GEOFF Billingsley is a member of the new Charlton Athletic Fans' Forum, which meets regularly with the club’s hierarchy to raise supporters’ concerns about life at The Valley.

The Woolwich-based Addick will be regularly reporting for News Shopper on what goes on at the meetings and today delivers the latest instalment of his column.

Well, I said there would be an announcement from the club but didn't expect it to be the same day that I last wrote for the News Shopper website on July 17.

This statement, though, said very little, other than to confirm ongoing discussions.

The Forum were a little disappointed to say the least and sent Steve Waggott a note to this effect, politely pointing out the fans needed some answers with the start of the season just a few days away.

You'll recall our Q & A session was postponed on July 9 and there were some silly rumours spreading suggesting Messrs. Murray and Chappell may have called the meeting off to avoid facing the fans.

So the FF thought the club needed to make a further, more detailed statement to at least let the fans know the latest situation.

I personally was pleasantly surprised when the club did indeed issue a response within 24 hours of our communication.

We asked three questions and the club answered them as best they could.

It won't be enough to placate all the fans but I think we've got as much out of the club as we are going to, until any deal is concluded anyway. On the pitch, it was good to see that the team enjoyed a 2-1 away win at Bournemouth down in the final warm up game before Saturday's League One opener against Peter Taylor's Wycombe Wanderers.

The last time Mr T was at The Valley was as manager of Leicester City about five years ago where we almost had a riot due to some of the strangest refereeing decisions I've ever witnessed.

Poor Peter got the push from Leicester following that game and the Foxes then dropped out of the Premier League and fell into League One a season later.

They're back up in the Championship now, which shows it can be done - amazing what new investment can do for a club.

You may recall from last time I welcomed Matthew Dainty onto the Forum.

Well, we've made another signing as Suzanne Hillcock has joined the FF and she is most welcome indeed.

A former employee of the club, Suzanne has been a firm supporter of the Forum initiative since its inception and I know she will make a difference.

She brings a balance to the Forum which we will need for the season ahead.

It is expected we will have an audience with the club's directors within a couple of weeks, but obviously if any news breaks you will see it on the News Shopper website instantly.

It is essential we start the season on Saturday on a positive note and collect three points in the process.

I am in Upper West, Block P, Row A along with nephew and grandaughter this week.

If you're nearby, I would be happy to see you and hear your own comments as we need input to let the club know what the fans are saying.

This means all fans, not just season ticket holders as suggested on the official website last week.

I will also be at Hereford and Hartlepool next week (must be mad), so I hope to see as many of you as possible.

Keep the red flag flying.