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The following, written by myself Martin Watson, appears in today's Hereford Times:
This week a group of fans, myself included, are seeking interest in forming a Supporters Trust at Hereford United.
A Supporters Trust is a legal body, covered by law and backed by successive Governments, that supporters of the club can invest their support into in order to progress the aims of the support. They are not, solely, for the takeover of a club or as a protest movement – but an effective way of organising the voice of the fans and gaining a bigger say in the way a club operates.
There is no denying that, over the course of Hereford United's history, financial mistakes have been made on a regular basis. Every 15 years or so this club plunges into crisis. In recent times this has seen the 81/82 SOS campaign, the 1997 relegation and subsequent financial disaster, and now the 2012/13 crisis that sees the club currently struggling to cover wages and relying on fresh investment to cover this summer's bills.
Club accounts show that, over the last ten years or so, the club has needed regular donations from fans to keep afloat. During Graham Turner's era that figure was around £50,000 a season. In more recent seasons, with new owners and a more confident style at the club, donations have dropped off. Three years later, the fans' support is needed more than ever.
Hereford United is a community asset, a driver of income into the city and a source of pride. It links thousands of exiled Herefordians with their homeland yet some of those geographically closest to the club feel alienated. The club has done it's best, in reducing ticket prices for next season to what is likely to be the lowest in the division, to lure fans back. It's time for the community to take a step forward, too.
We are asking anyone that has an interest in the club, or indeed in the community, to register their interest in joining a potential Supporters Trust. There is no obligation when you register your interest but we can ascertain that there is the support there and can take the project forward.
You can register your interest via our email address hufctrust@gmail.com, on our @hufctrust Twitter feed.
Providing there is sufficient interest, and we have had good numbers coming forward since Friday's launch, we will call an open meeting where aims and ideas can be discussed.
From a personal point of view, it was a welcome surprise to see Sam Clucas named as the fans Player of the Year. When this pale, awkward-looking, ginger kid debuted as a full back in the FA Cup debacle against Yeovil 18 months ago, he looked like he'd never make anything. But he's worked hard, done the right things, and been rewarded by the fans for his consistency and hard work. Gone are the big-time charlies of last season, who'd rather be swilling champagne in nightclubs than fighting for the club. We've got a good bunch of genuine people playing for the club now. And long may it continue.
