One of Newcastle United's fans forum meetings took place on Monday evening where a cross section of the club's fans met with members of The Magpies' hierarchy. Head Coach Steve McClaren was joined by Managing Director Lee Charnely and Club Ambassador Bob Moncur to tackle questions from the representatives of different sections of Newcastle's support in attendance. CLICK HERE to read "20 Things We Learned From Newcastle's Fans Forum Minutes". Here's the main points from the minutes which were released just after midday: Steve McClaren thanked those in attendance and addressed the meeting: "The key thing was Mike Ashley's interview before the West Ham fixture. What he said must have given everyone at the club an enormous lift. Certainly I said that for whichever head coach came into the club, what a fantastic situation. That's what I've sensed going around and meeting people. "We set the ground rules. There are two agendas which run parallel. One is the present squad and present staff. Two is adding to that and looking at how we are going to improve the situation. That for me has been what we've been doing; identifying what's present and what do we need to take us forward. "The present staff have been fantastic. They've been really good. The players have come in and we've set out our culture, our rules. Discipline is the key to it.We've stressed from day one the kind of discipline we expect from players, as well as the discipline that they expect from us. We ask them to be professional; to do the right thing every day. Everybody knows what's right and what's wrong and we ask them to come in and do the right thing, to be professional. "We want to win something and get into the top eight. That's been stated by the owner and that's our objective. How we get there is our job. You start right at the bottom in terms of what you create, the culture and the climate, what rules you set, the discipline, how you work, the professionalism, the character. "In the longer term, we have got to think strategically about how we develop this team into a top eight team that is going to win a trophy." McClaren on the strength of the current squad: "I've been asking why is it that fans - who are the most important people - are questioning some of the players' attitudes, ability, talent and things like that. It's asking the players that question - why. They get to answer that. We believe with a change of culture and approach, we can change them. Will we change them enough so that they'll improve and come with us to get back in your good books? That's down to them entirely. "We want to give the leaders, the senior players more respect and more authority within the group. That helps young players." McClaren on the perceived lack of "passion" in the squad: "Speaking of passion, when Steve Black had his first chat with the players, he frightened them half to death." McClaren on incoming transfers: "I've talked to the current staff and board but I also know the players so we've got a good idea of what we need. "I'm excited because the objectives are clear and you can sell that to players coming in. We want to win something. We are going for something. "I'm excited because of the plan I've seen. We don't just go short term with this transfer window, we look at the next window and the next one. We have a great opportunity in the next three windows if we get the recruitment right." McClaren on the style of play he's looking to implement: "We've put the statement up that we want to be respected in football as an attractive, attacking, but effective team. That's what we've always done. It's trying to get a balance; a product out on the field and a product from individual players. "Everyone is different. I've talked to Peter Beardsley and he tells me the crowd like to see the team getting the ball forward, not passing backwards. We might have to adjust a little bit. We want people to try, not to hide and people who can take the ball and want the ball all the time. "That's why Steve Black has been brought in. It's easy to constantly tell the players to do something but we need the right characters in the team, the right mentality. When you cross the white line, everyone has talent but you have to have courage." The club address concerns about a lack of communication to supporters: "As part of the club's new strategy, it will communicate with supporters directly so they get the news before anyone else does. The club will also be delivering more content via official channels, more short clips from the training ground, when the team are away, the academy etc. and giving fans an insight behind the scenes." The club address their perceived media partner situation: "Alongside Sky Sports and the Daily Mirror, SMc also gave interviews to the club's media channels followed by local written media and BBC Newcastle. The club felt that this was the most appropriate way in which to announce SMc's appointment to fans and best control and re-enforce the positive messages the club wished to deliver to them." The board on new players: "The board noted that they have spoken at length about what they want in potential new players and character is key to that. "The club affirmed that while its business principles still apply, there is the possibility to consider players that may command a higher transfer fee than previously considered. The club's view moving forward is to pursue quality over quantity and the club is confident it can attract those type of players." When asked on what mistakes the club felt they had made in the past: "The club stated it did not wish to dwell on the past and stated its objectives are clear. With Steve and his staff now in place, the focus is now very much looking to the future." The club on if Mike Ashley would be speaking again after his interview on the final day of the Premier League season: "The club explained that MA has made a statement and the objectives are clear. It is now up to the club to deliver on his statement." The club on cancelling the proposed new training ground : "The club outlined that planning has been approved, tenders had been out and prices had been supplied. In order to proceed, contracts needed to be signed well in advance but because of the position the club found itself in towards the end of the season, the decision was taken not to commit at that time. "Along with the head coach, the club is now identifying the best time to start work and is mindful of disruptions mid-season." The club on their usage of a number of bank accounts: "The club states that NUFC and all divisions within the football company operate a number of bank accounts and it is the consolidated balance of all accounts that is disclosed in the year end accounts. All funds are in current accounts with our bankers (Barclays) and form part of our working capital." Do YOU want a seat on the fans forum? "The club confirmed that vacant seats would be advertised this summer and that new members will be appointed as previously (supporters fitting the criteria required to take a particular seat will be selected at random from applicants). The seats will be advertised via the club's digital channels and if possible, via external media given the public interest in the Forum." The club on season ticket sales: "The club stated that despite what has been reported, renewal rates are strong and are similar to this same stage last season. The club is pleased with the take-up by existing and new season ticket holders." The club on reciprocal away ticket deals for next season: "The club confirmed it had already discussed deals with a number of interested clubs and that it was likely to continue into the 2015/16 season. Feedback from supporters has been excellent." The club on Wonga's old logo appearing on the new 2015/16 shirts: "The club explained that it was simply due to the advanced lead-time required for new kit (usually by October in the previous season). In short, the logo did not change until a long period of time after the production process had commenced." The club outline improvements to the stadium: "ER confirmed that £47,000 has been spent on the PA system and new speakers have been added. 12,000 seats in paddock areas have been replaced and a number of corporate areas/boxes have been refurbished." The club on possibility of safe standing: "Steve Storey (SS) stated that permission had been granted by the local authority but that it had not occurred similarly within the Premier League." To read the minutes in full, click here.
