Letter From Bill Power

Bill Power, who will enter into negotiations with Swindon Town FC next week has sent a letter to fans outlining his aims.

'There has been some debate recently regarding the relationship between myself, TrustSTFC and the project we call The Fans Consortium. I would like to clarify the situation and to provide some personal thoughts on how I see the groups working together as matters progress.

When I was approached by Mike Wilks and the Trust to re-engage with the Football Club, I wanted to ensure that our relationship would work both on a business and personal level before making any public commitment. To this end, members of the Trust board and Mike have provided outstanding support and leadership to the efforts made over the past few months. It is fair to say that my own involvement at the Club was in serious doubt due to the severe nature of my injuries following the plane crash and without their efforts and encouragement I doubt whether I could have pursued this project. Make no mistake, the Fans? Consortium does indeed represent a broad and highly motivated group of investors and fans who share a common passion both for STFC and football generally.

Self evidently, until we have some degree of control at the Football Club many of the plans we have outlined cannot be implemented. However, should we achieve our objectives, I and the Fans? Consortium remain absolutely committed to providing a solution to the existing financial problems of the club, to supporting both the development of the team and the club as a business, as well as seeing through the excellent County Ground redevelopment plan published recently by the Trust, which will benefit both the club and the community.

For the future I see a close working relationship with all fans of the club, whereby Trust members and fans from all organisations work in cooperation with myself as an owner of the club to fulfill the undoubted potential that exists. I am committed to fans owning a share in their club and taking part in the club as a business, as well as enjoying direct influence at Board level through elected supporter directors. I personally believe that fans? involvement in the running of the club in this way is crucial to the ongoing revival of the club?s fortunes.

One thing I have learnt over many years as both a fan and a club Chairman is that without the support, goodwill and cooperation of the club?s fan base, no amount of money or effort will produce success on the field or stability off it. It is my intention to continue to work closely with the Trust in developing both the football club and the ground redevelopment plan, which in the end will provide the long term financial security and on-field success we all seek.

The support shown by fans this season for Paul Sturrock and the team under extremely difficult circumstances has been fantastic, and we are lucky to have such a highly skilled and successful manager in post; should we achieve our aims, I want to provide as much support to him and his team as I can in every way.

Our efforts at the moment are focused on establishing a dialogue with the club's current owners in order to find a suitable way forward to allow for further investment and progress, your support and encouragement is as always appreciated and welcomed.

With warm regards,

Bill'

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