Paul signs on the dotted line
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale has made a vocal plea in support of the membership drive for the club’s Supporters’ Trust. Tis renewed his Trust membership last month, and several members of the first-team squad have put pen to paper in the last few days to put a little back into the club.The Trust is the Grecians’ majority shareholder, and has contributed over £1 million to Exeter City since assuming control of the club in 2003. With Trust membership beginning at £2 per month, and with members having a democratic one-member-one-vote policy, all Trust members have the chance to have their voice heard to look after the club’s long-term wellbeing – as well as being able to say “I own my own football club!”
Tis said: “It is vital that as many people support the club as possible, so I think it’s absolutely right that myself and other people connected with the club should do the same by joining the Trust.
“It’s what makes our club different. I’m proud to be part of it, and I would encourage other people to be part of it. It’s not just for those that come on a Saturday – the club represents the city and its part of the community. It makes Exeter City different to most – if not all – other clubs.”
Laurence Overend recently became the new chairman of the Supporters’ Trust, and has been working to drive membership numbers up and hoping to allow more fans to have an active contribution in the club. There are currently over 3000 members, but there is undoubtedly still room to grow.
“The next phase of the club’s development is growing the Trust,” continued Paul. “I know Laurence is looking at that closely to build the numbers in the Trust, because it’s not about this Saturday – it’s about the future.
“It’s about building a base of supporters of the club, who will support the club not necessarily just on the Saturday, but who support the health of the club going forward.”
With Christmas just around the corner, a Trust membership is an ideal stocking-filler. The chance to own part of the football club begins at just £2 per month. In addition, new members that join before 1st February 2013 will be entered into a prize draw to watch the Grecians train at the Cat & Fiddle, followed by lunch with players and staff! Runners-up can win signed Trust t-shirts and signed photographs of players.
More information can be found on the Supporters’ Trust website by clicking here and you can follow the Trust on Twitter on @WeOwnOurFC.