Fans attend meeting to discuss Northwich Victoria’s future (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria owner Jim Rushe meets supporters to discuss troubled club's future

12:31pm Saturday 12th May 2012 in Northwich Victoria & Evo-Stick Premier Table & Results By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

SUPPORTERS attended a meeting with Northwich Victoria’s owner Jim Rushe on Tuesday to talk about the relegated club’s next move.

Vics were demoted to the lowest level in the their near 140-years history last month as punishment for breaking finance rules, leaving the team – which finished second in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s top tier this term – forced to play in Division One next season.

The club remains without a home too after it was evicted from the Victoria Stadium in January.

As a result, Vics president Derek Nuttall – also former chairman and secretary – invited representatives from the fan base to a summit at Wincham Community Centre.

He issued a joint statement last night, Friday, on behalf of those that were there.

It reads: “Chairman Jim Rushe attended along with representatives from Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust and Northwich Victoria Juniors.

“In addition, there were present former directors and long-standing supporters who have previously been involved with the old Northwich Victoria Supporters Association and Northwich Victoria Supporters Club along with others who have the interest and well-being of the club at heart.

“The meeting allowed all parties to air their views and opinions and while the conversations were frank, cordial and forthright at times, it was held in a constructive, open and equitable manner.

“All agreed that it had been useful and helped to encourage and stimulate a dialogue.”

A second meeting will follow before the end of this month.

Earlier this week the supporters trust board published an open letter to Mr Rushe, on behalf of fellow fans, in a bid to find out what plans he had for the club’s future.

In it was included a list of the most important questions to which they want an answer.

The Guardian understands that those topics were discussed on Tuesday night, but to date Mr Rushe has not published a reply.

Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust has arranged a meeting for fans next Saturday, May 19, at a venue to be confirmed.