Thursday 29 January 2026
Notes from Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) meeting between Accrington Stanley Football Club (ASFC) and Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust (OASST)
Attendees
ASFC
Warren Eastham (WE)
Robert Houseman (RH)
Jodie Hargreaves (JH
OASST
Peter Leatham (PL)
Paul Baldwin (PB)
Yvonne Wilson (YW)
Alex Crook (AC)
Eugene Carroll (EC)
1. Introduction
– PL opened meeting saying that ASFC and OASST used to meet regularly against an MoU, however, these meetings had lapsed and OASST were looking to reinstate these meetings. WE agreed and was keen for ASFC to have open and regular dialogue with OASST.
2. Update on noise issue re Coley’s bar and 1968 Lounge
– WE reported that the club were working with the relevant parties to enable the facilities to reopen to events playing music and that positive progress is being made towards this aim. Update on noise issue re Coley’s bar and 1968 Lounge
3. Kit Change
– WE updated that there would be a new 3rd kit for the 2026/27 season and the arrangement with Macron expiring at the end of that season with no decision yet as to extending this agreement or changing suppliers.
– WE further updated that he is looking at the possibility of providing match day staff e.g. kiosk staff, bar staff, etc with club branded tops to create a more uniform approach.
– PB asked if the club would consider engaging with fans re any new kit design. WE was open to this idea and it is something to raise again towards the end of 2026 when the kit update process will begin
• ACTION : OASST to raise in Oct/Nov 2026
4. One Brand/One Badge Kit
– WE reported positive engagement with the Community Trust continues with increased support on matchdays, for example, in the kids zone, continued use of the Hub for first team training, etc.
– Progress towards updating the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Women’s team continues with the aim of having the SLA signed by end March to improve alignment with all elements of the brand
5. New screen revenue plan
– ASFC continue to refine the plan to maximise revenue from the new screen eg. Selling screen time with marketing packages
– The club are continuing to improve the understanding and application of the software packing to increase the utility of the screen
6. Season ticket renewal and payment plans
– WE reported that the club are looking to get details on season ticket pricing as early as possible and the work to set prices, payment plan and 1/2 season tickets is already underway
– WE further reported that the club are looking to simplify online ticket purchasing.
7. Junior Reds
– RH reported that the club had recently been awarded a bronze level in the EFL Family Excellent Award programme with the aim to improve this to Sliver level, with the club up to 8th (from 20th) in the this table.
– Various ideas were discussed to enhance the Junior Reds package e.g. match day packs, selected merchandise with season tickets/membership
• ACTION : YW and JH to collaborate to finalise ideas
• ACTION : ASFC to promote Junior Reds
8. Legends
– PB asked if the club has any plans to invite past players back to the club to attend selected games. WE advised that the club are aware of 2026 being the 20 year anniversary of the Conference winning team and are working on a ‘Yesterday’s Heroes’ theme to recognise players form that team. For example, Paul Cook and Gary Roberts are planned to be recognised when they return with Chesterfield FC and plans are in place to contact other members of the team
9. Charity games
– PB asked about the possibility of hosting charity games at the Wham stadium immediately following the conclusion of the season given the last home game is on Sat 25 April.
– WE suggested this could be a possibility, however, there is a pitch renovation planned and the club need to give as much time as possible for the new grass to bed in.
• ACTION : WE to consider and feedbackJunior RedsCharity Games
10. End of season awards
– PL asked about plans for end of season awards and OASST involvement/support.
– WE replied that the plan is to mirror the success of last season’s event in Coley’s immediately after the last home game of the season with an additional semi formal, ticketed event the following day with more details for follow
• ACTION : Further dialogue between PL and WE to agree OASST support, awards etc
11. OASST Golden Share
– PL raised the possibility of OASST possessing a ‘golden share’ in line with recommendations from the FSA Fans Lead Review of football governance.
– WE responded by suggesting that the timing is not right at present to discuss this in more detail
• ACTION : WE to raise with Andy Holt
12. Hall of Fame
– WE is keen to expand the Hall of Fame portfolio
• ACTION : EC to determine appropriate space around the stadium to house Hall of Fame pictures
• ACTION : OASST to agree additional Hall of Fame inductees and feedback to ASFC
13. Mural Project update
– PL updated that Planning Permission had been granted and weather dependant, work would begin late February/early March.
14. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
– Update MoU to provide basis for future meetings
• ACTION : EC to review and update MoU
15. Supporters with additional needs (SWANS)
– RH floated the idea of sensory packs for SWANS and questioned whether they could be sponsored in a similar way to the Kids Zone or via the Community Trust
• ACTION : RH to investigate