Welcome to this Issue of Boardroom Banter. The Club's attempt to keep you, the fans, informed about what is going on at Caledonian Stadium.

MONTHLY OPEN LETTER TO FANS Issue 5 - February 2003

Following some questions asked on the website regarding the proposed new stadium we confirm the following, but it must be noted that our discussions with both the Trust and Council Officials are at a very early stage.

With regard to the location of the stadium most of the website contributors will be pleased to hear that the proposed area is situated at the back of the ice rink in the footprint of the existing all weather pitch thus allaying any fears that the green field areas of the Bught would be lost if our proposed move were to transpire.

We as a Board were delighted to get through the transfer window without losing any of our existing pool though as you are all no doubt aware we did get some very serious enquiries about Barry Robson at the 12th hour but decided that his worth to us was greater than the cash offered at this crucial stage of the season. In previous years we may well have had to take the cash due to our precarious financial position but thanks to the Tulloch cash injection this decision was made a lot easier for us and no doubt pleased our new management team and fans alike. It was also extremely good news for us that Dennis Wyness repelled all overtures by our ex managerial team to tempt him away down the A96 to Pittodrie and we are sure that John Robertson and Graham Bennett will do everything possible to retain his services for next season and beyond. As you also know we signed Steven Hislop from Ross County for a nominal fee and John Robertson sees him as a valuable addition to our strike force providing a varied dimension to our attack and with all our first team squad almost back to full fitness and challenging for places things look bright on the playing front.

We are now looking forward to our game in the 4th round of the Scottish Cup and without being over optimistic, if we play to our usual high standard we would hope to be in the draw for round 5, but are not losing site of the fact we have some very important league fixtures ahead of us over the next few weeks.

Whilst we are all extremely disappointed in Saturdays result against Falkirk we take heart from the commitment and attitude of the players and also the support shown to them from you all and we look forward to a good turn out for our next crucial fixture this weekend versus St Johnstone.

On the commercial front our reduced package hospitality option for the Raith Rovers game was very well attended and appeared to be well received. It is proposed to hold a similar function on Saturday 22nd February where you can get the following package for £49 + VAT

• Pre Match Drinks
• 2 Course Buffet including wine
• Half Time Refreshments
• Post Match Drinks

Anybody interested can contact Debbie Ross at the Stadium.

Our Youth Development and Community Programmes are gathering pace and it is hoped that we may be able to make a full time appointment to look after this side of the business in the near future subject to funding. This person would work in conjunction with our existing management team in promoting the club in the community whilst assisting with the management and implementation of our youth policies.

On the temporary seating arrangements we are making steady progress and intend to sit down with the local officials shortly to discuss our proposals prior to submitting a Planning Application.

Some months ago we had a very constructive discussion, prior to our monthly board meeting, with representatives of our supporters associations and it is our intention to broaden this discussion forum and invite Scott MacKenzie along to our March Board Meeting to discuss your views on how things are going at present from the fans perspective and changes, if any you may wish to see implemented as we move forward. Hopefully Scott will be canvassing your opinions shortly.

Thank you all for your support on Saturday and we look forward to more of the same at our up and coming games as we enter the most exciting period of football in our short history.

The Board.