Supporters Direct Statement on Ebbsfleet takeover
Press Release from SD: 13/11/2007
Supporters Direct today issued the following statement about the imminent takeover of Ebbsfleet United Football Club by website consortium, ‘Myfootballclub.co.uk’:
Spokesperson Kevin Rye, said:
“Fundamentally, playing fantasy manager is not about responsible democratic supporter representation or community ownership, which are the core values of the trust movement.
“Indeed we are one of the most vigorous exponents of reform of the ownership structures in football, but our interests are in long term sustainability and governance of clubs.
“This might be seen as a one off gimmick, and harmless enough by many, however this is a real football club, these are real finances, and real fans. The question needs to be asked what happens to the club finances and its supporters if the novelty starts to wear off?
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SD is an Industrial and Provident Society, owned by its members, and funded by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund – the partner organisation of the Football Foundation, and in Scotland by the Scottish Government. We have assisted in setting up over 150 supporters’ trusts in England and Scotland. Trusts have a combined membership of over 120,000 people. Trusts have now put over £28 million into football, have 13 clubs in ownership or control and there are over 40 supporters’ trusts with directors on the boards of their clubs. For further information, please contact: Kevin RyeCommunications ExecutiveSupporters Direct 020 7273 1595/07852 998542
