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What are the aims and objectives of trust ?
We intend to be an all inclusive organisation representing the views of the fans of Grimsby Town FC and doing everything we can to help the football club prosper whilst at the same time improve the match day experience for its fans and help promote the club in the local community . In simple terms we are trying to help pull the fans and football together and get everyone pulling in the same direction for the good of the Football Club.
How many members do you have?
As at Jan 1st 2012 we have 250 members which is 80 more (nearly 50%) than when we re-launched in early November 2011. Of these 101 are life members and interestingly over a third of all members are "exiles"
We are getting new members enrolling each week and we are targeting to be at around 500 by the start of the 2012/13 season and around 1000 by the end of that season.
We will update the numbers at the end of each month and publish on the website.
What does it cost to join ?
Adult membership is £15 pa but only £12 if paid by standing order (23p per week),Concessions are £5 pa and we also do a family membership (2 adults/2 children aged 16 and under). The lifetime membership costs £100.
We have also just launched a Corporate membership scheme which costs £100pa which will hopefully get some businesses on board
Why should I join ?
ll paid up members have a one share stake in Mariners Trust which is a truly democratic organisation with the opportunity to vote on policy and board membership. The stronger the membership base the stronger the voice. We all like to moan about various things to do with our football club but in reality an individual voice is rarely listened too and thus the frustration grows. By being part of the Trust the fans do have a voice and through the regular dialogue the club have with the Trust it is the best way for any fan to get his point of view heard by the club.
Who watches what you do and are you regulated in any way ?
We certainly are – we are part of Supporters Direct who are a government funded body overseeing all of the supporters trusts in the country . We are registered society (no 29571R ) and as such come under the jurisdiction of the FSA.
Are the board members paid ?
Certainly not and the only way that can ever change is if it was voted for at the AGM or EGM . All of the board members and helpers are volunteers and give up their time for free.
You have stated that you are not the fund raising arm of the club – what does that mean ?
What we mean by this is that although we work extremely closely with the club we are an independent body and not part of the club . Also although everything we raise will be for the ultimate benefit of the club some of this may be indirect investment rather than direct .Indeed the members will have a big say in how the investment back into the club will be made.
This has been interpreted by some that we are not interested in fundraising but that is definitely not the case and we focused on raising as much money as possible.
So how are you going to raise money ?
We have several work streams going on . One of our income streams is obviously membership and this has been our primary focus in the first few weeks .We have added to our membership options by introducing a corporate membership scheme which we are hoping will attract some businesses to join.
We are also in the process of organising a number of events such as speaker evening, casino night, race night, 5 a side tournament, family fun day, open evening including football quiz , sports quiz involving players/management . More details to follow . One of the members has taken the initiative and organised a prediction league for us which is getting a good response. Any help of this nature is really appreciated. We already have set up a spend and save feature on our website which raises money if you do your internet shopping by first going through our site . We also have a lottery already set up and we are adding to that by introducing a membership + scheme which is a monthly prize draw for members who want to give a bit more every month.
In addition we are in discussion with the club about improvements to the quality of catering and bars with a view to improving revenue from these areas
How much are you hoping to raise each year ?
We really don’t want to put a figure on this. Not being evasive but the last thing we want to do at this early stage is over promise and under deliver . After we have launched some of these initiatives we will get a better idea but the real answer is that at this stage we really do not know but we are going to do everything we can to raise as much as possible .
Do you intend to ask for a place on the Board of GTFC ?
Not immediately but our long term aim is to have a seat, or even seats on the board, however, we accept that we initially have to build our membership and be able to quantify any financial commitment we can put our name to. We have already established a regular dialogue with the club and directors and our ultimate aim is to have a seat on the board of GTFC.
The trust is major shareholder in the club as a result of the gift from Mike Parker . Do you think that brings with it responsibilities to underpin the finances of the club?
We accept that we need to help as much as possible but the reality of the situation as sit here today we don’t have funds to fall back on and so any investment will be generated from future activities. As explained the reason we are not yet looking for a place on the board is that we cannot put our name to specific financial commitment.
Would the Trust be prepared to sell any of it’s shares?
Within reason yes and it would certainly help raise much needed funds .Any significant offer would be put to the members for acceptance.
As a result of your shareholding and that held by Mike Parker the major shareholding sits outside of the boardroom and as such John Fenty has stated that he is not prepared to fund the club until that situation is resolved . What are the trust going to do about that situation ?
We haven’t got the answer to this one yet and we will be working closely with John to try and resolve . We will lobby members if this results in any significant action.
The Trust board are committed to building a close long term relationship with the GTFC board.
Why did you accept Mike Parker’s shares when you knew the takeover panel where investigating?
The shares were actually accepted by the previous Trust board but to be fair the current board would have made the same decision . It is our very clear understanding that Mike had made his mind up that he wanted to withdraw from his involvement with GTFC and put the proposal of donating the shares to the supporters trust to the takeover panel who accepted that as the solution.
The club has highlighted a shortfall of £500k for this season and a similar one for next. Who do you expect to fund this shortfall?
In terms of this years shortfall much of this was planned and obviously we have had no input into the setting of the original budget and how it was to be funded .As we understand the gap is higher than expected and we will do everything we can to help . Obviously the season is not yet finished and hopefully football fortune will continue to improve which hopefully will also help.
For next season again we haven’t been involved in the budget setting but our understanding is that to have a competitive playing budget there will be another gap of £500 k Again we will do everything we can but this emphasises our need for as many members as possible . Without another significant backer it will be left to the fans and public of Grimsby to decide whether or not they want a competitive playing budget or alternatively re set the budget and accept the playing budget that comes with it . At the end of the day the club cannot spend money it hasn’t got .
Do you think you have made a good start ?
Probably give ourselves 7/10 so far . The new board only came together at the beginning of November and since then we have completely rebranded , developed a new website , launched Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin pages ,sponsored a match, launched a membership drive and done lots of preparatory work for future events . We accept there are some things we could have done better such as answering some of the questions and laying out some of plans but this is a big learning curve for some of the board and we really are doing our best .We will learn of our mistakes and happy to take on board constructive criticism.
What are the key things that will make you successful ?
1) More Members
2) Great support for all of our events
3) More Volunteers
4) Hard Work
5) The fans and public understanding the financial reality of the club
How do I join?
We have issued over 3000 forms and there are still some in the bars and offices at the club . Also you can join via the website by clicking on the link below:
or you can pay by cash,cheque, paypal or standing order (preferred), just downlaod and complete the membership form.
Any problems just contact any of the board members- contact details are on the website.
How can I get more involved?
Please do – we desperately need more help either at board level or just with projects . We particularly need people who can organise events .Just contact any of the board members .
