The Government has got the idea .but football clubs?
Having two government ministers, Andy Burnham and Gerry Sutcliffe, speaking was a coup in itself, but to hear them both promoting football trusts and the principles behind them so passionately, demonstrated that there is better understanding and more backing in government than we could have hoped for. With the promotion of Social Enterprise as a growing model and the new Community Interest Companies as the new ideal legal framework, we can't complain that there isn't a clear path to follow in the medium term. This contrasts starkly with the situation within many football clubs, which remains "Jurassic" or at least, not very progressive, as seemed to be demonstrated by some of the comments that we heard relating to Premiership clubs.
Thanks to the forum of the Conference we were able to take comfort from the fact that many clubs and Trusts are in a similar position to ourselves. We can get valuable information and ideas from these trusts as well as passing on any successful initiatives of our own.
We can and have used Supporters Direct as a sounding board on so many issues and hugely value their counsel. We can learn from the professionals - lawyers and accountants and get a sense of when we should call on them for help and advice. Now, thanks to the workshop with Dan Levy of Stockport County and Adam Kaucher of Cobbetts Solicitors, we have learnt at close quarters what it is really like to go through the nitty gritty of the takeover of a football club by a supporters Trust. We saw the gory details and the compromises exposed, the stamina, determination and concentration required - but all worth it of course! One big message here; be prepared to walk away if the terms of the purchase wouldn't work for the benefit of the Trust. Also we'd better be thick skinned if we ever do get control of our club. One of the Stockport delegates told us that after the successful takeover of his club when he was attending a home game and the team were 2-0 down, that one of the fans complained along the lines of "It's no better - in fact it couldn't be worse" to which he replied that it could - "I'm off to put my boots on!" and walked away. Don't expect a long honeymoon period.
It may be a harsh environment for trusts owning clubs, but the omens so far suggest a big improvement from the typical previous owners. Clubs with major trust influence or control have steadied the finances, breaking even (or better) on an operating basis, showing that vital financial stability can be achieved. Most have attracted higher gates and have achieved a better - than - average on-field performance. However, the real test will be over a longer period. Maintaining the structure of the club and improving on it will be vital.
At the conference we saw a clear demonstration of the passion of a local council, and how to make constructive progress for the benefit of the community, through AFC Telford's co-operation with Telford and Wrekin council. The council has many partnership developments around the club and in fact see the football club as the key unifying factor for the whole town, something which it had struggled with through other initiatives. Now we see a different and better scenario with the club promoting the town and being a focus for community pride, and with a council that puts its weight behind the club's endeavours. This is quite another level from what we generally see and something to which all trusts with club ownership or influence can aspire.
Finally, if I counted correctly there were just four delegates from Premiership clubs comfortably outnumbered by just one trust alone, with the highest total of six, from - yes, you've guessed it - The Posh Supporters Trust!
Peter Lloyd, Chairman, The Posh Supporters Trust
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