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Wanderers gave their official stamp of approval as the dream of a Supporters’ Trust became a reality last night.
Trevor Birch, financial advisor to the board, was present at a packed-out meeting at the Macron Stadium to give his blessing to the venture – which was backed by the vast majority of 1,000 fans present.
Former councillor Christopher Peacock, who was speaking on behalf of the trust’s steering group, confirmed that talks had been held with funders that could eventually see them secure a financial stake in the club.
He said: “We have talked with people who believe we can have an active role but that might be further down the line. It could be years.
"My ambition is that we have a place at this club – whether that's dialogue with the owner or a proper option, as in running the club.
"I am not saying for one second we are about to take over the club but we can have a say.
"We have seen managers and players come and go but we will always remain as supporters. And I hope that enough of you believe, like me, that supporters should have a say in the running of their club."
Presentations were made by Ashley Brown and Iain McInnes, two of the leading figures involved with The Pompey Trust, who won a long battle to take control of Portsmouth in 2013.
They illustrated the highs and lows of the takeover process – from winning the FA Cup in 2008 to two spells in administration.
"One of the most difficult things is getting everyone to gravitate towards a single cause,” said Brown. “You all want a team to support in the long term which is successful.
"We managed it because we realised that if we didn't there might not be a Pompey. You might be in that situation here.
"Don't under-estimate the power of what you can do."
James Mathie of Supporters Direct praised the turnout of Wanderers fans on the night, adding: “It's humble standing and seeing such a turnout of supporters who care so passionately about their club. I'm not sure I've ever addressed a crowd like this at a football club. It's fantastic to see what this club means to you and the community.”
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Trevor Birch, financial advisor to the board, was present at a packed-out meeting at the Macron Stadium to give his blessing to the venture – which was backed by the vast majority of 1,000 fans present.
Former councillor Christopher Peacock, who was speaking on behalf of the trust’s steering group, confirmed that talks had been held with funders that could eventually see them secure a financial stake in the club.
He said: “We have talked with people who believe we can have an active role but that might be further down the line. It could be years.
"My ambition is that we have a place at this club – whether that's dialogue with the owner or a proper option, as in running the club.
"I am not saying for one second we are about to take over the club but we can have a say.
"We have seen managers and players come and go but we will always remain as supporters. And I hope that enough of you believe, like me, that supporters should have a say in the running of their club."
Presentations were made by Ashley Brown and Iain McInnes, two of the leading figures involved with The Pompey Trust, who won a long battle to take control of Portsmouth in 2013.
They illustrated the highs and lows of the takeover process – from winning the FA Cup in 2008 to two spells in administration.
"One of the most difficult things is getting everyone to gravitate towards a single cause,” said Brown. “You all want a team to support in the long term which is successful.
"We managed it because we realised that if we didn't there might not be a Pompey. You might be in that situation here.
"Don't under-estimate the power of what you can do."
James Mathie of Supporters Direct praised the turnout of Wanderers fans on the night, adding: “It's humble standing and seeing such a turnout of supporters who care so passionately about their club. I'm not sure I've ever addressed a crowd like this at a football club. It's fantastic to see what this club means to you and the community.”
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