Questions on East Stand and wider land development
The Trust is still awaiting written answers to the 25 questions it asked about plans for the East Stand and wider Sixfields land development. These questions were sent at the invitation of club chairman Kelvin Thomas, who together with club owner David Bower is taking forward the plans with West Northamptonshire Council. The Trust requires the answers in written form so they are clear, understood and on the record.
Engagement with West Northamptonshire Council
West Northamptonshire Council chief executive Anna Earnshaw has confirmed that the Asset of Community Value that the Trust holds on the stadium, the stadium’s West Stand car park and the old athletics track behind the East Stand has been moved to its authority from Northampton Borough Council. We are also grateful to Anna Earnshaw and council leader Jonathan Nunn for giving the Trust access to the ground condition report that was undertaken on the club’s leasehold land at Sixfields in 2016.
Presentation to English football review chair Tracey Crouch
The Trust is one of a number of League 1 and 2 clubs who will be making a presentation to former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch about football reform. This has been facilitated by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) as part of the fan-led review and goes ahead on Tuesday 15 June. Also presenting on a variety of topics with case studies, good and bad, are Supporters Trusts from Cheltenham Town, Accrington Stanley, Leyton Orient, Oldham Athletic, Plymouth Argyle and Charlton Athletic.
Meeting with cult German club St Pauli to discuss the ‘50+1’ model for football governance
Some board members took part in an enjoyable hour-long meeting with German second tier club St Pauli – a members club based in Hamburg with a cult following – to learn more about its structure. Discussion also centred on the ‘50+1’ model for football governance, which underpins the German Bundesliga. A form of ‘50+1’, and a ‘golden share for supporters, is under consideration as part of English football reform.
Board changes
Kevin Simons and Garry Harris have stepped down from the Trust board and we thank them both for the service they have given over many years. Kevin will continue to work with the Trust in scrutinising the land deal under discussion.
