News Archive
November 17 2005
The Walsall FC AGM was held on Monday 7th
November. Click here to read the Trust’s
report on the meeting.
In response to Roy Whalley's attack on the
Trust in last Saturday's matchday programme, the Trust has sent a letter to the
club. The Club's reply will also be posted once received. Click here to read a copy of the Trust’s letter
to the Club.
November 1 2005
At the Walsall FC AGM to be held on Monday
7th November, the Trust will be asking the following questions:
1.
It was pleasing to note that Sporting Khalsa
provided the ball-boys for the designated ‘Kick Racism out of Football’ fixture
against Doncaster, following on from the clubs’ pre-season friendly. What other
specific strategies are the Community Liaison Team deploying to increase
engagement with local minority communities in the Borough? How will the Club
assess whether these have been a success?
2.
The decision to invite Ron Atkinson to appear
as an after-dinner speaker at Bescot Stadium clearly conflicts with the club's
involvement in the 'Kick Racism out of Football' campaign. Could the club
clarify:
- why this individual has been invited to speak; and
- that individuals who propagate racist views will not be considered
for future events?
3.
Walsall FC Ltd. is currently reporting net
liabilities of £1.128 million. The auditors report that it is reliant on the
directors’ ongoing financial support to continue as a going-concern over the
next twelve months. Under what circumstances would the directors withdraw their
support?
4.
The accounts reference cash-flow forecasts
that were made before they were signed. How is the business currently
progressing against these cash flow forecasts? Based upon actual cash-flow and
projected forecasts, will the next set of accounts for the current financial
year show increased liabilities to the Directors?
5.
What specific plans are in-place to ensure
that Walsall FC Ltd becomes self-sufficient rather than depending upon loans
from the Board of Directors? Under what circumstances will the Board sell our
rising stars in order to meet the club’s liabilities?
6.
Will the Board supply written answers to each of the questions submitted
to the AGM to its shareholders, either at the meeting or on request thereafter?
October 31 2005
The Walsall Supporters’
Trust is delighted to announce an association with Henwood Court Financial
Planning Ltd.
Henwood Court is a firm of
Independent Financial Advisers specialising in all areas of personal finance
including mortgages, investments, pensions and life assurance.
The proprietor Nicholas
Platt is a fellow Walsall fan and Trust member. Nick has agreed to make a
contribution to the Trust for any member that completes business with Henwood
Court Financial Planning.
Therefore, you will not only
receive professional independent financial advice (from a Saddler), but you
will be making a contribution to the Trust that will help us to in promoting
our and Walsall Football Club’s cause.
You may contact Henwood
Court on 0845 055 1970, or e-mail info@henwoodcourt.com.
You may also wish to visit their web-site, www.henwoodcourt.com.
October 7 2005
Prediction League Competition
The 2005 - 06 Walsall Supporters' Trust
prediction league for League 1 is now open for competition.
Please feel-free to enter and to pass it on
to your mates.
· Simply
copy-and-paste each of the League 1 teams into the final table, to give the
final standings for League One in the current season.
· After
the last game in each month we will create an average score for each entrant based
upon each place that you are out for each team in your prediction.
· The
winner is the person with the best average score for the final standings in
League One.
· The
cost is £3.00 per entrant
· To be
eligible you must email your prediction to enquiries@walsallfctrust.co.uk
by noon on November 11. Or post it to the Trust address below.
· To
pay, either give your £3 to a Trustee or send a cheque for £3 made payable to
Walsall Supporters' Trust to: Walsall Supporters' Trust, 3 Hollinwell Close,
Bloxwich, Walsall. WS3 3UL.
Prizes
· 50 per
cent of takings from the prediction league will go to the Trust.
· The
winner of the prediction league will receive 25 per cent of takings.
· Second
place will receive 15 per cent of takings.
· Third
place will receive 10 per cent of takings.
· Each
month a league table of scores for all the entrants will appear here at: www.walsallfctrust.co.uk
Right Click here
and select 'Save Target as' to download the Prediction League entry form.
October 7 2005
A Trust Board meeting was held on 17th
September. Click here to read the minutes taken at
the meeting.
August 2 2005
A Trust Board meeting was held on 28th July.
Click here to read the minutes taken at the
meeting.
May 16 2005
The WST AGM was held on April 13th. Click here to read the minutes of the AGM.
Walsall Supporters’ Trust Raffle 2005
Results
of the raffle draw of 23rd April 2005 drawn at the Saddlers Club
5.30pm.
Ticket
No.
1st
Prize Bernadette Shenon 2751
2nd
Prize Geoff Whiting 2566
3rd
Prize Mike Cheadle 4822
4th
Prize D Neville 4356
5th
Prize J Lappin 4784
6th
Prize Andy Clarke 4900
Thanks to all who
took part
February 25 2005
If you already buy online through the likes of
Amazon, Marks and Spencer, CD-Wow or numerous other well known shopping sites,
do it now through the Walsall Supporters Trust web shop - not only will you
still be getting great discounts, but you will also be helping the Trust raise
funds. At no cost to you, the retailer will make a donation to the Trust if you
use our link to make your purchase.
There are over 80 retailers involved in this
scheme, so whether you are buying clothing, a new phone, booking a holiday or
even changing your bank account or electricity supplier:
Click
the banner below and help the Trust raise funds.
February 9 2005
A Trust Board meeting was held on 2nd
February. Click here to read the minutes taken at
the meeting.
November 15 2004
Here are the answers to the Trust’s
questions at the Walsall FC AGM to be held on Monday 8th November.
1. The Club
has successfully cut its operating costs by 10 per cent and yet for the second
consecutive year it made an operating loss of over £900,000. Unlike the last
financial year this has required a £ 1 million loan from Mr Bonser. How does
the Board plan to recover the Football Club's overall financial position?
The Board
plans to recover the Club's overall financial position through a number of
ongoing commercial ventures that will increase the Club's profits and provide
essential new revenue streams to secure the Club's future. In addition to
this we will cut costs wherever possible to ensure the Company returns to
profitability.
2. The loans
that are secured, in part by way of a legal charge over the football stadium,
are over £1 million and do not include interest payments. These need to be
repaid within 5 years. On current projections the rent owed by the Club will
have exceeded £500,000 per annum by the end of that term. How does the Board
intent to meet these commitments whilst addressing current liabilities and
maintaining the liquidity of the Club? If the Club defaults on these payments
will the stadium revert to the Self-Invested Pension Plan of J. W. Bonser? What
are the implications of this approach for the financial future of the Club?
In order to
answer these questions it is important to point out that whilst the loans are
due for repayment within five years, there is the facility to renegotiate
the repayment terms at any point during the life of the loans.
The stadium
rent is subject to RPI, so in five year's time, based on the current RPI of 3.1
% the annual commitment will be approximately £380,000, and not exceeding
£500,000 as stated in the question. This is of course assuming that there is no
further investment from the landlord that would obviously lead to an increase
in the rent. However, it has increased by over RPI for the last
three years, so on current projections it will be £500k+
Bearing this
in mind, the Board are confident the Club will be able to manage any loan
commitments whilst addressing current liabilities and maintaining the liquidity
of the Club.
The
Self-Invested Pension Plan, of which Mr Bonser is a policyholder, already owns
Bescot Stadium and surrounding land. Should the Club be unable to fulfil its rental
commitments then it would be bound by the terms and conditions of the lease
agreement, as it would with any other legally binding landlord/tenant
arrangement.
3. According to note 24(b),
the Club sold an area of land covered by the long-lease back to Mr Bonser's
Self-Invested Personal Pension Plan. Can the Board clarify how the Club can
sell land that is leasehold and not freehold? Why does this not appear in note
10, under Tangible Fixed Assets?
The sale of
land as stated within note 24(b) refers to the sale of the Club's interest in
the lease on the land.
There has
been no impact of this sale recognised within note 10 Tangible Fixed Assets as
the land was gifted to the Club by the J. W. Bonser Limited Small Self
Administered Scheme, who were the landlords in 1994, and added to the existing
lease at £Nil book-value. Consequently there was no subsequent increase in the
annual rental charge to reflect this addition.
4. The land
covered by the long leasehold will now have reduced by 9 per cent of its value.
Will there be a concomitant decrease in annual rent due from the Club? Why do
the Board feel that it is in the Club's best interests to sell off its assets
in this way?
There will be no
concomitant decrease in annual rent due from the Club as the land in question
has never been subject to a rental charge on the Club.
The sale of
the Club's interest in the lease on the land was seen at this time as a
one-off. The Board felt that it was in the best interests of the club to sell
this asset on the basis that it had no commercial value to the Club at that
time. The Board also felt that the development of a hotel on the site would
have a number of direct benefits to the Club as it will compliment our current
conferencing and banqueting facilities.
This is important – can we know that the hotel will not impact upon the rent once it is built? Also, why was it seen as commercially acceptable to sell the land to build the hotel and divert a long-term income stream away from the club?
5.
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club recently celebrated the acquisition of
their cricket ground. They claim that the move will "secure their future
and provide increased flexibility in taking the Club forward" despite the
fact that prior to the purchase they had "enjoyed a long term lease at a
favourable rent". Given that, at the current rate of growth, Walsall
Football Club will pay around £1 million in rent on the Bescot site over the
next three years, why does the board feel that renting is still the best
business case for Walsall Football Club?
The purchase of the Bescot
stadium site has been the subject of constant review over the last ten years or
so, but under the current financial climate, largely created by the uncertainty
surrounding by the ability of football clubs to pay their debts, the Club has
been unable to source a suitable lender willing to back a proposed purchase.
This review is ongoing.
This is important – will the club work with the supporters to investigate suitable vendors? What are the criteria for a suitable vendor?
November 2 2004
At the Walsall FC AGM to be held on Monday
8th November, the Trust will be asking the following questions:
1. The
Club has successfully cut its operating costs by 10 per cent and yet for the
second consecutive year it made an operating loss of over £900,000. Unlike the
last financial year the club has required a £1 million loan from Mr Bonser. How
does the Board plan to recover the football club’s overall financial position?
2. The loans
that are secured, in part by way of a legal charge over the football stadium,
are over £1 million pounds and do not include interest payments. These need to
be paid within 5 years. On current projections the rent owed by the club will
have exceeded £500,000 per annum by the end of that term. How does the Board
intend to meet these commitments whilst addressing current liabilities and
maintaining the liquidity of the club? If the club defaults on these payments
will the stadium revert to the Self-Invested Pension Plan of J.W. Bonser? What
are the implications of this approach for the financial future of the club?
3. According
to note 24 (b), the club sold an area of land covered by the long-lease back to
Mr Bonser’s Self-Invested Personal Pension Plan. Can the Board clarify how the
club can sell land that is leasehold and not freehold? Why does this not appear
in note 10, under Tangible Fixed Assets?
4. The
land covered by the long leasehold will now have reduced by 9 per cent of its
value. Will there be a concomitant decrease in annual rent due from the club?
Why do the Board feel that it is in the club's best interests to sell off its
assets in this way?
5. Gloucestershire
County Cricket Club recently celebrated the acquisition of their cricket ground.
They claim that the move will "secure their future and provide increased
flexibility in taking the Club forward" despite the fact that prior to the
purchase they had "enjoyed a long term lease at a favourable rent".
Given that, at the current rate of growth, Walsall Football Club will pay
around £1 million in rent on the Bescot site over the next 3 years, why does
the Board feel that renting is still the best business case for Walsall FC?
6. Will
the Board supply written answers to each of the questions submitted to the AGM
to its shareholders, either at the meeting or on request thereafter?
Trust
Chair Richard Hall hopes that the issues raised will be seen by the club in a
positive light. He noted that “with falling turnover and gate receipts, operating
losses appear to have been reduced by the sale of assets. The club has also
been supported by a loan from Mr Bonser. We feel that supporters and
shareholders should know how the club’s debts will be managed.”
In
line with the Board’s focus upon maintaining the financial stability of the
club, these questions are intended to help supporters to understand the actions
of the Directors.
May 11 2004
Sunday’s game against Rotherham United saw
another “Red Alert” day with special thanks going to SR Print Management for the
balloon-sponsorship. They are a commercial printing company, offering a
competitive, deadline-beating service in all types of print; brochure printing,
litho printing, digital and screen print, focusing on providing a best quality
price fit between your needs and our proven network of print industry partners.
The NMFE fanzine,
prime movers for the “Red Alert” days stated that they would like to place on
record its thanks to all those who volunteered their time to help distribute
the balloons on matchday and also to the Walsall Supporters Trust and
thesaddlersfc.com for their official support, also to Rob at UpTheSaddlers.com
for publishing the press releases, to Tim Clark at the Express and Star for
paper coverage and in no means least to Steve Rushton of SR Print Management
for the sponsorship of the RED ALERT II. Thanks must also go to the club to for
their gracious decision to allow us to distribute the balloons on club
property.
April 20 2004
Whatever happens on Saturday the fight for
survival will go on. However our home games provide the best opportunity for
getting the results we need to secure our survival in the first division. As
fans we can play our part in maximising our home advantage.
To this end, at the Sheffield United game on
Saturday, the Trust, Ninety Minutes From Europe, and TheSaddlersFC.com have
joined together to provide a united front. At the game, 8,000 red balloons will
be distributed amongst the home support, and it is hoped that this will help
create a carnival atmosphere of positive support behind the players.
No politics, no pro or anti anything or
anyone; just full bloodied support for the team. This initiative is a huge
opportunity for all Walsall supporters to show the club and the players what
can be achieved if we all pull together. It is a chance for all of us to
demonstrate what First Division status means to the community, and to highlight
how integral the fans are to the future of Walsall FC. This needs to be the
first step in a collective approach by the fans to engaging with the Board to
take this club forward.
We fully believe that there is the ability,
talent and will amongst the players to make sure that we retain our first
division status. We fully believe that our energy, passion and enthusiasm can
only help in this aim.
If you can, wear something red. Wear the
colours with pride.
We will be approaching the club to see if
there are any further avenues to help the club make the atmosphere on the day even
greater.
If you want to get involved in helping out
on the organisation of the day, with the distribution of balloons or have any
super dooper ideas then email now.
We can do this. We can make a difference.
February 25 2004
The WST AGM was held on February 10th. Click here to read the minutes of the AGM.
January 12 2004
A Trust Board meeting was held on 29th
December. Click here to read the minutes taken at
the meeting.
December 18 2003
The Board of Directors of Walsall FC gave
only cursory and unconvincing answers to the Trust’s questions at the club’s
AGM. Click here to read the Trust’s Press Release on the
matter.
December 8 2003
At the Walsall FC AGM to be held on Monday
15th December, the Trust will be asking the following questions:
1.
How does the Board of
Directors plan to fund the development of the proposed new stand at the William
Sharp End of Bescot Stadium? What is the risk to Walsall FC Ltd. of the funding
mechanism, given the extant £1 million loss and the increase in creditors?
2.
From the annual report,
the £1 million loss was caused by our entering into contracts on the basis of
the ITV Digital and FLPTV Internet Portal monies being paid to us. What risk
assessment and financial contingency plans were put in-place at the signing of
these deals?
3.
Given that match
receipts seem constant over time, what strategy does the Board have for
increasing turnover to a point where the loss of TV and internet income is
easier to manage, and how will it be implemented?
4.
Significant savings on
expenses have already been made. In what areas are further savings anticipated
and how will these affect on-field activities?
5.
Creditors due this year
have increased dramatically. Does Walsall FC Ltd. have the liquidity to enable
it to pay its debts as they become due? From where will Walsall FC Ltd. find
the payments?
6.
On the balance sheet,
debtors are up by £489, 000. Can the Board confirm that these have been
collected?
7.
Walsall FC Ltd. took
out £462,000 of financing last year, whilst the bank balance decreased by
£475,000 and creditors increased by £900,000. Other than from our debtors,
where will the monies come from this year to cover these liabilities?
8.
In the accounts the
trend for cash is negative. Is the bank balance of Walsall FC Ltd. currently
negative? If so, what security has been put up to cover it?
9. There is a £566,000 accrual for players’ and agents’ fees. Can the Board clarify the make-up of these fees?
Answers will be posted here as soon as possible after the AGM.
September 30 2003
A Trust Board meeting was held on 27th
September. Click here to read the minutes taken at
the meeting.
September 17 2003
The Trust raffle raised £300 for Acorns
Hospice and £300 for the Trust. Many thanks to everyone who contributed and, in
particular, to Dave Roe and Phil Sturgess for their work on the raffle. The
Trust will be using its half of the proceeds to cover further share
acquisitions. The Raffle winners were as follows:
1st prize, Ian Roper's signed 2002-03 shirt
- D. Spragg (claimed);
2nd prize, a Cardiff play-off final
programme signed by Graydon, Goodman and Byfield - C. Lockley (ticket 3897);
3rd prize, a ball signed by the play-off
promotion winning team - D. Clarke (ticket 0168);
4th prize, a night out for two in the Bonser
suite - M. Higginson (ticket 1865);
5th prize, a copy of Jimmy Walker's
autobiography - T. Carrington (ticket 2242).
We will be contacting the winners this week.
August 14 2003
We have today issued a Press
Release concerning the Trust Raffle. Members are to be aware that we will
be available at a Trust Membership Table on the Joseph Leckie approach to the
ground on Saturday 23 August from 1.30-2.45pm, and by Matalan on that approach
to the ground on Saturday 30 August. You can drop off monies and stubs to us
then.
August 11 2003
We are raffling the signed
shirt worn by last year’s player-of-the-season, Ian Roper, who was sponsored by
the Trust. The other prizes are:
- a Cardiff play-off final programme signed by
Graydon, Goodman and Byfield;
- a ball signed by the play-off promotion winning
team;
- a night our for two in the Bonser suite; and
- a copy of Jimmy Walker’s autobiography.
Each ticket costs 50p and
the profits will be split between Ian Roper’s nominated charity, the Acorns
Children's Hospice and the Trust. The draw will be
made in the Saddlers’ Club, at 5.30pm on Saturday 13 September (after the Derby
County game).
Books of tickets are being posted to members
to sell along with the latest Trust newsletter.
Members are also advised that annual
membership cost is being increased to £2. Family membership is now £4 per year.
July 1 2003
Representatives of the Trust attended the
Supporters Liaison Committee Forum meeting on 30th June. Click
here to read the notes taken at the meeting.
June 5 2003
The Football Governance Research Centre has
issued its interim report on the West Midlands Sustainable Trusts. You can
download a copy of the report by clicking
here.
As you may be aware, Saddlers Player of the
Season Ian Roper was sponsored by the Trust this season and we will be raffling
his shirt signed by the Walsall FC squad in the pre-season. Watch this space
for further details.
April 8 2003
We have today received the share certificate
for the sixty shares brought recently. This means we now own 133 shares in the
football club. Press Release
March 19 2003
The Football Supporters’ Federation is
inviting all fans to a “Football Supporters’ Parliamentary Lobby” on Tuesday
April 1st. The aim is to lobby Members of Parliament about television’s influence
on football with particular concerns on kick-off times for fans, televised
matches effects on gates at other games and the distribution of TV money. The
assembly starts at 11.45am at Westminster Central Hall. For more details click this link or email the organisers.
February 7 2003
At the WST AGM held on January 29th, Steve
Shaw stood down as a Trustee. We would like to thank him for all his work and
welcome Paul Geiss as a new member of the Trust Board. Ray Rowley has also been
voted the new Trust Vice-Chair and we a re very pleased that he has agreed to
accept this position. Click here to read the
minutes of the AGM.
January 23 2003
A quick reminder that the Walsall
Supporters' Trust AGM takes place at the Saddlers’ Club, Bescot Stadium next
Wednesday January 29th at 7.30pm - All members welcome.
November 7 2002
Trust Questions to the Board
at the AGM are included with their answers in bold.
i. It is Nationwide League
policy for all clubs to have a customer charter. How can supporters access
Walsall FC's charter? What is the process for the football club to deal with a
grievance?
The charter can be
located in the customer reception office. All grievances and complaints mailed
to the club will be dealt with in 14 days. Supporters can also use the focus
group of the Liaison Committee as an access point.
ii. Are the Directors
willing to hold a question and answer session with all shareholders to discuss
the outcomes of the AGM?
The Q&A session is
held at the AGM with all questions submitted one week before the date.
iii. What risk assessment
have the Board of Directors undertaken concerning the sale and lease of Bescot
Stadium? Is this risk assessment open to be viewed by the shareholders?
The Directors of the
football club do not see the need for a risk assessment of the sale and lease.
They are confident that there are no problems.
iv. According to the
Official Walsall FC web site "Saddlers' Owner, Jeff Bonser, warned
shareholders that the demise of ITV Digital, with the subsequent loss of
revenue, means that it may be some years before the club will again achieve
this (2001-2002) level of turnover." In light of this comment it makes
sense for the club to focus upon marketing the club within the local community.
What strategy does the Board
have for maintaining revenue to a point where the loss of TV income is easier
to manage, and how will it be implemented?
KRW mentioned several ways in which the Directors were marketing the club, through 3-for-2 ticketing, a promised themed day at the Gills home game (involving a band, ex-players, and a new PA system to improve the event). Tickets can also be bought through NECTAR, which will lead fans to gain points and vouchers, with 5 vouchers enabling them to buy a match ticket. The Purple stand was to become a focus for cheap seats, and the club were looking to put in a bar. The club would honour its promise to make Bescot the cheapest match-day experience in D1. The club's Directors are also working with Banks', Purple and the West Bromwich BS amongst others to raise commercial income.
v. The Trust would like to
work in partnership with the Board and other interested parties to raise the
club's profile and its fan-base. Are the Board willing to work towards a joint
strategy?
The club are willing to
listen to all fans through the Liaison Committee, individual contacts and the
Official Supporters' Club.
vi. From the last year's
accounts of Walsall FC Ltd. it seems that the club's current liabilities (debts
payable within 1 year) outstrip our current assets (cash, stock, debtors etc.)
by a ratio of almost 2:1. What risk assessment of the club's cash flow has been
made and, if so, what were the results of that assessment?
This is a yearly occurrence
and the Board feel that they are in a unique position to ensure cash flow.
There has been no risk assessment.
The club also stated that
there is unlikely to be a cash turnstile next season. All tickets must be
booked in advance.
and so...
1. Should we be concerned
that the Directors have made no risk assessment of the impact of split
ownership of the club and its ground lease? Is this best business practice? How
can we entice more information from them?
2. JWB mentioned in his
E&S article that he had leant the club £1m to build the stand. Is this what
the club mean by a unique position to ensure that cash flow is managed? What
does this loan imply for the football club?
3. Should the club's charter
be on the web site? Why can't the club use other forms of communication, such
as follow-up fora with shareholders or groups of fans?
4. If we are to move forward
as a club, then we need to do more than simply offer cheap seats at a few
games. Does the club need a strategy for working with the town? How should it
communicate what it does to existing supporters like season-ticket holders who
do not get the benefit of offers?
5. How can WFC find out why there
were only 4,800 WFC fans attending the game against SCFC?
Is a questionnaire to fans,
or people who are in the town at 3pm on a Saturday, a good way to start a
meaningful marketing campaign?
Answers on a big postcard.
October 30 2002
A list of questions has been submitted to the club's AGM which is being held on Wednesday November 6 2002. Click here to view.
October 16 2002
Paul Haycock attended the Football Fans
Parliament at the NEC last Sunday. Click here for his thoughts on the proceedings and feedback
to fans.
October 15 2002
Any burning issues to be raised at the WFC
AGM? As a shareholder in the club, the Trust is entitled to be represented at
the club's AGM on November 6th. If you have any questions you wish us to raise
at the meeting, please let us know.
Our deadline for collation of your questions is Monday 28 October.
September 20 2002
The newly-formed Football Supporters’
Federation, representing over 100,000 individual and affiliated members in 124
supporters’ organisations, is convening the first-ever Football Fans’
Parliament. It is being held at the NEC on Sunday October 13th. A variety of
subjects are to be discussed including television, money, standing and
franchises.
Click
here to read more and register to have your say.
September 4 2002
We would like to thank Chris Marsh for an excellent
Q&A session at the Saddlers' Club last night. Chris lasted a full 90
minutes providing some classy touches about John Keister's tackle, Wacka's
parsimony, the origins of the Stepover, car-sharing with Andy Rammell and the
saga of Beckham's shirt. It was a great evening with a genuinely nice guy.
August 13 2002
The Walsall Supporters' Trust is pleased to
announce that it is holding its second Sportsman’s evening at the Saddlers Club
on Tuesday 3 September 2002. This event will feature Walsall legend, Chris
Marsh, and will give Walsall fans the opportunity to quiz the former club
favourite about his time in football. The event will also involve a raffle and
will start at 7.30pm.
The proceeds from this event will be split
evenly between the Trust, in order to further its work in the community, and a
local community group. The evening will cost £3 for non-members of the Trust,
with discounts for Trust members. Life-members will get free entry. Tickets can
be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis on the evening.
July 11 2002
The Trust is in full support of the Football
League’s attempts to recoup money from Granada and Carlton. Over the next two
weeks (until the court case on 26 July) supporters and directors of six clubs
per day will be protesting at the London offices of the two media companies. We
are due to protest on Thursday 25 July. If you fancy attending this event, FL
officials are meeting at the Tara Hotel, Kensington at 12 o'clock midday. The
Saddlers’ Club are running a coach leaving the Stadium at 8am on 25 July. See:
http://www.saddlers.co.uk/today/view/breaking_news_detail/0,,10428~235715,00.html
We would also like to offer our
congratulations to the newly formed Wimbledon AFC. This club, which is owned
and run by its fans, played its first game against Sutton Utd last night and
hopes to start next season in the Ryman League. For more information, check
out:
http://www.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=900&p=2&stid=8260756
In protest at the proposed move of Wimbledon
FC to Milton Keynes, all trusts, supporters’ clubs and ISAs are being asked by
them to adopt the following model motion as their policy on the proposed move
to Milton Keynes.
This association condemns the decision of
the Football Association Commission to support the effective destruction of
Wimbledon Football Club by allowing the move to Milton Keynes.
This association resolves to:
1A) Support a boycott of all away games
involving the current Wimbledon F.C. Ltd whether these be at Milton Keynes or
Selhurst Park or any other venue until such time as the plans are withdrawn.
1B) To publicise the reasons for the boycott
amongst all fans of the club via fanzines and other publications.
1C) To take action at home games against Wimbledon
FC to demonstrate our opposition to football franchising.
2) To call upon the Football Association and
the Football League to fight this decision in any way possible.
3) To call upon the owners of their club to
support an EGM to oppose the move and to consider options for continuing to
fight it.
4) To offer support to Wimbledon fans in
their continued attempts to oppose the move.
5) To notify and call upon other supporters
groups to support this campaign.
6) To send a letter of support to WISA for
their campaign.
7) To issue a press release confirming this
organisations opposition to football franchising and support for WISA's
campaign.
We will be raising this issue with members,
but would urge you to consider the implications for football of the effective
franchising that has taken place at Wimbledon FC. The WST will be investigating
methods of peacefully protesting at the away game on 16 November 2002.
June 21 2002
The Walsall Supporters' Trust has joined
with other supporters’ trusts in calling for fans to boycott ITV’s coverage of
the World Cup. This is part of a strategy aimed at persuading Carlton and
Granada to honour the terms of their television agreement with the Football
League. Press Release
May 28 2002
Wimbledon have been given permission to move
to Milton Keynes by an independent commission. The Football League blocked the
proposed move last August but Simon Koppel won an appeal to have the matter
reconsidered.
The independent commission was then set up
by the FA to re-consider the matter and has now given its approval.
The Wimbledon Independent Supporters
Association is fiercely opposed to the move 50 miles away from the club's
traditional home of Plough Lane in Merton. See: http://www.wisa.org.uk/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/football/teams/w/wimbledon/newsid_2012000/2012312.stm
This means the football league`s rule book
is effectively worthless if people can simply take issues to FA Commissions to
achieve their absurd goals. The doors are now wide-open for "Football
Franchising".
The WST wholeheartedly supports the aims of
the WISA in blocking the move to Milton Keynes and urges you to contact the
League and the FA to complain. As a club that was threatened with relocation
this ought to matter to us.
April 18 2002
The Walsall Supporters' Trust has offered
its heartfelt congratulations to everyone at the club on a wonderful end to the
2001-2002 season, and has urged fans to turn next Sunday's game against
Bradford into a red-and-white party for themselves, the players and management.
Press Release
April 15 2002
The Trust has made its feelings felt
concerning the ITV Digital crisis in a letter addressed to Bruce George MP.
"Mr George,
The Walsall Supporters' Trust would like to
make a case for your support over the adverse effects of the prolonged ITV
Digital-Football League dispute. We would also be grateful for your views on
this matter.
We believe that the attitude of the
directors & non-executive directors at both Granada and Carlton are
threatening the survival of football and its importance to local communities.
We believe that it is wholly inappropriate
that Charles Allen, Chief Executive of Granada, should remain as Chairman of
the Commonwealth games Committee, given the damage that Granada appear willing
to threaten the foundations of many clubs.
I would ask you to raise these concerns with
the Sports Minister Mr R Caborn and ask him to support the Football League in
this dispute. We would like him to focus publicly on this issue because whole
communities throughout the country will be affected if ITV Digital breaks their
contract with the Football League. The Government has a strong community
approach to its political economy and social agenda, and we believe that there
is a clear public interest reason for it to back the League on this issue.
Walsall FC will have to re-examine their own
finances because of this dispute, but thankfully are in a strong position to
maintain their status.
However, the game as a whole needs a
partnership approach in order to reform the way that it operates. Carlton and
Granada's handling of this affair does not help this cause."
The Trust also gives its backing to the saveourclubs initiative set up in
conjunction with the Football Supporters Association and the National
Federation of Football Supporters Clubs.
April 11 2002
The Trust has issued a Press
Release to urge fans to attend the last away game of the season at
Sheffield United.
February 19 2002
Representatives of the Trust attended the
Supporters Liaison Committee Forum meeting on 13th February. Click here to read the notes taken at the meeting.
January 23 2002
The Trust calls for solidarity behind the
team and the wearing of flat caps at the next two games in honour of Ray
Graydon. A Press Release also calls for the club to talk
to the fans directly about their plans for Walsall FC in light of the sacking
of Mr.Graydon.
This act is not about direct action or
opposition to the Board, but a call from all fans for a constructive dialogue.
We all need to move forward now.
January 22 2002
The Trust has issued the following Press Release on the news of Ray Graydon leaving the
Walsall FC managers post and is also attempting to set up a meeting with the
club.
December 20 2001
The latest Supporters Direct newsletter
features an article written by the Trust regarding our attendance at Walsall
FC's AGM.
Click here to read.
December 14 2001
The minutes of the Trust AGM held on
December 5th are now available to view.
Click here to read
the minutes of the AGM.
December 10 2001
The Trust AGM was held on December 5th and
discussed the progress over the past year. It was felt that the Trust should be
proactive in its relationship with the football club and backed the club's
stance on the Phoenix League. Thanks go to everyone who attended and helped us
raise £100 towards the Willie Naughton appeal.
The Trust Board will be pressing the
Directors of Walsall FC for a meeting to discuss:
- the possible sponsorship of a player or matchball;
- ways in which the Trust can support the Walsall FC in the
community; and
- the Director's strategy and plans for Division 1 survival.
The Trust has issued a press release
concerning the AGM and its discussions which can be accessed
here.
December 2 2001
A quick reminder that the Walsall
Supporters' Trust AGM takes place at the Liberal Club, Birchills next Wednesday
at 7.30pm. The meeting will be followed by a quiz and raffle, which are open to
non-members (starting at 8.30pm), and the proceeds will be split between the
Trust and the appeal that has been launched for Willie Naughton.
November 8 2001
In order to make us more efficient in
distributing information to Trust members, we are asking you to ensure that we have
your e-mail address. If you think that we don't have yours (or just want to
make sure we have you current details) then please mail us so that we can update
our database.
Members will have noticed that we haven't
issued membership cards and newsletters as promised by the end of October.
Please bear with us, the response to our membership drive has been fantastic
and we are a little behind in our plans. All members should have their cards
and newsletters by the end of next week.
November 2 2001
The fans of two fellow Nationwide League
clubs, Swansea and Wimbledon, are having troubles with the men who own the
companies that control their clubs.
Like the supporters of Brighton, Doncaster,
Enfield and Chesterfield these fans feel that they are being treated
appallingly and that the future of their teams is in doubt. Like the Dons we
have been under threat of moving home, but unlike them we have thankfully never
had to ground-share. The concerns that they raise are important for all
football supporters.
The Trust has donated scarves to each club
as a small symbol of unity and will help out where it can, in line with its
objective of furthering 'the development of the game of football nationally'.
Please visit the following two sites for
more information and to see what the supporters are trying to achieve.
i. For Swansea see http://www.jackarmy.net
If you have any ideas which may help them
please e-mail: saveourswans@ntlworld.com
ii. For Wimbledon see http://wimbledon.rivals.net
Wimbledon Independent Supporters'
Association have organised a Fans' United Day on Sunday 16th December at their
'home' match v. Nottingham Forest.
The aim of the event is to highlight the
value of supporters to football clubs and the link between a football club and
its local community. More specifically, the event is being used to protest
against franchising in football, the Milton Keynes issue and to push for a
return for Wimbledon FC to its rightful home in Merton. For info. email: theangrybear@hotmail.com
October 17 2001
A representative for the Trust attended the
AGM of Walsall FC on October 15th.
The Walsall Supporters' Trust 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.
The Trust has issued a press release
concerning the event which can be accessed here.
New local radio station Bridge FM which
serves the community of Walsall has kindly offered the Trust a regular slot on
Sunday evenings at 9pm. The station transmits on 87.7FM and can also be found
on the web at www.thebridgewalsall.co.uk
October 16 2001
The minutes of the Trust Board meeting held
on October 10, 2001 can be found here.
October 8 2001
A list of questions has been submitted to
the club's AGM which is being held on Monday October 15 2001. Click here to view.
October 2 2001
Following the membership drive before
Saturday's match the Trust has boosted its membership by 220 individual and 12
family memberships. Paul Geiss, Dave Roe, Steve Shaw, Phil Sturgess, Adam
Winnall and Jeff Winnall worked to ensure that the event was a
success and we are very grateful to them. The Trust's membership is now over
300 and the Trust Board will be using this increased momentum to press the
football club for answers to issues surrounding the future of the club, and the
director's ambition for the football side at the forthcoming AGM and
beyond.
The full list of questions to be asked will
appear here next Monday.
The minutes of the last Trust Board meeting
can be found here, and the next Board meeting will
take place on October 10, 2001. The minutes of that meeting will be
uploaded on this site later that week. The Trust's AGM will take
place in mid-November and there will be a meeting for members as part
of a social event in late November. Any member who has not received their
autumn newsletter and membership card by the end of October should contact the
Trust at: enquiries@walsallfctrust.co.uk
September 25 2001
The cost of membership of the Trust has been
reduced to just one pound with Trust members actively promoting for new members
at the home game against Millwall on Saturday 29th September. In view of the
recent issue of the club's accounts and annual report, joining the Trust gives
an opportunity for fans to ask questions via the Trust's representative at the
club's AGM. Anyone wishing to raise specific issues that they would like the
Trust to address at the AGM should contact a Trustee on Saturday.
July 11 2001
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 Trust Board will be contacting all
members with this news in the next few days, and would like to thank everyone
whose help and support has helped them achieve this main aim.
We will also be sending members a brief questionnaire
asking for their views and ideas on the Trust and its future, and will be
organising a meeting for members early in the new season.
May 17 2001
|
Former Walsall manager Tommy Coakley
appeared at our Sportsman Evening (unfortunately David Kelly had to cancel at
the last minute). The event was attended by over 50 supporters. Tommy talked
about his time at Walsall FC, his own career and that of business partner
David Kelly, the play-off campaign of 1988 and the bizarre way he was
introduced as manager to the people of Walsall. The evening raised £197.50 and Pelsall
Villa Colts will receive half of the profits from the evening for their
community work. Click here to read all about the evening. |
|
May 14 2001
Due to radio commitments, Paul Franks is now
unable to compare Thursday night's Sportsman evening. See below for details of ticket
arrangements for the Coakley and Kelly show.
May 9 2001
Tickets for the Sportsman's evening are now
on sale from the Liberal Club, or from Adam Winnall (07970-502657).
Alternatively contact the Trust at its new address: The Walsall Supporters'
Trust, c/o 3 Hollinwell Close, Bloxwich, Walsall. WS3 3UL.
Tommy Coakley is looking forward to the
evening: "I am very flattered to have been invited to take part in this
event. I enjoyed my time at Walsall and to be able to talk to the community
about that means a lot to me."
Two of the evening's raffle prizes will be
2000-2001 club shirts, one of which has been signed by the Walsall FC first
team, the other by Coakley and Kelly themselves. These shirts have kindly been
provided by two local firms, Performance Through People of Walsall, and Quinn
Castle Windows of Brownhills.
The proceeds from this event will be split
evenly between the Trust and Pelsall Villa Colts. Pelsall councillor Garry
Perry noted that the Colts "are self financing and have a struggle to support
initiatives such as work on their grounds and changing facilities. Any
donations will make a big difference to them."
There will also be an opportunity for
non-members to join the Trust at next year's rates of £5 for waged adults, and
£2.50 for unwaged, OAPs and juniors.
April 24 2001
The Trust invites you to an 'Evening with
Coakley and Kelly'.
We are pleased to announce that the Trust
will be holding its first Sportsman's evening on Thursday 17 May 2001. This
event will feature former manager Tommy Coakley and ex-player and current
Sheffield United striker David Kelly. The Sportsman's evening will take place
at the Liberal Club, The Old Birchills, Birchills and will start at 7.30pm.
Radio WM's Paul Franks will act as compere.
The evening will cost £3 for non-members of
the Trust, £2 for individual members, £1.50 for discounted Trust members and £3
for those with a family membership. Life-members will get free entry. The
proceeds from this evening, which will include a raffle, will be evenly split between
the Trust and a local sporting charity. Tickets for the event can be purchased
at the Liberal Club, or from the Trust, from the end of next week, otherwise
entry on the evening will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
April 19 2001
Forms to transfer shares into the Trust's
name have been deposited with the club. We now await Walsall FC Board approval
for the transfer.
March 13 2001
A Trust Board meeting was held on February
27th.Click here to read the minutes.
March 5 2001
Due to work and other committments, Bob
Bates has had to resign from the post of Trust secretary. Consequently, the
Trust is now looking for someone else to take on this post and any member that
is interested should contact the Trust. The Trust would like to formally thank
Bob for his endeavours over the past 10 months in helping to get the Trust off
the ground. Amongst others, Bob's work has been vital to move the Trust forward
into the position it now holds.
March 1 2001
A Trust newsletter is currently being
produced and should be with members imminently.
Two members of the Trust Board now have
shares in their names and subject to Walsall FC Board approval will be
transferring these to the Trust. We hope to have news of this very soon.
However, we will have the base-line criteria of 50 shares, which the articles
of Walsall FC Ltd. say that any prospective shareholder needs to be elected to
the Board. This is not to say that we will get a place on the Board, as the
directors of Walsall FC Ltd. (a private limited company) would have to agree to
such a proposition. However, we will be in a better bargaining position, and
will be able to ask questions at the club's AGM.
The second key success has been the interest
shown by ex-players and managers in what we are doing. We have had positive
contact with Tommy Coakley, David Kelly, Kenny Mower, Martyn O'Connor, Andy
Rammell and Adrian Viveash. We hope to extend this list of players and to
invite some of them to our proposed Sportsman's evenings.
It is hoped that we can tie in a brief
members' meeting to these events so that you can find out what the Trust Board
has been up to. The first such event will take place on a midweek evening in
March and will involve David Kelly and Tommy Coakley. The purpose of the events
is to publicise the Trust and to give all fans a means by which they can find
out more about key ex-Walsall players and managers.
We have agreed with the Saddlers' Club to
hold the events there, and we are currently waiting for details of available
dates from David Kelly and Tommy Coakley. Paul Franks of Radio WM has also
shown interest in this event and it should take place on a midweek evening in
March. The cost will be nominal (free for life-members of the Trust; £1 for
individual members who are under-16 or retired; £1.50 for individual members;
and £3 for family members and individual non-members), but make sure that you
bring membership cards with you.
The monies raised will be split equally
between the Trust and a local sporting charity.
Finalised details will be disseminated in
the press, on the web site and via leaflets on matchday. We hope that members
and non-members will be able to attend.
February 23 2001
More news on Lincoln City's move to
community ownership. Walsall Supporters' Trust would like to congratulate
Lincoln City Membership Scheme on their achievement.
January 23 2001
Trust Board meeting held.Click
here to read the minutes.
January 15 2001
of interest to Trust members and those
interested in the work of Supporters Trust's, here is a follow up press release
from the Lincoln City Membership Scheme giving a progress report on the
proposed community ownership of Lincoln City FC.
Lincoln
look to supporters for survival - Independant newspaper article 30/11/00
January 11 2001
Members of the Trust Board attended the
Saddlers' Club on Monday 8 January for what they believed was an open forum
meeting of the Supporters' Liaison Committee (SLC). You can access the press
release that followed this meeting by clicking here.
This event was, in fact, a closed meeting
between Mr Whalley and the SLC members. However, the Trust Board were grateful
that Mr Whalley and the SLC agreed to talk to them after the meeting.
Despite this, the Trust Board have serious
misgivings about the constitution and remit of the SLC. These are outlined in
the press release.
The Trust Board intend to meet with
representatives of the Saddlers' Club and the ISSA within the next two weeks.
Details will be posted here.
We have also received interest in what we
are attempting to achieve from several ex-players and managers. It is hoped
that a Trust social evening can be organised in the next 6-8 weeks featuring a
question and answer session and talk by an ex-player. Watch this space. Members
will receive details in the post with their forthcoming newsletter.
If members have contacts with any ex-players
or local businesses that they think would be interested in the work of the WST,
please contact us.
January 4 2001
Happy New Year!
The Trust Board have been promoting the Trust
in several ways in the past month or so.
- Richard Hall has contacted Roy Whalley at the Football Club about a
possible meeting with members of the Trust. Mr Whalley has advised us that
he would rather that we consulted through the Supporters' Liaison Committee
(SLC). We have several problems with following this route:
- the SLC members are not elected by the fans or the Walsall Football
Supporters Club (WFSC) to do that job;
- the SLC members are therefore unaccountable to the fans;
- the SLC should be working with all the fans, rather than just the
WFSC; and
- In order to be affective and effective the SLC has to be able to
focus beyond issues like ticket prices, and address the culture of the
club and the role of the fans in its future.
It is also our contention that every point
at every meeting of the WFC Board or Executive Board affects the fans and
should be reported to them. Article 3(b) of the Walsall Football Club, Limited,
memoranda of association notes that the 'Company' [WFC Ltd.] exists 'To promote
the game of Football and any other games, Athletic Sports, and Pastimes.'
Therefore, every WFC Board meeting is relevant to us.
On 16 May 2000 Roy Whalley noted that: 'The
Club has faced criticism for not listening sufficiently to our supporters. We
have now moved to remedy this situation by setting up a Supporters Liaison
Committee in co-operation with our Supporters Club. From now on if any of our
supporters have any criticism to make, or a suggestion to put forward there is
a clear line of communication, and they know that there will be an informed
response.'
The Trust Board believes that the fans must
have the right to constructively question what the Board is doing and its
short, medium and long-term plans for WFC. With this in mind the Trust will be
represented at the forthcoming SLC meeting and will be putting the case for
active and constructive supporter involvement in the running of the football
club. However, we shall also be pushing for a direct meeting between the Trust
and the club.
Notes from the meeting will be placed here.
- We have made contact with several shareholders who are willing to
give the Trust their proxy votes at the club's AGM, or who are willing to
sell their shares to the Trust. We are currently following this up and
will be consulting the football club and the solicitors at Supporters'
Direct about the share transfer.
- Steve Shaw and Richard Hall are working with the WFSC and
Independent Saddlers Supporters Association about conferring corporate membership
upon them. The Trust is a shared venture and is looking to attract fans
from across the community.
- The Trust Board is putting together a series of social events
involving ex-players and managers and hope to be able to announce details
soon. These events will be open to all but Trust members will get reduced
entry fees.
- There will be a newsletter produced next month, which should detail
these social events and other achievements so far.
- Bob Bates is working with Walsall Council to see how both sides can
develop closer links.
Thursday 30 November 2000
Lincoln
look to supporters for survival - Independant newspaper article
Tuesday 7 November 2000
The first meeting of the newly elected Trust
Board was held. Click here to read the minutes.
Wednesday 25 October 2000
The 22 members of the Trust who attended the
AGM saw the following people elected to be officers of the Trust:
Chair - Richard Hall;
Vice-Chair - Steve Shaw;
Secretary - Bob Bates;
Treasurer - David Roe; and
Trustees - Paul Jones and Phil Sturgess.
These six officers will meet on 7 November
to discuss the key issues that arose from the AGM: membership; fundraising;
gaining shareholder support; and the co-option of a further three Board members
from the local community in order to ensure the effective running of the Trust.
The Trust Board will begin negotiations with
other fans' groups, Walsall MBC and the Directors of Walsall FC in the very
near future.
Click here to read
the minutes of the AGM.
Wednesday 4 October 2000
The first Annual General Meeting of Walsall
Supporters' Trust has been set for Wednesday 25th October. The meeting will be
held at Walsall Town Hall, Council Chambers in Lichfield Street at 7.00pm.
Elections for the first set of officers will be held. All members are invited
to attend.
Members will be able to vote for the
election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustee (2
positions). Nominations must be received on or before 18th October and be
signed by the nominee and a proposer and seconder who must all be current
members.
A public meeting will be held after the AGM,
timed to start at 8.00pm.
Saturday 16 September 2000
The working group meets to plan for the AGM.
See the minutes page for details.
Tuesday 5 September 2000
Supporters' Direct was officially launched
today. Follow the link for their Press Release.
Saturday 2 September 2000
Leafleting continued at the home match
against Wigan with many positive responses from the fans. Membership cards will
be issued and a newsletter distributed in the next month in anticipation of an
AGM in the Council buildings in the first half of October.
Thursday 10 August 2000
In a drive for members, the Trust has had
10,000 leaflets printed for distribution at the first two games of the season
at Rotherham and at home to Oldham. A corporate membership package has also
been announced. See the Press Release.
Tuesday 25 July 2000
Bob Bates and Phil Sturgess met with the
Head of Sport and Leisure Services and the Head of Corporate Policy at Walsall
Borough Council to investigate mechanisms for co-operative support. The links
with the Council are very important to the success of the Trust, which hinges
upon its ability to appeal to the community of Walsall. One of the hopes of the
Trust is that an officer of the Council can be co-opted onto the Trust Board to
help oversee its work. As details of the links between the Council and WST
become clear they will be posted here.
Thursday 20 July 2000
Walsall Borough Council has backed the Trust.
Both the Chief Executive Hardial Bhogal and Council leader Mike Bird have
endorsed the Trust's democratic aims and objectives. See the Press Release.
The WST is in the final process of
registering with Companies House. When it has membership cards will be issued.
Tuesday 18 July 2000
The working group meets to plan its
activities up to the AGM. The key point is attracting new members and support
from local businesses. See the minute's page for details.
Saturday 15 July 2000
A meeting for fans interested in setting up
supporter-initiatives at their clubs was held at Sandwell Council House,
Oldbury. The seminar, 'Mutualism: A Golden Goal for Football' outlined the
practicalities of setting up a supporters' trust. The meeting was attended by
47 fans from clubs including Chester, Carlisle, Mansfield, Nottingham Forest,
Villa and West Brom, and 5 delegates were Walsall fans. There is clear evidence
that this initiative is gaining momentum and is considered to be a valuable way
forward for football clubs.
The Walsall Supporters' Trust was
launched on Saturday 24 June 2000.
At the meeting, Brian Lomax, Northampton
Town fans' elected director outlined the ideas of Supporters' Direct and its
achievements so far. Five clubs now have directors elected to the board. These
are Luton Town, Enfield, Chester City, Lincoln City and Northampton Town.
Currently supporters trusts are launching at the rate of two a week.
Mr. Lomax commended the Walsall Supporters'
Trust and its constitution to the meeting.
Richard Hall gave a brief resume of the
reasoning behind the Trust and introduced pertinent points from the proposed
constitution.
The two resolutions of the meeting went to a
vote.
- The constitution was adopted.
- The working party will continue to oversee the running of the Trust
until the AGM in September, date to be arranged.