A Supporters Trust?

[AFF]

I have casually followed the debates on the Muff message board concerning the possible formation of a Supporters Trust. That club appears to be split into several different factions and, understandably of course, emotions are running very high, but I have the ridiculous picture of the establishment of at least three different 'Trusts', each peopled by members with different views of the aims and and ambitions of each other.

 

In reality, of course, the people at 'Supporters Direct', an independent body, established to guide and advise fans of the potential advantages and disadvantages of these things, will be too wise to allow my ridiculous picture to come anyhwere near reality.

 

However, one thing seems clear to me in the case of Weymouth. They are discussing 'looking into' the concept when they are under severe pressure - in every sense, and in particular, emotionally, and to me, as a principle, that is the wrong time to be doing it. Far better when those concerned have the luxury of time to carefully consider whether the thing might be right for their club.

 

My knowledge of Supporters Trusts is very limited. I know that they are a 'vehicle' rather than a solution to any given problem in themselves. They work alongside the Supporters Clubs and the Board of Directors of many football clubs. They should not be seen as a 'threat' to anyone.

 

Most certainly, I have no idea whether a Supporters Trust would be of any benefit to The Mighty Saints, but I would like to have some proper information in order to form a view.

 

I believe that representatives of Supprters Direct will ONLY come to address an open meeting for a preliminary, informal chat, if invited by the Committee of a properly formed Supprters Club [quite rightly, in my view. They wont come upon the invitation of one or two people and be accused of siding with some bunch of the lunatic fringe!]

 

I wonder whether our Supporters Club Committee should be requested to invite these people to address the fans of SACFC on this matter.

 

[Duke of York]

Supporters Direct helped us set up the Supporters Trust at York City. They were extremely helpful and imaginative in their approach. The job certainly couldn’t have been managed effectively without their help and practical advice. Supporters Direct were also instrumental in helping Enfield FC fans set up the first new Supporters Club, Enfield Town - the model that inspired AFC Wimbledon who also used the assistance of Supporters Direct in setting up their own DonsTrust.

 

Take a look at the Clubs in Crisis and Supporters Direct to inspire some ideas. It can only be for the benefit of the club to get representation on the board. Further essential reading to get inspiration should be The Beautiful Game by David Conn.

 

http://www.supporters-direct.org/englandwales/about.htm

 

http://www.clubsincrisis.com

 

As we say at York City “Keep the Faith!”

 

 

[AFF]

Hmmnnn.

 

You have made reference to York City, Enfield Town and AFC Wimbledon, where, in each case it would seem, the Supporters Trust has 'ownership' of the club.

 

The Mighty Saints is 'owned' by William Verry Ltd, and, for me anyway, that is not a current issue. I wonder what other advantages a Supporters Trust may bring, and it would be interesting to hear from those involved at other clubs where the [Third Party] ownership could be described as 'benevolent'?

[Rob_the_Saint]

You don't need to ask, AFF. I can put on the agenda (or AOB) for the next meeting, middle of Feb.

[Laz]

AFF, I seem to recall that the supporters club spoke to someone from Supporters Direct (or whatever they are call). I can't remember what the outcome was.

 

I imagine that if you don't own the club you have little say.

 

Fortunately for us, we aren't owned by a madman.

[AFF]

Your phrase "I imagine that if you don't own the club you have little say" is very telling, Laz.

 

Firstly, maybe too many of us "imagine" the motives and what is involved in the formation of a Supporters Trust. My point is that it might be a good time to gather knowledge and consider the pros and cons at our relative leisure when we are not in the level of crisis that Weymouth appear to be in today.

 

Secondly, the thing may, or may not, have significant advantages regardless of 'ownership'. I don't know, but perhaps we should look into it now, rather than later.

 

I caught Gibbo's reflection in a mirror in another clubhouse once, and he is seen during daylight hours. I agree that we can cross 'possible vampire' off the list, therefore.

 

Mind you, as that chap who does the matchday programme and supports Luton once said during the reign of Fatboy "I've seen chairmen come and I've seen chairmen go.......".

 

 

 

 

 

[Laz]

Chairs or chairpersons is a more correct term in these days of political correctness, AFF!

 

I'm pretty sure that the bloke who sells golden goals and attends the occasional match knows all the ins and outs of supporters trusts. Maybe he could comment.

[Duke of York]

Spot on! I’ve been supporting York City for 25 years and in that time we’ve had 6 Chairmen. Chairmen are usually in the hot seat for a few years and then disappear never to be seen again. One thing is for sure, the fans will be there throughout through thick and thin. It is very worrying when you have a club with leadership governed by one individual. Just ask fans of Rushden & Diamonds, Enfield FC, Brighton & Hove Albion, Doncaster Rovers et al.

 

 

[YELLOW]

We had some contact with Supporters' Direct when we had the problems with Canvey last year.

 

A representative attended a meeting with supporters and it was eventually decided not to form a Supporters' Trust but they gave us some good advice and helped us in the right direction when at the time everything seemed a complete mess.

 

Kevin Rye is the man you would probably need to speak to for more information.

[Midweeksaint]

AFF

There is a supporters trust at Reading (STAR). It was formed at a time when the club wasn't in crisis and has effectively replaced the old supporters club. As such, it represents the views of its membership to the club board (on issues like catering at the Mad Stad, smoking). It also runs away travel, fans forums, etc. Of course things are going well right now both on and off the pitch so no difficult issues to address I imagine but if things were to change.....

 

As for City, sounds like a good idea to me.

[AFF]

The current Supporters Club at The Mighty Saints appears to deal with the items to which you specifically refer, Mws, and they do a very good job, of course.

 

I well remember, however, that there was some concern during Fatboy's last days that Supporters Club funds would be regarded as assets of the Football Club by the company's creditors, which would not be the case with those of a Trust, if I remember correctly.

 

My concern was more with the "What if...", and now, during a period of financial stability and without any other crisis over-hanging us, would be a very good time to consider this stuff, in my view.

 

[Oh, by the way. I have a view of the smoking policy at the Madjeski. How does one join the Trust thingie down there and what's the subscription?]

[Midweeksaint]

A season's membership is ten pounds AFF. Details at http://www.star-reading.org/. But that would require you to pledge allegiance to the mighty Royals by naming our reserve goalie, record goalscorer, etc. Is it really worth that to smoke at the Mad Stad? Or have I misjudged you?

[AFF]

I could run to a tenner, Mws, but I'm not sure that I could name any member of the Reading squad, let alone the Reserves custodian. There's that young ginger-haired attacking midfielder - Flynn? Casey? Whoever. Whatever. Knowing that Steve Coppell is the Manager doesn't qualify for 'True-Blue-Kyocera' status, I presume? I think that I'll just have to have two cigarettes in the car park before the game.

 

Actually, at Exiles matches, those who wish to smoke can do so in some sections of the rear area of the West stand. Non smokers are rigidly limted to other areas of the ground. Quite right too. I have a view that there should be sections of trains and in public places where non-smokers have to sit. Serve 'em right. Why should they get to enjoy passive smoking, the so-and-sos.

 

It's always good to exchange views with a fan of a fellow tenant of the ground.

 

;-)

 

Anyway, back to the matter at hand. I might have a word with that bearded chap who is Chairman of the Supporters Club Committee. I'll mention that there have been many thousands of posts on here - too many to count, in any event - in support of the principle of exploring the possible advantages of a Supporters Trust at t'Park, without prejudice, mutatis mutandis, subject to contract and without any obligation on either side.

[YELLOW]

The ginger haired fella you took of is probably Steve Sidwell.