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IN POSH WE TRUST Patron :- Tommy Robson Members of Supporters Direct, The Football Supporters’ Federation and the Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service. Sponsored by ‘CHARTERS’ and ‘OAKHAM ALES’
NEWSLETTER No 42 March 2015
Minutes of Annual General Meeting
Pete’s ‘Memory’ Lane, Posh v Arsenal !
Vote for your LEGENDS TEAM of the Decade
Posh Trust MUSEUM Update
Visit our website: www.theposhtrust.co.uk E-Mail: [email protected]
Registered as a Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registration No. 29533R with the Financial Conduct Authority. THE POSH SUPPORTERS’ TRUST
Chairman John Henson, Secretary, Ray Cole Treasurer Geoff Callen
Directors Barry Bennett, Keith Jennings, Walter Moore. John Lawrence. Ken Storey. Co-opted David Martin
Patron Tommy Robson. Consultant Peter Lloyd.
The Posh Supporters’ Trust, is a democratic not-for-profit organisation of supporters, committed to strengthening the voice of supporters in the decision-making process at Peterborough United Football Club. We seek to improve the links between the club and the community it serves, and help the club to grow to the highest level.
Our Mission : To bring Peterborough United Football Club, Posh fans and the local community closer together. To help disadvantaged and deserving fans to go to a match for free under the "Smile Ticket" scheme. To help the football club by increasing the Posh fan base through our "New Posh Fans Initiative." To support football related activities locally through sponsorship and donations whenever possible. To have a substantial membership in order to represent the views of fans at meetings with the football club and to promote their interests. To have a Supporters' Trust representative on the board of the football club representing the interests of all fans. To build up funds to support our activities and create a reserve to help the club in the longer term in the event of a crisis.
Help Us to Help You!
Become a member – subscription details on the back pages. Make a donation to the Trust. (pay-pal facility on website www.theposhtrust.co.uk) Join the Gold Bond Weekly Draw! And receive your Membership for FREE! Use your membership card at the local businesses that provide excellent discounts to members Visit and support our Stall on the concourse on match days! Browse our merchandise including various books and magazines. Join or re-new your membership, and take part in the various competitions we will feature. Offer your services to the Trust, if you have any professional or other skills, e g in fund-raising, accountancy, business management, the law etc. Make use of our on-line shopping facility, www.spendandraise.com/theposhtrust/
Website: www.theposhtrust.co.uk E-mail : [email protected] We thank all those who continue to support the Trust, however they do it.
Published by The Posh Supporters’ Trust, 193 Oakdale Ave, Stanground, Peterborough. PE2 8TH.
Printed by Printing Matters, Unit 12c, Brookside Industrial Estate, Sawtry, Cambs. PE28 5SB
Chairman Notes: I would like to use the Chairman’s Notes section of this newsletter to introduce myself to you as the newly elected, Posh Supporters Trust chairman. I feel privileged to have been handed the role and look forward to exciting times ahead. I would, in particular, like to thank Barry Bennett (our previous chairman) for the outstanding dedication and service he has given to the Trust as chairman, and I am delighted to say that Barry remains on the Posh Trust Board.
Having been a Board member of the Posh Trust since its creation in 2002, I have seen the Trust evolve and develop over the years and I am sure that with the fully committed team of Board members that we have, the Trust will continue to go from strength to strength.
Over the coming months, the Posh Trust will be looking to raise its profile and extend its message to as many people as possible. The launch night of the online museum at the start of January has kicked off 2015 in fantastic style and is just the first of other planned events. Look out for further information in the coming weeks.
This year could also be hugely significant in terms of supporter representation at football clubs with manifesto proposals from many political parties looking directly at this issue. The Posh Trust, supported by former chairman Peter Lloyd (Supporters Direct Board Member), will continue to make sure that our Board and supporters are fully informed of any future developments.
Here at the Posh Trust, we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who feel they can contribute as a potential Board member or share their expertise with us. A special welcome to Trust member David Martin who has been co-opted to the Board. Dave will be promoting our Smile Scheme, to give deserving fans a free day out at P.U.F.C.
Currently, we are specifically looking for a new Treasurer to join us now, to facilitate a safe transition of our financial systems and responsibilities, for when our current Treasurer, Geoff Callen retires at the next AGM. Can You Help? Email [email protected]
We are also looking to expand our Gold Bond Weekly Draw and are looking for new Agents to the help promote the scheme. Agents can earn good rates of commission for their efforts, as well as a win bonus. We have identified various opportunities, so get involved now. To offer your help and support in any way. Email us, [email protected]
To those of you who are already Trust members or supporters, I would like to say a huge thank you for your support - and to those of you who would like to know more, I would urge you to check out our website (www.theposhtrust.co.uk) and get in touch. Speak with any of our Board Members or come and find us at our stall in the Family Stand.
Up the Posh! John Henson – Posh Trust Chairman
POSH TRUST On-Line Museum, “LEGENDS” Section.
Our apologies to the many supporters who contact us regarding the online “Voting for Legends” as advised in our last newsletter. We discovered a problem with our Email systems and as such could not launch the new Museum section as we had planned.
Good News is; We are now Ready to Go!
We are creating the new ‘Legends’ section by decade to add to our on-line museum. For each Decade of the 1960’s to 2010, we will create a Legend team by inviting You to vote for the 11 Players and Manager you believe should be the team of that decade.
Communication following this initial one, will be via our monthly Online Newsletters,
(If you are not currently subscribed to receive our Monthly E-Letters, send an E-Mail to [email protected] (subject ‘Subscribe’) and we will add you to our E-mail list. Alternatively, you can subscribe yourself on the homepage of our website.)
We will start our ‘Legends’ with Your choice from the decade 2000 to 2010. Please vote for your preferred 11 Players and a Manager from the list opposite, of players who played 25 or more Football League games for the Posh, and the Managers from that decade. This list was also shown on our March E-Newsletter.
VOTING Just tell us who you have selected in “Your Team of 11 and Manager of the 00’s” Send an Email to [email protected] (subject: ‘Legends’) Entries must be received by Sat 28 March latest. If you’ve not already done it, Have a Go and Vote Now!
We will announce our Legends team of the 2000’s on the April scheduled E-Newsletter as well as providing you with details of Players and Managers you can vote for in our 1990’s team. We will do the same for each decade on subsequent E-Newsletters until we have five teams (one from the 00’s, 90’s, 80’s, 70’s and 60’s).
We hope you join in and vote for the players you think are true legends of the club. There will also be a special place in the legends section on the website for the Player and Manager who receives the most votes so make sure you vote for your favorite all time Posh player and Manager.
Members who do not have access to E-Mails are still able enter, by sending their entries for each decade to the Trust at our postal address.
Select your LEGEND TEAM & MANAGER for the Decade 2000 to 2010
Managers Barry Fry Midfielder Andre Boucaud 27 Managers Mark Wright Midfielder George Boyd 138 Managers Steve Bleasdale Midfielder Jimmy Bullard 62 Managers Keith Alexander Midfielder Richard Butcher 35 Managers Darren Ferguson Midfielder Paul Carden 43 Manager Mark Cooper Midfielder Paul Coutts 47 Goalkeeper Joe Lewis 111 Midfielder Helgi Danielson 38 Goalkeeper Mark Tyler 300 Midfielder David Farrell 166 Defender Mark Arber 165 Midfielder Richard Forsyth 61 Defender Shane Blackett 28 Midfielder Lee Frecklington 28 Defender Guy Branston 42 Midfielder Peter Gain 63 Defender Sagi Burton 88 Midfielder Matthew Gill 90 Defender Jamie Day 85 Midfielder Micah Hyde 56 Defender Adam Drury 29 Midfielder Dean Keates 72 Defender Andy Edwards 109 Midfielder Charlie Lee 99 Defender Claude Gnapka 25 Midfielder David Oldfield 59 Defender Dean Holden 54 Midfielder Tommy Rowe 26 Defender Dean Hooper 35 Midfielder Richard Scott 31 Defender Gareth Jelleyman 66 Midfielder Tony Shields 72 Defender Marc Joseph 60 Midfielder Steve Thomson 58 Defender Chris Kanu 25 Midfielder Chris Whelpdale 85 Defender Peter Kennedy 25 Midfielder Curtis Woodhouse 58 Defender Andy Legg 76 Forward Andy Clarke 137 Defender Josh Low 26 Forward Danny Crow 58 Defender Russell Martin 54 Forward Neale Fenn 32 Defender Craig Morgan 122 Forward Francis Green 39 Defender Adam Newton 191 Forward Jason Lee 26 Defender Chris Plummer 44 Forward Richard Logan 40 Defender Simon Rea 136 Forward Craig Makail-Smith 129 Defender Sean StLedger 77 Forward Leon McKenzie 83 Defender Chris Westwood 45 Forward Aaron McLean 130 Defender Tom Williams 91 Forward Clive Platt 35 Defender Gabriel Zakuani 60 Forward Calum Willock 60
STOP PRESS. . . . STOP PRESS. . . . STOP PRESS, , , , STOP PRESS. . . . STOP PRESS
Weds 15th April … IMPORTANT DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Following our very successful and enjoyable Museum Launch Night on 15 January,
The Posh Supporters Trust are planning another “Night of Events” to include interaction with legends as well as other activity still being planned.
The event will be in the Sponsors Lounge on Wednesday 15th April Further details will be communicated via our E-Letters nearer the time.
The Posh Trust Launches On-Line Museum.
Pictured: Posh Trust Chairman, John Henson The Posh Supporters Trust officially launched their ‘Online Museum of P.U.F.C.’ at the ABAX Stadium, London Road on Thursday 15 January.
Over one hundred invited guests, Trust Members, Posh fans, club officials, local businessmen, and many former players attended the launch, to be introduced to, and discover more about our Online Museum.
As well as officially launching the online museum, the Launch Night allowed former Posh players and family members of former players, the chance to share memorabilia and stories with the assembled guests.
www.theposhtrust.co.uk/museum Posh Trust Chairman, John Henson invited former players Jack Carmichael, Roy Banham, John Cozens, Peter Deakin and David Gregory to nominate their most memorable game playing for the Posh. He also invited family members of Dennis Emery, Terry Bly and George Hair, shared memorabilia of a 4th Division Championship Winners medal, club contract letters and newspaper cuttings with all those present. Eric Heath, who attended Posh’s first ever game in 1934, also gave his Posh memories of supporting
Pictures courtesy of Joe Dent PUFC the team for over 70 years.
The evening also provided the opportunity for guests to view a range of display boards with extracts and photographs from the museum – ranging from the history of London Road to famous managers and star players. Come and see them for yourself in the Posh Trust stall in the South Stand on match days where a different selection will be on display every few weeks. A fantastic time was had by all who were able to be there and the online museum has already proven very popular with a huge increase in visits to the site and interest in future section launches. The Trust would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the evening so memorable – in particular to Peterborough United Football Club for allowing use of the Sponsors Lounge and to Peter Lane for all his work behind the scenes supporting the Trust Board.
Have You visited the museum yet ? www.theposhtrust.co.uk/museum
The online museum is constantly being expanded with more content and features!
Since the Launch, a new Internationals Section has been added! Plus many of the original section have been expanded with additional content!
Peruse all the different sections Now :-
London Road Team Photos Internationals Tickets
Club crests Home Programmes Posh Stars from the Books Midland League Managers Shirts Fanzines + Magazine Season Ticket Covers
All the sections are packed full of photographs, information and detail that will keep Posh fans reading more and more, day after day. Other future plans include the aim to launch a ‘Historic Games’ section to the museum where match reports and photographs will lead memories contributed by fans.
For further information about the Posh Trust, and about how you can get involved with the Trust, visit the website or email [email protected] Pete's 'Memory' Lane ~ “The Launch of the On-Line Posh Museum' What a pleasure it was for me to be involved in the Launch of the On-Line Museum of Peterborough United FC. Posh Trust Chairman, John Henson asked if I could help to invite ex Posh players, family members and any older supporters who would be interested in attending. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all on Thursday 15th January in the sponsors lounge at the ground.
As the Historian of the Club, I was delighted to mix and chat, like other guests reminiscing about past glories with each other. Former players like Roy Banham, Peter Deakin, Jack Carmichael, Dave Gregory and John Cozens, voicing their own interesting moments in the game. Also in attendance were Michael Hair – son of George who played for Posh between 1951/56; Andy Seymour – son-in-law of Terry Bly, who brought along various mementoes from signing on papers to others interesting artefacts and Lee Emery – son of Dennis - alongside Lee's wife Natasha, also proudly showed his father's Championship medal of 1960/61. It was also a great pleasure once again to meet up with a wonderful gentleman, Eric Heath who actually attended the first ever game Posh played in 1934 against Gainsborough Trinity. Eric still remains a regular supporter.
From my point of view as the Posh Historian I welcome what the Trust have achieved by establishing the Museum, as each and every worthy Football Club should display its history for all to see and remembering its roots. Meeting John and his fellow Trust members, I soon sensed their enthusiasm and dedications to Peterborough United F.C.
This was one reason I was pleased to receive permission from the Football Club to introduce 'The Posh Hall of Fame' – dedicated to great servants of our Club.
Much thought obviously went into the evening to make it a great success and I was impressed to see the posters displayed around the room showing sections of the ground from the past, plus various players especially one featuring dear Chris Turner. Even an interesting slide show of old Posh servants was screened whilst guests were treat to pleasant snacks and drinks.
I was surprised to see two old framed team photos of which I had never seen before.
Well I look forward with interest to any future function from the Posh Trust.
'Up The Posh' - Pete
‘FREE Membership’ of the TRUST! when you subscribe to the ‘GOLD BOND’ Weekly Draw by Standing Order. 315 Prizes Won Every Week! First Prize £2,000 Contact any Board Member or Call Walter Moore on 01733 31312 2015/16 Season Tickets … Now On Sale! Peterborough United is delighted to announce that season ticket prices for the 2015-2016 campaign have been frozen at last year’s prices.
Season tickets for the 2015/16 season are on sale from 9am on Monday 2nd March and, for the first time; supporters are able to purchase a seat for the new campaign in the Motorpoint Stand (subject to availability).
Existing season ticket holders, as the purchaser, will receive an email week commencing 2nd March, with a link to their personalised renewal website giving all the information on season tickets for the 2015/16 campaign.
If you haven't supplied your email address to the club, please email [email protected] with your client reference number and/or full address.
Existing Season ticket holders who do not use Email communications, will receive renewal details by Post in a few weeks time.
Recent Changes at the Club!
Dave Robertson Our best wishes to Dave on his appointment as caretaker Manager. We wish him every success and hope all of his dreams come true. What a start he made, beating promotion favorites Bradford 2 – 0. In this game a total different game plan was made by ‘Robbo’, and the team responding with grit passion and determination to support the new ‘Gaffa’. Dave has been at Peterborough United for a number of years, he is a true professional and has achieved many successes as the Academy and Youth Team Manager.
Darragh MacAnthony We would like to thank Darragh for once again demonstrating his total commitment and passion to the football club. The mutual respect and successful partnership of Darragh and Darren Ferguson is legendary, and will remain most prominent in the clubs history books. But when things went wrong and Darren decided to go, Darragh’s prompt and decisive action to reaffirm his own commitment to the Posh, and the subsequent appointment of Dave Robertson as caretaker Manager is a true reflection of his commitment to Peterborough, the Community and to the Posh Supporters.
Darren Ferguson, The Posh Supporters Trust recently wrote to thank Darren for the many success’s that he bought to the Posh. He has left us with many proud memories and a sense of pride of the achievements during his 2 spells as Manager of the Posh. Sadly in more recent times, his ability to inspire the team has failed with both his coaching team and the unity of his players letting him down. We wish Darren and his family every success for the future. Pete's 'Memory' Lane ~ “More Magical Memories of Cup Games'
'Magnificent Posh Shoot down The Gunners '
Fifty years ago saw the death of Sir Winston Churchill. His funeral took place on Saturday 30th January 1965. That very same day Peterborough United entertained the mighty Arsenal in the 4th Riound of the FA Cup.
Posh started on the 'road to Wembley' during season 1964/65 with a 5-1 home victory over non-league Salisbury Town. This was after Salisbury had taken the lead after 35 minutes. Derek Dougan helped himself to a second half hat-trick within only fifteen minutes. Peter Deakin and Vic Crowe had already given us a goal advantage before the break.
Round two saw us gaining a replay over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road; after leading 3-1 Posh conceded two goals in the last ten minutes. The replay saw Posh winning by 2-1 after extra time. In a thrilling contest Peter Deakin twice rescued Posh by equalising during the second minute of injury time and then hitting the winner into the second minute of extra time.
After the game, four Chesterfield players, who had attended the match (as their team was to play the winners in the 3rd Round) were involved in a car accident at Colsterworth, sadly Ralph Hunt died from his injuries shortly after in hospital.
Another hat-trick from centre-forward Derek Dougan, all from headers, put us through to Round 4 with a 3-0 victory at Chesterfield.
An absolute 'dream draw' paired us at home to the mighty Arsenal. Yes 'The Magic of the Cup' had gripped the City of Peterborough yet again. In preparation for this 'dream tie' Manager Gordon Clark took his players away for a week to the large Norbeck Hydro Hotel at Blackpool. This was to be no holiday but stringent training and a plot to beat the mighty Arsenal.
Also staying at the hotel was the Manchester United team, there Gordon Clark met Matt Busby and reminiscing about their playing days together at Manchester City when winning a Championship medal in 1936/37.
Standing behind, my then regular place behind the London Road End goal, it was evident to witness a record crowd, an incredible sight around the stadium. Posh came out of the tunnel led by the old Aston Villa war horse Captain Vic Crowe, of course wearing black arm bands and observing a minutes silence. Un-phased by their classy opponents Posh set about their task admirably. Arsenal had spent over a quarter of a million on their side, whilst Clark spent £30,000 on team building at the start of the season.
The first half belonged to proud Posh, indeed looking more like the 1st Division team. Crowe was inspiring his team with raking passes. Centre-half Frank Rankmore had little problem in containing Arsenal centre-forward Joe Baker. Little wing-half Harry Orr showing great speed to clear the ball up to his forwards. Full back Ron Cooper never giving up against his speedy and tricky opponent George Armstrong. Then the 'baby' of the side Graham Birks dealing admirably with Alan Skirton. Up front Dougan was winning his aerial battles with big Scottish International centre-half Ian Ure. Inside-forwards Peter Deakin and Ollie Conmy were chasing and probing everything. Telling crosses from both Ron Barnes and tricky Peter McNamee. Yes the whole side were performing in grand style. However against the run of play Arsenal took the lead when 19 year old John Radford was left unmarked as his left foot shot hit the roof of the net following a corner from George Eastham. A cruel blow only two minutes before half-time.
“The Gunners” came out for the second half with all guns firing, but Posh defenders stood firm and weathered the early barrage of attacks. Then after 72 minutes Posh winger Ron Barnes gave a superb pass to Dougan, who then nonchalantly shrugged off the challenge from Ure before shooting into the net past the advancing goalkeeper John Burns. Behind his goal at the Moyes End immediately the famous banner of 'We Dig Doog' was proudly held aloft by young Graham Hobbs and his friend. Fans went wild with delight and invaded the pitch. Then with only four minutes remaining even more astonishing scenes occurred with Posh now going for the jugular. Rankmore rose above the Arsenal attack to head clear, the ball found Deakin who passed to Peter McNamee he then found Barnes who rounded Arsenal's right back Don Howe, then with another fine cross returned the ball to McNamee, who then calmly slotted the ball past Ure and Burns to score a sensational goal.
Signal for pitch invasion number two, the fans were ecstatic, I was literally swept off my feet, suspended in the air for seconds, due to the sheer excitement of the crowd. This was surely The Magic of the Cup?
Arsenal came roaring back waving a non-stop barrage of attacks at the London Road End goal mouth. Surely they would equalise? Could we hold on for the last few minutes? Well it was now the turn of yet another Posh hero to show his true colours – goalkeeper Willie Duff. He made two world class saves with shots from all angles raining on his goal. First he saved a pile driver from Alan Skirton then leaped from corner to corner like a man possessed, then saved another certain goal with a cracker from Eastham.
At last Posh managed to clear the ball up-field. That was it! Referee Mr Jim Finney blew his whistle for time to bring a magnificent game to an end, thus bringing the final pitch invasion. A now record crowd of 30,056 with record receipts of £8,500 witnessing out Greatest Victory to date.
Also the very first time to beat 1st Division opponents in the Cup and reaching the 5th Round for the first time. In the crowd supporting Arsenal was golf champion Dai Rees.
Arsenal's Manager Billy Wright (ex Wolves and England Captain), fielded his full first team as they did in those days and not like today play a weakened side of youngsters!
After the match in the dressing room Peter McNamee commented “It was not just any old goal, but the one that was beating Arsenal – beating Arsenal – ME!”
Result: Posh 2-1 Arsenal Scorers: Dougan [72], McNamee [86] Arsenal: Radford [43] Attendance 30,056 Receipts £8,500
Teams: Posh: Duff, Cooper, Birks, Crowe, Rankmore, Orr, Barnes, Conmy, Dougan, Deakin, McNamee
Arsenal: Burns, Howe, Clarke, McLintock, Ure, Court, Skirton, Radford, Baker, Eastham, Armstrong
'Up The Posh' - Pete Supporters Direct launches manifesto to reform English football
Supporters Direct: Press Release 3rd March 2015
With around ten weeks until the General Election, Supporters Direct (SD), the organisation that enables supporter ownership and involvement in clubs, has launched its own manifesto to reform English football: Chief Executive Robin Osterley highlighted two of the chief demands being made by SD: “We don’t think that it is too much to ask that supporters know exactly which person actually owns their club. We think it’s equally reasonable to expect that the rights of supporters are protected properly by the rules, and that it’s about time it was done, and done properly.”
The manifesto calls for the following: Address the issue of reform of the FA to alter the balance of power in the game, and ensure that it can take the lead, as an independent regulator, in decision making for issues of major significance for football. Implement an effective licensing system for football clubs which enshrines the rights of supporters. Support the work of the Expert Working Group on Supporter Ownership and Engagement, which will produce an interim report in March 2015. Implement the SD proposal for Community Owned Sports Clubs (COSCs). Implement a tighter and more effective Owners and Directors Test and empower the FA to police it adequately. Ensure that football makes public the name(s) of the ultimate individuals who own and control our clubs. Ensure that every professional football club has in place a formal structured plan for meaningful engagement and consultation with supporters groups. Give supporters the opportunity to bid to take control of their club if there is a change of ownership. Remove barriers to supporter ownership and facilitate the introduction of independent and/or supporter directors on club boards. Develop a Code of Governance for football clubs at least as robust as that operating in the wider business community.
The manifesto focuses on a number of unresolved issues that were identified in the second report of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Review of Football Governance 2013, which recommended sweeping changes. Osterley added: “Much of this manifesto serves as a timely reminder that there has been a block on vital areas of change for far too long. We hear increasing rhetoric from politicians that suggests that they’re prepared to move and force the change that is needed. We now need that rhetoric to be turned into action – the Expert Working Group is a great start. Additionally, football itself must work with supporters, government and other stakeholders to ensure a positive and proactive approach to the way our game is run.” –
See more at: http://www.supporters-direct.org/press-release/supporters-direct-launches-manifesto-to-reform- english-football#sthash.rOjCeRWi.dpuf THE POSH SUPPORTERS LIMITED MINUTES OF THE TWELFTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 7-30pm Monday, 17th November 2014 at The Cherry Tree, Oundle Rd, Peterborough
PRESENT:- Trust Board:- Barry Bennett (BB), Geoff Callen (GC), John Henson (JH), Keith Jennings, Ray Cole, John Lawrence, Ken Storey, Walter Moore
Guests:- Bob Symns, Peter Lloyd (PL). Mick Robinson, and 6 Members. Apologies :- Tony Millen, Tommy Robson, Brian Seaton, Ady Hargreaves, Paul Evers.
Welcome:- BB welcomed the members to the meeting and introduced the Board members addressing the AGM. Himself Chairman, John Henson Secretary, and Geoff Callen Treasurer. BB also welcomed guests Bob Symns, Mick Robinson and Peter Lloyd.
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 10th October 2013 The minutes in respect of the meeting were accepted as a true record and signed by BB. (Proposed by: Ray Cole - Seconded by: Graham Palmer)
Chairman’s Report BB During the Trust financial year ending on 30 June 2014, your Board has remained focused on the principles of the Trust Movement, and the Aims of The Posh Supporters Trust.
Following the approval of members at the last ASM; The Trust submitted an application to the City Council for the London Road Stadium to be designated as an Asset of Community Value. After much correspondence and a very long delay from the Council, our application was finally approve on 4th July.
With Supporters Direct, your Trust has continued to campaign, to improve the Governance of Football in the UK. Parliament agrees that things need to change but little progress is being achieved to get a fair financial deal for clubs in the lower leagues. The dictatorship of the Premier league refuses to make any real changes on the distribution of Media Money that would contribute to help safeguard the future existence of smaller clubs
Together with the Football club, we have continued to support the campaign for Safe Standing. Bob Symns, is fully committed and spearheaded the debate that got the full commitment from the Football league to campaign for a trial in the UK. Whist there are a few rail- seats installed at Bristol City and at London Road, a proper Trial is yet to be achieved. One of our main objectives last year was to launch a Museum section to our website. This has been successfully done and continues to get bigger as we continue to add new sections of interest for all Posh supporters to enjoy. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Museum, in particular to Ray Cole who has coordinated and published the various sections.
We have attended monthly meetings with PUFC, to debate the clubs activities and any issues that affect the match day experience for supporters. We were also consulted for our opinions, about development plans of the new stand We are currently re-structuring the Board, to ensure we can move into the future with renewed enthusiasm. We will grow our membership by ensuring more supporters are aware of the endeavour and achievements of the Trust, by being more visible and audible with some exciting planned events and activities for Members.
So all in all, the Trust has once again had a very busy year. This has been achieved by your Board, and I would like to thank each one of them for their efforts.
Finally, I would like to thank Oakham Ales, and Printing Matters for their sponsorship of our most recent NPFI leaflet. Thanks also to Charters, for their support, The Cherry Tree and the Crown for providing us regular meeting places. Our auditor Tony Millen for once again Auditing our Accounts, Peter Lane for his contributions to our Newsletter, PISA for their support throughout the year, and Mick Robinson for running the traditional Posh Trust’s AGM’s Quiz.
Treasurer’s Report GC provided a detailed and thorough analysis of the Trust annual accounts.. And further informed the meeting that as at end of October 2014, the excess of income over expenditure stood at £130,971. (Report and Balance sheets : appendix 1 and 2)
He informed the meeting that the Gold Bond Scheme has raised £140,361 for the Trust (67% of total income since commencement) and he thanked Walter Moore for his work.
GC asked the floor if they had any questions about the accounts :- Member Mick Robinson asked a question regarding the stated excess of income over expenditure in the accounts of the Treasurers Report. GC advised him of the reason for the figures and confirmed that they were correct and no amendments were necessary.
Appointment of Auditor Barry Bennett asked the Members present re-appoint Tony Millen as our auditors for next year. Proposed by : Peter Lloyd Seconded by: Walter Moore. By a show of hands, Tony was re-appointed for the year July 1st 2014 to June 30th 2015.
Secretary’s Report JH reported that the Trust shareholding in PUFC remained the same as last year, 1410 shares. Leaving the Trust still the second largest shareholder after Darragh MacAnthony.
JH reported that 6 Board meetings were held during the year and a Trust representative attended each of the club’s monthly meetings with Bob Symns, PISA and Forever Posh.
JH reported that 2 newsletters were sent out to members and distributed from the Trust stall and outside the ground. All local councillors and MPs were also sent copies of each newsletter.
JH reported that the Trust membership was 202 plus 62 complimentary memberships.
JH closed with a thanks to the Board for the continued support of all Trust activities and aims.
Election of Directors Directors seeking re-election: As Board Members: John Lawrence, Proposed by Keith Jennings Seconded by Graham Palmer Keith Jennings, Proposed by Peter Lloyd Seconded by Graham Palmer Walter Moore, Proposed by Mick Robinson Seconded by Ken Storey As Chairman :- John Henson, Proposed by Barry Bennett Seconded by Walter Moore As Secretary:- Ray Cole, Proposed by Mick Robinson Seconded by Geoff Callen Barry Bennett stood down as Chairman and will assume the role of Membership Secretary
No objections were received, so all nominees were duly appointed to their roles.
Trust Board for the next 12 months is as follows: John Henson Chairman Geoffrey Callen Treasurer Barry Bennett Membership Secretary Keith Jennings Membership Discounts Sponsorship Manager John Lawrence Marketing and Publicity Manager Walter Moore Gold Bond Manager Ken Storey Director Secretary – Ray Cole Consultant to Board – Peter Lloyd
Post AGM Appointment : David Martin has joined the Board as a co-opted member.
New Chairman’s Address JH then spoke to the meeting as the newly elected Chairman outlining the aims and Key priorities: of the Trust in the next 12 months. 1. To raise the profile of the Trust and make all Posh fans and the wider community aware of who and what the Trust is and the work it does 2. To develop further and promote the Posh Trust Peterborough United online museum on the Trust website and to officially ‘launch’ the museum with an event in January 2015. 3. To continue to maintain an excellent working relationship with PUFC. 4. To monitor developments at a national level with regard to supporter representation at all football clubs and to work with Supporters Direct and PUFC to ensure best practice in Peterborough. 5. To continue to promote the Trust aims and objectives. JH also shared his ‘history’ of work with the Trust – as attendee at the founding public meeting of the Trust in 2002 and original Board member. JH thanked the Board for their work over the past year and stated his confidence that the Trust will continue to progress successfully with the hard work and commitment of those involved.
Any other Business Peter Lloyd spoke to the meeting and thanked BB for his work as Chairman and expressed how far the Trust had progressed under his leadership.
No other questions were raised relating to the AGM
The AGM Closed at 8-15pm.
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
OTHER NEWS FROM OTHER CLUBS!
According to a new survey published at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on 16 Feb, The overwhelming majority of football fans - 96 per cent - support safe standing. The report, by the Welsh Conservatives, found that football fans surveyed back the introduction of designated standing areas at football grounds. Andrew RT Davies, author of the report, is now calling for a safe standing pilot in Wales. Davies said: "This campaign boils down to two issues: the right for football fans to be treated the same as other sports fans, and the opportunity to trial an advance in safety methods which are well established on the continent. Legislation governing standing was drafted in a different era, to address a different set of problems and it’s time for politicians to move on and give the people what they want.”
Some highlights from the 2,364 people surveyed include: 96% back a safe standing pilot to trial modern stadium technology. 84% believe that safe standing areas would decrease the likelihood of conflict between stewards and fans. 97% feel that modern stadium technology can make standing areas at football grounds safe.
The National Assembly in Wales is the first UK legislature to adopt a pro-standing position, recently passing a motion, and Davies is calling on the UK Government to legislate for a limited pilot early in the next Parliament.
Conference side Grimsby want to become the first club in the country to use a safe-standing area. However current rules would prohibit their use if the club was promoted to the Football League, so the Mariners are seeking legislative change. Their Blundell Park home has been all-seater since 1995. They now want to install rail seats, similar to those used in Germany and Austria, which can be unlocked or locked for either seating or standing. This move is in response to the effort the young fans have made to try to improve the atmosphere of late. Stadium manager Nick Dale told BBC Sport. "Current seating does not really allow for that kind of bouncing around. If you take 'the Poznan' celebration, for example, modern seating actually makes that dangerous." "It is about time legislation responded to what the public wants," Dale added. "We understand why the regulations were brought in but football and technology has changed a lot since then. A degree of common sense needs to be exerted."
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