Att approx 50
Apologies: Paul Glendenning
The chairman, Jon O’Byrne approached the members prior to the meeting and put forward the following statement:
“Before the meeting starts, I would like to offer my resignation.
After lengthy consideration I feel that the supporters trust has become fragmented over recent months with different committee members wanting different outcomes. The continual friction and diversity of direction has drained my enthusiasm and dampened my desire to continue in my role.
The trust was formed with several key values in mind, namely, a collective body which would represent the supporters through the guise of supporters direct, dealing with Southport Football Club at arms length to deliver advocacy on the supporters behalf through an independent voice.
I took the step to put myself forward and outwardly convey the image and persona which I believe has fuelled the success of Trust In Yellow, in the media, on the terraces and standing in front of disgruntled supporters and looking them in the eye – making them promises of a body which would not become too closely involved with the club.
I feel that this message is compromised and these objectives, which are most valued to me are no longer achievable for Trust In Yellow under it’s current guise. What I would like to make clear is that my efforts have always been to support the club. Having sat on the centenary committee, I saw large – scale detachment between the diverse views of the directors, and club staff and the ideals of the supporters. It was always a great worry of mine that we did not have any fundraising capabilities within the existing structure to be successful off the pitch.
These past couple of years have been rocky times for the football club – which to me only serves to underline the core need of the organisation we initially set up. I look forward to supporting the team in 2008/9. Being a fan on matchdays is the one thing which I am sure is the most important thing to us all.
I’ve waited until now, as we’re in the middle of pre-season and as the agm looks to the future direction of the trust I feel its important to resign, face to face rather than on the internet ot through any other medium. I feel it’s important for me to leave shortly so that the trust can get on with its’ business, but I will of course help the trust in passing on any existing obligations in due course.
I would like to place on record my thanks to the committee for their hardwork and all those who have supported myself and the committee during the time whether it be club officials, supporters or local businesses. I would like to make it clear I will still continue to support Trust In Yellow as a member whether it be continued to be ran as it is now – in essence a supporters club.
Thank you.”
The members and committee would like to thank Jon for his hard work over the past couple of years. A closed committee meeting was called for after the AGM to organise the immediate future of the trust in light of the statement above.
The AGM continued and the motions put forward were all passed with a unanimous vote, hence Alan Drury, Alan Scarisbrick and Paul Glendenning were all re-elected, the accounts were approved and James Treadwell was re-appointed as auditor. The amendment of the rules, to ensure financial clarity, were also approved. A vote of thanks was issued to James Treadwell for auditing the accounts as a substantial saving for the club.
Phil advised that the account balance stood at £10,600 of which approximately £1000 was tied up as deposits for the book.
Membership stands at 260 live members, although 408 different members have joined since the start.
The book – the publisher is currently working on the project and at present there are 254 subscribers of which there will be a 500 print run only. The target date for launch is 19th August with an editorial deadline of 17th June.
PA system – the speakers were all fitted yesterday and all are working well. A vote of thanks was expressed to Steve Wignall for completion of the work.
The committee have been offered four days for use of the shoot out game: Carnival, funfest, veterans day and cancer awareness and further discussion would take place at the closed committee meeting.
The next project was put forward to the members, but there was a mixed response from those present and through proxy votes and further discussions would continue.
Storage of seats – the committee would continue to push to find a solution to the storage of seats that were moved to allow us to use the trust office.
Hayden also asked if we would pass on our good wishes to Chris Lloyd of Burscough who is seriously ill.
The closed committee meeting:
Paul O’Bryne asked to stand down from committee given the circumstances. Rob Urwin agreed to stand as acting chairman for the time being.Phil advised that the website renewal was due and the committee agreed to pay the fees. Alan S agreed to continue to run the coach travel for next season.
The next meeting will be at the Granstand club at 7.30pm on Thursday 19th June with the aim to discuss the hand over of roles, ways of improving the trust in terms of communication, a discussion on the future of the band nights and a long term goal/project for the trust.
