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Cross party support at launch of Supporters Direct licensing proposals

Supporters Direct today formally launched its proposals for football club licensing in an event held at Parliament, and hosted by Jessica Lee, Conservative MP for Erewash.

Attendees also heard from Simon Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, MP for Old Southwark and Bermondsey, and Patron of fan-owned Fisher FC; and Labour Shadow Minister and former Fulham Supporters Trust Chair, Tom Greatrex, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West; and William Gaillard, Advisor to the President, UEFA.

The proposals particularly focus on integrating supporters' trusts into the governance of their clubs, and Lee talked about the "real momentum" behind the proposals and paying credit to the work of SD at her hometown club, Ilkeston FC.

Simon Hughes described the proposals as coming at a time of "A fantastic window of opportunity", when bankers bonuses and other such issues of openness and fairness are at the top of the political agenda. He also described the public as being in a "mood" for change, and vowed to keep "pushing the idea forward".

Tom Greatrex MP's speech also backed the idea as one transcending political boundaries, and added, "Nobody seriously doubts the ability of (fans) to contribute in a constructive way. It's right to recognise the role of fans in the new licensing arrangements as guarantors of the best interests of clubs and their communities."

William Gaillard talked about the journey UEFA have taken towards licensing, including the introduction of Financial Fairplay, part of the new UEFA licensing criteria.

At least 30 MPs from all parties attended, including other members of the Government, and shadow ministers. Also present were senior representatives from the football authorities.

On a day where the Government's Health and Social Care Bill was receiving another reading in Parliament, the attendance was all the more impressive.

Brian Burgess, Acting Chief Executive of SD, said "We have laid down what we consider to be sensible, considered proposals, that provide a formal route for supporters' trusts to earn the right to be involved in the governance of their clubs in a constructive fashion. Today is evidence that we have wide-scale, cross-party support for a set of proposals that will actively enhance the relationship between supporters' trusts, clubs and their communities."

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Supporters Direct campaigns for the wider recognition of the social, cultural and economic value of sports clubs

We are the UK's leading body working to ensure that clubs are run responsibly and are financially sustainable

Supporters Direct aims to create the conditions in which supporters can secure influence and ownership of sports clubs

We provide guidance and support to groups in more than 20 countries throughout Europe

Supporters Direct is a community benefit society, owned by its members

Supporters Direct Statement - Darlington Supporters Trust

"Supporters Direct promotes sustainable spectator sports clubs based on supporters' involvement & community ownership. This is fundamental to the work of the Darlington Supporters Trust who subscribe wholeheartedly to this mission statement and who we, at Supporters Direct, have implicit faith in.

"Supporters Direct would like to make clear that Darlington Supporters’ Trust has worked tirelessly to support the club over the years, and specifically to raise and protect a fighting fund in case the club ever re-entered a period of crisis. They have always stated they would release these funds if - and when - a sustainable recovery plan was produced.

"It is with this in mind that the Darlington Supporters’ Trust acknowledges the efforts of Supporters Direct to attempt to identify a community based solution to secure both the short and long term future of football in Darlington.”

Supporters Direct Scotland secures immediate future

Funding awarded to develop engagement network and voice for fans

Supporters Direct Scotland (SDS) has agreed a £70,000 funding package with the Scottish Government through to March 2012 to help the organisation develop its role as a representative voice for Scottish football fans.

Supporters Direct welcomes Wrexham FC Supporters Trust takeover

Supporters Direct Press Release

Date: 27/09/2011

Supporters Direct welcomes Wrexham FC Supporters Trust takeover

Supporters Direct today welcomed the agreement by Wrexham Supporters Trust to take over Wrexham Football Club.

Final agreement was reached yesterday between the Club and Supporters’ Trust, which requires the final approval of the football authorities, amounting to a substantial £1/2 a million takeover of the Club.

A spokesman for Supporters Direct said, “The story of the takeover at Wrexham has had more twists and turns than an episode of Eastenders, but it is absolutely down to the willingness of the Trust to refuse to give up on their aim of taking the Club into supporter community ownership that this deal has finally been reached. SD agreed with the Trust some months ago to put significant amounts of our time, energy and resources into helping achieve this takeover, and words can’t express how pleased we are that this agreement is now in place”

This follows many months of hard negotiations, during which the Trust has continued to receive significant support and advice from SD.

A spokesman added, “We view this takeover as not just a great result for the fans and community of Wrexham, but also for the trust movement as a whole. It proves that, with the right motivation, advice and support, takeovers by supporters' trusts can be achieved in more traditional circumstances."

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Supporters Direct Public Statement - Funding

The board of directors of Supporters Direct (SD) meeting in emergency session yesterday, Saturday 11th June, expressed confidence in its past and continuing role in promoting the supporters trust movement - a model of football ownership that allows fans to re-engage with their local clubs, and begin the process of putting the community back at the heart of the football and other sports clubs.

The need for Supporter Liaison Officers

As many of you will be aware, Supporters Direct are working on a project with UEFA to implement a requirement for all clubs that are eligible to compete in European competition to have a supporter liaison officer (SLO). The introduction of the new UEFA licensing system from the 2012/13 season, and its requirement for an SLO, marks an important new chapter in club-supporter relations and emphasises the importance of good communication between all parties.

SD Press Release: Supporters Direct launch new pre-season competition

Supporters Direct
Press Release: 29/06/2010
For immediate release

SD Shield to be inaugurated alongside annual SD Cup match at Telford United

Since 2002, clubs owned by their supporters' trust have been invited to play in the annual Supporters Direct Cup. This time round on 24^th July is no different, except this year will be the first time the new SD Shield will be competed for, allowing two more clubs to take part in the fun but traditionally highly competitive day.

Football needs to change. The politicians agree. Now lets make it happen - updated

A national conference is to be held (12-13 June 2010) to allow football fans from across the country to offer their views on the Government's commitment to giving supporters a greater say in the running of their clubs.

Fans' regret at World Cup bid damage

Football supporters have expressed regret at the resignation of Football Association (FA) chairman Lord David Triesman and criticised the potential damage to England's World Cup bid caused by the Mail on Sunday.

In a joint statement Supporters Direct (SD) and the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) called upon all involved to refocus their energies on protecting and promoting England's World Cup bid.

CFU secure the Deva Stadium for Chester FC

City Fans United are delighted to announce that following meetings with representatives of Cheshire West & Chester Council, the lease to the Deva Stadium, will now be assigned to City Fans United. This will enable Chester Football Club to use the ground from a date to be confirmed.

Congratulations from all at Supporters Direct!