FA Euro 2004 Campaign Meeting Report - Tuesday, 11 November in attendance; Fan Representative's, Steve Murray 365EnglandFans, Alan Lee 4England, Mark Hetherington Northwest englandfans, and Mark Perryman along with six others all representing London englandfans sat around a table with Jonathan Arana, Ian Murphy and Nicola Hull from the FA.

A detailed report written by Mark Hetherington entitled "Euro 2004 Initiative Meeting 11/11/03" can be viewed on the Northwest Englandfans messageboard so below is just a summary of the key points we raised.
Following an introduction by the FA who want to be seen to be consulting with various fans groups, if only to ensure that nearer to the time of the tournament groups representing fans WERE consulted, we went around the table asking for people's views on what they saw as being the most important.

Remember it's NOT a meeting about ticketing we were told, but low and behold what were the main items raised, ticketing getting the maximum allocation and with an early despatch, along with transport to and from each venue that should be well organised and wherever appropriate extra safe and secure.
Slogan - The FA then explained they'd had more than 200 responses to their idea for a slogan, and we now know, the one most members voted for "Altogether Now" will be at the forefront of the campaign which will be equally as big for those staying in England who cant follow the team to Portugal.

Consultation - Since that time we've been consulting and the feedback we've had from you highlights;

Ticketing - We and other groups have raised the importance if only to put minds at rest of getting the tickets out as soon as possible; To reiterate our allocation is likely to be around 6,000 for each match because UEFA have changed the rules to match the biggest games to the biggest stadia after the draw has been made it will be two or three days before the venues are confirmed.

We reckon all members currently on 3 or 2 caps who go to the away friendly in February should be guaranteed a ticket, and nearly all of you on 1 cap also fall into the top 70%. (To ensure you don't slip down the table, make sure you go to the February friendly, in Portugal, or elsewhere if we get them in the draw on 30 November) This should account for nearly all of the most loyal fans, and that first and foremost is what is important, but for anyone who couldn't go to the South Africa friendly and failed in the ballots for Slovakia and Liechtenstein, you have our sympathies, but, and the same applies to new fans, if you really do want to go to Euro 2004, going to the away game in February will better your chances.

Transport - The usual information will appear on this site and elsewhere; (It is hoped for fans staying in the Algarve that there will be subsided coach travel laid on to all of England's matches and yes if it comes off, there will be a 365EnglandFans bus) Interest has already been shown for this though some of you have got it into your heads that this will be some sort of Italian Job style jaunt. Well if that's what you want just make sure you remember not to load all the bullion at the back of the bus !.

If you didn't receive or reply to our first e mail, to register your interest e mail us and we'll send you a form to complete and return which does not commit you to anything, just gives us an idea of numbers.)
things to do and "putting the word out so they can be communicated so we know what's going on and where."

On this subject we gather there's one English language Portugal daily, and one Radio station though this only broadcasts throughout the Algarve. As this is far from ideal, there will be a number of dedicated mobile telephone lines, which you can use to speak or text various co-ordinators concerning events or other matters. These numbers and names of the co-ordinators manning them will be well publicised.

Fans Embassies - We will be working with the FSF and full details where possible will be provided on embassy locations, or alternatively numbers you can telephone to find out or for further information;

Guidebook - Yes one will be published by the FA similar to the one called "homeandaway" for World Cup 2002 that arrived AFTER all the fans going to the Korea friendly on Jeju Island had left the UK. Again we've stressed the need to get the thing despatched as early as possible and to include in it as many of the events going on, contact details etc that are known at the time of going to print.

More news will appear as we get it.

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