Trust AGM

[PetsWinPrizes]

Two points:

1 Power's Keep Off attitude to other people's involvement might start to be understandable if he was very good at covering all their roles himself. As a "football man" though, his strategy seems to be limited to: Get things right on the pitch and the rest will follow. Which is fine as far as it goes, but is a pretty limited view of how to run a business.

It's also worth noting that non football support staff Power has at his disposal are far reduced from what we had under, say, Fitton/ Wray - With that in mind I'd have thought he'd be grateful for the free skilled labour that the Trust offers. The Kids on the Bank scheme last year proved what they can do, he's foolish for not ultilising it more in my opinion.

[Summerof69]

I agree that this looks problematic. Perhaps the lessee's wishes don't matter if the owner supports the application?

My understanding is that the SC and the Trust have very different roles and objectives, and there's plenty of space for both.

The SC are primarily a fund raising organization. They run SAS Travel, do the 50/50 draw and Pounds for Points to raise money for FITC, etc.

The Trust are a mixture of political action and fund raising. They are linked to Supporters Direct, follow their rules (one member/one vote). Trusts have been the vehicle to rescue clubs in trouble, with a number of Trusts now owning their club.

There is a good relationship between both organisations (SC and Trust), with a representative of the SC at the Trust AGM last night.

[Power to people]

It was good to read Sam's tweeted update last night, sounds like TrustSTFC are going great guns with some good plans, shame that Power cant see that and accept help when it is in the interests of the club.

[Summerof69]

It was good to read Sam's tweeted update last night, sounds like TrustSTFC are going great guns with some good plans, shame that Power cant see that and accept help when it is in the interests of the club.

What more can we do? We've told them that the cost to the club will be nil, for the toilets on SB and a lift to the executive suite. It's a no brainer.

[Red Frog]

What more can we do? We've told them that the cost to the club will be nil, for the toilets on SB and a lift to the executive suite. It's a no brainer.

Unfortunately, as far as loosening the reins of power goes, so is our dear leader.

[Batch]

It was good to read Sam's tweeted update last night, sounds like TrustSTFC are going great guns with some good plans, shame that Power cant see that and accept help when it is in the interests of the club.

he could at least explain to them behind closed doors why, if he hasn't already.

[theakston2k]

As someone that was pro trust and heavily involved in the Diamandis protests I can kind of see why the owner may be hesitant. He has no previous history with the club or the Trust and to read the ultimate goal is to run the club (as it is with all trusts) and a mandate to make "A more democratic, transparent and accountable structure for Swindon Town" it could come across that you are trying to force your way into the decision making process at the club.
Ultimately the club is still a business and unless the Trust can put together enough money (likely a seven figure sum!) to gain a significant stake in the club then I don't see how you can expect an owner to embrace that mandate. Maybe the money earmarked on the bank would be better used on gaining a significant stake in the club but history tells me we'd never get close to raising a anywhere near enough unless the club was in trouble and available on the cheap.... That's the only way Trusts ever gain control.

One other thing and maybe it's his me, but you moan about the lack of engagement with the club but to highlight it each time in bold in the summary seems pretty petty to me and likely counter productive. Part of the problem during the Diamandis potests is that it became a tit for tat campaign and we didn't get everyone's full support as a result, subltle (or unsubtle) digs wil just end up counterproductive!

[@mwooly63]

Similar question and again not a pop but why apply for planning permission for a toilet block when the lessee of the ground doesn't support it and thus is unlikely to give their consent for it to be built?

I think the Trust is a great thing, however I remain a little confused why we need the Trust and the Supporters Club where there seems to be ever greater cross over between the two, would the obvious enthusiasm of all be better served by pooling resources?

Not read Sam's link but I thought the original idea was to rebuild the derelict toilet blocks already on the bank, especially the whole area by the disused Shrivvy rd turnstiles.

[Oaksey Moonraker]

Maybe Power is reluctant to open the door on ground redevelopment for a couple of reasons.

There is a significant sum (£2m I think) repayble to Andrew Black on ground redevelopment. The toilets would be renovation but the roof project could be construed as redevelopment.

The other reason is any and improvements could weaken negotiations with SBC on the lease as he might argue the ground is 'dilapidated' to get a lower lease.

Either way is his motive to nip the idea in the bud. That might mean any money raised by the RAF ends up being offered for loan wages like the Toffolo deal. In Power's model that would be better money spent.

The whole Trust engagement would be a good question for the next Hodgetts love in.

[The Grim Reaper]

Maybe Power doesn't want any work done on Stratton Bank as he might have his own ideas as to its long term future? I'm sure I read a while ago that Power had been to Australia and had secured some sort of funding from a construction company for future redevelopment. Or did I just dream that?

[Batch]

Other than the dilapidated ground argument, since we own infrastructure its our issue, they are reasonable points. Just meet with the trust and talk it through.

People complained the Trust were too militant/not helping the club. And when they do they are seemingly stonewalled.

[@mwooly63]

Maybe Power doesn't want any work done on Stratton Bank as he might have his own ideas as to its long term future? I'm sure I read a while ago that Power had been to Australia and had secured some sort of funding from a construction company for future redevelopment. Or did I just dream that?

No you didn't dream it
Isn't that the Axis sponsor on the top of the home shirt ?

[Batch]

Can someone from the trust clarify who, if anyone, aid yes to the Bank roof fund raiser? I can't believe nobody asked.

Shame about the lack of engagement on other initiatives too. 4K to Coventry should be 10K at home  shouldn't it?

Seems to me the drawbridge was drawn up post Wembley to press, Trust and most outside the club - whether intentionally or because other priorities got in the way who knows.

[woolster]

I was doing a job for a gentleman who (whether right or wrong)  has it on good authority that power is in talks with certain people regarding purchasing land close too south marston industrial estate with a view to building a stadium there

[Loobug]

Just a thought but if there were plans to do any kind of upgrades to the ground that might include the things the trust are proposing but are not yet confirmed, the best approach might be to keep silent on the issue rather than comment... perhaps the reason for a lack of engagement is because it is in hand?
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