Press Release

The Walsall Supporters' Trust today hailed the AGM of Walsall FC Ltd. as a great success for its members. The statements that were issued by the Board of Directors and Mr Bonser in response to the Trust's questions have given the supporters and shareholders of the club access to more information. Trust secretary Phil Sturgess noted that the main aim of submitting the questions was "to get clarification on a number of issues that the Trust's 400 members had raised."

The Trust Board fully concur with the belief that Walsall FC must be able "to play at the highest level that our resources allow" whilst "maintaining the financial stability of the club". Richard Hall, the Trust Chair believes "there is absolutely no point in pushing the club beyond its financial capabilities. However, the supporters and shareholders need fuller information in order to understand better what those capabilities are, and so that they do not jump to the wrong conclusions about club policy." The supporters and shareholders need to understand why the actions of the Directors are in the club's best interests and are appropriate for the whole community.

The Trust believes that it if the Directors are to be entrusted by the community of Walsall as custodians of the club, then this cannot be based on blind faith alone. Mr Bonser has asked that the Trust should "make sure that any further public statements are based on fact, and not speculation and innuendo". The Trust is not trying to point the finger at individuals or groups, or to make claims based upon hearsay. The Trust will always try to be co-operative with the club and try to understand the Board's point-of-view, whilst being proactive in its members' interests. In light of this, the Trust will continue to ask the club for information about relevant issues and press for a dialogue.

The focus of its AGM questions was to gain information about how the Directors were going to ensure the club's Division 1 survival and its future. David Roe, the Trust Treasurer noted that "the key to better relations with the fans is open discussion and two-way communication. That way the club can avoid a breeding ground for any mistrust."

Whilst the Trust managed to gain information concerning the rent on the lease and the town centre shop, two other key issues for its members are the proposed new stand and the club's action plan for staying in the higher division. The Director's statement noted that "the Board are mystified and disappointed by the negative nature of some of the questions asked." However, the Board has not given as much information about the stand as the supporters would like. In response to the Trust's questions the Board noted that "Any financial shortfall will be financed by the club from its own resources".

There are further questions about the funding of the project which the Trust will be following up with the Board. Richard Hall argued that the Trust fully agrees with the Board's view that this "project demonstrates the commitment of your Board to enable the club to compete in the first division". He said, "it makes a powerful statement that we intend to become an established Division 1 club." But he added, "the supporters and shareholders need to understand more fully how it will be funded and how its funding will impact upon the team. Equally important are the implications it has for filling the ground when the capacity increases."

One final concern was raised by the club's response to the Trust's question concerning its action plan for staying in Division 1. The Board argued that it would follow "the same action plan that it has pursued for the past ten years". The Trust agrees that this has made the club viable in an age of spiralling playing costs and congratulates the Board on their achievements. One important issue that arises from this is that an action plan to get out of Division 2 is not necessarily one that will allow for survival in Division 1. The Trust will be asking the club to clarify its position.

The Trust would like to reiterate that it shares the delight of all Walsall supporters at the club's great successes in the last 12 months. The thousands of supporters played a critical role in laying the foundations for this success. The Trust will continue to further exert the positive influence of these people. The Trust Board hopes that the AGM and our work following it can create a forum for true debate. The Walsall Supporters' Trust is seeking to establish a partnership with the Board of Walsall FC.