They wondered how much a Club like Bournemouth & B. A. had benefited from their success
in the Cup Competition.
Everton F. C. stated that, in their opinion, the present rule covering compensation for postponed
matches due to cup ties should be abolished, and that all clubs, whether still in the cup or not, should
be compensated out of the Cup Pool, for loss of gate or 20 per cent. share of gate, due to postponing
of League matches through cup ties, except when a match was re-arranged for a Saturday date.
Nottingham Forest F. C. stated that they had been badly hit by the Compensation Rule 2 years
ago, when they played Newcastle United F. C. three times in the Third Round. After paying
compensation they were left with approximately £80 profit.
The Third Division (South) representative spoke against both propositions and stated that the
Third Division Clubs needed all they could get from the Pool.
Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic F. C. said that they doubted very much whether they would
make a lot out of their Cup success this season, but nevertheless, they were quite happy to leave
things alone, because they thought that the richer Clubs ought not to take anything away from the
Pool.
The Third Division (South) representative asked Everton F. C. to explain how money could
be taken from the Cup Pool without detriment to the Third Division Clubs. Everton F. C. stated
that the Pool could be increased to 40 per cent. which would enable the whole of the Compensation
to be paid from the Pool without causing financial loss to any of the Clubs.
Reduced Burnley F. C. appealed to the Clubs to consider extending reduced admission concessions
Admission to to Old Age Pensioners. They thought that it would not cost the Clubs anything to allow a few to
Old Age come along at reduced charges and continue their support, which many of them had given the
Pensioners. whole of their lives.
Barrow F. C. supported the suggestion and Scunthorpe United F. C. stated that they were
against it.
Extension of West Ham United F. C. suggested an alteration in the Talent Money system to stimulate interest
Talent in the Competition towards the end of the season. They suggested 8 Clubs instead of 4 be allowed
Money. to pay Talent money on a basis of £220 for the 8th, £330 for the 7th and so on to £990 for the Top
Club. It would be a challenge to the players that there would be something extra for them if
they earned it.
Rising Costs. Bristol Rovers F. C. spoke of the continual rise in the cost of running a club which was not being
met from the Gates. Wages were up 50 per cent., Travelling 75 per cent., cost of players’ outfits
150 per cent., and Entertainment Duty 160 per cent. These figures are strong evidence in support
of any claim for the abolition of Entertainment Tax.
Entertainment The President reported the action taken by the Management Committee to obtain the abolition
Tax of Entertainment Duty on professional Football matches, and asked the Secretary to read the
correspondence which the Committee had had with the Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the
Exchequer.
Burnley F. C. asked the Management Committee to enlist the help of the Players' Union.
They thought that the Union might be told that Clubs would consider increasing the maximum
wage if the Union would help.
The President stated that the Union had supported the League in all their representations
to the Chancellor.
Ipswich Town F. C. urged the Clubs individually to help themselves by bringing pressure to
bear on all their local members of Parliament.
Substitution of Sheffield Wednesday F. C. stated that recently the Management Committee had put forward
two-thirds for three very strong recommendations to the Annual General Meeting which had been turned down.
three-quarters This showed that either the Management Committee are out of touch with the Clubs or the Clubs
as the were not interested. In their opinion, the present majority made the voting machinery a deterrent
Majority to any progressive action, and they urged the Clubs to consider the alterations of the necessary
Required for majority to two-thirds instead of three-quarters.
Alteration to
Regulations.
Nottingham Forest F. C. spoke in support.
Bristol Rovers F. C. were against the proposition, and stated that they did not want to be ruled
by majorities at all. Most of the things passed at Annual General Meetings have been the unani-
mous wish of all members, and it would not be a good thing to pass things by a lesser majority.
Public West Ham United F. C. asked the Clubs to consider the appointment of a Public Relations
Relations Officer, and implored the Management Committee to give this matter their urgent consideration.
No organisation in the world in Sport had been subject to so much destructive criticism from a
section of the National Press as had the Football League. Members of the Management Committee
and Club Directors had been subjected to scurrilous attacks, and his Club wondered how long we
could afford to do nothing about it.
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