Trust round-up September 2006

by Adam Upsall

Well you guessed it, it’s been another action packed month in the world of Supporters Direct. As the Supporters Direct National Conference looms large on the horizon, we take a brief look around the UK at some of the goings on with all things Supporters Trust.

First off: Millwall, where the Lions Trust have been asked by their club to comment on a Football Safety Officer's Association proposal to the Premier League. The proposal is an FA and Football League backed ‘Membership Scheme’ in which each supporter would become a ‘member’ of their club. The apparent aim is the control of away ticket sales. Football Supporter Federation Deputy Chair Alan Bloore commented: “From our prospective we know nothing about it and it hasn't been mentioned in any meetings.” More news as this topic develops next month.

Our near neighbours at Sincil Bank have had an interesting few weeks to say the least as two ex-directors attempted a takeover of the community owned club. The ambitious plans included promises of a £1million investment in Lincoln's playing budget, and the floating of the Imps on the smaller version of the stock exchange. Reaction to the news was mixed, and the Imps Trust, through an official statement, made their feelings crystal clear. "In line with the objectives of the Trust, we oppose on principle the ownership of Lincoln City Football Club by a public limited company," the statement read. That clears that up!

Hot off the back of their war of the airwaves, STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading) has received a very special honour. The Trust was recently presented with a Coca Cola Championship winners' medal, identical to that presented to the Reading FC players and management. This award is being made by Reading FC in recognition of the immense contribution that Reading supporters made towards the club's record-breaking 2005/06 season. Reading Chairman John Madejski presented the medal to Michele Law, STAR Board member. The medal will be brought out for fans' events, at STAR's AGM, Fans' Forum and other such fan related events.

Following the success of last year’s Luton XI vs Showbiz XI match, the Trust in Luton (TiL) held another all-star football game at Dunstable Town's Creasey Park, on Sunday 17th September. Names that appeared include, from the ex-pros, Scott Oakes, Adrian Whitbread, Phil Gray, Alan Neilson and Kingsley Black, and from the showbiz side, Nasty Nick Bateman, Kenzie formerly of Blazin' Squad, Mikey formerly of Phixx, and Fenton Gee from Dream Team. Proceeds went to funding a girls' football coaching development centre in Bedfordshire, and Keech Cottage Children's Hospice ran the day's raffle and sideshows.

A Trust round-up would not be complete without an update from the boys at AFC Wimbledon, however this month it’s been all change at the Fans Stadium. On 4th September, Kris Stewart, AFC Wimbledon's Chief Executive and Chairman, tendered his resignation which was accepted by the boards of both the Dons Trust and AFCW PLC at a scheduled joint meeting that evening. Chair of the Dons Trust, Tom Adam, said, "I have very much enjoyed working with Kris over the last four years. He has been an inspirational leader of our club and I am sad to be seeing him leave his post. He leaves with our best wishes and I look forward to seeing him at the next match."

Speaking of his departure, Kris said: "Along with my colleagues and fellow supporters, we have been through a rollercoaster ride together in the last six years of Wimbledon Football Club and its successor, AFC Wimbledon. I can't believe how far we've come since I first got involved with WISA back in 1999. The job has been incredibly challenging, demanding and rewarding - indeed, I've learned more in the last four years than in the rest of my working life. But now the time has come for me to take a break and spend time on other things. I leave the job with fond memories and many more friends than I started with. I am proud to have played my part in re-establishing Wimbledon's football club and I am looking forward to finding my spot on the Tempest End."

In the interests of stability, the Dons Trust board has appointed Erik Samuelson as acting Chief Executive with immediate effect. Erik will have overall responsibility for day-to-day matters at the club for a limited period. The board has accepted Erik's offer to carry out the role without remuneration, and intend to advertise the permanent position following the forthcoming elections for the Trust board later this year.

Previous Trust Round-ups
July 2006
August 2006