Fan lobbies for vote on new club (From Northwich Guardian)
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Northwich Victoria fan hopes to attract support for a vote on setting up a supporters-run version of his club
2:29pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Sport
Exclusive By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer
Fan lobbies for vote on new club
A NORTHWICH Victoria supporter is calling on fellow fans to set up a new version of their favourite football club.
Tony Rogers has started a petition he plans to present to Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust if he can collect enough signatures to force a vote.
“It’s the right moment,” he said.
“If we don’t act now, then I’m not convinced that we ever will.”
Earlier this year the trust’s members indicated that they preferred to wait and see what happened to the existing club first.
In May, its board said it would seek to set up a fans-run version of Vics only if the current club – playing in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s second tier – went out of business.
“If that happened, then we feel we are ready to push the button to launch a new club,” said spokesman James Wood at the time.
“It would be a choice for our members, not the trust board, to do that though.”
Mr Rogers will activate a clause in the trust’s regulations that provides for a Special General Meeting (SGM) should he have the support of 20 fellow members.
It is there that he could propose a vote on setting up a new club.
“I think the mood is different now,” he said.
“For me, not making the move in May was the right thing to do and I supported the policy of avoiding a situation where part of the fan base would be in opposition to another section.
“However the club’s situation is even more ridiculous now than it was then with appeal after appeal trying to put right mistakes that have been made in the past.
“Enough is enough though, supporters should take the initiative.”
Rogers, who has refused to attend matches in protest at the way in which owner Jim Rushe has run the club, says he does not believe the existing club will return to town.
Vics’ first team is playing home matches in Stafford, while it has an arrangement to host opponents in Manchester – at Flixton’s Valley Road ground – for the next two seasons after this one.
Trust chairman Paul Stockton said: “Tony is using his right as a member to call for an SGM.
“He’s asking us to call that meeting so he can table a proposal to form a new club; that message is clear.
“If he gathers enough support, then that would have to happen within 28 days of the board receiving his petition.”
Mr Stockton and his fellow board members are due to meet in Lostock tomorrow, Thursday.
Earlier the same day, an independent legal expert will decide if league bosses were wrong to refuse permission for Vics to move their temporary base to Greater Manchester.
Solicitors for the FA, which backed the league’s decision at an appeal hearing, join Mr Rushe at Wembley for an arbitration hearing.
Graham Bean, through his Football Factors firm, represents the club.
Comments(28)
Nvfc fan
says...
7:33am Fri 19 Oct 12
Antony Rogers
says...
9:56am Fri 19 Oct 12
I'm sure this question and many others will be discussed in detail before and at the SGM before the vote takes place but hopefully in Northwich, if not, local to Northwich. There's not much point in voting for and setting up a new club if that basic request can't be achieved.
Do you think Rushe will clear the clubs debts at Flixton and move NVFC back to Northwich for the 2015/2016 season?
Antony Rogers
says...
10:09am Fri 19 Oct 12
jamo
says...
8:07pm Fri 19 Oct 12
Antony Rogers wrote:Those fans who are still going games that are members of the trust and are entitled to vote (the ones who you viciously attack on the trust forum) - does their vote count? Seeing as though you think you are a spokesman for all Vics Fans?
The Supporters Trust Special General Meeting for members to vote on a new football club will convene on Thursday November 15th at Lostock Club, timings to be confirmed.
Antony Rogers
says...
12:26am Sat 20 Oct 12
If you don't understand the democratic voting process, then I suggest you google it.
Each member of the Supporters Trust will have a vote, they will not be forced to vote for or against the proposal for a new club. It is their decision and theirs alone. Whichever way the vote goes I will respect that decision, as it would have been decided using the democratic process.
I do not speak for all Vics fans, I'm an individual, with individual views and opinions, I believe in democracy and freedom of speech, unlike the dictatorship and gagging orders in forced under the Rushe regime.
I believe that now is the time to vote for a new club.
I believe that Rushe, once at Flixton will never return to Northwich.
I believe that he will never clear the clubs debts to the creditors, taxman or any other.
I believe that Rushe will never let the club die or rest in peace.
Nvfc fan
says...
3:55pm Sun 21 Oct 12
Antony Rogers
says...
5:08pm Sun 21 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:All fans should have a say in the current club, but they don't because it's owned by one man with his own agenda and he will never allow anyone to interfere with his plans. He will never allow fans a democratic say, a democratic voice or a democratic vote in the running of HIS football club.
Tony you say believe in democracy and freedom of speech, unlike the dictatorship and gagging orders in forced under the Rushe regime. but the organisation you are supporting does not abide by these principals, when asked on a open forum about the pros and cons of starting a new club. All of the cons posts were deleted by the trust board because they were concerns from non trust members. These were valid reasons for example, starting a new club now whilst the current one exists could cause potential harm in the longer term, many supporters would support a new club but not whilst the current one exists, every northwich victoria fan should be able to have a say in the club which many have supported for years and years not just because your a member of the trust. Many Thanks Colin Buckley
Our once proud and respect Vics has been whipped and kicked to it's knees and dragged through the mud so many times that it's never going to recover. What's the current debt Colin? £1.3m? Running at -£20k so far this season?
Anyway I think you're confusing the issue. This Special General Meeting is to vote on a NEW CLUB, it's not to vote on the future of the existing club, that is in the hands of a debt ridden dictator.
Nvfc fan
says...
5:44pm Sun 21 Oct 12
Antony Rogers
says...
6:07pm Sun 21 Oct 12
Those supporters can continue to watch NVFC whether that be at Stafford or Flixton, that is their choice as its the choice of others not too.
Rushe has proved and is still proving that he doesn't need fans (Paying customers) to keep Vics alive. So if the existing supporters believe in Rushe and what he can achieve, they have nothing to worry about.
I on the other hand do not believe in Rushe and I do not believe that he is capable of returning the club home to Northwich.
Nvfc fan
says...
6:12am Mon 22 Oct 12
Antony Rogers
says...
9:51am Mon 22 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:Please indicate where I have said that a new club WILL be able to play in Northwich? I said "HOPEFULLY in Northwich, if not, local to Northwich"
You say that rushe is not capable of returning vics back to northwich. But Northwich victoria supporters trust has set up a committee and raising money to get vics back in to northwich. You say a new club will be able to play in northwich next season or in the surrounding areas. If thats the case then surely the trust should be able to get the current club back in to northwich, which is what it agreed to do.
I suggest you ask Rushe why he can't get a ground share in Northwich and why he doesn't need any assistance from the Supporters Trust.
I also suggest that you stop jumping to conclusions about a Trust Committee raising funds to get Vics back to Northwich, this has been explained to you on the Trust Forum on more than one occasion but now you try to further discredit the Supporters Trust and it's members by posting it on here.
Now I have answered your questions, so what reasons can you give me in your support of Rushe's lies, deception and huge increasing debt?
Also how does Rushe intend to return Vics back to Northwich?
Genuine fan
says...
12:57pm Mon 22 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:The bit you don't seem to be able to grasp is the debt.
You say that rushe is not capable of returning vics back to northwich. But Northwich victoria supporters trust has set up a committee and raising money to get vics back in to northwich. You say a new club will be able to play in northwich next season or in the surrounding areas. If thats the case then surely the trust should be able to get the current club back in to northwich, which is what it agreed to do.
The only way for the current Vics to play back in Northwich is for them to pay off ALL debts first - not going to happen, then for him to talk to the trust board with a viable business plan - not going to happen.
A new club playing in Northwich will be exactly that, no debts, run by fans with a sound business plan agreed on by the members and run by intelligent, dedicated VICS FANS who are willing and ABLE to resurrect the joke that has become JRFC.
Why you still have faith in this lousy businessman despite his shameful record as Vics owner says more about your desperation for them to continue rather than your ability to see reason. WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE MR BUCKLEY - its gone bad!
Nvfc fan
says...
2:38pm Mon 22 Oct 12
AFC Northwich
says...
6:33pm Mon 22 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:There's a big difference between a new club playing in or just outside Northwich, compared to the current club playing in a different county that will never return to Northwich.
Is not the whole point of this though to have a new club playing in northwich. Seems a bit pointless forming a new club which may play outside northwich when fans object to the current club playing outside northwich. I would of thought clarity on this should be given before the vote
Nvfc fan
says...
9:05pm Mon 22 Oct 12
com/events/list#!/ev
ents/427768590605488
/
please email colin27.buckley@btin
ternet.com for more info, so far 20 northwich victoria fans have said no to a new club being started within 1hr of the page being set up
jamo
says...
10:29pm Mon 22 Oct 12
AFC Northwich
says...
11:18pm Mon 22 Oct 12
jamo wrote:Why this continued ranting against Mr Rogers? Everyone must think that you're obsessed with him!
Mr.Rogers comes across like he's speaking for all Vics fans - take a look on the trust forum , where this man's profane insults and bullying of Vics fans for still supporting their Club is done on a regualr basis and endorsed by it's BOARD MEMBERS. Even Mr.Wood engages in insulting Vics fans for no reason whatsoever, and this man wants the Trust membership to swell, what a disgrace!
Can I suggest that you start thinking about your comments before posting. You are now giving the impression that it's you who's the bully, completely desperate and on the verge of losing the plot!
trickyfan
says...
12:12am Tue 23 Oct 12
Tony Rodgers has every right as a Trust member to call for an SGM and he shares the concerns of the majority of Vics fans.
The club has no chance of returning to Northwich in the forseable future if it survives that long with all three of Jim's Companies being served winding up petitions.
Every fan has a choice to support NVFC at Stafford or Flixton just like every fan has the right to vote on starting a new club.
Could Mr Buckley ect please stop abusing people on the NVFC forum just because you don't agree with the majority of NVFC fans
jamo
says...
2:17pm Tue 23 Oct 12
trickyfan
says...
6:02pm Tue 23 Oct 12
jamo wrote:Jamie,Why do you have problems with video's and pictures on the forum? It's called satire! You need to chill out and get a sense of humour
Mr.Rogers is obsessed with bringing about a downfall in Vics fans character's and lives, like checking up on their personal lives etc 0 Just because they are still going games! I suggest you all have a butcher's at his posts the last 12 months - i'm sure you have all got enough time on your hands! Just power hungry and wanting to run and own a football club! Like posting silly pictures of Bob The Builder like immature kids! Then again you all like toys, as you and those board members have wanted to get your hands on Vics as your own little toy to play with - NO MATTER WHO IS/WAS IN CHARGE!!!
AFC Northwich
says...
7:13pm Tue 23 Oct 12
jamo wrote:If your agenda and motive is to discredit TR and the ST, I think it may have backfired. I suggest that you stop posting right now, you're making fools out of your multiple personalities.
Mr.Rogers is obsessed with bringing about a downfall in Vics fans character's and lives, like checking up on their personal lives etc 0 Just because they are still going games! I suggest you all have a butcher's at his posts the last 12 months - i'm sure you have all got enough time on your hands! Just power hungry and wanting to run and own a football club! Like posting silly pictures of Bob The Builder like immature kids! Then again you all like toys, as you and those board members have wanted to get your hands on Vics as your own little toy to play with - NO MATTER WHO IS/WAS IN CHARGE!!!
Rather than lowering yourselves to Rushe's level, why not try to convince the undecided ST members by explaining why they should follow NVFC and support Rushe?
amnvfc
says...
10:32pm Tue 23 Oct 12
The fact is that Tony has asked that members of the Supporters' Trust be given an opportunity to vote on whether they think the time is right to start a new club in Northwich. Trust members have minds of their own and are not prone to being led like sheep or bullied into following a particular course of action. While scouring the Forum for evidence of this mythical mass bullying, readers may care instead to weigh up the arguments for and against voting for a new club expounded at length in the relevant threads on there.
So far, apart from a vague call on "138 years of history", there have been no cogent arguments put forward as to why members should entrust the future of football in Northwich (with brief apologies to Witton while I make the point) to a club owned 100% by a man who has presided over residual estimated debts mounting to over a million, this season's debts estimated in the tens of thousands (both estimated due to a failure to publish accounts, as required by law), a breached CVA, winding up orders in the courts, the loss of all sponsorship and advertising revenue from local businesses and a disappearing fanbase. His own answers so far have consisted of a move to Stafford and the signing of a three-year lease to play in Flixton, along with a statement in this very newspaper that he does not see how the Trust could help him. The current club is unsustainable on visible income, yet supports a playing budget equal to last season.
People should not be smelling a fish. They should be staring at a whole shoal.
If these people wish to continue following their dream in Flixton or wherever, fine, let them. I would prefer to see a team playing in Northwich but only if that team can be seen to have a sustainable and community-based future. That seems to rule out JR.
After 47 years of following Vics, I have had to wrestle hard with my heart and my conscience, but I know which way I shall be voting in November.
Tednvfc
says...
11:05pm Tue 23 Oct 12
Nvfc fan
says...
11:22pm Tue 23 Oct 12
AFC Northwich
says...
11:42pm Tue 23 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:"And the reason given was that people who are not members of the trust are not entitled to have a say in the football club they support"
Alan you forget to mention that more comments were given in terms of reasons for people to vote no, but those were deleted by the trust board or moderators. And the reason given was that people who are not members of the trust are not entitled to have a say in the football club they support,
Whats wrong with that? It's completely true! You are not entitled to a say in the football club you support because it's owned by Rushe and Rushe doesn't allow fans to have a voice or a vote.
One thing that's obvious to all, is that the person that was posting messages on your behalf has now stopped and you're back to your usual incoherent self!
markust
says...
6:36pm Wed 24 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:As one of the moderators deleting said comments I can tell you that your statement is entirely false. What was deleted was purely to do with their off topic content and nothing to do with whether the poster was a member of the trust or not.
Alan you forget to mention that more comments were given in terms of reasons for people to vote no, but those were deleted by the trust board or moderators. And the reason given was that people who are not members of the trust are not entitled to have a say in the football club they support,
To state that the reason given was as above is a blatant lie.
Genuine fan
says...
11:33pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Nvfc fan wrote:....and a yes vote group has been set up that has 123 members to date.
a facebook petetion has been launched too oppose nvst plans to vote for a new club whilst vics exist and can be found here at http://www.facebook.
com/events/list#!/ev
ents/427768590605488
/
please email colin27.buckley@btin
ternet.com for more info, so far 20 northwich victoria fans have said no to a new club being started within 1hr of the page being set up
https://www.facebook
.com/groups/21077909
9054487/
The thing is with these groups, anyone can join whether they are fans or not, so they are an indicator only, not gospel Colin.
Antony Rogers says...
8:48pm Thu 18 Oct 12