TRUST IN OUR CLUB

 

To be printed in the Boxing Day National League South game v Chesham United.

After all the excitement of the Christmas raffle I decided to interview two of the more familiar faces of the Supporters Trust. The Two Ronnies. Morecambe and Wise. Bill and Ben. The Chuckle Brothers.

Dean Beckett and Richard Kendall have been called all these and a lot more that aren’t printable, but have helped bring fresh ideas and fun into the Supporters Trust – acting as a link from supporters to the club. Unfortunately Dean was too busy having a massage and folding raffle tickets to answer my questions but Richard took time out from his busy retirement schedule and rang me from the Maldives to show me the scenery. I was just passing Hayes and Harlington on the train and both places looked very similar, so not sure why he didn’t save his money when he could have enjoyed a B&B by the Grand Union Canal.

What does the trust do for the club – why should people join?

Richard; “The Supporters Trust has been, and continues to be, a support to the football club and the wider community, both financially through our fundraising, and volunteering. Our membership package offers a range of benefits, including several agreed with the football club. Membership revenues are a key part of what we are able to donate to the football club.

“A lot more supporters come directly to us for any enquiries and we are pleased to assist. It’s a really good friendly group and everyone is welcome. One of our best and ongoing achievement is to offer coaches to away games. This is cost effective to supporters, appreciated by the club and players and ensures anyone who needs transport can attend. Our next plan is to run coaches to every single game, so in future we want to include mini bus travel to the Tuesday nighters where for some of these games the uptake can be challenging.”

What's your relationships like with the owners? Do you meet regularly? Do they listen to your ideas? Concerns?

“Our relationship with the club is excellent with agreed lines of communication to avoid ‘everyone talking to everyone’. Since day one, the new owners have been very appreciative of our efforts and have embraced our ideas, thoughts and initiatives for supporters. We were able to discuss a recent concern over seats and that will be a benefit for future planning. It’s important to note that the owners are not ‘hands off’ and work tirelessly behind the scenes. We considered regular meetings but found it quicker to talk to each other and discuss items as needed which works fine for us all.”

Since you two got more involved the Trust seems more fun! Has a much bigger social media presence, fully coaches etc. The Facebook page especially is busy and a laugh. Is that on purpose ?

“We purposely set out to make our Facebook page one for the supporters, giving information, and all round being more of a fun place. Anyone approved can post and we have a good number who regularly start posts and hundreds who comment all the time, or on the odd occasion. It’s a really good page, we have good and appropriate banter, and Scott often responds to posts. Of course it’s fun with Dean and myself having such a great sense of humour, well we think we do.”

Where do you see Slough Town in 5 years

“In 5 years time. I’d like to see our management team move the club forward. No doubt they will have exciting plans once sustainability is in place. Some ground improvements for our supporters experience would be excellent. We know some would love promotion, why not it’s something to aspire to. However, some still want Slough to do well, but not be promoted due fears of running costs for the club, full time or hybrid part time, distances, time and cost for supporters to travel etc. For me, like many, I crave success for Slough. Firstly, avoiding relegation is a success. I’d like a promotion, I’d like the 3rd round of the F A Cup, and I’d like Wembley, not being too greedy.

I feel the Trust could also explore ways for our supporters to become a part of the club through investment, yes I did just say that.”

Cheers Richard and hope you enjoyed your massage Dean.

So how important is the Trust for the football club? I asked CEO Ashley Smith

“ Financial stability and support

Supporters’ trusts can bring significant benefits to clubs, particularly at the non-league level helping to supplement the club’s budget and allow funding towards new projects.

Advocacy and Representation

Voice for Fans: The trust ensures that fans’ interests are represented in club decision-making.

Volunteer Support

Access to Volunteers: Supporters involved in the trust are more likely to volunteer their time and expertise, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Enhanced Club Culture

The supporters’ trust fosters a culture of inclusivity and

pride, aligning the club’s values with those of its supporters.

Preserving Heritage

Trust involvement ensures that the club’s history and traditions

are respected and preserved.

For Slough Town FC, which has a rich fanbase, the backing of a supporters’ trust can help cement its position as a central hub for local football and ensure its growth and sustainability for future generations.”

So don’t delay, join today

Membership forms are available from the Trust stall situated by the programmes or go to http://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com 

And why not join the 500 Club. Cash prizes every month for as little as £5 a month

THE WHEATSHEAF PUB

The club has more partners than a gigolo but across the town pubs and clubs are starting to throw their support behind the Rebels.

To be fair the Wheatsheaf has always been the unofficial Slough Town pub, taking coaches in the past to big away games. It’s been a leading music venue and a hub of activity that has recently sprung back to life with Ollie and Lianne taking over. Trust members get 10% discount on pints on matchdays and they’ve started serving up free food for people going to the game. A shuttle bus to home matches is planned for the future.