To begin with, it was good to see Newport County AFC, another Trust owned club, doing so well in the FA Cup.
We send them our congratulations and wish them well in the fourth round, though perhaps not quite so well in a weeks’ time when we travel to Wales to play them.
As we know ourselves, these FA Cup games are important to lower league Clubs both financially, but also as a means for us supporter-owned clubs to demonstrate to a much wider audience than we’d normally have that supporter ownership can and does work! I thought then, it might be useful to detail a little around how we, at Exeter, make it so.
The Trust board meet on a monthly basis, on the Monday following the club board meeting. The club board meet on the first Thursday of every month. This ensures that both boards stay aligned and up to date on current issues. The club board consists of 8 voting directors – four appointed from the Trust board, and four recruited for their specialist skills (each endorsed by the Trust board). Justin Quick, the club's chief operations officer also attends the club board to update on operational matters whilst there can also be up to two non-voting directors who contribute. Twice a year, both boards come together for a joint board meeting.
As chairman of the Trust board I meet with Julian, our club chairman, on a weekly basis to understand any immediate concerns or progress being made on both day to day and strategic matters. Less frequently, I meet with Justin to consider any operational matters that might be of concern or interest to the Trust. Of course, I report back on any issues to the Trust board.
Meanwhile, Trustees operate working groups to ensure day to day Trust matters are dealt with. There are four groups in total – Ownership, Communication, Finance & Governance, and Community. I’ll detail their activities in more detail in a future programme.
The Trust is planning two events soon; the launch of the Youth Council, designed to give teens and young adults a say in our Club will be on January 29 and a fans' forum is being planned for a date in February. Keep an eye out on social media for more details.
Remember, you can contact us on enquiries@weownexetercityfc.co.uk, and for the Youth Council on ttf@weownexetercityfc.co.uk.
Enjoy the game this afternoon – come on you Reds.