Press Release Article Monday 30th April 2001: United legends line up to support fans' plan to become stakeholders in club
NAMES that are legends to Carlisle United fans are lining up solidly behind plans to establish an Independent Supporters' Trust to acquire a shareholding in the struggling club and bring about more community involvement in events at Brunton Park.
Ex-players Hugh McIlmoyle, George McVitie and others say they are backing the Trust in its efforts to give ordinary fans a say in the running of their club.
The Carlisle and Cumbria United Independent Supporters' Trust will be launched at a big public meeting in the Sands Centre, Carlisle, on Saturday morning just hours before the Cumbrians' final league game of the season at home to Hull City.
Trust member Dick Young, son of United's former coaching hero of the same name, said early indications were that the launch would attract a bumper turnout of supporters. He said: "Every supporter is welcome and there is no entry charge. This could be a last chance for fans to have a say in the way the club is run and I urge everyone with Carlisle United at heart to attend Saturday's launch. The message is- be there if you care."
Lots of ex-players will be introduced on the platform during the launch event which is being hosted by Border TV's Eric Wallace, himself a United fan of many years' standing. Speakers will include a member of the Carlisle Trust Board and an expert on the Government's "Supporters Direct" scheme.
"This is the fans' one big chance to find out what a Trust is and how it will operate," said Young. "Clearly we are going to need the financial support of local business and the fans if this is to take off. This is not money finding its way into the hands of any owner of the club. The aim is to acquire a stake in the club and elect at least one director to represent the supporters' interests."
Another Trust Board member John Wilson pointed to the success of recently relegated Q.P.R., the most recent club to start a Supporters' Trust. Their fans raised £1.3 million in just three weeks. Clearly they have bigger gates than Carlisle, but he said if a similar sum was raised pro rata for the Cumbrian scheme it would be a great start.
The key element of the Trust would be to work in partnership with new owners and the local authority to re-build the club's tattered image. Carlisle United would become a building block around which Carlisle and Cumbria's sporting future could be assured.
Mr Wilson said partnership was "the only way forward" to avoid some of the well-documented problems of recent times.
Events surrounding Mamcarr and the alleged sale to Stephen Brown were the catalyst for supporters to begin talking about forming a Trust.
It has the backing of MP's Eric Martlew (Carlisle) and Dr David Clark (South Shields) who will be directly involved with the financial controls and the patron is Lord Melvyn Bragg who said: "Carlisle and Cumbria without a league team would be dire. Under good management United could become as remarkable as Ipswich Town."
Another prominent Cumbrian writer, Hunter Davies, said the Trust had his wholehearted support. "The city needs a football league club and the Football League needs a club from Cumbria. The club needs open and proper management and as much participation from supporters as possible."
There are around two dozen Supporters' Trust now operating including those at Bournemouth, Brighton, Northampton and Lincoln. A special eight page brochure is being published to co-incide with the Carlisle Trust launch.
What The Ex-Players Say:
Peter McConnell: "The years I spent at Carlisle were very happy and rewarding for me. I was proud and honoured to have been selected as team captain throughout so many successful seasons. I have pleasure in offering my wholehearted support to the Carlisle supporters and wish them every success with the launch of the Trust."
George McVitie: "As a boy I was grateful to the club, as they were instrumental in launching my career in football. Although my service was split, I had six good years before moving on and had no hesitation in moving back as the club was always well run from the chairman through to the backroom staff. The Carlisle fans were always very supportive to me and I would like to give my full support to the launch of their supporters' trust."
Hugh McIlmoyle: "I had a very enjoyable time playing at Carlisle and always enjoyed the support of the fans. I still have contact with friends in the city and wish the Trust every success in what they are trying to achieve for the future."
Joe Dean: "The ten years I spent at Carlisle were the best in my life. I loved the city, the people and the supporters. I wish the Trust every success in establishing themselves and working with Carlisle United for a better future."
Jimmy Whitehouse: "Carlisle United supporters are among the best in the country. After the last few disappointing years they deserve better."
Tot Winstanley: "The club is part of the community of Carlisle and Cumbria and there should be strong bonds between the two."
Bobby Parker: "If Carlisle were to go out of the league I fear they would never return. Carlisle have always been known for having good footballing sides over the years."
Ron Simpson: "Being Carlisle born and bred and a member of the United championship side of 1965, it would be great to avoid this regular relegation struggle."
Jimmy Glass: "It is an honour to be able to offer my full support to the loyal supporters of Carlisle United in what they are trying to do."
Who's Who On The Trust:
A GROUP of around 15 supporters have prepared the ground for Saturday's big launch (11 am) at the Sands Centre. The Trust was set up by and for ordinary fans. MP's, community leaders, local businesses and many former players are already getting onside with the non-profit making body.
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