Blackpool Supporters Trust General Meeting Minutes 1st November 2014 1) Introduction The Chairman outlined the recent history of the club and how much had changed in such a short space of time. Lee Clark is the sixth managerial appointment since Holloway’s departure, there is a lack of continuity on the field with not one player representing the side who has played longer than two years for the club, with crowds having plummeted alongside enthusiasm. The club was described as being in a perilous situation with relegation being almost unavoidable and confidence in the owners, across the whole fan base, having all but disappeared. There is little to suggest that our current owners are prepared to address the flawed policies that have brought us to this point. The club seems to be lurching from one disaster to another while the match day experience for those who continue to attend has been diluted to the point where many wonder why they continue to put themselves through the pain. However, the supporters have in a short space of time created an organisation in BST that can be a real force for good and indeed change. Blackpool fans have ensured all sorts of coverage of our plight by their actions. There are undoubtedly going to be very tough times ahead and that it remains of crucial importance that BST continues to provide the broadest possible church for fans and continues to provide a unifying factor for the fan base. The club’s situation is unique and when debating the various agenda topics we all need to remind ourselves that the integrity of the Trust needs to be maintained. The Trust aims to be around for the long term and it is going to be needed. The Trust needs to be able to work with whomever and that includes our current owners. BST must be a credible organisation which retains the trust of the press, Belokon and indeed other potential purchasers - but most of all it must retain and continue to broaden and deepen the trust of the BFC fan base and the community we represent. The Chairman concluded that members need to look at the bigger picture and think strategically as to how best to achieve our objectives. 2) BFC/Oyston businesses boycott: A number of members felt that such a boycott, if sanctioned by the Trust, might undermine the Trust’s viability with little to be gained – many fans have already made their decision to no longer use the current owners’ outlets. There was a strong feeling in the room that boycotting the various Oyston businesses was a reasonable strategy that would be best undertaken by individuals. Actions: Those present voted by 70% to 30% that the Trust should not arrange an official boycott of the businesses of the current owners. 3) Match Boycott: It was proposed that a match boycott be arranged provisionally for a third round FA Cup Match as this would be a game that was not included as part of the season ticket package. It was generally agreed that a boycott would need a great deal of support of it were to be successful. Actions: It was agreed by 95% to 5% that the Trust should put this decision to the whole membership. 4) BST representative standing at local/national election: It was proposed that BST should arrange for individuals to stand at local and/or national level as Football First candidates. Action: It was agreed by an overwhelming majority that the Trust should proceed with this suggestion and report back to the members. 5) Petition to support Valeri Belokon: It was proposed that the Trust organise a petition in support of putting football first, calling on those currently involved to invest in the club and, if necessary, encouraging a purchase of the club by alternative owners. Action: Agreed unanimously that the Trust should seek to organise a petition/campaign. 6) Invitation to Jose Riga to meet with BST members: Jose Riga’s agent has indicated that he would like to meet with the fans and it was proposed that BST should approach Chris Nathaniel and offer to host the meeting. Action: Agreed unanimously. 7) Invitation to Lee Clark to meet with BST members: It was proposed that a meeting between the current manager and fans be arranged. Action: Agreed overwhelmingly that the Trust should write to the club asking for a meeting to be arranged. 8) Open Letter to the Oystons: Private letters have been sent to Karl and Owen Oyston from the Trust offering the opportunity to meet. There has been no response thus far and it was suggested that a public letter be sent from the Trust to the current owners. Action: This proposal was unanimously supported. 9) Charity/Community Work: The Trust has been developing working relationships with Variety and the Kensington Foundation. Action: The members voted unanimously that these two, along with the Gary Parkinson Trust, should be our chosen charitable partners. 10) Sponsorship/Enterprise: The Trust’s enterprise team is working with local businesses to provide discounts for BST members on production of their cards. Anyone with a local business who is interested in working with the Trust should write to [email protected]
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 20:46:07 +0000
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