Could someone explain the main differences between these two supporters groups Please.
Also is their any main reason why these to groups could not join forces together making it one massive organization
The Supporters Club has been around since the year dot.....in the past its main purpose was to fund raise.....eg the Town End was built with funds raised by the SC. In return, the club always made "facilities" available for the SC, so there used to be a clubhouse in the Car park near the CGH, until the Arkells was built in 71/72, when the SC got new sooper dooper facilities inside.
This was, if you like, a traditional situation between the bosses and the workers....the sort of benevolence which saw companies in Swindon provide social facilities for its workers.
At the CG this situation was still intact into the mid 80's, when the SC could use the Rendezvous Club in the Arkells to host a do for fans and players, with no corporatism or faux corporatism in sight.
When at this time, the Articles of Association were changed to try and get more money into the club...the Powers that be wasted little time in lobbing the SC out, so that the available space could used by the prawn sandwich brigade.
Many stalwarts saw the writing on the wall and baled out of supporting at this time.
This trend towards the unfettering of capitalism in football, meanwhile was leading to the establishment of the fanzine movement, as a counter point to the egotists and chancers who were starting to infect the game...this essentially underground movement was calling for greater consideration of fans involvement in their clubs, over a wide range of issues.
It eventiually led to the Government sponsored initiative, Supporters Direct, which was set up to encourage the formation of Trusts, so that fans views could be heard...and in some cases take on the running of lower league community clubs.
There is no reason why these two organisations can't co-operate, other than the fact their raison d'etres are different.