AGM REPORT
NTFC Supporters Trust held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Obelisk Centre in Northampton on 23 February.
A summary of the meeting is as follows:
Chairman's Report
Andy Roberts told the meeting:-
Our questions to the club are always asked in the context of future plans and investment. Beyond the sale of a land asset for a warehouse development which, if approved, will hopefully pay off the club’s existing debt, there is no long-term plan for the club that we are aware of. And that is a big worry going forward.
On football reform, it is worth reminding members that the role of a Supporters Trust is different to that of a Fan Advisory Board. The latter clearly has its place but all recognised supporter groups at a club should have a seat at the table – FAB members should be elected, its chair should be independent from the club, meetings should have an open agenda and decisions/outcomes should be formally recorded and published.
On our Infrastructure Foundation proposals, these continue to be refined in the light of the prevailing financial and governance challenges facing the game and the document will be released to members when it is appropriate to do so.
A few headlines this year:-
Together with several other Supporters Trusts, we lobbied Government hard to recognise primacy for Supporters Trusts and other democratically-elected supporter organisations. The office of the Independent Football Regulator has indicated that Fan Advisory Boards should have Trust representation, at clubs where Trusts exist.
We raised objections to West Northamptonshire Council about the club’s warehouse development planning application for Sixfields, on the basis that future investment benefit for the club and car parking arrangements post development have not been made clear.
We have recognised Bill Dodgin’s 1975/76 promotion winners in this the 50th anniversary season – the Trust has awarded honorary membership to those who played in that campaign.
Treasurer's Report
Bob Clarke told the meeting:-
Income and expenditure and other general information regarding the Trust business was submitted to Crouchers Independent Reporting Accountants following a retirement at Clifford Towers.
Linda Bradley had moved to Crouchers and prepared the accounts for review by James Morris, Client Manager. I am happy to recommend that we continue to use their services for this purpose.
We have seven board members plus a Secretary who is our legal advisor.
Income and expenditure remained modest and in control. Income was £4,274 was up from £3,902 last year.
Expenditure £2,781 was up marginally from £2,587 so overall the surplus £1,493 was up from £1,315.
Income came mainly from Club 500 at £3,445.
Expenditure was modest, with accountancy fees remaining at £960 and printing, postage, and stationery £617.
Meetings of the Trust Board continued to be held mainly on Zoom which is a successful way of ensuring attendance and that meetings are quorate.
Our balance sheet remains healthy £155,559, including £71,954 shown as fixed assets investment which is Shares of £1 in NTFC held at cost.
Our cash held at the Co-op Bank and in two NatWest accounts is £84,565 up from £83,069 last year.
Please continue to support the team home or away as we fight to stay in league One. Up the Cobblers!
Board appointments
Andy Roberts informed the meeting that the board is carrying four vacancies with two board members required to stand for re-election.
Nominations were received from the following:-
Bob Clarke
Kevin Simons
As the number of members putting themselves forward was fewer than the number of vacancies, all were elected unopposed.
