully when you see the full document you will agree.

140 yr Exhibition

Thanks to those who came down to the 140yr exhibition yesterday and we know from the positive feedback that those who came really enjoyed it. We acknowledge that it was put on at short notice, and publicity could have been better, so we have decided to do it again a week on Thursday (27th) from 5pm to 9pm. We may be more restricted in terms of access to boardroom etc depending on what we can agree but there will still be plenty to look at. We are going to try and get some players along as well.

A reminder that the celebrations continue at the Wellington Arms this Thursday (20th September). The pub will have an open buffet all day and will doing fundraising for the YDA which they have already started with a kind donation of £150. They have lots of memorabilia on show and Michael Jolley and some of the players will be there at 6pm.

AGM

A formal notice will be issued but the date for our AGM will be Wednesday 24th October. As ever we are always looking for people with the time and enthusiasm to get involved either as a full board member or as a willing helper. We are particularly in need of help in the following area.

Communication – Website, social media, e-mailing etc.

Membership – Administration role to deal with new memberships and renewals

These wouldn’t need to be board roles (but could be)

We also need individuals with the ability to pick and run with projects and see them through. In addition, as think about succession planning for the officer roles and board representative we need individuals with the right leadership and business skills. If you fancy getting involved but would like to know more then, please just contact us at enquiries@marinerstrust.co.uk.

UTM

Mariners Trust Board

"We really need asap a public statement from the council and club to confirm where we are at with project and realistic time frames. We will be pushing for this as a matter of urgency."

Good luck on that one.

Thanks for the update Ska, seems like we have both Freemo and PP balls still juggling and no real direction in which way they will fall.
As you have stated we are where we are for years yet so time to spend some money on the old girl and get a team suitable for the new ground.

Why is the council looking at Freemo when it was previously ruled out-I have my personal thoughts.

Quoted from golfer

Why is the council looking at Freemo when it was previously ruled out-I have my personal thoughts.

Because they are going to be comparatively speaking awash with regeneration cash. East Marsh is one of the most deprived council wards in the country.

Quoted from golfer

Why is the council looking at Freemo when it was previously ruled out-I have my personal thoughts.

Maybe because -

1) the club ruled it out as it was still covered in tower blocks when they did their assessment (about 4 years ago now)

2) the council ruled it out because the club are adamant they need 22ha for a stadium, training facilities, parking, enabling developments as well as more land around the borough for housing that will fund it.

Seems like an honest conversation between the two parties is what’s needed.

how did you get the newsletter Grant? I've been a member since day 1 and don't think i've ever received any communication paart from my initial membership certificate

Quoted from golfer

Why is the council looking at Freemo when it was previously ruled out-I have my personal thoughts.

Blimey golfer. It is not often you don’t share those personal thoughts!!

Intriguing 🤔

Quoted from forza ivano

how did you get the newsletter Grant? I've been a member since day 1 and don't think i've ever received any communication paart from my initial membership certificate

Posted on Twitter & Facebook mate.

Think with all the GDPR/comms/newsletter carry-on, best idea might be a quick google form where people can sign up to receive the newsletter?

Really thankful to see an update/any update - it does raise a question though. Why can't the club or Extreme be more forthcoming?

Quoted from Posh Harry

Blimey golfer. It is not often you don’t share those personal thoughts!!

Intriguing 🤔

I'm too shy.

Quoted from golfer

I'm too shy.

Hush hush....

Quoted from forza ivano

how did you get the newsletter Grant? I've been a member since day 1 and don't think i've ever received any communication paart from my initial membership certificate

You have a p.m. Forza

Quoted from moosey_club

Hush hush....

eye to eye. ;)

I think its fairly obvious that the Stadium will never happen as we are just going round and round in ever decreasing circles :-/

Don't post that often but I have been assured the new ground will be at the top of Freeman Street within the next 4 years.

Quoted from smokey111

Don't post that often but I have been assured the new ground will be at the top of Freeman Street within the next 4 years.

There has to be a joke somewhere involving your post, your user name and the dreamlike state achieved by the infusion of sensamilia

New stadium at freemo in 4 years? About as much chance as seeing a rocking horse perform a number 2

Quoted from smokey111

Don't post that often but I have been assured the new ground will be at the top of Freeman Street within the next 4 years.

Lol

No joke. Just what I have learnt from various sources. Architectural plans are being drawn up. Feel free to dismiss it, mock it etc. Just trying to contribute.

Coverage of the above across the media today. Maybe it has some credibility. 😉

Quoted from smokey111

No joke. Just what I have learnt from various sources. Architectural plans are being drawn up. Feel free to dismiss it, mock it etc. Just trying to contribute.

No mocking, dismissing etc from me. I am convinced it is happening as well.

Quoted from ska face

Posted on Twitter & Facebook mate.

Think with all the GDPR/comms/newsletter carry-on, best idea might be a quick google form where people can sign up to receive the newsletter?

If you're an organisation with customers / subscribers / members who've signed up there's no requirement to obtain additional consent before sending out newsletters. Basically the trust can happily send out newsletters to the e-mail addresses members provided when they first subscribed without having to obtain any further opt-in. Still would be a decent idea to widely publicise a form on here and social media which members could use to update their contact details if they've stopped receiving newsletters. No need to bin their mailing list off and start again though.

In terms of maintaining a real historical link with Grimsby (Wellington Arms) Freeman Street would be a great site. I would have major concerns though about motorised access - would there be some kind of park and ride scheme available to allow a fairly reasonable flow of traffic in and around the area? Shuttle service via the Pea Bung? ;)

Quoted from forza ivano

how did you get the newsletter Grant? I've been a member since day 1 and don't think i've ever received any communication paart from my initial membership certificate

You're lucky I haven't even had that and I've been a member for nearly 2 years

Quoted from penrith mariner

You're lucky I haven't even had that and I've been a member for nearly 2 years

pm barralad penrith - they were very quickly onto it and i'm now (hopefully) back on the mailing list

Quoted from penrith mariner

You're lucky I haven't even had that and I've been a member for nearly 2 years

I think it's probably up to us to make contact so I've sent you a p.m.

Quoted from ska face

... agreement will also cover protection on what we would call red line issues such as club badge, name, strip, stadium use and “B” teams participation in the league structure. On both our parts there is a commitment to improved communication and engagement...

So are the trust backing the participation of B teams in the Checkatwat trophy?

Quoted from smokey111

No joke. Just what I have learnt from various sources. Architectural plans are being drawn up. Feel free to dismiss it, mock it etc. Just trying to contribute.

Feel free to disclose your sources BUT after all these years waiting for this to happen I find it all a bit of a joke sadly , would welcome some positive truthful news ....

I've heard a local firm are currently doing the drawings for the new stadium. Hopefully Extreme have been kicked into the long grass and we can finally press on.

Quoted from Chrisblor

If you're an organisation with customers / subscribers / members who've signed up there's no requirement to obtain additional consent before sending out newsletters. Basically the trust can happily send out newsletters to the e-mail addresses members provided when they first subscribed without having to obtain any further opt-in. Still would be a decent idea to widely publicise a form on here and social media which members could use to update their contact details if they've stopped receiving newsletters. No need to bin their mailing list off and start again though.

We have decided to go with this view. As a result some of our members are still recovering from the seismic shock of receiving their first e-mail.
On a more serious note we reckon our system has loads of out of date mail addresses. If any posters on here who are Trust members think that may apply to them feel free to e-mail enquiries@marinerstrust.co.uk or p.m. me on here.

Quoted from barralad

We have decided to go with this view. As a result some of our members are still recovering from the seismic shock of receiving their first e-mail.
On a more serious note we reckon our system has loads of out of date mail addresses. If any posters on here who are Trust members think that may apply to them feel free to e-mail enquiries@marinerstrust.com or p.m. me on here.

shouldn't that be enquiries@mariners.co.uk

that's what it says on the website anyway

Quoted from toontown

shouldn't that be enquiries@mariners.co.uk

that's what it says on the website anyway

Ooops yes indeed..changed!

Quoted from barralad

Ooops yes indeed..changed!

priceless !!

Quoted from smokey111

No joke. Just what I have learnt from various sources. Architectural plans are being drawn up. Feel free to dismiss it, mock it etc. Just trying to contribute.

Coverage of the above across the media today. Maybe it has some credibility. 😉

Any news on the 'final document' which was being put together a few weeks ago following the clubs board meeting and chats with Supporters Direct?