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Posts from the ‘Fans’ Category

Jan 25

TVR

‘Thames Valley’ Rumpus.  It only seems like yesterday that Robert Maxwell (deceased) announced plans to merge Oxford and Reading to establish a new club, Thames Valley Royals. I witnessed the furore when a former Director purchased the domain ‘Manstock’ in a potential relocation of County.  It’s rare to witness the positivity expressed by fans of combining two rivals.  It has been said could Stockport and Oldham form a potential ‘giant’?

Thames Valley Sports Investment has now appeared and an alleged 26 years’ old  ‘billionaire’ Russian has just agreed a heads of agreement to acquire Reading FC.

The rumour mill is going into overdrive with suggestions that the outgoing owner will sell but retain some income and commercial activities.  Deja vu Mr Kennedy (Stockport) or Mr Wood (Bury)?

We talk about ‘fit and proper’ and more besides but if the authorities had any teeth there would be much diligence needing to be undertaken prior to any such move that ‘smells’ not quite right to an outsider.

Dec 15

Stuff Turkey

Stuff Turkey

A festive anecdote – though associated this time with a less joyous occasion.  I had to ‘bite my lip’ today, when listening to a talkSPORT phone-in on the radio.  It surrounded the events last night, when Besiktas defeated Stoke City in Istanbul. 

An over reaction and inappropriate characterisation of all Turks as hooligans was apparent, by supporters claiming to be knowledgeable, and others fuelled by media coverage and/or here say.  Was it racist that items were hurled onto the pitch around certain players?  Or was it merely that these players were in proximity of the opposition’s fans when celebrating – thus enticement?  My experiences are that racism is not prevalent and indeed certain players like Amokachi and Nouma have been worshipped.  The one thing I will say is though, that such activities, which can be construed as hooliganism – are more easily witnessed through the divisions by the respective Turkish followers than their English counterparts.  Once again, Turkey has to get its footballing house in order.  But what can we expect when one of its leading football clubs still encourages merchandise welcoming teams to ‘hell’!

Oct 28

YTYT

Your Town Your Team

Since the last post, things surrounding fans-involvement at “County” have gathered pace. The Stockport County Supporters Co-operative has been busy since our AGM heralded the desire amongst various fan groups to work together and unify under one banner – in “County’s’ time of need. The banner that has been adopted is a refreshed campaign under “Your Town Your Team”.

In collaboration, our supporters will play a more active role in the running of the Club, either by offering volunteer support, fund raising or running the Club. All plans are consistent with the objectives at the Co-op. Proposals are to unfold and all members (or would be members) are invited to join other supporters’ groups and the Co-op on Saturday 5th November immediately after the match.

Former Manager, Jim Gannon has aligned himself with the cause and comments: “We’re calling on every fan past and present to be a part of building a bright future for County. There’s a role for everyone who is willing or able to help restore the passion and pride of our club.”

More information or enquiries to: marketing@countysupporterscoop.co.uk

Oct 28

Ashley Simpson and Graham Privett Stockport County Supporters' Co-operative
1 Comment

Welcome Chair

‘Clear Blue Skies’ thought the article to be somewhat “terse”, so rather than let it go to waste, I publish a short interview with new Chair to Stockport County Supporters’ Trust, Ashley Simpson:

A lot of people have a similar background as supporters and season ticket holders but very few show an interest in the Co-op. What prompted you to get involved?

I am committed to Stockport County and have been dedicated to the ‘Co-op concept’ for some time. I am also Vice-Chair of Manchester and District’s Executive Committee of the Co-operative Party; and work as a consultant on behalf of the Co-operative College, specialising in membership development of the network of Co-operative Schools throughout the Country.

For those who have lost interest or simply don’t know, what is the Supporters Co-op? Isn’t it just a continuation of the trust, whose ownership saw us fall into administration?

Some supporters may ask why the need still for a supporters’ co-operative?  The simple reason is the fundamental principle that a football club is better off if there is a healthy, balanced and constructive relationship with its’ supporters and the community it serves.  Supporters-Direct have recently said in stressing the importance of regrouping and changing to respond to future needs, that the Co-op is “from the fans, those who understand most of all what matters about their football club……. owners, players and managers come and go but the fans are constant is a truism”.

Since administration, the Co-op has been quietly working behind the scenes. What is the vision of the current board? Does it have any specific aims?

Under the stewardship of the out-going Chair, Graham Privett, the initial goal had to be survival and ensuring that the concept of supporters’ governance was not cast into the past – but instead grasped as to a model that can bring significant benefits to the Club.  The focus of the Co-op has been published as:

VISION: To be the democratic and representative voice of the supporters of Stockport County Football Club, and to strengthen the bonds between the Club and the community which it serves.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain a stake in Stockport County Football Club.

To have a Supporter-Director on the Board of the Club, democratically elected by all supporters

To hold the owners to account, and try to ensure that the Club is run sustainably and with mutual benefit to the local community.

PRIORITIES: To be fully prepared to take action towards these objectives should any opportunity arise

To take forward our social goals and community development

To be ready to set up and run a “phoenix” club if needed.

How does the board function? Who is involved, who does what and how much time is spent?

Ashley Simpson (Chair)

Mary McGee Wood (Secretary – Independent)

Pauline Lawson (Treasurer)

Graham Privett (Events)

Matt Cook (Membership)

Adrian Stores (Marketing and fundraising)

Mark Savery (Accounts and website communications)

Ian Watts (Affiliate – Heritage/SCAN)

Involvement is via formal Board Meetings, Development Days, conference calls and getting together on matchdays. All directors are volunteers and committed to the principles above. Each has a portfolio of activities that are addressed on a weekly basis.

What do you say to those who dismiss the idea of fan organisations such as the SCFC Co-op? Why is it important to put aside prejudices from the previous regime?

Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative is part of a wider movement of organisations established by supporters of football clubs now stretching not just across England, or the UK, but also across Europe.  I believe “Co-operation” is the most sustainable business model due to the 7 values and principles which underpin a Co-operative enterprise. This vehicle enables football fans to have the ultimate voice on how their football club is run, thus enabling them to fulfil their own destiny in their community.

For more information about the Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative, including how to join: visit the website at  http://countysupporterscoop.co.uk/Join/join.htm

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