Northampton Town Supporters’ Trust has announced a date for a public meeting regarding a community ownership bid for the Cobblers, writes Tom Reed.
The meeting will take place on Sunday 10th March at the Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Silver Street, Northampton starting at 1pm.
In a recent official YouTube video, Northampton Town Chairman Kelvin Thomas signalled that there is a “trust ownership conversation” and now the Supporters’ Trust, formed in 1992, are to bring the matter to a public meeting.
Community ownership can vary in supporter stake-holding dependent on the model adopted and the Trust made it clear in their recent statement that they are open to a hybrid public/private setup with investment from local business interests.
The meeting will also feature a presentation of Project:Proud To Be, billed as “the most wide-ranging conversation on the strategy, infrastructure and ownership of Northampton Town FC in its 122 year history”.
Project:Proud To Be was announced in an eye-catching mission statement released by the Trust in late January.
It is understood the Trust have contacted both the football club and Northampton Borough Council with regards playing an active role in the next ownership model of the Cobblers and also discussion of the redevelopment of the Sixfields stadium and surrounding land.
Guest speakers from across the football industry, including community ownership experts Supporters Direct, are expected to attend the landmark meeting and Trust Chair Andy Roberts is keen that all opinions are heard.
“Northampton Town Supporters’ Trust were pioneers of community ownership under the stewardship of Brian Lomax and the concept has grown to become a viable and successful model for sports clubs across the globe.
“We are looking forward to a healthy discussion of the future of the football club, sport in Northampton and also welcoming the community to the event” said Roberts.
Free membership for the Supporters’ Trust will be available to attendees till the end of the season providing they sign up with a valid email address. Further details are expected to be shared as the meeting approaches, one of the most significant since the famous Exeter Rooms conference where the Supporters Trust was formed in the 1990’s.
