all its obligations. They wanted to give the Management Committee power if they were satisfied
that everything was in order to pass the whole of the proceeds over to the Club. Furthermore,
such rights could be made retrospective to enable such a procedure to be applied in the case of
the New Brighton F. C., after the Management Committee had satisfied themselves that the affairs
of the Club were in order.
West Bromwich Albion F. C. supported the proposition and believed that all the First and
Second Division Clubs would agree with it.
The President said that this provision was to safeguard the interest of other people besides
the Club Directors. It enables the Management Committee to defray the debts which are probably
due to players, namely, Accrued Share of Benefits, Provident Fund, and if necessary, wages, etc.
The Clubs could alter this if they wished, but he did feel that some power should be left in the
hands of the Management Committee, because the only value of the players registration was the
fact that the League held it.
He did feel strongly however, that if the Rule was altered—and he had said this at the last
Annual General Meeting—it would be a dangerous thing to make it retrospective.
Long Service Everton F. C. suggested that if a Trainer or Coach had given 21 years service in full time capacity
Medals for for a Club in membership of The League the Long Service Medal should be awarded to him.
Trainers and
Coaches. The Third Division South Representative stated that they were in favour of this proposition.
The President, in reply, said that The League Long Service Medal had always been a highly
coveted award, and it was only because the Management Committee had carefully vetted each
claim that the Medal retained its value. In each case the recipient was brought closely into contact
with The League; in the case of the Trainer or Coach he was associated more with the Club. For
that reason the Management Committee agreed in principle, but were of the opinion that, if such
an award were made, it was a domestic matter for each individual Club.
Allocation of Sunderland F. C. said they wished to bring forward this matter once again and they would like
Cup Final to instruct the Management Committee to press for an increase in the allocation to the Professional
Tickets. Clubs. They felt that the Amateur Clubs had their own Cup Final and it was high time that the
allocation of tickets for the Challenge Cup Final was altered in such a way as to increase the number
received by the League Clubs who really made the Competition.
Torquay United F. C. supported the proposition.
The President stated that as this was The Football Association Challenge Cup Competition
there were other members and Associate members of that body who entered the Competition and
who had to be considered. The Clubs could rest assured that, if and when it were possible to obtain
more tickets for them, the Management Committee would certainly do so.
Rating and Millwall F. C. spoke on the question of the rating and valuation of football grounds under the
Valuation of new Act, which matter had been brought before the Conference two years ago by Portsmouth F. C.
Grounds.
They stated that they had been actively engaged on this matter with surveyors for some
months and they wanted to warn all Clubs of the serious financial blow which was likely to follow
when the provisions of the new Act came into force.
Portsmouth F. C. spoke in support of this, and gave examples of the possible increases likely
to be made in the assessments on Clubs' property. They suggested the retention of some competent
person, used to the valuation of property of this nature, who could obtain a complete picture of
the whole matter and then be in a position to advise local surveyors.
Tottenham Hotspur F. C. were of the opinion that Clubs should retain in advance a leading
rating surveyor in their own town.
Luton Town F. C. said that to be forewarned was to be forearmed. It was a most important
matter and Clubs should realise what they are likely to be up against. They thought that con-
sideration should be given immediately to the steps to be taken.
The President said that he still thought that it would be better for the Clubs to deal with
this question locally, but advised any Club who suffered, or were going to suffer serious increases
in assessments to inform the League Secretary immediately.
Registration of The President said that the Management Committee were concerned at the number of young
Amateurs. amateur players who were registered for League Clubs and who for one reason or another, when
it came to their signing professional, wanted to sign for another League Club. The Committee felt
that in their own interest Clubs should not encourage this practice.
Date of Contract. The President informed the Clubs that, arising from the Award of the last Industrial Tribunal,
he wished to mention the date of players contracts. He had given an undertaking to the Tribunal
to bring this subject forward for discussion in order to discover whether the Clubs had any desire
to change from the present arrangements and allow contracts to run until the 31st July. He felt
himself, that the Clubs were quite happy with things as they were, and he had only mentioned it
to them in fulfilment of his undertaking.
Representative The President drew the attention of Clubs to this matter, which had been causing a great deal of
Teams of concern to the Management Committee. It was the growing practice of other Leagues—for example,
Other Leagues. the Football Combination and the Welsh League—to select for their Representative Teams players
who, although registered for their competition, were really Football League players. The Manage-
ment Committee felt that this was not quite playing the game and on their behalf, he asked Clubs
not to release players for these matches who had not been playing regularly in such competitions.
Conclusion. Sunderland F. C. on behalf of the Clubs asked the President to accept their thanks for the able
manner in which he had conducted the meeting. The business had been dealt with speedily and
efficiently, which was a tribute to his unfailing courtesy and good humour.
The President in reply said that it was a pleasure for him to preside over these meetings which
in his opinion were always useful. He felt that his thanks were due to the Clubs for the co-operation
which they always extended to him.
The Meeting then terminated.
4
