On a damp autumnal evening in SE7, Charlton diehards came together for Round 2 in the process to establish a Supporters Trust. The turnout was well down on the inaugral session and for a brief moment there was an air of defeatism. At the death, however, there was near unamimous agreement to push on with a third meeting that will look for ratification of the early aims as well as seeking initial candidates with the time and skillsets needed to get the Trust up and running. There were seven early volunteers, so already enough to get things moving.
The initial aim of the Trust will be deliberately high-level and will focus upon working to improve communication between the club and it's supporters as well as looking to pool minority supporter shareholdings in order to gain credibility. Working to ensure the Club continues to thrive in Greenwich remains a central theme. More from Ben Hayes on Charlton Life shortly...
Is this about Ben Hayes then?
ReplyDeleteGive the bloke a break. He believes the club needs a ST. As a previous fan-on-the-board, he iis entitled to his view on that. He has made it very clear that he will not be pursuing any position in the ST. Presumably because of reactions like yours.
ReplyDeletePlaying Devil's Advocate to a certain extent here.
ReplyDeleteIf the initial meeting was attended by around 50 people & last night's attendance was considerably down on that, despite much publicity, is there actually any real support for a Trust?
With such a low level of interest, how can the group claim to be representing the fans?
Is it an ego trip for the few?
It's a fair comment, however, the first session answered a lot of questions about "what a Supporters Trust is." Presumably a number if those present went home satisfied and have no interest in the next stages in terms of setting one up and running it. Our blistering start to the season has also not helped in that we all have something more positive to think about for a change. Bottom-line is that there was massive unrest at the Board's lack of communication during the Summer and considerable fear of Administration and all that brings with it. If a ST is just about egos then it won't get far. They take time to set-up and mature. Better in my book that we have one ready and able to influence opinion and to respond in a crisis than have to start in adversity like most others have had to.
ReplyDeleteNo probs with any of that Dave but one more genuine question.
ReplyDeleteIf the initial aim is to establish better communications from club to fans - which surely everyone would agree is a good thing - is that not duplicating what the Fans Forum was brought in to do? Was the FF member at last night's meeting happy enough with the proposal?