November 2020 Newsletter

IN THIS MONTHS’S EDITION

CHANGING TIMES AT WREXHAM PAGE 19

LIVERPOOL’S CHANGING HISTORY - PAGE 10

SEE THIS MUST HAVE APP FROM VSITEPASS - PAGE 12

Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Football Came Home to Plough Lane Moves, Appointments & New Members The month of November finally saw AFC Steve Copp has now completed his move from Luton Town to Wycombe Wanderers. He is Wimbledon return to their spiritual home in replaced at Luton Town by Andrew Bracken. Plough Lane. Their new stadium sits 250 yards from their original on the site of the now defunct The FSOA has also heard that Sarah Lemon, Safety Officer at Crystal Palace is to leave position at Wimbledon greyhound track It has been a long and the end of December. Sarah told the Association’s Premier League WhatsApp group that “I am stony road from the days when labelled as “ The sadly leaving Palace to explore opportunities elsewhere” She thanked her PL colleagues Crazy Gang” by John Motson, Wimbledon FC for all the help given to her during her tenure at Selhurst Park. This provoked a large number of well beat Liverpool (the Culture Club) in the 1988 FA Cup Final at Wembley, but it is a great story that wishes from safety officers around the Premier League including one from ourselves. Once again we supporters of the former Wimbledon FC created wish Sarah all the very best in her new venture. AFC Wimbledon in 2002, re-entering the game This month we welcome new members Jason Dunford of Abbey Hey FC, very much a at the ninth tier and becoming the first 21st century community club based in inner-city Manchester, and play in the North West Counties Football League. I seem to recall refereeing a match at their ground back in the 90s! club to reach the EFL. Carl Broughton has now also joined us representing Hartlepool United who compete in the Their resplendent 9300-seat stadium has National League Conference Premier League. the ability to increase to 20000 should their resurgence continue. They are already sitting It really is a pleasure to have new appointments and clubs from the lower echelons of the pyramid proudly in League 1. Throughout the pandemic joining us. and the continued suspension of football-with- spectators there has been much comment On the Corporate side, VSitePass has become members. Already clubs are showing interest about the importance of a football club to its in their multi-faceted product for controlling who enters our stadia. There is a feature in today’s community, and as we saw with Port Vale newsletter which shows how it can help your club mitigate some of its responsibilities under the in last month’s newsletter, this homecoming SG02 guidelines. Mike Dodd will be known to some of you, especially around the North West and demonstrates the vision those supporters had his company and product were strongly recommended by Ray Whitworth, once of SGSA fame when what was then described as a “phoenix” club rose from the ashes. and a great supporter of the FSOA. It is almost incredible that AFC Wimbledon hold the record for consecutive matches undefeated in English professional football playing 78 matches across 2003/2004 without a loss. I think these days most people think all records belong to the Premier League. Threat Level Moved up to SEVERE. During the month of November and following on from a number of incidents largely in France, the Terrorist threat level in the UK has been moved up to SEVERE. This means that an attack is highly likely, although we have no specific intelligence to follow the “Ws”, Why? What? Where? When? Which? (and How?) In many ways this is a return to “business as usual” as although the threat level was reduced to “substantial” in 2019, I don’t think any safety officers eased their foot off the pedal Independent Member Michael Moody keeps the FSOA posted on these situations and has received a notification from the Emergency Planning College. The link below gives us the narrative from HM Government. There are a number of additional links within the document. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crowded-places-guidance/introduction

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Alderdale Seating’s partnership with Bradford City is well under way. David Caddick, An Evening With Simon Inglis & Lee Child – Operations Director at Bradford City, on Webinar Fund Raiser LinkedIn sent a vote of Our great friend from the SGSA, Ken Scott MBE, has sent me this which concerns an evening webinar where Simon thanks to Alderdale Inglis and Lee Child reminisce about Aston Villa. whose logo now appears on Both Inglis and Child are published authors and, like me, I’m sure you’ll have read a “Jack Reacher” novel while enjoying their shirts. yourself on a beach, cruise or around a pool. Tickets for the event are £8 with all money going to Aston & Nechells Foodbank, which serves the area around Villa Park. Simon Wake, Sales Director at Alderdale told Please follow the link to get on board. If you can’t make it, please try to make the donation anyway. me that this has been a https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8-3-to-7-2-the-football-grounds-guy-talks-villa-with-the-reacher-guy- great arrangement to take tickets-128411421017

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk From the loved Griffin Park to the state-of-the-art Brentford Community Stadium

Brentford FC is another great story of how a football club did not want to abandon its roots, but to remain in its own community. Indeed, the new recently- opened stadium is known as the “Brentford Community Stadium”. It’s barely a month or two since the 17250 capacity stadium opened its doors and already it looks like a hit with the fans, even though they were deprived of seeing the club’s last ever match at the famous Griffin Park, clearly visible as planes approached Heathrow Airport. Similarly, they have not as yet been able to watch their team at the new stadium and by the time football returns with spectators it will be a totally different experience for their long-standing loyal fans. Last season the Bees came so close to achieving their dream promotion to the Premier League, only to lost to fellow West Londoners Fulham in the play-off final. The unique approach to player recruitment has earned Brentford a lot of respect around the game and their new stadium will add to this. “I AM ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THAT THE UNIQUE NATURE OF THE SITE WILL RESULT IN A STADIUM THAT IS STILL DIFFERENT TO THE MAJORITY OF NEW STADIUMS, IS SMALL ENOUGH TO CREATE A FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE YET BIG ENOUGH TO ENABLE THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF OUR SUPPORTER BASE AND OFFERS A BRILLIANT MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE FOR ALL FANS.” Said Matthew Banham, owner of the Club. Safety Officer Dave Gregg told the FSOA, ” After 116 years Brentford FC left Griffin Park Stadium in Summer 2020 moving to their new 17250 all seater home at Brentford Community Stadium. This stadium being less than 1 ¼ miles from their old stadium. Such a move would present challenges under normal circumstances, but this move occurred during a worldwide pandemic and country wide lockdown. This meant that sadly Supporters and Staff alike were unable to say a proper ‘Farewell to Griffin Park’. In March 2020 with the stadium nearing completion and a hive of activity on site, within a matter of days the developers Buckingham Group were required to reschedule works splitting the stadium into seven social distanced working areas including welfare areas and an enhanced cleaning programme. Brentford FC had wisely decided at the beginning of the build to allow Alan Walsh the Club’s Director of Operations to be part of the Project Management Team. This meant that valuable knowledge was shared at an early stage with the Stadium Operations team. Brentford FC’s Safety Officer Barney McGhee meticulous attention to detail enabled the club to produce and share stadium management documents with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) in a timely manner.stadium practical completion was achieved on 7th August 2020. Supported by SAG Chair Ian Innis & SGSA Inspector Geoff Galilee the Stadium was issued with a Safety Certificate on 24th August 2020.The stadium held its first competitive game on Tuesday 1st September 2020”” Read more https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/brentford-fc-move-in-to-new-home/ https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/september/griffin-park-handed-over/ Source: Thanks to Brentford FC

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Dallmeier – Delivered, the new Panomera S-Series As promised last month, our Gold Partners, Dallmeier, have released their very latest version of Panomera, a CCTV product that is used in many of our stadia. I watched their 20-minute webinar session describing how this amazing product can save money by using its multi-lens cameras to cover a lot more spaces than most of those otherwise deployed across our sites. If your Club is looking to renew, replace or add-to your existing CCTV provision it is worth looking at the Webinar to see precisely how this product provides economies of scale. The Webinar can be found on the following link: Recording of the Panomera® S-Series Webinar. Dallmeier – Brentford Community Stadium in their sights Gold Partners Dallmeier are keeping an eye on the brand new Brentford Community Stadium. Their top product Panomera has long been a favourite among safety officers and it beat off the opposition for this prestigious installation. Safety officer, Dave Gregg told the FSOA, “From a safety perspective the Dallmeier stadium CCTV solution is easy to use, has great coverage of large areas with clear image in all areas that ensures events are recorded and observed at all times. CCTV operators are able to follow incidents or images from camera to camera gathering detailed and clear evidence where required.” Dallmeier’s, Steve Hodges is well-known to our members and is a great supporter of the FSOA. He said Brentford’s new Community Stadium was an exciting project for the Dallmeier team as it has been the first in the UK to have our Hemisphere Software Platform installed. Hemisphere provides a completely integrated electronic security management solution for operators and management with CCTV, Access Control, HVM, intercom and Intruder Detection all being managed and controlled from the same workstations. Thus, increasing efficiency and reducing duplication of equipment. Various custom pre-sets enable operators to easily configure the stadium in different modes for match days from the Event Control Room. The 24x7 Security team use the system to secure the stadium and monitor alarms from the Back Up Control Room at all other times. Panomera Multi-Focal cameras are used inside the bowl to ensure every seat is permanently covered to recognition quality and externally Panomeras cover the perimeter and Zone Ex areas. It was a challenge to deliver and commission the system through the lock down period however, there was a tangible determination from all the partners on site to deliver the project and make it a success. I must pay tribute to the site project team from The Buckingham Group and to Brentford’s Alan Walsh and Barney McGhee for managing the site in a COVID secure way and ensuring we all stayed safe. Also kudos to OCS, our installation partner, for their professionalism and who’s team went above and beyond on many occasions to ensure we were all ready for practical completion on 7th August and then the on-going support through the test events and first few match days. **Dallmeier cameras and security solutions are used across some 28 stadiums throughout the UK incl 14 Premier League Clubs** For more information please contact Steve Hodges Dallmeier UK, [email protected] From the FSOA’s point of view, both Dallmeier and OCS are Corporate Partners and an excellent example of a positive collaboration resulting in positive success.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Liverpool Changing History Again Liverpool FC said goodbye to their long-established and world-renowned training facility at Melwood this month as they moved to their new, state-of-the-art complex near Kirkby. Melwood has often been the launching pad for many exceptional football careers and current England international Trent Alexander-Arnold said that when he became engaged with Liverpool, not only did he look forward to playing at Anfield, but also training at Melwood. Obviously many stories abounded during the month, but perhaps the best was that at the start of the reign of the inimitable Bill Shankly, one pitch looked like a bomb had hit it and on the other the grass was so long, players could hide in it, reference made to Jimmy Melia. Melwood has been Liverpool’s training base for more than 70 years. It was transformed into a top-class facility by Bill Shankly in the 1950s, when players would meet and change for training at Anfield and then board the team bus for the short trip to Melwood. Also, I hear, there was a pig sty in one corner and the rousing aroma would waft across the grounds while the lads were in training. Liverpool legend, Ian Callaghan said “It evokes such fond memories for all the former players who have passed through its doors but also for the fans. Whilst it’s a bittersweet day for the club, we will always look back on Melwood with fondness and respect.” Following the club’s departure, Torus, a leading housebuilder and social landlord, intends to redevelop the site into a modern, multi-generational housing complex that will meet the current and future needs of local residents by building a variety of house types that will be available via affordable rented and homeownership options, such as Shared Ownership, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of older and vulnerable people. The new 9,200sqm AXA Training Centre creates a combined first team and U23 Academy facility, each of which has their own identity. It boasts three full-size pitches, goalkeeping, and warm-up areas, and indoor facilities fit for Premier League Champions: including two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy complex and specialist sports rehabilitation suites. It also includes dedicated TV studios, press conference facilities and office accommodation. Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool FC First Team manager commented: “Today is a really special day for the team- it has been a long time coming. There has been a lot of steps, meetings with architects, designers, everybody! “The facility is great and whoever has the chance to visit will be impressed. It is a wonderful building - you have everything you need now and for the future. It’s pretty much perfect!” When you contrast this with the new £50m facility, things will certainly look and feel a little different now. Source: Thanks to the Communications Team at Liverpool FC

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk SG02 3.10 b. The use of CrowdGuard’s services would remove the need for close personal contact and the location of these on New Corporate Members – V Site Pass – “Must Have the approach to the event would reduce the need for build-up and queuing closer to the event. App” SG02 3.11 a. Match Fit Pass offers in app messaging in real time, the event would be able to notify the fan which way to approach and leave, where to park or the best route to take, this could be changed at any time depending Today we welcome our new Corporate Members VSitePass who have joined the Association upon intro- on build ups. duction from Ray Whitworth. SG02 3.11 c. The resale of tickets is no longer possible with Match Fit Pass in addition MFP knows the identity of every ticket They have come to us as “Preferred Partners” and have an app of the like unseen before by the FSOA. holder. SG02 3.11 d. Match fit Pass offer a superior track and trace solution to the NHS app, as we hold the credentials of ev- Many products pointed our way tend to either duplicate others or are simply unsuitable, but here is a eryone attending not only that the details are fully encrypted. Should notification be required the event can tech-driven solution to a number of issues thrust in our direction in order to comply with the SG02 Guidance securely message everyone that has attended the event by block, row, seat number or table. This is done issued by the SGSA. Since the partnership was announced a number of clubs have already expressed an instantly and will not message individuals that purchased a ticket but did not attend. Furthermore the details interest in this product and are in contact with VSitePass are held in our system for 28 days then deleted. The event or venue does not have access to individual details everything is done through the individuals 16 digit Match Fit pass number. In particular the MatchFitPass product helps us with: SG02 3.11 e. On the day of the event each individual ticket holder must answer a number of questions to confirm they or any of their family are not displaying any symptoms of Covid-19. This will automatically be displayed on their Secured Data Policy application 6 hours prior to the event start time. They must do this prior to travelling and confirm before the ticket will activate. Entry Permits SG02 3.11g. Once entered the event the host has the ability to send instant safety message and update during the event. Track & Trace SG02 3.12 The spectators code of conduct for the event will be available at all times on the app before and during the event. The individual must also confirm they have read and understood the code prior to arrival at the event. ID Verifitcation SG02 3.13 Match Fit Pass must be purchased in advance and provides full digital ticketing and all the benefits this Paperless Tickets brings. Age Validation SG02 3.14 a. Match Fit Pass allows detailed in app live messaging allowing the event to message the best ways to travel routes to take for the stand / gate required. This could also be updated on the day should there be an Immunization Tracking incident to avoid. SG02 3.14 b. Match Fit Pass offers staggered ticket arrival times, in addition should the event date or time change the tickets Staggered Entry Timings can be updated with the new dates and arrival times. Instructions about the use of CrowdGuard or similar service on approach could also be sent out. In-app Notifications SG02 3.15 Match Fit Pass offers live in app messaging This is how, in the opinion of VSitePass, their MatchFitPass product might help you mitigate SG02 3.16 Pre Order from the app and receive messages when your order is ready to collect to avoid queuing. Digital the requirements of SG02 programs can be added via QR code to the back of the seat in front. SG02 1.5 a. The purchase of multiple tickets using Match Fit Pass would generate a notification to confirm those at- SG02 3.17 Once there is an approved vaccination Match Fit Pass has a process to record and monitor every individual tending the event and sitting next to each other are from the same household / support bubble. Each ticket that has been vaccinated. purchased would need a match fit code to allow the transaction to complete. SG02 3.19 Ticket resales no longer possible with Match fit Pass. SG02 1.5 b. The spectators code of conduct will be displayed within the app, this would be updated for the event type or arena the ticket was issued for, each ticket holder must confirm they have read and understood the code SG02 3.21 Match Fit Pass are actively looking for events / venues to run test events free of charge. of conduct before the ticket will activate. SG02 4.8 By using CrowdGuard everyone attending the event would need to sanitise and ensue they had face cover- SG02 2.4 c. Persistent standing issues – using Match Fit Pass the event has the ability to message in app a block, stand ings before proceeding into the event. or entire stadium throughout the event. SG02 8.5 c. This could be done with digital ticketing and the allocation of time slots when the ticket would work. SG02 3.10 a. Using Match Fit Pass the resale of tickets is no longer possible this would irradicate non ticket holders attending events. As we can see, this is a well-researched product and Mike Dodd is looking for a number of Clubs to trial the use of this exceptional product FREE of CHARGE. If your club is looking for this type of solution, please contact Mike on:

[email protected] or 07494 159216

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk SECURE TICKETING AND TRACING SOLUTION

Key Features

SECURED DATA POLICY ENTRY PERMIT ID VERIFICATION IMMUNISATION TRACKING

The personal data of every Only the Match Fit Pass owner can use the ticket. Proactive counter-terrorism considerations ensure Once there is a proven and can scan their MFP Secure QR Code. This will individual is held within our Match Fit Pass encrypts the user’s verified venues can guarantee the identity and traceability publicly available antibody provide visual validation that the passholder system, securely encrypted in photograph into the Secure QR Code on their of everyone who attends their event. vaccination, the health is inoculated. transit and at rest. device and the two must match to permit entry. authority administering this

The Host cannot access the TRACK AND TRACE AGE VALIDATION personal information of any individual in line with Data IN-APP NOTIFICATIONS Guaranteed track and trace details are held for Identity documents are no longer Protection regulations. 28 days within the system and the individual’s needed to check for purchasing Attendees are identified and The club or event can deliver credentials are pre-verified before arrival. The of alcohol. Match Fit Pass can notified only by their seat in-app messaging, public event/venue can see when and where the validate any age visually or number and Match Fit Pass ID. health messaging, or individual arrived. via a quick scan. localised in-venue safety announcements.

PAPERLESS TICKETS STAGGERED ENTRY TIMINGS

Fully digital tickets are stored on the mobile device – no Avoid congestion and maximise crowd control by paper tickets or membership cards. pre-allocating and managing entrance and exit windows.

www.matchfitpass.com | [email protected]

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk “Take a look at the video on this link” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQg0bUESjiU

Calculating safe capacity with social distancing online training course

For those of you who attended this online course in the very capable hands of Ken Scott, Rick Riding and Peter Weymes, and facilitated by Andrea Jones, you cannot have failed to gain the knowledge and confidence you needed in developing your ability to calculate your stadium’s safe capacity in time for the kick-in of SG02. If you didn’t get on one of the courses, keep in touch with Andrea.

Unfortunately, all upcoming dates are now fully booked. If you would like to be kept informed of any available spaces, please email [email protected].

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk Wrexham FC – Say Hello to Hollywood

Fan-owned National League Club Wrexham FC have experienced a whole new ball game. Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney stars of “Deadpool” and “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” respectively achieved the backing of 98% of the owner- supporters. Their vision is to make Wrexham FC a “global force” using their own money to inject an initial £2m into the football club. The finalisation of the takeover is now going through its motions and Wrexham hopes to make the big picture announcement at the earliest opportunity. We seem to forget that because of their successes in the Welsh Cup, Wrexham regularly qualified for European competition especially in the days of the European Cup-Winners Cup and have even beaten regular Champions League competitors FC Porto! Clearly, this is a massive shift in the fortunes of the North Wales club whose main claim to fame was when, as a Fourth Division club they knocked the mighty Arsenal out of the FA Cup. That was nearly 20 years ago in 1991-92, and this vital change in fortunes is hopefully their stepping-stone to get themselves back into the EFL and battle with their previous foes. Arsenal manager George Graham said the giant-killing was his worst moment in football. Wrexham dropped out of the EFL in 2007/2008 and will look to this new chapter in their history to restore them to their former glory.

Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254 841771 Web: www.fsoa.org.uk WAGTAILS

Wagtails – The Success Continues EVENT The value of well-trained search dogs and their DETECTION handlers is probably not as well documented as it deserves, but Wagtail UK is DOGS changing that. Not only are they making great progress Providing safety, in the football and sports safety industry, but their assurance and security amazing canine operatives in an uncertain world are re-writing the history EDD are specialists in explosive, pyrotechnic, firearms and books in their additional drug detection. We provide highly visible qualified detection dogs and activities in making the qualified professional handlers to support and enhance your nation a safer place in terms existing security measures. Helping to ensure stadiums and arenas are safe and secure of frontier protection and also before, during and after an event. in reducing organised crime detecting whatever hides between the walls. In Why Choose EDD: ■ Proven track record at Premier League and UEFA doing so it could be argued that Wagtail’s dogs are making a difference in Champions League Matches the country’s personal health by removing things like illegal cigarettes from ■ Fully qualified and accredited handlers and dogs ■ Flexible, bespoke solutions including the training of your the game. own inhouse detection dog teams ■ Fully licensed by the Home Office to store and keep This month saw more success working alongside Manchester Illegal explosives and drugs Tobacco and their “keep it out” campaign and in the image you can see ■ ISO 9001 Accredited ■ £10 Million Public Liability Insurance a dog who has earned a treat. Well done to our Corporate Preferred Partners and Sponsors Wagtail UK/Event Detection Dogs Contact us: 01745 561166 [email protected]

EDD is part of Wagtail Holdings Limited, international specialists in detection dogs and dog handler training. Wagtail Holdings Limited currently has contracts with government agencies Tel: 01254 841771 E Mail: [email protected] Tel: 01254in the 841771 UK and overseas for explosives and Web: drug detection www.fsoa.org.uk dogs and related services.