Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power's Message to Swindon Fans

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This is Swindon Fans to get the Power


BILL Power has assured Swindon Town fans they have a huge role to play in the club’s future, if the fans’ consortium takeover bid is successful, writes ANDY CRYER.

The consortium’s main backer sent out a letter to the members of TrustSTFC, received by many yesterday, reaffirming his commitment to the cause.

In a major step forward on Tuesday, the club agreed to meet with Power, pictured, to discuss the way forward and he has pledged a ‘close working relationship with the fans’ if successful.

Power also praised consortium leader Mike Wilks and members of the Trust as the club revealed their intent to sideline them from discussions.

Power’s letter, which will be received by almost 1000 people, said: “For the future I see a close working relationship with all fans of the club.

“I am committed to fans owning a share in the club and taking part in the club as a business, as well as enjoying direct influences at board level through elected supporter directors.

“I personally believe that fans involvement in the running of the club in this way is crucial to the ongoing revival of the club’s fortunes.

“One thing I have learnt over many years as both a fan and a club chairman is that without the support, goodwill and cooperation of the club’s fanbase, no amount of money will produce success on the field or stability off it.”

Power also reaffirmed his desire, together with the consortium, to sorting out existing financial problems, support the development of the team and the club and to see through a County Ground redevelopment plan.

He said: “Members of the Trust board and Mike have provided outstanding support and leadership to the efforts made over the past few months.

“Make no mistake the fans consortium does indeed represent a highly motivated group of investors and fans who share a common passion both for STFC and football generally.”

BILL POWER'S LETTER TO TRUST MEMBERS

Dear fan,

There has been some debate recently regarding the relationship between
myself, Trust, STFC and the project we call the Fans Consortium. I would like to clarify the situation and to provide some personal thoughts on how I see the groups working together as matters progress.

When I was approached by Mike Wilks and the Trust to re-engage with the football club, I wanted to ensure that our relationship would work both on a
business and personal level before making any public commitment. To this end, members of the Trust board and Mike have provided outstanding support and leadership to the efforts made over the past few months.

It is fair to say that my own involvement at the club was in serious doubt due to the severe nature of my injuries following the plane crash and without their efforts and encouragement I doubt whether I could have pursued this project.

Make no mistake, the Fans Consortium does indeed represent a broad and highly motivated group of investors and fans who share a common passion both for STFC and football generally.

Self evidently, until we have some degree of control at the football club many of the plans we have outlined cannot be implemented. However, should we achieve our objectives, I and the Fans Consortium remain absolutely committed to providing a solution to the existing financial problems of the club, to supporting both the development of the team and the club as a business, as well as seeing through the excellent County Ground redevelopment plan published recently by the Trust, which will benefit both the club and the community.

For the future I see a close working relationship with all fans of the club, whereby Trust members and fans from all organisations work in co-operation with myself as an owner of the club to fulfil the undoubted potential that exists. I am committed to fans owning a share in their club and taking part in the club as a business, as well as enjoying direct influence at Board level through elected supporter directors. I personally believe that fans’ involvement in the running of the club in this way is crucial to the ongoing revival of the club’s fortunes.

One thing I have learnt over many years as both a fan and a club chairman is
that without the support, goodwill and co-operation of the club’s fan base, no amount of money or effort will produce success on the field or stability off it.

It is my intention to continue to work closely with the Trust in developing both the football club and the ground redevelopment plan, which in the end will provide the long term financial security and on-field success we all seek.

The support shown by fans this season for Paul Sturrock and the team under
extremely difficult circumstances has been fantastic, and we are lucky to
have such a highly skilled and successful manager in post; should we achieve
our aims, I want to provide as much support to him and his team as I can in
every way.

Our efforts at the moment are focused on establishing a dialogue with the club’s current owners in order to find a suitable way forward to allow for further investment and progress, your support and encouragement is, as always, appreciated and welcomed.

With warm regards,

Bill Power - This is Swindon