Press Release

The Walsall Supporters' Trust has succeeded in gaining a shareholding in Walsall Football Club Ltd. for its members. The Trust has purchased 73 shares, making it one of the largest shareholders in the Club. It now has more shares than two of the current Directors. Whilst Mr Bonser has a massive number of shares, the Trust's shareholding is very significant amongst the other shareholders. In particular, this success is due to the efforts of Phil Sturgess and Ray Rowley who negotiated the transfer and sale with the various parties.

The main objective of the Trust is "to strengthen the bonds between Walsall Football Club and the local community in Walsall [the community which it serves] and to represent the interests of the community in the running of Walsall Football Club". Steve Shaw, Vice-Chair of the Trust, said that he saw the purchase of shares as a major step in achieving this objective: "we now have a share in the body which legally owns the club that we love, and we hope that this can be used to build positive links with the Board." Phil Sturgess, an elected Trustee, noted that the Trust "has to use its shareholding to further the involvement of the supporters in the running of the club. This means improving the supporters' access to information about the direction of Walsall FC, and the communication between the Directors and the fans."

In furthering the aims of the Trust, gaining a shareholding was vital. Brian Lomax, Supporters Direct Chair, said: "This represents a significant step forward for Walsall supporters in helping them achieve some influence in the way their club is run. We at Supporters Direct hope the Supporters' Trust development helps secure a better partnership with the board, and works to the progress of the club."

As well as holding a Sportsman's evening with Tommy Coakley, which raised money for Pelsall Villa Colts, the purchase of shares has allowed the Trust to set down firm roots in the local community. Whilst the Trust Board will continue to contact shareholders, they would welcome the chance to talk to others who would be willing to sell, or delegate the proxy of, all or some of their own shares. The acquisition of a substantial block of shares will give the Trust, and therefore the community, more influence with the football club's Directors.

The Trust Board hopes that its first-year successes will help increase membership. To this end, the individual membership fee for next season is to be reduced to £2.50. The Trust hopes that this will encourage more people to join, and give it more momentum as it seeks to generate a proactive role for the community in the running of the club.