I WRITE with reference to articles published in the Guardian in the past fortnight concerning a vote by Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust members on whether to start a new football club.

I do not wish to comment on the record of chairman Jim Rushe while he has been in charge for the past five years, but I will state a number of facts which I hope will help members, and indeed non-members, to form their own opinion.

Firstly, in 2007 there was a queue of just one when Mr Rushe purchased the club from previous owner Mike Connett. The fact that someone would take on a football club with no visible assets was surprising to many at a time when Northwich Victoria had debts running to more than £500,000. Since then the Vics have suffered three relegations, only one of those on the field of play.

The other two were the result of punishment for breaking finance rules during otherwise successful seasons in Football Conference North, in 2010, and last season in the Northern Premier League’s top tier.

In addition there has been a series of legal battles, still ongoing, involving three companies bearing the club’s name.

Finally, in January of this year the club lost the opportunity of purchasing the Victoria Stadium from receivers appointed by Clydesdale Bank even though Mr Rushe had gone on record to say a deal was 95 per cent complete.

Since the end of last season, Mr Rushe has made little public comment on the situation with regard to all aspects of the football club and its problems. However, as the date for the supporters trust vote approaches – set for Thursday, November 15 – it would be no surprise if he issues a statement or announces a plan to bring his club back to mid Cheshire.

At its most recent meeting, on October 24, the trust board unanimously agreed to support the motion to start a new club in time for next season.

I urge all trust members to give a positive response to the proposal.

We can then set about restoring the pride and reputation of the famous name that is Northwich Victoria.

PAUL STOCKTON Chairman, Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust