TrustSTFC are urging the board of Swindon Town to reject the proposed Groundsharing arrangement with Bristol Rovers. Rovers chairman Ron Craig was quoted in the Swindon Advertiser yesterday saying that Swindon was a "Prime Contender" for the 18 month period while they are redeveloping the Memorial Stadium.
With fixtures due to be announced soon, a final decision is bound to be made shortly and the Trust is making a final plea to the board to listen to the Clubs fans, the local residents and councillors, who have all stated their opposition to the move, while there is still time.
Trust Chairman Paul Davis commented :"Our own poll of Town fans and a similar poll conducted by the Swindon Advertiser both showed overwhelming opposition to the move. There are understandable concerns about the likelihood of crowd trouble, and Rovers promotion to League One through the play-offs raises the absurd possibility of Swindon playing at the County Ground as the away team."
"We have nothing against Rovers, or the vast majority of their supporters, but it would simply be irresponsible to ignore the trouble that has occurred on three occasions recently involving sections of both clubs support."
Trust Communications officer Andy Ratcliffe added :"Clearly the additional income is attractive given the clubs ongoing financial plight, but the long term implications could cost the club much more if the move delays, or even scuppers completely the redevelopment of the County Ground. "
"The plain fact is that the club`s financial problems are too deep rooted to be solved by grasping at every offer of short term cash regardless of any other considerations. To properly solve the clubs problems requires more fundamental changes along with substantial fresh investment which is precisely why we launched the Fans Consortium in September of last year."
http://www.truststfc.co.uk/news_item.php?id=1078
