Notts County Supporters Trust

NOTTS COUNTY SUPPORTERS TRUST

NEWSLETTER

No 7 - 16th August 2003

Welcome to the seventh edition of the NCST newsletter. It has been a tumultuous close-season, with attention largely centred on off-the-field activities and the latest twist in the protracted takeover of our football club, rather than looking forward with the usual optimism to the new season. In fact simply kicking off against Bristol City last Saturday came as some relief, although the performance did not match the celebratory atmosphere.

Present Situation at the Club

The Football League has granted the administrator a month to investigate a new consortium mobilised by former Chairman Derek Pavis, after Raj Bhatia and Frank Strang failed to secure the necessary finance to complete the takeover. That the Bhatia/Strang consortium were awarded ‘preferred bidder’ status and given nine weeks to try and finalise a deal raises a number of questions in itself, but the more pressing issue is the future of Notts County FC. For this reason, the Interim Board believes the new consortium should be allowed to get on with putting together a proposal that will meet the requisite criteria of the Football League and the City Council. The Trust has written to Derek Pavis with the aim of arranging a meeting with the new consortium to discus their plans for the club, and to offer our assistance in securing its future.

After two years of broken promises and missed deadlines, many supporters will draw some comfort from the fact that Derek Pavis is involved in bringing together interested parties wishing to buy Notts County FC. They will also be heartened by his comments that if significant progress is not made before the Football League meeting on 8th September there is a ‘plan B’ involving a group largely made up of former directors.

Join the Trust and make a difference

This is your chance to become a real stakeholder in your football club as opposed to an emotional investor who is usually the first port of call when the club is in financial difficulty, but gets nothing back in terms of tangible benefits or gratitude. Our membership is the lifeblood of the Trust. By becoming a member the collective influence of supporters’ increases and the Trust becomes more representative.

If you are unsure about becoming a member, perhaps are critical of what the Trust is doing, or are waiting for the Trust to ‘prove itself’ – get involved and make a difference. Do not stand on the outside, join the Trust and make your voice heard.

We are also keen for future generations of fans to be involved. Junior Trust members are the Trust officers of the future, so the sooner they are involved and playing a part, the better.

If you wish to join, simply fill in the membership form provided. Additional copies are available to download via the Trust website: www.nottscotrust.org.uk. A standing order form is also enclosed.

Statement from Kroll

“As noted in recent media reports, the current position of the Administration is that the original offer made for Notts County has not been completed. Naturally, we share fans frustrations over this additional delay, but are grateful for their continued support and understanding. However, at very short notice, the Administrators have been able to secure new interest which was acceptable to the Football League and has enabled them to obtain its agreement to a further extension of time in order to try and secure the long-term future of the Club.

This new interest is the best chance of safeguarding the club within the extra time provided by the Football League. The Administrators are now negotiating with the new parties with the intention of agreeing a sale before the Football League’s next Board Meeting on 8 September 2003. The Administrators have continued to work tirelessly to produce a deal to secure the long-term future of the Club. This continues to be our aim and we appreciate the efforts made by both the City Council and the Football League to enable the negotiations to continue.”

Fans’ Surgery

On 27th July the NCST held a fans’ surgery at the Council House. Issues discussed included the takeover, the new lease which has been negotiated with the City Council, the Lifeline scheme and the elections to the Trust Board. Thanks to those members that attended, and in particular to those who stayed and help stuff envelopes with the election nomination forms.

The Trust will be holding another surgery soon. Details to be announced.
 

Don’t be left in the dark…

To date the Trust has produced seven newsletters aimed at informing fans of the latest developments during a period of great uncertainty and anxiety. We have also organised a fans’ forum where Paul Finnity answered questions, and a fans’ surgery where members could meet the interim board and discuss the future of Notts County. For those with Internet access, we have our own website, detailing the latest news and Trust activities: www.nottscotrust.org.uk.
 

E-mail updates

In the last five months the Trust has sent out to members in excess of 12,000 e-mails. If you haven’t received them and you are on e-mail, contact us to make sure we have your correct e-mail address.