We are forming a trust so that if possible charlton fans have a permenant voice in the club and some way of securing its future
You could go back as far the valley party if you like, although what was done then was amazing and shows what you can achieve
The problems when the last attempt to form a trust happened
I think we missed an opportunity when lansdowne mews came up for sale, there was no trust set up to possibly step in
And now we have the current crisis of confidence - see the half million other threads on that for reference, but not here please as this isn't what its all about necessarily
Many of us just can't stand back idly while this continues to happen, and personally i think this sort of finance issue will affect more and more clubs while football continues to live beyond its means
Sure we may not succeed but you don't know until you try, and boy are we going to give this a try
Sounds lame, but a tuesday night in london isnt ideal for me whilst still at school for a-levels. Parental control has got the better of me! But anything that i can do eg. raise awareness etc more than happy to do so.
I agree with the first paragraph , I think the goal of the trust would be to secure fan participation as far as is possible in the administration of Charlton Athletic. I'm not sure if it should be linked to protecting the stadium (perhaps makes the trust seem irrelevant whilst theres no real threat to the Valley so would probably limit interest and participation) and I dont think it should be specifically linked to this or any other particular "crisis" as that would just put a time limit on the trust. One difference to bear in mind this time round is that Charlton de-listed from the LSE and thus we can't directly purchase shares in the club or have them donated by supporters. We need to think of more creative ways we can achieve our aims using money raised, otherwise it'll prove impossible to raise decent funds.
A long-standing arrangement means that I can't be there, but I will do my best to be at meeting number 2. And if Ken's putting up a tenner I'll match it - I'm unemployed (unemployable?!), so no big bucks from me. I am doing Euromillions twice a week though, so who knows?
I think as a trust the main aim should be to keep CAFC at The Valley, if in years to come the club want (need) to move, the trust members can vote on it. You have to remember that the fans brought £1 million worth of shares in the mid 90s and what did they get from it ? Not a lot. Buying shares is all well and good all the time the company you brought shares in is still trading. If we have a piece on land that won't dissappear.
It will be hard work to reach our target, however this is Charlton and that has never stop us before.
I live in Surrey and I'm flying out the country on Wednesday morning so won't be able to make it Tuesday. However I'm interested in helping in anyway. Will also try to make the next meeting.
I am grateful for all views and comments but please do come if you can and say them on the night too if you can. I will look into the age limit on the pub and report back.
I think as a trust the main aim should be to keep CAFC at The Valley, if in years to come the club want (need) to move, the trust members can vote on it. You have to remember that the fans brought £1 million worth of shares in the mid 90s and what did they get from it ? Not a lot. Buying shares is all well and good all the time the company you brought shares in is still trading. If we have a piece on land that won't dissappear.
It will be hard work to reach our target, however this is Charlton and that has never stop us before.
As per my above post, we can't buy shares anyway, CAFC was delisted about 18 months ago.
As to making keeping Charlton at the Valley the main goal of the Trust;
a) Can you not imagine any scenario where leaving the Valley might be for the best ? I'm not saying one exists now, but hypothetically speaking if their was an alternative that allowed the club to thrive then surely that would be worth exploring ? Surely the aim is to benefit Charlton Athletic, not the Valley ?
b) If the aim was to secure supporter representation (rather than "save" the Valley) then that representation would surely be influential in keeping us at the Valley should that issue ever arise and should the trust members see that as desirable ?
c) How could we "keep Charlton at the Valley" without either having decent level representation or purchasing the Valley itself, which is completely unfeasible ?
d) How exactly would you sell this to people considering there is currently no threat to the Valley, we have no way if influencing the decision if there was and therefore no realistic goals for them to "buy into" ?
For me the goal has to be supporter representation, specific goals like saving the Valley can be included, but if that's all the trust stands for then it makes it a complete irrelevance while those specific goals are a non issue.
Whatever happens in the near future these last few weeks have proved we need a voice, not the fans forum but more of a collective body like a supporters association. Even if a new Cash injector is found this should carry on and be ready for any future blips. Power to the people
Whatever happens in the near future these last few weeks have proved we need a voice, not the fans forum but more of a collective body like a supporters association. Even if a new Cash injector is found this should carry on and be ready for any future blips. Power to the people
Totally agree. Would be great to hear some suggestions of how we could achieve increased supporter representation with realistic fund levels and working with the current ownership structure (I.e now way of just buying shares) of the club
This seems a good idea but will only get off the ground if there are a few dedictaed people willing to give p a lot of time to run what is to intense and perposes is a buisness. Also you have to put your ego`s to one side, forget all the differences between those very driven charlton supporters as is shown on too many of are different forums. Just bury the hatchet. Once again the best of luck and thanks to those willing to put in the time to improve are football club.
I think as a trust the main aim should be to keep CAFC at The Valley, if in years to come the club want (need) to move, the trust members can vote on it. You have to remember that the fans brought £1 million worth of shares in the mid 90s and what did they get from it ? Not a lot. Buying shares is all well and good all the time the company you brought shares in is still trading. If we have a piece on land that won't dissappear.
It will be hard work to reach our target, however this is Charlton and that has never stop us before.
As per my above post, we can't buy shares anyway, CAFC was delisted about 18 months ago.
As to making keeping Charlton at the Valley the main goal of the Trust;
a) Can you not imagine any scenario where leaving the Valley might be for the best ? I'm not saying one exists now, but hypothetically speaking if their was an alternative that allowed the club to thrive then surely that would be worth exploring ? Surely the aim is to benefit Charlton Athletic, not the Valley ?
b) If the aim was to secure supporter representation (rather than "save" the Valley) then that representation would surely be influential in keeping us at the Valley should that issue ever arise and should the trust members see that as desirable ?
c) How could we "keep Charlton at the Valley" without either having decent level representation or purchasing the Valley itself, which is completely unfeasible ?
d) How exactly would you sell this to people considering there is currently no threat to the Valley, we have no way if influencing the decision if there was and therefore no realistic goals for them to "buy into" ?
For me the goal has to be supporter representation, specific goals like saving the Valley can be included, but if that's all the trust stands for then it makes it a complete irrelevance while those specific goals are a non issue.
I for one would have grave reservations about moving from the Valley, as it is the catalist of what binds many supporters to the club. We are not just another football club without history and a culture of history that in the recent past supporters played a unique example to others that we got back to where we belong, and what could be done with the support of the fan's and a board with the same aims as the supporters. I appreciate that directors are now money men, but that is why they will make there decisions based on financial gain to protect there investment. The two are not mutually exclusive, but often have a different long term aim.
It is very difficult to support a board that we do not know who is the the man/company behind the decision making. What the present board did over the past 18 months was a great start, but a fragile one at that.
Moving to some mega football palace, probably to chase a larger fan base, and purchase a stadium I am sure will be hard to financially justify unless some rich supporter /director is prepared to support the club over a number of years, and do we as fans want to have a club run on that basis,is that not the issue at present? In any case you are probably talking about a plan that will take 5 years or so to come about in moving in. Look at the effect that the move to the emirates have had at Arsenal, ask there fans if they would have stayed at Arsenal and compete, or have a lovely stadium. If it is all about getting a bigger stadium why do QPR stay where they are, they have the money men behind them. In any case I am not sure our support is around the Greenwich peninsular,( the popular suggestion) but more in North Kent and beyond. If these bunch of directors cannot buy the Lansdowne mews, or have decided not to this......... is one area that could be discussed.
I think as a trust the main aim should be to keep CAFC at The Valley, if in years to come the club want (need) to move, the trust members can vote on it. You have to remember that the fans brought £1 million worth of shares in the mid 90s and what did they get from it ? Not a lot. Buying shares is all well and good all the time the company you brought shares in is still trading. If we have a piece on land that won't dissappear.
It will be hard work to reach our target, however this is Charlton and that has never stop us before.
As per my above post, we can't buy shares anyway, CAFC was delisted about 18 months ago.
As to making keeping Charlton at the Valley the main goal of the Trust;
a) Can you not imagine any scenario where leaving the Valley might be for the best ? I'm not saying one exists now, but hypothetically speaking if their was an alternative that allowed the club to thrive then surely that would be worth exploring ? Surely the aim is to benefit Charlton Athletic, not the Valley ?
b) If the aim was to secure supporter representation (rather than "save" the Valley) then that representation would surely be influential in keeping us at the Valley should that issue ever arise and should the trust members see that as desirable ?
c) How could we "keep Charlton at the Valley" without either having decent level representation or purchasing the Valley itself, which is completely unfeasible ?
d) How exactly would you sell this to people considering there is currently no threat to the Valley, we have no way if influencing the decision if there was and therefore no realistic goals for them to "buy into" ?
For me the goal has to be supporter representation, specific goals like saving the Valley can be included, but if that's all the trust stands for then it makes it a complete irrelevance while those specific goals are a non issue.
I for one would have grave reservations about moving from the Valley, as it is the catalist of what binds many supporters to the club. We are not just another football club without history and a culture of history that in the recent past supporters played a unique example to others that we got back to where we belong, and what could be done with the support of the fan's and a board with the same aims as the supporters. I appreciate that directors are now money men, but that is why they will make there decisions based on financial gain to protect there investment. The two are not mutually exclusive, but often have a different long term aim.
It is very difficult to support a board that we do not know who is the the man/company behind the decision making. What the present board did over the past 18 months was a great start, but a fragile one at that.
Moving to some mega football palace, probably to chase a larger fan base, and purchase a stadium I am sure will be hard to financially justify unless some rich supporter /director is prepared to support the club over a number of years, and do we as fans want to have a club run on that basis,is that not the issue at present? In any case you are probably talking about a plan that will take 5 years or so to come about in moving in. Look at the effect that the move to the emirates have had at Arsenal, ask there fans if they would have stayed at Highbury and compete, or have a lovely stadium. If it is all about getting a bigger stadium why do QPR stay where they are, they have the money men behind them. In any case I am not sure our support is around the Greenwich peninsular,( the popular suggestion) but more in North Kent and beyond. If these bunch of directors cannot buy the Lansdowne mews, or have decided not to this......... is one area that could be discussed.
Good points on the Valley issue but as its been done to death can I suggest we keep this thread to just the trust?
I'll do my best to make it down but its looking unlikely at the moment, will definitely throw my support behind whatever happens though.
This seems a good idea but will only get off the ground if there are a few dedictaed people willing to give p a lot of time to run what is to intense and perposes is a buisness. Also you have to put your ego`s to one side, forget all the differences between those very driven charlton supporters as is shown on too many of are different forums. Just bury the hatchet. Once again the best of luck and thanks to those willing to put in the time to improve are football club.
This and This
Thanks for all the messages everyone
As I see it we need a dedicated team which reports to a wider group and the fanbase as a whole, please let me know by inbox or email (at the top of this thread) if you are interested in standing for those positions with role preference.
What is heartening is the number of people being supportive. Can anybody bring a laptop or something tomorrow? It may be handy if we need to record what takes place and post it on here straight away, and also look things up (like the Swanstrust site which is pretty good it seems to me). In terms of 'officers', that can be a daunting undertaking, and maybe a buddy system of two people for each job would share the load. Everybody who attends has a common purpose to see Charlton thrive in the future, it should not be an opportunity to dig over the past (except to learn the lessons of the past).
SE9 I not saying that CAFC will stay at The Valley forever, I am saying that as a trust with say the pitch ownership we would have a say in the move. (We, as in supporters in the future.) As for shares, we would need to find a friendly seller who would be willing to sell them to us (RM?). The problem I have with the shares side of it is, if the club float a shares issue to raise money we would have to put in again or our % would go down. Also if the company should stop trading we would loose the lot.
Comments
You could go back as far the valley party if you like, although what was done then was amazing and shows what you can achieve
The problems when the last attempt to form a trust happened
I think we missed an opportunity when lansdowne mews came up for sale, there was no trust set up to possibly step in
And now we have the current crisis of confidence - see the half million other threads on that for reference, but not here please as this isn't what its all about necessarily
Many of us just can't stand back idly while this continues to happen, and personally i think this sort of finance issue will affect more and more clubs while football continues to live beyond its means
Sure we may not succeed but you don't know until you try, and boy are we going to give this a try
Cheers
It will be hard work to reach our target, however this is Charlton and that has never stop us before.
As to making keeping Charlton at the Valley the main goal of the Trust;
a) Can you not imagine any scenario where leaving the Valley might be for the best ? I'm not saying one exists now, but hypothetically speaking if their was an alternative that allowed the club to thrive then surely that would be worth exploring ? Surely the aim is to benefit Charlton Athletic, not the Valley ?
b) If the aim was to secure supporter representation (rather than "save" the Valley) then that representation would surely be influential in keeping us at the Valley should that issue ever arise and should the trust members see that as desirable ?
c) How could we "keep Charlton at the Valley" without either having decent level representation or purchasing the Valley itself, which is completely unfeasible ?
d) How exactly would you sell this to people considering there is currently no threat to the Valley, we have no way if influencing the decision if there was and therefore no realistic goals for them to "buy into" ?
For me the goal has to be supporter representation, specific goals like saving the Valley can be included, but if that's all the trust stands for then it makes it a complete irrelevance while those specific goals are a non issue.
Also you have to put your ego`s to one side, forget all the differences between those very driven charlton supporters as is shown on too many of are different forums. Just bury the hatchet. Once again the best of luck and thanks to those willing to put in the time to improve are football club.
We are not just another football club without history and a culture of history that in the recent past supporters played a unique example to others that we got back to where we belong, and what could be done with the support of the fan's and a board with the same aims as the supporters.
I appreciate that directors are now money men, but that is why they will make there decisions based on financial gain to protect there investment.
The two are not mutually exclusive, but often have a different long term aim.
It is very difficult to support a board that we do not know who is the the man/company behind the decision making.
What the present board did over the past 18 months was a great start, but a fragile one at that.
Moving to some mega football palace, probably to chase a larger fan base, and purchase a stadium I am sure will be hard to financially justify unless some rich supporter /director is prepared to support the club over a number of years, and do we as fans want to have a club run on that basis,is that not the issue at present? In any case you are probably talking about a plan that will take 5 years or so to come about in moving in. Look at the effect that the move to the emirates have had at Arsenal, ask there fans if they would have stayed at Arsenal and compete, or have a lovely stadium. If it is all about getting a bigger stadium why do QPR stay where they are, they have the money men behind them. In any case I am not sure our support is around the Greenwich peninsular,( the popular suggestion) but more in North Kent and beyond. If these bunch of directors cannot buy the Lansdowne mews, or have decided not to this......... is one area that could be discussed.
I'll do my best to make it down but its looking unlikely at the moment, will definitely throw my support behind whatever happens though.
This and This
Thanks for all the messages everyone
As I see it we need a dedicated team which reports to a wider group and the fanbase as a whole, please let me know by inbox or email (at the top of this thread) if you are interested in standing for those positions with role preference.
Thanks again
R
Indica82@yahoo.co.uk.
In terms of 'officers', that can be a daunting undertaking, and maybe a buddy system of two people for each job would share the load.
Everybody who attends has a common purpose to see Charlton thrive in the future, it should not be an opportunity to dig over the past (except to learn the lessons of the past).
I not saying that CAFC will stay at The Valley forever, I am saying that as a trust with say the pitch ownership we would have a say in the move. (We, as in supporters in the future.)
As for shares, we would need to find a friendly seller who would be willing to sell them to us (RM?). The problem I have with the shares side of it is, if the club float a shares issue to raise money we would have to put in again or our % would go down. Also if the company should stop trading we would loose the lot.