Time for an Elected Supporters' Representative
Ipswich Town 1ST has never enjoyed so much publicity - even though we have not actually tried to generate any of it ! We have been featured in Mr Sheepshanks' programme notes, in his interview on Ipswich World and again on Radio Suffolk, we achieved front-page-lead status in the Evening Star on 4th September... Why ?
Because we believe that Ipswich Town FC - and Ipswich Town plc - would be stronger if there were, on the board of directors, a representative of the wider fan base, elected by the supporters themselves.
The idea is hardly revolutionary - 38 other clubs got there ahead of Town. And it is not as if we have been trying to hide our intent - the aim of achieving elected representation has been a key objective of the Trust from day one. We polled our own membership earlier this year to make sure that we are truly representing the common view, and achieved virtual unanimity on this issue. So, with the first AGM of the new Ipswich Town plc scheduled for this autumn, we have begun the process of seeking the support of 5% of the company's shareholding to enable us to put forward the necessary motion, to be voted on by all shareholders.
We are presently taking legal advice regarding the precise wording for a resolution, the intention being to instruct the board to create a new position for an elected supporter representative. We advised the club in advance of our proposal, and debated its merits at a recent board meeting. We will be writing to all Trust members as well as to many of the company's shareholders, seeking support for our resolution.
Trust members actually own over 7% of Ipswich Town plc, which is more than any of the current directors, so we are confident that we will be able to propose our resolution at the AGM. As Mr Sheepshanks pointed out in his programme notes, it is then a democratic decision for the shareholders as to whether they accept it. We believe that it is in the interests of Ipswich Town FOOTBALL CLUB that the resolution succeeds.
You will hear much more about our proposals in the coming weeks, through the next Trust news update, on this website, in the local press and radio, in fanzines, and we will be holding a meeting so you can come and ask any questions.
Meantime, if you want to know more, please email us via this website, or phone us on the dedicated Trust number – 07968 876504. Alternatively, we will do our best to answer questions on the www.twtd.co.uk messageboard.
Because we believe that Ipswich Town FC - and Ipswich Town plc - would be stronger if there were, on the board of directors, a representative of the wider fan base, elected by the supporters themselves.
The idea is hardly revolutionary - 38 other clubs got there ahead of Town. And it is not as if we have been trying to hide our intent - the aim of achieving elected representation has been a key objective of the Trust from day one. We polled our own membership earlier this year to make sure that we are truly representing the common view, and achieved virtual unanimity on this issue. So, with the first AGM of the new Ipswich Town plc scheduled for this autumn, we have begun the process of seeking the support of 5% of the company's shareholding to enable us to put forward the necessary motion, to be voted on by all shareholders.
We are presently taking legal advice regarding the precise wording for a resolution, the intention being to instruct the board to create a new position for an elected supporter representative. We advised the club in advance of our proposal, and debated its merits at a recent board meeting. We will be writing to all Trust members as well as to many of the company's shareholders, seeking support for our resolution.
Trust members actually own over 7% of Ipswich Town plc, which is more than any of the current directors, so we are confident that we will be able to propose our resolution at the AGM. As Mr Sheepshanks pointed out in his programme notes, it is then a democratic decision for the shareholders as to whether they accept it. We believe that it is in the interests of Ipswich Town FOOTBALL CLUB that the resolution succeeds.
You will hear much more about our proposals in the coming weeks, through the next Trust news update, on this website, in the local press and radio, in fanzines, and we will be holding a meeting so you can come and ask any questions.
Meantime, if you want to know more, please email us via this website, or phone us on the dedicated Trust number – 07968 876504. Alternatively, we will do our best to answer questions on the www.twtd.co.uk messageboard.
Ipswich Town 1st are an investor in Ipswich Town FC |