Printer-friendly pageWednesday, September 27, 2006
David Luker is Head of Supporter Services at St Marys. Here he responds to Chairman Mick who is asking what role Saints Trust has, how London Saints fits in and what the next 12 months hold. The club is asking us to back the Trust which will help further the intention to have a fan's voice at board level. Let Mick know your comments - you can find his details in the Members Area
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David writes: "There will be no change in the direct current relationship you have with The Club, and it is important also to recognise that your independence will not be interfered with in any way.
"If anything I would look to increase the benefits you would see and improve the club-supporter interaction you currently enjoy. The fact that your organise supporters to come to games for us will not be overlooked, damaged or changed in anyway whatsoever.
"What I am trying to achieve is supporter representation on The Board. Mike Wilde is committed to making this happen so that you, the supporters, have direct input into the running of YOUR club. The Board have already, via The Manifesto, recognised The Saints Trust as the vehicle for achieving this.
We have already received ‘in principal’ backing for 600 members of other clubs which would take total Trust membership to 1300. With your and your members’ backing this would rise to close on 1600 – just 200 away from the goal.
"The main reasons being due to the numbers they have (700) and the constitution they have that was recognised and developed with the aid of Supporters Direct who are the government led body who desire further supporter integration with their clubs. The Board will only look to back the body that has Supporter Direct backing, and at the same time Supporters Direct will only back one body per club. We have agreed that should this body receive 15% of the season ticket base (which we have agreed at 1800 for this season) then the voting can begin to elect a body on to The Board, providing this is wholly democratic.
"What I would ask you to take to your members is a proposal to consider working alongside The Saints Trust, and either by joining individually or, most probably, becoming affiliated to them, your 275 members can become involved in the voting process to elect the supporter to the board. This would be a truly democratic process and the mechanism would be developed via The Trust, Supporters Direct, local legal bodies and with help and assistance from ourselves. I should also make it clear that The Trust is also an independent body, and is not working with the club on this, we are merely offering help.
"We are speaking to all the supporters groups, and with your backing we can get there quickly. We have already received ‘in principal’ backing for 600 members of other clubs which would take total Trust membership to 1300. With your and your members’ backing this would rise to close on 1600 – just 200 away from the goal.
"Upon reaching the 1800 figure, the mechanism would fall into place to begin the voting structure. Being fully democratic, this would allow for anyone to be elected to the board, not just the current existing committee of the Saints Trust. It could be feasible that the elected person comes from London Saints, Cardiff Saints, Weymouth Saints or whoever.
"Naturally, you are under no obligation to agree. I need to be able to offer you the opportunity to join and be apart of what could be an historic achievement for the supporters of this club. With the number of members you have you could really make the impact and make this opportunity become a reality. With regards to affiliation, I’ll be totally honest at this stage we don’t have a procedure or cost. However – please don’t let this be a sticking point. We could work together on this. As soon as I know I’ll let you know, but suffice to say your members will not have to pay twice.
"My vision for 12 months time. Well, good question. I firmly believe a supporter will be there in 12 months if all the supporters groups work together. All your questions, queries, requests and even complaints could then be channelled via the board representative so that the other board members REALLY know what you think. I can also see that this would lead to a rise in Saints Trust membership which makes the total voice they have stronger and stronger. Supporter Representation IS going to happen. There is no doubt in this. With your assistance you can help in getting there sooner.
