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Post by davehuddscousin on Aug 22, 2015 18:24:46 GMT
In recent years we have seen Supporters Trusts have a very high profile, sadly particularly when clubs are in financial trouble (eg. Portsmouth, Hereford, and Merthyr).
A group of fans is looking at setting up a Supporters Trust for Rovers. I am aware that there was an attempt to do this with the Gas Trust over a decade ago, but that project got 'strangled at birth' by the Club launching the (in)famous share scheme.
However that was then, time has moved on, and many fans feel the time is right to have another go at this model which is used by supporters of many clubs up and down the land. The question is, do we start from scratch, or do we seek to revive the moribund Gas Trust which may still be legally constituted?
If anyone knows anyone who was involved with the Gast Trust can they please get in touch with me (preferably by personal message), so that those wishing to pursue this idea can make contact with them.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2015 19:49:09 GMT
Best of luck.
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nsgas
Joined: July 2014
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Post by nsgas on Aug 22, 2015 20:13:21 GMT
Thanks for trying to make a difference.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2015 20:37:46 GMT
But if the owners wont communicate and dont want your help this will always go nowhere. Unless im getting the wrong end of the stick as I dont know too much about Supporters Trusts.
I will always take my hat off to those supporters who want to help the club but if that help falls on deaf ears what is the point in wasting your own precious time?
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toteend
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 305
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Post by toteend on Aug 22, 2015 21:32:07 GMT
Whenever I see this sort of thread I ask myself the same questions:
A) who has £8m to clear the current debt, and develop/build a stadium
B) where will we get money to invest in the team to get to at least the championship
I think we all know the answers, so it's a non starter. But at least you're intentions are sound.
No, we need new owners and that strikes me as the only way forward.
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Aug 22, 2015 22:11:43 GMT
Brentford had a supporters trust and they went down to Div 2, then they sold the club back to a new board and.....................
Seems to me all the clubs run by a supporters trust seem to be in the lower leagues. We need a Russian Bilonaire
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Aug 22, 2015 23:49:00 GMT
But if the owners wont communicate and dont want your help this will always go nowhere. Unless im getting the wrong end of the stick as I dont know too much about Supporters Trusts. I will always take my hat off to those supporters who want to help the club but if that help falls on deaf ears what is the point in wasting your own precious time? What's going on here? We agree on something! The present BoD will point to the fact that we already have 2 full fans' directors and, unless you have cash that you are willing to hand over, you will be told to meet with Ken and Bryan to see how you can work together. |
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Post by CountyGroundHotel on Aug 23, 2015 10:39:38 GMT
Dave can you be sure to advertise the date of the first meeting on here? I'm sure posters wouldn't want to accidently walk in on such a meeting.
PS: I'd only book a small room for that meeting
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2015 13:44:10 GMT
Brentford had a supporters trust and they went down to Div 2, then they sold the club back to a new board and..................... Seems to me all the clubs run by a supporters trust seem to be in the lower leagues. We need a Russian Bilonaire The only way this club would accommodate a Trust is if the Board were all bailing and they couldn't find anyone else to buy them out. A Trust would only ever be a structure to dump a car crash on and leave the keys with. In other news, please can we stop this disdain for 'lesser' clubs; it's delusional and embarrassing. '...went down to Div 2 [shock horror]'. Heaven forbid, says the club that has made that it's natural habitat and has just gone *up* to Div 2. '...seem to be in the lower leagues'; that'll be us described for the past 22 years then. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2015 14:39:13 GMT
In recent years we have seen Supporters Trusts have a very high profile, sadly particularly when clubs are in financial trouble (eg. Portsmouth, Hereford, and Merthyr). A group of fans is looking at setting up a Supporters Trust for Rovers. I am aware that there was an attempt to do this with the Gas Trust over a decade ago, but that project got 'strangled at birth' by the Club launching the (in)famous share scheme. However that was then, time has moved on, and many fans feel the time is right to have another go at this model which is used by supporters of many clubs up and down the land. The question is, do we start from scratch, or do we seek to revive the moribund Gas Trust which may still be legally constituted? If anyone knows anyone who was involved with the Gast Trust can they please get in touch with me (preferably by personal message), so that those wishing to pursue this idea can make contact with them. A couple of things. The club didn't launch the Share Scheme, it was the supporters' club. Can you tell me what this New trust will add, either in financial or logistical terms please? |
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harrybuckle
Always look on the bright side
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,559
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Post by harrybuckle on Aug 23, 2015 15:03:12 GMT
Trust in the fans ....they will always come back for more ....and more ....but unless you have many millions available to invest you may as well forget it ....or ask Mr Landsdown for a Wonga type loan low interest
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Post by Topper Gas on Aug 23, 2015 16:07:50 GMT
Whenever I see this sort of thread I ask myself the same questions: A) who has £8m to clear the current debt, and develop/build a stadium B) where will we get money to invest in the team to get to at least the championship I think we all know the answers, so it's a non starter. But at least you're intentions are sound. No, we need new owners and that strikes me as the only way forward. Perhaps the OP could answer these points? Apart from clearing the debts I assume BoD might also want the Trust to actually buy the Mem as well, as why would they simply hand over a £15m asset they presently own? |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2015 19:50:46 GMT
But if the owners wont communicate and dont want your help this will always go nowhere. Unless im getting the wrong end of the stick as I dont know too much about Supporters Trusts. I will always take my hat off to those supporters who want to help the club but if that help falls on deaf ears what is the point in wasting your own precious time? What's going on here? We agree on something! The present BoD will point to the fact that we already have 2 full fans' directors and, unless you have cash that you are willing to hand over, you will be told to meet with Ken and Bryan to see how you can work together. Now I am worried  . Seriously, I think 95 % of Rovers supporters agree with that one and the way the club is/has been run over the years. I also agree with some of your other opinions but im not going to tell you that just in case a cyber `friendship` develops  |
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Post by chippenhamgas on Aug 23, 2015 20:27:19 GMT
Whenever I see this sort of thread I ask myself the same questions: A) who has £8m to clear the current debt, and develop/build a stadium B) where will we get money to invest in the team to get to at least the championship I think we all know the answers, so it's a non starter. But at least you're intentions are sound. No, we need new owners and that strikes me as the only way forward. i think we all need to wait until the sains appeal is heard before discussing any potential ways forward off the field, the current board aren't going anywhere or allowing anyone to invest before then because the value of the club could be considerably different in a few months. Top of the league at xmas and a victory in court and their hand strengthens considerably. The higher dc takes us the more attractive a proposition we become to outside investment, but it won't happen until legal avenues re sains are exhausted. A quality upcoming young manager in place, a team growing together who give their all, and planning permission for a new stadium, it's a no brainer. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2015 20:36:08 GMT
Whenever I see this sort of thread I ask myself the same questions: A) who has £8m to clear the current debt, and develop/build a stadium B) where will we get money to invest in the team to get to at least the championship I think we all know the answers, so it's a non starter. But at least you're intentions are sound. No, we need new owners and that strikes me as the only way forward. i think we all need to wait until the sains appeal is heard before discussing any potential ways forward off the field, the current board aren't going anywhere or allowing anyone to invest before then because the value of the club could be considerably different in a few months. Top of the league at xmas and a victory in court and their hand strengthens considerably. The higher dc takes us the more attractive a proposition we become to outside investment, but it won't happen until legal avenues re sains are exhausted. A quality upcoming young manager in place, a team growing together who give their all, and planning permission for a new stadium, it's a no brainer. A few months? 50p says this won't reach the Court of Appeal in 2015. The only way it will be resolved in 'a few months' is if we give it up. In a sweepstake of which month it will reach the court (it it continues), I'll plump for June 2016. |
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Post by chippenhamgas on Aug 23, 2015 20:45:36 GMT
i think we all need to wait until the sains appeal is heard before discussing any potential ways forward off the field, the current board aren't going anywhere or allowing anyone to invest before then because the value of the club could be considerably different in a few months. Top of the league at xmas and a victory in court and their hand strengthens considerably. The higher dc takes us the more attractive a proposition we become to outside investment, but it won't happen until legal avenues re sains are exhausted. A quality upcoming young manager in place, a team growing together who give their all, and planning permission for a new stadium, it's a no brainer. A few months? 50p says this won't reach the Court of Appeal in 2015. The only way it will be resolved in 'a few months' is if we give it up. In a sweepstake of which month it will reach the court (it it continues), I'll plump for June 2016. may well be so but this board aren't going anywhere until the appeal is heard, at least until then we have positively on the field to enjoy, something we haven't had for a long time. |
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SE5 Gas
Joined: July 2014
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Post by SE5 Gas on Aug 23, 2015 21:13:17 GMT
In recent years we have seen Supporters Trusts have a very high profile, sadly particularly when clubs are in financial trouble (eg. Portsmouth, Hereford, and Merthyr). A group of fans is looking at setting up a Supporters Trust for Rovers. I am aware that there was an attempt to do this with the Gas Trust over a decade ago, but that project got 'strangled at birth' by the Club launching the (in)famous share scheme. However that was then, time has moved on, and many fans feel the time is right to have another go at this model which is used by supporters of many clubs up and down the land. The question is, do we start from scratch, or do we seek to revive the moribund Gas Trust which may still be legally constituted? If anyone knows anyone who was involved with the Gast Trust can they please get in touch with me (preferably by personal message), so that those wishing to pursue this idea can make contact with them. Hi Dave, Can i recommend you get in touch with Jacqui Forster at Supporters Direct if you haven't already. They are the body that have helped all supporters trusts get off the ground and have also had a key role in the handful of clubs that have achieved outright supporter ownership. In response to a few posts on here, it's important to distinguish between the desire to set up a supporters trust and doing what Bath City fans are trying to do and take complete control. Supporters trusts can have a lot of influence and benefit the whole club without having a majority or even significant shares. Bambers right in that the existing share scheme and supporters club complicate things a little but i don't think it creates a barrier that can't be overcome. Dare I say it, but it's worth looking south of the river to see whats happened with their supporters trust. They set up ten years ago at a time when the club had already had an existing and active supporters club (like ours). They operated alongside each other for a number of years and have recently merged. Obviously Lansdown owns pretty much the whole show but they still manage to get his ear and get things done. I'm not a member of the supporters club, I'm sure some on here are and will no better than me but i know the potential merits of converting to a supporters trust were discussed at an Executive Committee meeting last year, they decided against it but i imagine it is still something they may consider. If some fans take the initiative and get the ball rolling and drum up support for a trust then perhaps they'd be more likely to look at it again. There's been a few threads like this on here in recent months so there is clearly a fair bit of interest. Let us know Dave when and where you are meeting. I for one would be interested. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2015 21:46:36 GMT
In recent years we have seen Supporters Trusts have a very high profile, sadly particularly when clubs are in financial trouble (eg. Portsmouth, Hereford, and Merthyr). A group of fans is looking at setting up a Supporters Trust for Rovers. I am aware that there was an attempt to do this with the Gas Trust over a decade ago, but that project got 'strangled at birth' by the Club launching the (in)famous share scheme. However that was then, time has moved on, and many fans feel the time is right to have another go at this model which is used by supporters of many clubs up and down the land. The question is, do we start from scratch, or do we seek to revive the moribund Gas Trust which may still be legally constituted? If anyone knows anyone who was involved with the Gast Trust can they please get in touch with me (preferably by personal message), so that those wishing to pursue this idea can make contact with them. Hi Dave, Can i recommend you get in touch with Jacqui Forster at Supporters Direct if you haven't already. They are the body that have helped all supporters trusts get off the ground and have also had a key role in the handful of clubs that have achieved outright supporter ownership. In response to a few posts on here, it's important to distinguish between the desire to set up a supporters trust and doing what Bath City fans are trying to do and take complete control. Supporters trusts can have a lot of influence and benefit the whole club without having a majority or even significant shares. Bambers right in that the existing share scheme and supporters club complicate things a little but i don't think it creates a barrier that can't be overcome. Dare I say it, but it's worth looking south of the river to see whats happened with their supporters trust. They set up ten years ago at a time when the club had already had an existing and active supporters club (like ours). They operated alongside each other for a number of years and have recently merged. Obviously Lansdown owns pretty much the whole show but they still manage to get his ear and get things done. I'm not a member of the supporters club, I'm sure some on here are and will no better than me but i know the potential merits of converting to a supporters trust were discussed at an Executive Committee meeting last year, they decided against it but i imagine it is still something they may consider. If some fans take the initiative and get the ball rolling and drum up support for a trust then perhaps they'd be more likely to look at it again. There's been a few threads like this on here in recent months so there is clearly a fair bit of interest. Let us know Dave when and where you are meeting. I for one would be interested. Good luck to anybody who stops talking and actually tries to make a difference. I don't mean this in a nasty or disparaging way, but the commitment needed to make something like this work is huge. Unless a few people of the calibre of Kim Stucky, John Malyckyj, Clive Farquhar and Roger Cooper can be unearthed and those people are able and willing to give all of their spare time then this simply won't get off the ground. |
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Post by fatherjackhackett on Aug 24, 2015 7:27:31 GMT
You'll probably get someone like Nobby, backed by the board, publicly trying to bribe you to fold fairly early on (yes, that really did happen).
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Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,069
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Post by Angas on Aug 24, 2015 8:12:51 GMT
You'll probably get someone like Nobby, backed by the board, publicly trying to bribe you to fold fairly early on (yes, that really did happen). And in that sentence you sum up for me exactly why the original gas trust had problems winning over the fan base. Wrong time, wrong people, I'm afraid. |
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. Seriously, I think 95 % of Rovers supporters agree with that one and the way the club is/has been run over the years. 
