Press Release Article Thursday 22nd July 2004: Fred's the man
Following discussions with both Fred Story and John Courtenay yesterday,
fans group ‘The United Trust’ (Formerly CCUIST) last night agreed to support
the takeover of Carlisle United by the local businessman.
Under it’s original agreement with John Courtenay the trust are able to veto
any potential new owner, but following negotiations yesterday the Trust has
given 100% backing to Fred Story and his plans for the club.
Kate Rowley, The United Trust’s chair commented. “There has been a good deal
of conjecture and speculation about the reasons for John Courtenay’s
departure and to reassure both ourselves as board members and the fans we
felt that it was only fair that we spoke to John prior to meeting with Fred.
John confirmed his reasons for leaving the club and repeated that the
arrangements with Fred Story were completely amicable and the right way
forward for Carlisle United”.
“We then had a long and productive meeting with Fred and were more than
satisfied with his proposals in both the short and long term”.
Fred has also confirmed that the arrangements agreed with John Courtenay
including the right to purchase a 25.1% share in United’s holding company
and a continued right to veto future owners would be honoured by him as new
owner.
Kate added; “ Fred is very keen on the fans having a stake and a say in the
future of the club and was very keen to emphasize his support for what we
are trying to do”.
“The quicker we can raise this money the better it will be for the club. If
we could crack this in the next six months it would be a huge lift for the
club following relegation from the football league last year”.
Dick Young the Trust’s Vice Chair and CUFC Board member added “Fred will put
the club on an even keel over the next few months which will go a long way
to ensuring financial stability and will build a winning team on and off the
pitch. The fans can help by contributing to the trust share fund either as a
one off or via the ‘£350 For United’ appeal. All money raised will go
directly to the club and the obvious spin off will be that we are able to
cement the future of the trust and re-enforce its important role in the club
and the community”.
“The events of the last few weeks should go along way to convincing fans of
the importance of their support for the trust and the obvious benefits of a
fans organisation having a place at the table when negotiations such as
these take place – the existence of the trust means that the fans have been
represented and consulted and are able to play a continued role in the
future of the club”.
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