| Full Graphics Version

Leyton Orient Fans' Trust Official Website

HOMEPAGE | NEWS INDEX | ABOUT LOFT | JOIN LOFT | FUNDRAISING | CONTACT US | COMMITTEE | DOWNLOADS | LINKS | LOFT SHOP

VISIT LOFT'S ONLINE STORE AND SUPPORT US WHILE YOU SHOP!
Chancellor pledges continued support
10/27/2004

At the 4th Annual Conference of Supporters Direct tomorrow (28th October), The Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, will declare his and the Government's backing for the past and future work of Supporters Direct and their member supporters trusts.

In a speech to be relayed by video to the conference at the British Library, he will praise the achievements of the Trust Movement as being, "A beacon of success for others to follow", further that they are, "Contributing to the development of a deep mutual understanding across our game - that football clubs can be at the centre of communities, both a unifying force for good, but also an inspiring force for young people in particular, irrespective of the community in which they grow up."

In the four years since Supporters Direct was established, over 120 supporters trusts have now been been set up, bringing a financial injection of over £10 million to the game, leading to 9 clubs being owned or controlled by their trusts, with nearly 40 now having board representation and almost 60 with shareholdings at their clubs.

He will also tell the audience that the government will continue to "Play an active role in all that you do", further pledging to reveal
more in the November pre-Budget Report about the "Dedicated support and advice the (Inland) Revenue will give to Football Supporters Trusts", referring in particular to, "Helping you organise special charitable fund raising matches and events without incurring unecessary tax liabilities."

The speech is the first time that a Chancellor has spoken to football fans, and it will be given to an audience including representatives from all governing bodies in the game - including the FA, the FA Premier League and The Football League - as well as representatives from the 121 strong membership of Supporters Direct, including Shareholders United, who have most recently hit the headlines with their campaign to safeguard the future of Manchester United.

The event is also being supported by Random House, publishers of the sporting imprint 'Yellow Jersey Press', administrators Grant Thornton, football magazine When Saturday Comes, Cobbetts Solicitors of Manchester and the Co-op Bank.

Journalists are welcome to attend for all or part of the day, and
requests for accreditation can be made by contacting Supporters Direct, to be collected on the day.


For further information, including logos, contact Kevin Rye, Head of Press and Communications, on:

Direct line: 020 7608 7254
Mobile: 07932 067425
Email: kevin.rye@supporters-direct.org

Supporters Direct is a government initiative, funded by public money, with offices in London and Glasgow. Our aim is to help people "who wish to play a responsible part in the life of the football club they support" and we offer support, advice and information to groups of football supporters. Our work is based on democratic, mutual and not-for-profit principles.

With a combined membership of over 75,000 people, supporters trusts have now put over £10 million into football and own or control 9 football clubs in the UK.

We are an Industrial and Provident Society registered with the
Financial Services Authority (Registration Number: 29581R)

For more information on Supporters Direct and Supporters' Trusts, visit www.supporters-direct.org


Register for updates:

VISIT LOFT'S ONLINE STORE AND SUPPORT US WHILE YOU SHOP!