Fans to vote on trust idea

Mar 28 2008 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

CARDIFF City fans will vote tomorrow on plans to form a supporters’ trust.

The meeting is open to all and takes place at the Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, starting at 11am, before tomorrow’s game against Southampton at Ninian Park.

Kevin Rye, from the Government-backed Supporters Direct organisation, will speak at the meeting.

Nick Illingsworth, chairman of the Saints Trust, will talk about fans’ experience at Southampton.

Cardiff supporters will have an opportunity to ask questions before voting to proceed or abandon the idea. If fans approve the plans, the trust will be established as an independent, not-for-profit supporters’ organisation and will be launched later in the year.

The trust’s long-term aim will be to raise money to buy a significant shareholding in the club and get a fan on the board of directors. Short-term aims include strengthening the voice of supporters in the club’s decision-making process and strengthening links between the club and the community.