FAN ARTICLES
Time for a Supporters Trust?
If we beat Chelsea on Saturday then get Torquay away in the 5th Round, a lot of discussion will turn to travelling to Devon and what date is the semi-final.
An interesting aspect of Evertonian discussion over the last few years is how a lot more supporters give some more consideration to the finances of the club. Even so, very, very few of us are really clued up on the precise facts and figures.
We believe that supporters should take more interest in this side of things. It is our club. It is what many of us spend a big chunk of our disposable income on.
But we are so interested in what goes on the pitch that, collectively, we fail to pay prolonged attention to what goes on off the pitch, even though the latter has a major impact on the former.
Now, however, a spotlight is increasingly shining on off-the-pitch issues. But exactly what do we want?
And, to pose a question asked many times before, just how much influence can supporters have in these days of big business? Quite a lot of people think that fans can have little effect.
Quite a few at the moment seem to think that fans should push for the removal of the current board. Does that not cause more instability at a crucial part of the season? And who would come in? Ask Portsmouth supporters what they think of that question.
So, do we do nothing? Accept our fate? No. But what then?
How about an Everton supporters group that is here for the long-term? One that does not fade away after a crisis has subsided. One that is open to all supporters, not just shareholders. One that is open to Evertonians in Merseyside, the rest of Britain and overseas. A supporters trust. There are already more than 100 in this country.
What would it do? That would depend on its members. But there are a few of us who have been kicking this idea round for a few months. We were hoping to be able to launch it in a period of relative calm. This may still happen. A win over Chelsea, please.
What would it do though? We have been thinking about this and our suggestion is:
- To act as a forum for supporters to discuss in a calm manner, with facts at hand, the issues and challenges facing Everton Football Club.
- To foster constructive communications between supporters and the people who own and run the Club.
- To encourage a greater degree of share ownership by supporters, through the purchase of shares by the trust.
(Of course, a lot would depend on how many members we had. Some might argue that one share would be enough as that would give the trust the legal rights of a shareholder).
- To support and complement the work of Everton in The Community.
We want to know if enough people are interested. We accept that a lot of Blues will be sceptical, some will deride us. But we are prepared to give it a go if we think we can make some progress.
Importantly, it is not intended as an anti-Kenwright grouping. Nor is it anti-Moyes. Nor Auntie Maureen, as it's not anti-anyone.
We want to work with the people in charge of the club, ask questions, discuss with them, and move forward with the club.
There are many possibilities. If the trust took off, it could become a significant stakeholder in the club, possibly even instrumental in stadium development. That's what we mean about one role being a think-tank.
Some of you will point out how Evertonians have fallen out among themselves in previous initiatives. We are very mindful of that. We believe that the structure of a supporters trust will help, especially as we would expect to have the backing of Supporters Direct, the London-based organisation that advises supporters trusts.
We would also need members to act in a constructive manner. No 'f*** off k******d'. And no expecting instant success, please. This would be a long-term venture. We would also need members to take on tasks in the running of the trust. And we would hope that members with specialist skills would offer their expertise.
Everton's worldwide support base is brimming not just with passion, but cram-packed with people from all walks of life with so much to offer.
If you would be interested in joining, please say so in the responses on this website. We will read them all, say nothing initially, but reflect on them, then respond to the issues raised.
In the meantime, if you are going to the game on Saturday, please ? even if Chelsea go in front ? get behind the team for 90 minutes. A great FA Cup run is a distinct possibility. In the 5th round, there will be no more than 10 Premier League clubs. Come on you Blues!
Reader Comments (185)
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2 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:21:38
3 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:29:44
4 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:31:26
5 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:48:18
6 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:51:37
7 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:51:03
8 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:49:22
9 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:52:43
11 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:59:03
12 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:58:13
13 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:00:43
14 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:58:54
15 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:06:20
16 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:04:51
17 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:05:39
19 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:02:33
I'm sure you have given it a lot of thought, but I would go for a larger amount per member, per month, something in the region of £5-10.
20 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:00:43
21 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:03:40
22 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:09:07
Honarary patron David France?
23 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:10:25
Better than driving BK out and getting a Gaydamak or Mike Ashley wreaking havoc.
Good Luck and count me in.
24 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:07:16
25 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:10:20
I've no doubt there are people who know more than me who will point out the loopholes. Still, there is something there to build on.Good luck.
27 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:22:33
28 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:24:43
29 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:17:44
30 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:19:19
I really don't think you will get anywhere with the club though until Kenwright goes. This is the man that has pretty much shut down all communication with his fellow fans by not allowing AGMs and EGMs. This is the man who told an Evertonian who asked a perfectly reasonable question that he wouldn't answer because he was bored of that question.
Remember also there is no way Kenwright could have lied about Kirkby the way he did if he'd been in talks with a supporters trust. I do think though if this gathers pace, Kenwright will be shown up to be a complete fool if he didn't engage with it.
31 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:28:31
32 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:31:19
33 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:31:19
34 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:31:19
35 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:35:07
36 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:37:17
Tony and Mike, what are your thoughts about marketing this venture?
37 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:45:20
38 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:48:09
39 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:35:07
41 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:40:58
Would also suggest you try to contact Rogan Taylor (I know he's a Red but he's also a scouser and was behind the original supporters trust being set up and also as I have previously mentioned you will find Phil Carter very supportive and helpful.
I personally am more interested in getting Kenwright out of the club rather than making him more accountable because I place more trust in a poisonous snake but if I can be of any help financially or otherwise count me in.
42 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:48:19
43 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:56:02
44 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:51:20
45 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:52:33
I'm in, providing you can accept foreign currency.
2 conditions though.
1) It's a deocratic process of our goals and actions; and
2) Every cent that goes into the Trust is counted for and available for MEMBERS to view - we don't want to be the proverbial kettle.
46 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:57:58
47 Posted 28/01/2011 at 20:53:05
I am worried, though, that this may be a bit too late, the recession and the Draconian measures being taken by governments all over the world may soon have a serious affect on spectator sports such as football.
Everton and a lot of other clubs are going to see a reduction in their income, from dropping attendance figures, merchandise sales, sponsorship etc.
We may come through this and if we do, then a supporters trust sponsored ground improvement project would be a lasting tribute to the passion and commitment of Evertonians.
I dont think Mr Kenwright and his cronies would argue against it as it would not cost them a penny and abrogate their future responsibilities.
If the board matched the funds raised by the group, then that would really be a step forward for Everton FC, but I would not hold my breath.
Again, I whole heartedly would support anything that gives me and people like me, a say in where this club is going.
PS I see the £2 as a minimum, surely a supporter like Mr Kenwright would want to contribute more !
48 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:24:10
49 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:24:51
50 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:28:44
Like Chris id throw £100 in the ring
Great idea chaps
51 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:27:14
52 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:33:46
53 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:27:14
54 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:24:44
55 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:39:04
56 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:37:34
I'd definitely like to be involved.
58 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:37:27
Am from London and love Everton but feel increasingly saddened and hurt by recent occurrences
Good idea, very constructive: let's make it count
59 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:37:27
Am from London and love Everton but feel increasingly saddened and hurt by recent occurrences
Good idea, very constructive: let's make it count
60 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:50:01
61 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:55:41
62 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:55:24
63 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:56:38
Great idea lads, count me in. I'm also happy to give whatever non-monetary assistance I can on top of the £2 per month.
On a seperate note, I wonder if David Prentice column in tonights Echo is the start of a turning tide ?
We shall see.
64 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:56:25
The focus could be on ground improvements only, no monies for players or wages etc, the Trust could progressively upgrade Goodison, increasing attendances, thus generating funds for team building.
Seems simple to me, so if there is a request for subscriptions any time soon, well lets go.
Positivity for Evertonians at last !
66 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:03:58
How do you decide what issues get pushed forward?
67 Posted 28/01/2011 at 21:56:48
68 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:17:27
69 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:18:07
70 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:15:29
My profession is piping so I could advise on all the pipes..................
Maybe not
71 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:26:46
72 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:30:37
73 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:32:43
74 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:34:24
75 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:37:21
76 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:41:02
77 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:50:43
78 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:42:33
79 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:45:52
80 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:54:08
81 Posted 28/01/2011 at 22:51:10
I am more than happy to join this movement. Perhaps we could even find the 'investment' that old Billy boy has been searching for (in the longer term).
I would be delighted to offer my services to the cause too, I would help in any way to improve my beloved EFC!
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
82 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:00:47
83 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:08:16
Look forward to hearing soon what your plans are for taking this forward.
84 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:11:23
85 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:12:35
86 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:20:21
87 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:11:05
I'm particularly interested to know if the standard model has a single class of membership and if the payment of subs is an absolute requirement. I would pay a monthly or annual sub myself, but it would be great to have something which was as inclusive as possible (e.g. we might get 10,000 paying subscribers but 100,000 total registered supporters).
Can we invite someone from the Supporters Trust to post here - and possibly even set up some kind of Q&A arrangement?
Can we have some kind of information in the form of case studies as to the different levels of involvement that have been achieved at different clubs; maybe some kind of stats on differing levels of membership, funds raised, projects undertaken, etc. Presumably there isn't a 'one size fits all' Supporters Trust.
Can we hear about worst case scenarios - what has happened in situations where a club has been unco-operative or inimical to the idea of an ST? What are the realistic limits of expectation in such a scenario?
Look forward to hearing more about this and would be willing to get involved practically too - although poor health and living in Yorkshire would mean it would probably have to be something that could be done from home/online.
Thanks guys for getting the ball rolling.
88 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:18:23
89 Posted 28/01/2011 at 23:48:12
Further, i read on here a few days ago some idiot saying that it's not our role to find solutions to issues but just to moan/groan and highlight problems (we all know about). (Cant find thread)
Not sure if this is a good plan but it is an idea, something positive, a dream we may have and for that, i give up my full support.
Well done guys and keep up the good work.
Send me the Direct Debit form
90 Posted 29/01/2011 at 00:12:20
91 Posted 29/01/2011 at 00:41:58
92 Posted 29/01/2011 at 00:47:19
93 Posted 29/01/2011 at 00:50:01
94 Posted 29/01/2011 at 00:48:57
95 Posted 29/01/2011 at 00:55:18
96 Posted 29/01/2011 at 01:01:23
Everton forever....... are we on our way together?..........NSNO
P.S - I'm up for chucking a few more quid to the pot each month too and would love to help in anyway possible.
97 Posted 29/01/2011 at 01:29:51
Hope the hundreds of thousands of blues around the world will rally to the call.
98 Posted 29/01/2011 at 01:50:43
99 Posted 29/01/2011 at 01:52:16
Of course, these things don't get off the ground on there own. Let me/us know what we can do to assist and you've got my time and attention.
100 Posted 29/01/2011 at 01:52:23
101 Posted 29/01/2011 at 01:58:16
102 Posted 29/01/2011 at 02:38:47
103 Posted 29/01/2011 at 02:39:31
104 Posted 29/01/2011 at 02:26:06
If there is a lawyer among us a constitution and code of conduct for members would be good. Also we should have a mission statement.
105 Posted 29/01/2011 at 02:49:49
106 Posted 29/01/2011 at 02:51:03
107 Posted 29/01/2011 at 02:58:53
108 Posted 29/01/2011 at 03:27:46
We all know our history, Football, National and World, well bits of it. And to me there are parallels between our situation, on a different scale of course and the No taxation without representation of Pre Rev. America.
In this day and age it shouldn't be too hard, ( what do I know with my blind faith and it must be said ignorance in modern i- technology ?) To Set up an i-Continental Congress to thrash out our 2011 i-Constitution.
There must be also opportunities for spreading the word/cross pollination with other sitesand maybe that Facebook E.F.C. thing, if it evergot off the ground.
We must indeed all hang together,or, most assuredly, we shall all hang seperately...in the championship.
109 Posted 29/01/2011 at 05:03:54
Let's make sure we do the opposite of what the board is doing now, starting with not alienating people.
Cannot wait.
110 Posted 29/01/2011 at 06:50:46
Likewise, I believe that this is a positive step forwards for the fans, the ones who truly care, pay their money each week and suffer the pain and anguish as they watch the club slide into decline.
I would be interested in joining and paying the fees/subs that is decided, like many others, I would willingly pay £100 if it helped to improve our voice and influence with the board. I have a major question though, how do we prevent the money going in to Bill?s pocket? I mean indirectly. For instance, if monies were put forward to ground improvements, does this not benefit Bill in the long run when he comes to sell? Are we not doing his home improvements for him in order for him to get a better price? As I am loathe to give that man anymore of my money, either directly or indirectly.
Just a thought/consideration, Like many people who have posted on here, I am a blue, have been all my life and will be to the day I die, we have watched our club have its ups and downs, felt the joy and the pain, this may be the opportunity to lessen that pain and the frequency that it occurs.
111 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:10:50
112 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:21:21
113 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:21:29
114 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:15:01
I'm not neccessarily against Moyes or Kenwright, but pro Everton. I want to see the best for Everton and get them moving forward. We are supposed to be the People's Club and this is the best way to do it.
If/When the Trust get enough shares to have a say on the Board or take over, we will have that £12m per season and can collections donations from Evertonians, Granchester, Leahy, McCartney, John Parrott!!! Anyone.
However, it would need a rigid structure, it's own website with registration PIN numbers, etc. Who can register? You can't discriminate against someone who lives in Australia with 4 kids on low income. They might be more fanatical about Everton than a single man in Liverpool. Who decides who registers?
Only constructive ideas and views. Agree with you about no f**k off statements. I've always been a constructive and positive person, read my Fan Articles. I just want what is best for the Club, and this is certainly a good idea, done in the right way.
115 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:27:03
116 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:24:46
Keep the minimum contribution low for fans who have little or no money.
Set a very low rate (£1 pm) for junior members (the future).
And be sure it has tight rules to avoid squabbling.
Look..........I am post 105. At £10 pm you'd have £12,600 from just this thread !
Michael - need a voting button of some sort on the site for this ?
117 Posted 29/01/2011 at 07:53:25
118 Posted 29/01/2011 at 08:25:03
119 Posted 29/01/2011 at 08:29:35
120 Posted 29/01/2011 at 08:36:39
121 Posted 29/01/2011 at 08:37:05
122 Posted 29/01/2011 at 09:20:05
123 Posted 29/01/2011 at 09:13:16
The constitution of this will be important and it probably goes without saying that, how people's money is spent will have to be very auditable for your own sakes. Said it anyway.
Can we just make sure we don't go down the "Spirit of Shankly" road to nausea or the odd coloured scarf route
124 Posted 29/01/2011 at 09:33:07
Once you have a few thousand expressing firm interest then you might have an idea that has a chance of coming to something.
It happens that databases are part of my business - give me a shout if you want me to get involved
125 Posted 29/01/2011 at 09:40:33
126 Posted 29/01/2011 at 09:53:45
127 Posted 29/01/2011 at 10:26:24
128 Posted 29/01/2011 at 10:36:11
129 Posted 29/01/2011 at 10:42:44
131 Posted 29/01/2011 at 11:05:41
132 Posted 29/01/2011 at 11:46:58
133 Posted 29/01/2011 at 11:47:24
134 Posted 29/01/2011 at 11:49:17
I'm based in London currently practising as a corporate lawyer. I'd like to offer any assistance I can both financially and potentially in the legal field if needed.
135 Posted 29/01/2011 at 11:58:41
136 Posted 29/01/2011 at 12:00:31
Also I'm an English Language student, and would LOVE to help out in any way possible in terms of producing leaflets etc but even if it's making cups of tea at meetings I'd still be more than happy. Really feel like something's going to change!!
137 Posted 29/01/2011 at 13:43:23
138 Posted 29/01/2011 at 14:00:15
139 Posted 29/01/2011 at 14:24:05
140 Posted 29/01/2011 at 14:32:53
I cant knock the sentiments of the idea at all, I'll be watching for developments.
Oh and for the record...."I'm in!!"
141 Posted 29/01/2011 at 14:44:56
I'm sure Bill would work with the trust. Whatever anyone says about him he loves the club as much as any of us and he wouldn't turn down the chance to make it stronger.
142 Posted 29/01/2011 at 15:05:32
143 Posted 29/01/2011 at 16:01:33
There must be some communication guys out there who can get the TV coverage that the reds got for their campaign?
I am reborn, what are we waiting for?
144 Posted 29/01/2011 at 17:32:08
145 Posted 29/01/2011 at 17:28:43
146 Posted 29/01/2011 at 17:40:08
147 Posted 29/01/2011 at 17:52:56
148 Posted 29/01/2011 at 18:52:44
Singapore born, based in Melbourne for the last 10 years, but happy to do my part for the club I've supported for 26 years..
149 Posted 29/01/2011 at 20:48:49
Totally frustrated and saddened by recent events and claims we are totally broke when we play in the richest league in the world, have a comparitively low wages-to-income ratio compared to the rest of the Premier League, made massive profits in the transfer market on Rooney, Jeffers, Ball, Lescott, Johnson among others... and to top it all an average crowd of 35,000 at every game which must generate a million pounds plus including money spent on matchday.
I find it difficult to believe Kenwright and his claims of the cupboard being bare. Also, every interview I have ever read from players who have played for us always mention the high regard they have for the toffees and our supporters... Contact them and get them on board ? it's the very least they could do in return for the support we gave them in their time in Royal Blue, as I'm sure every player has left Everton financially far better off than when they joined ? and this, as always, is down to the fans. COYB.
150 Posted 29/01/2011 at 21:37:33
As a lot of posters have said here, there needs to be a few things in place:
Minimun subscription rates - £2 rising depending on circumstance.
A single vote for every member regardless of subscription fee.
Complete transparancy in all aspects.
A full internet/email campaign (won't take you long) to generate heat and support from fellow blues.
I am in......Dear Toffeeweb staffers it would be great to get behind this or at least give it some air.
Well done again guys, good luck.
151 Posted 30/01/2011 at 02:12:42
152 Posted 30/01/2011 at 03:44:42
Didn't you set up a website then Tony? Peoples Stadium Trust or something?
What happened, and how can you be sure it won't fizzle out again this time round?
153 Posted 30/01/2011 at 06:49:12
Perth, Western Australia
154 Posted 30/01/2011 at 09:18:26
What we need is thousands of Evertonians to join, not hundreds. We need, at least, nationwide exposure, and we need some "professional" Everton supporters to get onboard. I'm sure there must be solicitors etc who support Everton.
I personally would suggest a much higher figure than £2 a month. You could quadruple that and people still wouldn't miss it... think about it. £2.50 a week!!!!!
I'll be honest I'm a sceptic... but I'm still prepared to get onboard because the possibilities versus "not a lot" per month are worth it. I'm sick of our great club going nowhere, treading water.
155 Posted 30/01/2011 at 09:33:26
156 Posted 30/01/2011 at 12:47:28
157 Posted 30/01/2011 at 12:49:18
Well this is our chance to actually stand up and, literally, put our money where our mouth is.
I read this article a couple of days ago, and relayed the info to my mates in the pub, and we all agreed that £2 p/month is nothing to us (I know that's not the case for everyone) and that there should be no limit to how much people can give per month. The only thing we'd all have to take on board is that person A who gives £2 a month is just as important as person B who gives £20 a month.
"If you know you're history" ? it's pretty sad now that kids sing this and a lot of them don't know our club's history. Let's sort it out.
158 Posted 30/01/2011 at 12:50:47
159 Posted 30/01/2011 at 13:35:44
160 Posted 30/01/2011 at 14:48:44
I read Tom Davies? WSC article ?Sharp end (clubs in crisis)? with great interest recently and was genuinely surprised and pleased that supporters appear, increasingly, to be getting involved in the decision making processes which decide their clubs? destinies on and off the park.
I like your proposal. If it becomes concrete and takes a form that I could approve of (many factors have an influence here including the Trust?s mission, financial structure and ethical code), I would:
- Join and pay a membership and monthly fee.
- Pledge a set amount of time per week/month to provide whatever services I can free of charge to the Trust. I?ve had a pretty varied career and have experience in a lot of fields. I?d be happy to just send you my CV and go from there.
In the meantime, if you take the idea further, I?d be more than happy to contribute to other more specific forums which might help develop your ideas. I visit ToffeeWeb several times a week. I?ll keep an eye on where this goes.
Good luck.
161 Posted 30/01/2011 at 16:03:54
162 Posted 30/01/2011 at 16:47:45
163 Posted 30/01/2011 at 18:34:50
Good luck lads and let's get our club back where it belongs......."The People's Club"
165 Posted 30/01/2011 at 21:36:53
Well done Tony and Mike
166 Posted 30/01/2011 at 21:36:55
Put my name down.
168 Posted 30/01/2011 at 23:35:08
If there is to be a Supporters Trust, and I hope there is, we cannot say we will work with the board no matter what. The Liverpool supporters didn't blindly support Hicks and Gillette, nor should we blindly support the current board. We must hold the good name of our club above everything. That includes the current board!"
The success of this venture lies in the "Articles of Association". We cannot tie ourselves to just a blind supportive role.
In my opinion, Kenwright is killing our club. I do not think that is solely my opinion. We must be in a position to call for a Board to go if, in extremis, that is the majority view of the trust.
Having said that, there is a chance we could become an influence which our club is in dire need of. I would be happy to muck in for whatever the agreed contribution turns out to be.
One thing I am certain of: if we as a supporters don't do something drastic, I'm worried that our club is heading to oblivion and back to our roots in Stanley Park with coats down for goals again.
169 Posted 31/01/2011 at 07:29:00
170 Posted 31/01/2011 at 13:15:34
171 Posted 31/01/2011 at 17:11:32
It would be naive however to assume that just because the proposal is that of a Supporters Trust, that it will automatically get a voice. The level of initial investment and ability to generate future investment is key to the success of any trust, therefore to encourage equality is fine, but will only deter more serious investors from contributing substantially more.
Therefore for this initiative to succeed, all investors cannot be considered equal. That?s just raw economics.
173 Posted 31/01/2011 at 20:33:17
Have just cancelled sky @ £44 pr month. What if we all did the same and diverted our funds accordingly? Just a thought.
174 Posted 31/01/2011 at 20:47:06
Oh no, Appy Arry on Five Live sniffing round Captain Pip (his voice is enough for me to decide not to trust him!)
175 Posted 31/01/2011 at 20:47:06
Oh no, Appy Arry on Five Live sniffing round Captain Pip (his voice is enough for me to decide not to trust him!)
176 Posted 31/01/2011 at 21:08:29
Just to reiterate I'm more than happy to lead / or support on the PR front. Just let me know what you want to do and we can plan our attack. One thing I must say from the off is that although the Trust should seek to engage with the club positively, if we get a sense that the club isn't willing to listen we should amend our tactics accordingly. We need action and we need it quickly and directly.
177 Posted 31/01/2011 at 21:18:29
F C United of Manchester have recently ran a community shares scheme to generate cash for their club to go towards building a new ground in Manchester.
Although both of these aren't necessarily the right options just a couple of other ideas to chuck into the pot.
178 Posted 31/01/2011 at 21:49:00
As a season ticket holder and supporter- home and away - for many years, as are my 3 children, Everton FC is the most important thing in my life after my family and business.
I feel strongly that the level of my investment in the club over some 40 years - financial, emotional and physical - has always lacked something more important -the ability to actually influence the club's direction in a positive , constructive manner -and not simply moaning or praising from the sidelines....a real sense of being involved IN my football club.
Its about time Evertonians did what we used to be respected for throughout the football world - forward - thinking, mould - breaking initiative.
Count me in please chaps - happy to contribute in whatever way you suggest - and a plea from the heart ....don't let this idea slip quietly into the history books.
Well done!
179 Posted 31/01/2011 at 22:05:34
As I listen with increasing despair and disbelief ,to what is unfolding in the transfer frenzy this evening, its clear that the Premier 'Product' is in full swing....and its becoming scary.
180 Posted 31/01/2011 at 22:19:25
Mike and Tony - a response to these posts would maintain some sort of initial momentum - even at this very early stage.
Keep it going guys!
181 Posted 31/01/2011 at 22:14:45
If so, sounds good as long as the subs are inclusive (not prohibitivly high for low earners). I'd be in.
If not ..... then im confused. lol.
182 Posted 31/01/2011 at 22:44:17
Many thanks for your comments to date. Mike and I are working on a response that will be posted later this week. Please bear with us.
183 Posted 01/02/2011 at 06:27:20
Count me in!
184 Posted 01/02/2011 at 09:54:10
185 Posted 01/02/2011 at 11:49:58
At last something positive to come out of this forum.
We need a mission statement and democratic constitution before asking for money though but I'd be prepared to get in at a higher level than the £2 proposed.
Good luck men.
186 Posted 01/02/2011 at 12:26:01
187 Posted 01/02/2011 at 15:13:48
188 Posted 01/02/2011 at 20:15:08
190 Posted 01/02/2011 at 22:36:36
Should make it a worldwide membership so overseas fans can contribute as well.
191 Posted 01/02/2011 at 23:54:44
192 Posted 02/02/2011 at 17:03:49
Tony and Mike.
193 Posted 03/02/2011 at 02:25:52
194 Posted 03/02/2011 at 16:11:08
----------------------------------------------------
This can't happen at Everton because Everton is a Limited company and not floated on a stock market ? therefore any share exchange between a current owner (who, by the way, has to be willing to sell) and a prospective buyer would have to be sanctioned by the appointed broker. In the case of the trust purchasing a share, i would imagine the broker (with the club) would look into the deal at closer ? and obtaining the share would only be successful if the club recognised the Supporters Trust (like Arsenal do)...
If they didn't, and we are talking about the Everton board (who generally won't answer a question on anything difficult), then what 'power' would the trust have, what influence and... most importantly (because the question will get raised eventually) what happens to the raised cash?
195 Posted 03/02/2011 at 17:13:11
So there is no reason why the Trust cannot build up its share ownership in this way... it just takes money.
196 Posted 07/02/2011 at 05:00:15
I live in the States and honestly just started following the EPL this season. The World Cup really got me interested in soccer / football again. I chose to support Everton based on their history as a franchise and the support of the everyday people that make up their fan base.
Coune me in.
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1 Posted 28/01/2011 at 19:21:38