FC UNITED LIMITED Trading as FC United of Manchester NOTICE of an extraordinary General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an extraordinary General Meeting of FC United Limited will take place on Saturday 25th June 2016, at Longfield Suite, 3 Longfield Centre, Prestwich M25 1AY. The meeting will commence at noon. Registration opens at 11.00am. The meeting will consider the following business: 1. Chair’s Welcome and Election of Scrutineers 2. Questions for candidates Re-Open Nominations Members who feel that some or all candidates are unsuitable may indicate this by voting to re-open nominations. Lawrence Gill This nomination is supported by Blaine Emmett, Nick Duckett, Alex Jones, Peter Wharton, Robin Squelch. I’m Lawrence Gill, co-owner, founder member and season ticket holder since 2005. Prior to that I was a season ticket holder and shareholder at OT. As FC we have achieved so much in a short space of time. However, that progress has not been without its difficulties and the last twelve months have been difficult. I think it’s inevitable that, given our roots as a bunch of ‘arsey’, opinionated Mancunians, we have differing opinions on how we see progress to date and what should happen next. Consensus isn’t always achievable. But we are a democratic organisation and that brings a responsibility on all of us to listen to the opinions of others in a respectful way and decide as a majority on the way forward. I think we have scored a few own goals over the past few months. As members, we rely on communication from the club. In the absence of timely communication, rumour and conjecture fill the void, leading to some of the social media feeding frenzy witnessed of late. Some of the dialogue on forums and social media has been unacceptable. The speed of our progress and the opening of Broadhurst Park has put pressure on the club infrastructure that relies heavily on our dedicated volunteers to support our paid staff. Mistakes happen but we must learn from those mistakes and not repeat them. And also say ‘sorry’ when those mistakes are made. As a board member I would hope to be able to facilitate more timely communications to members; ensure we have an infrastructure and organisational structure to support our activities on and off the pitch; and to always ensure that our actions and strategy are commensurate with our objectives. 1 My background is in finance with Royal Mail. I have covered budgeting, reporting and analysis roles; business planning and performance management; risk identification and management. Alongside all this I worked in multi-disciplinary groups particularly in communicating with people at all levels in the business explaining change and engaging in dialogue to solve issues. I believe my experience will enable me to represent you as we rebuild the trust within the club. A final point; I am proud to say that ‘Margy’ is my brother-in-law. I raise this so that I can assure members that should the board discuss Karl’s tenure as team manager, I would excuse myself from those discussions to avoid any conflict of interest. Michelle Noonan This nomination is supported by Ian Connolly, Adrian Dowd, Phil Sheeran, Gary Todd, Matt Tansey. In 2005 I didn’t think I could ever love a football club that wasn’t Manchester United, so I’m ashamed to say I initially dismissed the idea of FC. When I did come along in October 2005 I instantly regretted, and will always regret, not having been involved at the start. I think I can safely say I’ve been to most FC games since, and the love I have for it has never diminished. I’ve always tried to keep up with what’s going on off the pitch as much as on it, because alongside the pride, I feel a deep sense of responsibility comes with co-ownership. I work in insurance as a professional lines underwriter and team manager. My main job is to assess the likelihood of companies (and the people running them) facing legal/regulatory actions and other claims (including for neglect of duties as directors/officers; breach of regulatory body rules; employment lawsuits or suffering losses due to crime/fraud). This entails analysis of companies’ financial strength, assessing their internal controls and procedures and their governance practices. I also have responsibility for drafting and approving contract endorsements and amendments. If elected I feel this knowledge of good governance and internal controls, plus my ability to draft and review wordings would be beneficial to our board, but I am also passionate about improving the way that all of us involved in FC treat one another. I’d volunteer to take on the role of improving transparency and communication between us all. I think we can do more to educate new (and remind existing) members, fans and staff why we exist, but we need to do this in a way that is respectful of the fact that the reason we are here will differ for each person. To increase discussion and debate amongst all parties, we need to address the levels of respect, tolerance and engagement between us all. This does not mean Stalinist monitoring or moderation of behaviour, but facilitating and encouraging honest discussion and debate so that as many members as possible contribute to establishing our short and long term aims, and together find ways to keep us working towards these. Whilst a lot has been done in this area recently, I would like the opportunity to continue this work and find ways to improve upon it with the help of the membership. Steven Chadwick This nomination is supported by Jess Manchester, Rob Manchester, Aimee Carter-Roebuck, Sam Coates, Matt Fejos. 2 I would like to stand for the Board of FC United at the upcoming EGM. As a founder member, I have supported the concept of FC United since it was first mooted in Red Issue. Having attended the EGM at the Central Methodist Hall and the first game at Hilton Park, many said questioned the viability of a club democratically ran by supporters, one member one vote. It's amazing to see how far we have come and what we have collectively achieved over the last 11 years, both on the field, but most importantly, off it! It's important to acknowledge the work the previous Board did, however it is also important to admit on this learning curve that some mistakes have been made. The current situation however necessitates both a fresh mandate, a requirement for new blood, but also after this election, the need for the unity of supporters and to respect the result. Given the events of the final day, this is why I am standing, the club needs stability, a line needs to be drawn, we now need to look forward, not backwards. FC United is a both a beacon to supporters of other clubs of how supporters can run their clubs, but also, it is essential to note that we remain the only credible and visible protest against the hostile Glazer takeover and the continued occupation of Old Trafford. It's vitally important that our history is respected and embraced in our future! As for myself, I currently volunteer on programmes, over the years I have previously volunteered in the ticket office for restricted away games, on turnstiles duty and helped with the half time draw. Outside of FC United I am currently the secretary of a community group I co-formed called 'Horwich Dementia Support'. As secretary of this group, I recently successfully applied for a £10,000 grant to deliver a project in my hometown. It's about using your skills and determination to make a positive difference where you can. Finally, whilst I feel a person's own politics are irrelevant at FC, in May 2015 I stood for election to my local Town Council as an Independent, against the established parties, I was successfully elected with the smallest majority in the country (one). Never let it be said your vote does not count..." John Davies This nomination is supported by John Bradley, Paul Davis, Karl Graham, Kevin Randall, Lisa Rotherham, Peter Wetherby As a supporter owned club I see the board taking note of the members/owners wishes as developed through general and members meetings supplemented by helpful member surveys from time to time to set the direction of travel whilst also taking cognisance of the founding principles of F.C. I am concerned that there has recently been the extended use of social media for debate to be carried out in a manner which has helped result in a heavy toll being taken on staff and board members. In my mind nothing can take the place of face – to- face debate at general meetings or when possible as members go about their volunteering work, ensuring that the club and the football matches at all levels are a success. Board members should be elected or removed at meetings and nowhere else. Staff members should be allowed to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities subject to normal contractual performance appraisals. 3 If elected to the board I would expect and indeed welcome to be approached by members who had concerns or questions. I would take part in the board surgery scheme on a home match day and perform any duties that the board felt were appropriate and within my areas of competence. When in work I was a solicitor in a law co-op operating on an equal pay basis.