Our second members’ meeting of the new season saw one of our largest attendances to date. One hundred and sixty-nine members were present. Our numbers keep growing, which is fantastic.
Allen, our Chair, welcomed everyone and apologised for the late notice about the guest speaker. Since our promotion to the Premier League, it has been difficult to obtain confirmation from the football club that a player can be made available to join us. We were lucky, therefore, to have Regan Slater join us.
To start the afternoon, Allen spoke about the hard work Rob does behind the scenes to keep our website up to date and relevant. In this connection, Allen asked for a show of hands from those who look at the website. He also asked for a show of hands from those who read the newsletter and especially the memorabilia article, which Tony spends a great deal of time researching. Allen also asked who views our Facebook account. By a show of hands, not many do, but he suggested that if you do have a Facebook account, have a look at it.
Allen was pleased to announce that two of our members, Tony Munzer and Charlie Harrison, have been elected to the newly formed Fans Advisory Board.
Tina Hilpert from Home Instead held a help desk at the meeting, and a few members visited it for help and guidance on various issues Home Instead can help with.
Barbara reminded the members of the upcoming outings. She also reminded members that our October members’ meeting is to be held on the second Thursday of the month, the 8th of October. It will also be Hull Fair, so entering the car park will be difficult. Barbara then announced that she will be taking names at our next meeting for our Christmas lunch. This year it will be a three-course Christmas meal at £30 per person.
Tony announced that the next Listening Project session will be held on Thursday 24th September and asked for volunteers to take part. The interviews will be completed by the end of the year, and he is hoping to show a film of them at our members’ meeting in March. Tony said it had been a privilege to hold the sessions in the first team dressing room at the MKM Stadium.
Andy informed the members that it is very unlikely that he will be able to organise away match trips this season. The ticket office cannot accommodate a group booking, as all tickets are now issued on a points basis and members will have different point values.
Following the announcements, Richard was pleased to welcome Regan Slater to the meeting. Before Regan’s interview with Richard, Pat Betts very kindly presented him with our Player of the Season Trophy. Regan was a very worthy winner as he played an instrumental part in The Tigers’ promotion to the Premier League. Richard told Regan that he is one of a special group of players who have won the trophy twice, with Lewie Coyle and Jarrod Bowen being the only other players.
Regan rushed from training to join us and still had wet hair; unfortunately, he had to leave early for a dental appointment, but we were only too happy to have him join us. Richard pointed out that Regan, together with Lewie Coyle, has been at the football club the longest, through the highs and lows. After our recent promotion to the Premier League, it was only natural that the conversation would turn to that. Regan said that, as someone who has never played in the Premier League, it is very difficult to get used to having the cameras always present. Richard asked Regan how the new players are settling in; Regan said the different languages are a struggle.
Richard asked about Wembley. Regan had only ever been to Wembley as a supporter. The team travelled to London two days early, and were given a tour of Wembley Stadium. Playing there is something he will never forget. It was unbelievable to get your hands on the trophy and get the medal round your neck. Coming back to Hull and having a bus tour of the city was just great.
Regan said it was an unbelievable feeling for the first game in the Premier League, when the team stepped out at the MKM Stadium against Manchester United. Standing in the tunnel against players you have only ever seen on television was surreal.
At the end of the interview, Richard wished him well and said it was great that he is still with us.
Pat gave her vote of thanks to Regan and remarked that he was playing like a Trojan, and said Please continue to do so, which we all wholeheartedly agreed with.
Members then had the chance to take photos of Regan before he left for the dentist.
To finish the afternoon, we drew the raffle, which raised £359.90. Phil Hyde thanked the members who brought raffle prizes for future raffles, which are very much appreciated.
Shirley Cormack
Grant presentation from Home Instead Charities Home Instead Charities Grant Certificate
Player of the Year Trophy Pat presenting the trophy to Regan Slater
Richard interviewing Regan Slater Richard and Regan Slater
A full house enjoying the interview with Regan Slater Pat giving Regan Slater the vote of thanks
