Sent out to Trust members this morning.

[Ninian1962]

They do - the Trust was given that space as soon as the stadium opened if memory serves. The Supporters' Club also have an office just around the corner (or at least they did last time I ventured that way before a match).

Dave
I can`t recall the exact dates but the Trust office was created quite a long time after the new stadium opened and the Trust paid for the work to create it. Previously the Trust used an area (also available to all other fans) in the stadium concourse behind the Ninian Stand where there were a few tables fixed to the floor. Not that long after the tables were removed because someone claimed that the tables could be used as "weapons"!!!

[NinianKnight]

Diversity? Representative? What do these tropes mean in reality?

Any fan who agrees with the Trust's aims can join and be represented. Any member who meets the legal criteria can stand for election: there is no discrimination nor the quota systems so often associated with 'Diversity' policies. That would be absurd.

I'm a member, and in the past myself and others have spent hours distributing membership leaflets at CCS promoting the Trust and encouraging people to join. We went all over the site to reach what you call 'the wider fan base', also known as fans. The Trust is always seeking new members and welcomes them.

Explain what you mean by 'diversity' and how you plan on achieving your targets.

Well said that man. Diversity is a nonsense. Pick the person on ability not gender, race, religion etc.

[RichardM]

Well said that man. Diversity is a nonsense. Pick the person on ability not gender, race, religion etc.

I'm sure in the context of this thread "diversity" is about the Trust membership reflecting the diverse range of fans, old, young, male, female, black, brown, white or pink etc and nothing to do with ability.

[The Lone Gunman]

Diversity? Representative? What do these tropes mean in reality?

Any fan who agrees with the Trust's aims can join and be represented. Any member who meets the legal criteria can stand for election: there is no discrimination nor the quota systems so often associated with 'Diversity' policies. That would be absurd.

I'm a member, and in the past myself and others have spent hours distributing membership leaflets at CCS promoting the Trust and encouraging people to join. We went all over the site to reach what you call 'the wider fan base', also known as fans. The Trust is always seeking new members and welcomes them.

Explain what you mean by 'diversity' and how you plan on achieving your targets.

Who are you addressing?

[The Lone Gunman]

Yes it is small, despite efforts to encourage people to join. The door is open.

Wider fan groups? Who are they? I know about The Supporters Club and the Disabled Supporters Club. Some Trust members are also members of these groups. Which groups is the Trust missing?

Who are you addressing?

[North Cardiff Blue]

Apparently, in the dim and distant past, the Trust paid the club £3000 for the broom cupboard that is their office. I think that sum included some kitting out. Of course, if you believe a certain messageboard, they’ve got luxury accommodation with a coffee machine. I’ve been there in the past and seen the Trust volunteers sweeping it out as the office was flooded out from the toilets located directly behind it.

They were taking the piss - out

[The Lone Gunman]

Dave
I can`t recall the exact dates but the Trust office was created quite a long time after the new stadium opened and the Trust paid for the work to create it. Previously the Trust used an area (also available to all other fans) in the stadium concourse behind the Ninian Stand where there were a few tables fixed to the floor. Not that long after the tables were removed because someone claimed that the tables could be used as "weapons"!!!

Keith, I remember those tables now you've mentioned them - we actually managed to sign up quite a few members on those, and we also used them as a distribution point for the first issue of Moving to a Different Beat. I remember we had that big CCST sign up in that corner. The stadium was opened in 2009 and I dipped out of the Trust in 2012 following the rebrand, but I can remember doing various bits and pieces from the office such as Phil Dwyer's book signing and stuff related to the Keenor statue campaign. Can't remember the precise timelines, though.

[NinianKnight]

I'm sure in the context of this thread "diversity" is about the Trust membership reflecting the diverse range of fans, old, young, male, female, black, brown, white or pink etc and nothing to do with ability.

There was a mention that there were no women on the trust board ATM and only one in the past. We shouldn't pick board members simply because they are female (or old, young, black, brown, white or pink) However, if there is a female (or one of the other catagories mentioned) who has the ability to serve the TB and increase its flatlining membership then by all means lets vote them on.

[RichardM]

There was a mention that there were no women on the trust board ATM and only one in the past. We shouldn't pick board members simply because they are female (or old, young, black, brown, white or pink) However, if there is a female (or one of the other catagories mentioned) who has the ability to serve the TB and increase its flatlining membership then by all means lets vote them on.

I don't think anyone suggested we should pick board members simply because they are female (or old, young, black, brown, white or pink).

[The Lone Gunman]

I don't think anyone suggested we should pick board members simply because they are female (or old, young, black, brown, white or pink).

Indeed. It seems certain individuals were triggered by the word 'diversity'. No surprise there.

[NinianKnight]

Indeed. It seems certain individuals were triggered by the word 'diversity'. No surprise there.

[Sloop_Jon_Bee]

I believe the catalyst for the recent upsurge in membership was this particular meeting with club officials and the subsequent report on the Trust’s website:

https://www.ccfctrust.org/cardiff-ci...alk-the-facts/

The Trust’s public statement that these are THE FACTS is apparently strongly disputed by a significant number of fans (or at least a significant number when the Trust’s membership levels are taken into consideration). Those people apparently believe these are merely ‘the facts’ as presented by Mehmet Dalman rather than being the actual truth.

Rightly or wrongly, there is a perception among some City supporters that the Trust is now effectively the Keith Morgan show, and Keith has become far too cosy with Messrs Dalman and Choo. It is apparently believed that Keith is now content to help promote the club’s public position on important issues such as the alleged takeover talks and the Sala litigation without proper scrutiny. It is also perceived that the Trust's board has made no effort in recent years to attract new members simply because the organisation’s hierarchy are content with the current status quo and the opportunities it presents to them on a personal level with regard to press coverage and attendance at meetings with club officials.

I should point out that these are not my personal opinions. I’ve known Keith for a long time, I have a good deal of respect for him and consider him a friend. I also know what a thankless task serving on the Trust board can be. However, I have noticed the tone of some of Keith’s contributions on CCMB in recent times seem to have changed a little, particularly where the legal case is concerned.

As regards the Trust itself, I was genuinely surprised to learn that there haven’t been any proper elections since 2019 and membership numbers dropped as low as 350. I don’t recall seeing any social media or leaflet campaigns aimed at attracting new members in recent years, so perhaps some of the criticisms I’ve mentioned above do have a degree of validity.

As far as I’m aware, the Trust has only ever had one female board member and she resigned in 2012 after threats from outside the organisation that followed her opposition to the rebrand. Since then, the Trust board has seemingly comprised entirely of middle-aged or retired men, so it could hardly be considered to be genuinely representative of the club’s wider fanbase. Under the circumstances, perhaps a shake-up and some new faces at board level wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Ever since we originally formed CCST, I’ve been telling anyone who’ll listen the same thing - instead of grizzling on social media about what the Trust does or doesn’t do from the outside, the way to go is to join the organisation and attempt to change it from the inside. The Trust isn’t a political party and it’s open for anyone to join, so I don’t see what harm a democratic election in the near future could possibly do and I don’t really understand why some people are seemingly so opposed to the idea. What are they afraid of?

Good post Dave. Nobody can argue that any society and institution should be open to new ideas and change. I think the issue is a large amount of people joined at the same time and a quorum number immediately have come forward requesting elections now, instead of waiting until next march or April when the election process goes out to members. They are proposing a resolution that will change our rules and election policy. The Trust has done nothing wrong to deserve such a move and coming from and via the route it has, has to be seen as more than a bit underhand.
I personally had the heads up about such a move, from people who had been contacted to support it well before the surge in membership started. So my mind is made up that it is a 'takeover' bid. It is such a shame as new membership and ideas are most welcome, but not in this way.
I came in for a bit of flak from some of these new members for daring to voice my opinion on a phone in hosted by Nigelblues. I am sure knowing you from over the years, you would have done the same. I would be quite happy to step down as Vice chair and spend more time running my coaches to away games and doing more fly-fishing. But i am a believer in doing what is right. I will vote No to the resolution. And will run in the election before our next AGM
Spedger

[Canton Stand Blue]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

[NinianKnight]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

Seems fair enough to me. Hope he is given a chance. BTW I am not a member of CCST but for a bazaar reason I have been a member of Clydebank FC Supporters Trust for 6 years. I don't know the exact membership number of CST but it is a lot more than 350.

[the other bob wilson]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

“Eight months is a long time in both football and life”. Seventeen years is a great deal longer, that’s how long the Trust has been going and for the large majority of that time, there’s been plenty of carping from the sidelines from some parties who it now seems want everything done tomorrow.

[TDA]

“Eight months is a long time in both football and life”. Seventeen years is a great deal longer, that’s how long the Trust has been going and for the large majority of that time, there’s been plenty of carping from the sidelines from some parties who it now seems want everything done tomorrow.

I am importing here the announcement we have made on Cardiff City Forum. With all respect to the gentleman who is one of the signatories, we weren't born yesterday.

"The established board of Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust is coming under severe pressure from a group of individuals who have recently joined en bloc.

Regardless of what the incomers have been maintaining, the logical conclusion is that they are seeking to gain control of an established avenue of communication with the club to pursue their own agenda.

There is speculation of who is ultimately behind the present actions and what the motive is. Whatever the answers are to those two questions, the present approach is unwelcome and highly suspicious. The Trust has clear procedures on meetings and elections and for a sudden influx of new members to immediately demand change to those begs the question why? Elections are due within 6 months anyway.

Cardiff City Forum throws its weight behind the Trust and will campaign for it to be able to continue the good work it does.

We urge anyone who is concerned by the present situation to join the Trust as soon as possible using this link and vote against the resolution on 24 October .

Join the Trust Now! – Cardiff City Supporters' Trust - https://www.ccfctrust.org/join-the-trust-now/ "

[PontBlue]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

You don't need to be a Board Member to make proposals or help implement new ideas; regular members can and do help out with the Trust. I'm pretty sure all of the Board would welcome ideas and support in growing the membership. Your message reads like you only want to help the Trust on condition of one of your group being elected to the board.

[splott parker]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

Rhys, I assume most, if not all, existing trust members joined under their own steam, with no outside cajoling or influence. They joined because they wanted to join as an individual. It does seem that you are part of an organisation, certainly the spokesman, who’ve, perhaps, banded together, persuaded others with a ‘this is what we’re going to do’ agenda. Or, on the other hand, have 28 (is it 28?) supporters all had a simultaneous individual idea, ‘I’m going to join the trust’?
You must admit it does all seem a bit fishy, the trust, as any organisation would be, has to be suspicious at a sudden surge of applicants. The trust has a lot of good unseen things going on and are rightly, in my opinion, wary of any ‘rocking of the boat’ that may disrupt.
Fair play to you though for putting your head above the parapet, not sure where you normally post. Contribute more on here, lets know more about your agenda & ideas.

[the other bob wilson]

Sorry, i should have posted this message which was sent out to Trust members this morning on here earlier;-

"Dear Member

We have been asked by some recently joined members to convene a special general meeting of the trust to consider the following:

"That an election of the Cardiff City Supporters Trust Board be held within 30 days of this Special General Meeting.

As part of this election, all current members of the Board shall stand down and may seek re-election should they wish to do so, following the Trust's Election Policies and Procedures.

Any Trust member who meets the eligibility requirements may also seek election in accordance with the same rules and procedures."

The meeting will take place at CCS on 24th October at the Ricoh Suite at CCS at 7.00pm

We will be contacting you with the voting arrangements shortly including e-mail, for members who are unable to attend.

Many thanks"

[NinianKnight]

You don't need to be a Board Member to make proposals or help implement new ideas; regular members can and do help out with the Trust. I'm pretty sure all of the Board would welcome ideas and support in growing the membership. Your message reads like you only want to help the Trust on condition of one of your group being elected to the board.

If I were part of this so called hostile group, then I would take note of what you have posted. If I have read things correctly then there is an election in a few months. This new group should use that time to establish themselves and by the time the election comes around they will have more credibility when standing for one of the big jobs on the board

[NinianKnight]

We urge anyone who is concerned by the present situation to join the Trust as soon as possible using this link and vote against the resolution on 24 October [/B].

Join the Trust Now! – Cardiff City Supporters' Trust - https://www.ccfctrust.org/join-the-trust-now/ "

I like the idea that the Trust might have some new blood and ideas. Can I join the trust to vote in Favour of a new election, or would I be considered hostile and unwelcome?

[Baloo]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

Fair enough, but has it really just recently occurred to you that it would be good to grow membership?

This belated epiphany does seem a tadge strange. This is something that has surely been plainly obvious for donkeys years for anybody with a desire to strengthen The Trust.

[Canton Stand Blue]

Only back as someone pointed out to me I said get in touch and hadnÂ’t said how .. rookie mistake. IÂ’ll answer some of the above as IÂ’m here Â… but donÂ’t expect anything further.

1. I donÂ’t really use message boards, nor much social media in general. IÂ’ve only joined here to respond to the nonsense above. If you want to get in touch the best way is X, IÂ’m @buncey07 - always happy to talk.

2. To answer Baloo, IÂ’ve been a season ticket holder in the Canton stand since it opened. IÂ’ve walked passed the Trust building upwards of 300 times, IÂ’d guess and not once had I been asked to join the trust, nor explained what it did. I, and IÂ’m sure the majority of supporters would assume the only reason you wouldnÂ’t be actively recruiting is because numbers were fairly good and solid.
The trust doesnÂ’t actively publicise its numbers and itÂ’s clear from this thread, there was shock at how low itÂ’s gone. It was only when we ourselves started digging into it before joining that we thought something needed to be done. If the only good that comes out of this is it actively gives those at the top a kick, itÂ’ll be a good thing. The post above is arguably more recruiting than theyÂ’ve done since the return from Covid.

3. Splott Parker - A big thanks probably goes to whomever on the trust runs the X account. Almost all of us in the group have disagreed with some of the comments/processes over the last 12 months, prior to joining, though many of us are friends or friend of friends. In our interactions most had had the standard response of “if you don’t like how it’s run, join” .. then when you do, you get dogs abuse anyway. Once a 5-6 of us joined, it grew pretty organically and quickly. As above, we’ve tried to be professional, we’ve not used social media, but I would think there are lots out there who probably think the same. Let’s see.

4. Pontblue - ironically, prior to joining I messaged the Trust. I suggested the trust should propose a delay on season tickets to its members until the board were willing to engage and release the post-relegation strategy that never came. It was when we had the wonderful deafening silence on the managers hunt as you’ll probably remember. I was told it would be passed to the board and nobody ever came back to me with even the decency of a response. Whilst I appreciate I wasn’t a member at the time, common courtesy would’ve been to say “thanks, but no thanks”. Since then, if I’ve emailed the trust, it’s taken multiple weeks for a response and I’ve had to chase it. Whilst I appreciate your all doing this as volunteers, and to be clear you do an excellent job at it given it’s in your spare time, to think improvements can’t be made is short sighted in my opinion. Anyone reading this thread would have the general consensus that it’s the boards way or the highway .. so having a position to influence that seems pretty critical. Perhaps you might have a different avenue or extra kudos for time served, but it seems pretty clear new members thoughts are unwelcome and must first be vetted. Didn’t someone mention a 2 year window earlier ..

5. No idea who TDA is, but he might want to speak to the FSA. Given you’ve announced the SGM, no member joining after this date can vote at it. To quote your vice chairman “play by the rules”.

6. Other Bob Wilson - not sure what your point is. WeÂ’re trying to be proactive and want to grow the trust. If you feel having new members is a bad thing, it probably sums up why its numbers have stagnated. Perhaps being more welcoming mightÂ’ve helped.

Thanks and have a good weekend. Onto 3 points tomorrow. If you need me, you know where to find me.

[splott parker]

Hi all,
As one of the 28 signatories, I want to clarify the position on our request for an Election of the CCST Trust board, considering some of the unfair rumours doing the rounds. We have stayed silent and not put comments out on social media to avoid battles and try to keep things professional. WeÂ’ve spoken with CCST Board directly on several occasions, so they are aware of all the below.

Firstly, none of us are named *****, despite the rumours. We are supporters of the football club, who feel more can and should be done. We wish the focus to only be on creating a stronger trust, not personal battles.

Our aim has always been simple: to strengthen the Trust. We believe a club of our size should have considerably more than the 350 members quoted, prior to us joining and wish to help drive it. We note growing the membership of the Trust is mentioned by almost every CCST Board member, within their online profile, but little appears to have been done to achieve this in the last 3-4 years.

Our ideas are simple:

Increased and more varied social media activity

More community events

Greater collaboration with the Club to gain more member benefits e.g. Q&AÂ’s with players or Club officials making joining the trust a more attractive proposition to younger demographics

As highlighted in the CCST board’s own communication, there has been a vacant board seat for over four years, there are also 3 other co-option places that could be used. Our original request—entirely in line with the Trust’s rules—was to hold a democratic election to fill what was needed. We have not demanded the position, we wish to follow correct process, as is the honest route. Our SGM request is in line with the last few elections run, where all Board members stood down and put themselves forward for re-election. It is neither a rule change, new, nor revolutionary.

To be candid, it’s hard to justify committing significant energy to growing the Trust if there is no realistic avenue for us to propose change or implement new ideas. One seat out of nine was hardly hostile, nor could 28 people possibly “take over” the Trust. We’re even aware it may not even be enough to win an election should others stand, but we feel it’s right to put ourselves forward.

Some of the current talk of “protecting democracy” feels ironic, given the suggestions to ban us, alter rules or negate our votes. What was really being suggested is blocking it—changing rules and regulations in ways that would make the Trust less attractive to new members and making it weaker as a result.

Eight months is a long time in both football and life. We believe we can take advantage of the current positivity around the club and don’t want to wait until a dead period over the summer to get started. Our motives are not hostile—we simply want to see the Trust grow and regain its voice. The bigger risk, in our view, lies in declining membership and a failure to properly hold the club to account.

Given some of the assumptions already made, I wonÂ’t be commenting further here. If you wish to discuss it further on a 1-2-1 level, weÂ’re happy to have those conversations. Similarly, weÂ’d encourage anyone who agrees with our stance to continue to join the Trust and make it stronger.

As a group, we look forward to sharing our thoughts, working with the Trust Board and, most importantly, the wider membership.

Thanks,
Rhys

Have you posted your messages on the other City messageboards?

[TDA]

Only back as someone pointed out to me I said get in touch and hadnÂ’t said how .. rookie mistake. IÂ’ll answer some of the above as IÂ’m here Â… but donÂ’t expect anything further.


5. No idea who TDA is, but he might want to speak to the FSA. Given you’ve announced the SGM, no member joining after this date can vote at it. To quote your vice chairman “play by the rules”.

It doesn't matter who I might be, but I have no reason to doubt that the info I have been given is correct.