Clarets Trust – it is the future say club

Last updated : 07 March 2004 By Tony Scholes

Dave Edmundson gives his views on the proposed Supporters Trust
Supporters were invited to a question and answer session with both Barry Kilby and Chief Executive Dave Edmundson in the marquee erected for the Alastair Campbell dinner and they answered questions on a number of subjects.

Kilby explained that the Club had not made an official complaint to the Football Association regarding the racial abuse aimed at Mo Camara on recent visits to the Den. He reiterated that people he trusts confirmed that they had heard it but he felt, given the way the FA runs, it would be of no benefit as it would continue to be our word against their word.

He did add though that the Clubs main concern in the whole matter was for Mo Camara, the player who suffered the abuse.

When asked if there would be any offers to attract supporters to the home game against Franchise (if sadly the creditors do accept the CVA) Edmundson said, "We have just come from a board meeting where this was discussed and I think there will be some sort of offer.

"We are mindful though of not upsetting our season ticket holders."

When asked how the £700,000 cash hole had suddenly been filled Kilby said, "It’s narrowing. A lot of good work has been done since January, there has been the fundraising and we won through two rounds of the cup." He also said they had done a deal with Millwall prior to the tie to share the prize money.

Then on to Stan and his contract. "Stan is out of contract at the end of the season," admitted the Chairman. "We will have to see what we can offer him but we want Stan to continue as our manager."

Dave Edmundson told us that we needed to get used to the goal music, cheerleaders, flags, anthems and mascots telling the audience that we have to attract younger supporters. He also said that we would not go back to having a standing area even if legislation allowed for it. "All seater stadia are the future," he told the audience.

When asked about the proposed Supporters’ Trust the Chief Executive said, "I am very much in favour and so is the Chairman.

"Its is evolution and the future of football. It creates and opportunity for the Club to link and connect with the fans and gives those fans a voice.

"It also helps with grant funding for capital investment as an Industrial Provident Society."

Using York and Brighton as recent examples, he added, "It prevents cherry pickers from buying into the Club for short term gain," and ended by praising the trusts at Clubs such as York, Lincoln and Exeter who have taken over their respective clubs.

Barry Kilby took centre stage when asked about wages. "We need to get the wage bill down to around £2.7 million and maybe up to £3 million. It was up above £5 million when income was much higher.

"Those figures would leave us about average in Division One but we are competing against bigger clubs with bigger revenue streams and clubs with benefactors such as Whelan at Wigan."

Questions were asked about season tickets for next season and why no marketing had been done regarding the lost season ticket holders from last season.

Dave Edmundson said that the season ticket package would contain £100 of concessions but didn’t go into any further detail and then spoke of the loss of season ticket holders.

In a very thinly veiled attack on the previous regime at Turf Moor he said, "What a good question and I agree with you totally." Pointing at Marketing Manager Edoardo Abis he said, "Edoardo has been frustrated over the last three to four years."

He added that new computer systems will be introduced, it appears that the current systems pre-date the abacus, which will offer the club a far better facility.

"Are you still as committed to the Club Barry," said one supporter.

"I’ll take that question," said Edmundson. "YES HE IS – he is as committed as he has ever been and has given everything for this club, even his health. He is passionate about the club and you are lucky to have him."

Kilby laughed that he must be looking for a two year extension on his contract but ended the meeting by avoiding a question on the investment of other directors and said he had a good board.