GTST Gets Go Ahead!

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 19/11/2002

AT the meeting of supporters, called by the organising committee of the Grimsby Town Supporters Trust, at the Memorial Hall in Cleethorpes last night, the committee was authorised, by unanimous decision, to complete the formation of the trust.

There were 200 people at the meeting and that is amazing. Some clubs had as low as 37 at their first meetings and many had less than 100. The turnout last night was excellent and indicates the commitment of the fans and supporters to the future of the club.

So what will the trust do for us? What will the trust do for Grimsby Town Football Club? How can it make things better? Those are just some of the questions that have been asked.

There can be only one answer to those questions.

Whatever you want it to do!

Because the trust cannot do anything without your support and input.

It is a fully democratic entity with a one man, one vote constitution! It is there to serve the needs of the supporters, the community and the club. By becoming a member and getting involved, you will provide the necessary clout to enable the supporters to be involved in the decision making process of the club, promoting football in the community and being effective in bringing the community closer to the club.

The trust will present the very first opportunity for Town supporters to have a really effective relationship with the club that "fan power" provides.

No more the cries of "They do not listen to us"

That is not to say that the fans will run the club. That is not the intention. The system will remain the same with directors and shareholders calling the tune, but the trust will build closer links and relationships with the club and seek to influence the club in decisions affecting the supporters.

It will take time, but other trusts have done, what in the past has been seen as almost impossible, and have had a great influence in the community and the clubs and, in some cases, saving the club from financial ruin.

But for those who believe that the trust will become no more than another fundraising arm of the club, think again!

It is important that the Trust assists the club through its fundraising activities, but it will not be one-way traffic. It will be a case of what is mutually advantageous with a great deal of give and take on both sides.

The formation of the trust will begin a new partnership between the club, the community and the supporters.

I am delighted to see it happen in my time and I look forward to seeing it thrive!

Many thanks to the organising committee for the time and effort they have given to get the trust off the ground. Behind the scenes there has been a great deal of personal time, and money, sacrificed to get where we are today and they deserve the recognition and thanks of all supporters.

Sign me up! I want to be a member!

Because this really is the way forward!!

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