Trust News
Cambridge City Supporters Trust
Unofficial Report – Fans’ Forum 1st October 2009
Questions about the Club (Terry Dunn)
What is the situation with the ground?
This will be the last season at Milton Road. Talks are ongoing with local clubs about ground sharing for next season and the one after. This is limited by the grounds that are in the area. The league needs an update on this by Christmas so hopefully there will be more news by then.
What about the Milton stadium?
This was declined by the government. Meetings are ongoing with Cambridge Horizons to explore options for a community stadium.
Can a rugby club share with a football club?
It is difficult, but possible – see Nuneaton.
Where is the money for re-location?
Income from the ground redevelopment, grants available, sharing clubs, shareholders, community support.
Are there any renting possibilities?
No
Is Sport England aware of the ground situation?
They are aware, but it is now in the club’s interest for the ground to be developed because it will bring in an income. Sport England does not have an interest in the club itself, more the provision of sporting facilities in general.
Why was the community stadium judged to be unsustainable?
It was unsustainable at the level that was looked at, but there is a chance that it would work in a scaled down form. It has to be considered what constitutes a community stadium. We are on the steering group for any community stadium.
How long would a ground share be?
At least two years, but it’s impossible to say after that.
What about the policy that playing facilities should not be built on unless the previous occupants have facilities?
This is not a current planning requirement, possibly one from the past. The club is a private company so no-one has responsibility for finding us facilities. Regular meetings with the council are held to highlight the use made by the community of the facilities.
Are any planning applications due?
A Planning application is likely soon. Even if it is thrown out, the club still will have to leave the ground. It is sad that both Cambridge clubs are in a perilous situation. This is the reality of professional football clubs.
Assuming the land was found, what are the funding possibilities?
Lots of possibilities are available, but it is easier to access these once a target is known.
What if there is no ground share?
The club will not be able to play – see St Neots
Is there a contingency plan to continue at a lower level?
There has to be this option, but the hope is to be at the same level.
What about the commercial side?
There has been a commercial manager for 3 months, but this hasn’t worked, there has been no extra sponsorship brought in. Now the club are trying to appoint a commercial director. There is no shirt sponsor yet, but hopefully there is some being arranged.
One of the things being considered at the moment is a new share issue. This would involve a review of the current articles of the club and likely amendments followed by consultation with the current shareholders. Currently there are 2000 £50 shares and if these were to come up for sale the Trust currently have priority for bidding for these. If a new share issue went ahead these shares would be available to the Trust and individual supporters
Trust Issues (Derek Bailham)
Currently there are 151 members (30 down on last year) which can be considered healthy given the drop in gate this season. Please encourage people to join the Trust.
There is currently £18,000 in the Trust account and there is a long term loan to the club of £22,000. If the club’s shares issue goes ahead it is likely that the members will be consulted on the possibility of converting this loan and some of our cash into shares.
Liaison has been good with the club board and the relationship between the club and Trust is being reviewed with a view to making the club more attractive to others. Work is ongoing on this with the Directors of the club. This is likely to involve the club reducing the number of Trust appointed directors. The Trust note that they are confident that the current directors have the future of the club in mind.
Events
19th December, auction of promises. Please donate any promises.
14th November, City vs. Leamington - free entrance for students.
The City 100 scheme has not got off the ground this year. Please get involved as an organiser or deliverer if you possibly can.
The AGM will be coming up in January and there will be vacancies on the Trust board. Members will be invited to put themselves forward in due course.
From the floor – members suggested that if the shares issue takes place fans would be likely to put their hands in their pockets to support the club moving forward.
Team Issues (Gary Roberts)
It is good to talk to the fans. There has been a good atmosphere given this year’s constraints. The make up of the Trust and Club boards gives confidence for the future of the club. Introductions have been made to the club of people who could have an interest in joining the board or becoming shirt sponsors and the club needs to show that we have ambitions.
The 16 man squad is needed this year for practical reasons. Good money has been brought in from player sales and their sell-on clauses give the potential for more. We currently have the nucleus of a very good team. It would be good to have more pace, but the team are controlling games better. There has been good play from Adie. Talks are ongoing with Craig Dobson, but this may or may not happen as he has had other, bigger, offers.
Do you get annoyed when players chase the ball?
Yes. Wingers work well. Ash has been performing well and received support from Krause. On the right Midge works differently. They have been 10 games unbeaten which demonstrates they are working hard and playing with spirit. The team demonstrated commitment to the club, most live locally now and some have taken as much as 30% cut in wages. The Truro game highlighted the team spirit.
Are you impressed or surprised by Scotties performance at Bradford?
Scotty is looking good and has benefitted from the step up. Several players are always being looked at for the future.
Aim for the season?
Could win the league, but this is a long shot. We are doing well against very well funded clubs and managing to complete against them on the pitch.
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