Report of Supporters Meeting, Sunday 11th May
11th May 2008, 07:45 pm
This afternoon, representatives from a number of supporters groups met at the Shay to discuss the way forwards following Fridays news. Approximately 25 people were in attendance from the Supporters Trust, Supporters Club, Shaymen Down South, the Centre of Excellence, and others.
During the course of the meeting three options for the continuation of the club were raised:
Option 1
Despite reports in the press, the business consortium have not decided to walk away from the club. They are, however, not yet decided on their plan of action. David Bosomworth is meeting with the administrators tomorrow morning.
Chris Yewdall reported that the consortium will probably aim to set up a new company, buy the ‘Halifax Town’ name from the administrator, and seek to enter a league - though this was not yet 100% confirmed. They believed that with this purchase they would be able to get the club into the Unibond Premier league for next season.
Option 2
Paul Holroyd and Gavin Butler of the Supporters Trust presented the options for a members owned club. Their conversations with the FA and Unibond league suggested that the club would be accepted into the Unibond League Division 1, though would have to change the clubs name.
Option 3
A third group had been in contact with both the consortium and Supporters Trust. The details appear sketchy, but they seem to be a markeing company looking to use the club as a vehicle for sales.
Discussions
Option 3 was discussed briefly and ruled out. Insufficient information appeared to be available, the motives of the group were unclear, and they seemed to present no benefits above either options 1 or 2.
There then followed discussions on the two remaining options and the best way forwards for the club. Strong opinions were expressed both in support of and against the consortium, and in support of and against the possibility of the supporters operating a football club.
During these discussions the possibility of starting a division higher and with the financial backing of the consortium seemed appealing options to many present, though there were reservations about the lack of communication from the consortium to date and what supporters involvement there would be in the running of the club. It was requested of the consortium, via Chris Yewdall, that supporters would be given seats on the board.
Decisions
Following these discussions it was suggested those present vote on the options.
The first proposal was “The supporters groups would support the consortium setting up the new club, as per option 1, subject to improved communication and supporters representation”. This was agreed by a majority of those present.
The second proposal was “Should the consortium choose to walk away, the supporters groups would support a members owned club, as per option 2″. This was also agreed by a majority of those present.
Timescales
It is expected that the consortium will make a decision within the next 24 hours. Should they decide to walk away, the supporters groups will meet again on Tuesday night to begin preparations to set up a members owned club, including organising a public meetings.
Should the consortium decide to re-form the club, the supporters organisations will ask them to attend a public meeting to meet with all supporters.