https://www.kltown.co.uk/2025/11/28/news-fans-forum-details-announced/
Thought I'd post something here about this. I'll be attending, but I'm sure there will be some that can't make it.
So if anyone has a question or questions they'd like asked please post them here and I'm sure some of the people attending can then ask them for you.
Thanks spiv.I thought the Trust would have posted something on here about it now that they are part of the leadership team.Relying on othersnow they have arrived.
That's a great post Spiv a perfect example of a football community in action. I'm sure all fans welcome the opportunity to ask questions on thursday and hopefully it becomes a regular event.
Vera is it being streamed and will Jo be tuning in ?
Just seen this in respect of our opponents on Saturday https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7400181390803378176/
Whilst I appreciate there are many differences between us and Chester, it is good to see a fan owned club holding their own at our level and being prepared to share how things are going off the pitch. Understand we all look for different things from owners but for me this level of transparency is worth far more than the (often secretive) benefactor model.
🔵 Chester FC made a profit of £53k for the 2024/25 season, it was announced at the Annual General Meeting of City Fans United (CFU) on Thursday evening.
CFU members received a detailed report on the club's finances for the year ending 31 May 2025, during which Treasurer Neil Berry outlined the major achievements across the season, including:
- Turnover was £1,629,000 - an increase of £200k on the previous 12 months
- Expenditure was £1,585,000
- Pre-tax profit recorded was £52,667
- Matchday revenue up £154k to £811k - includes £274k from season tickets
- Commercial income was £258k - £23k above budget
- Fundraising income was £182k - includes £104k Boost the Budget and 50% increase in CFU membership fees
- Club shop profit was £57k - 9% increase
- Transfer income from player sales and loans was £78k
- Club reserves have increased to £268k
While the club's participation in the National League North play-offs contributed to the increased gate income, it had also resulted in additional match and playing budget costs due to the requirement for extended contracts.
During the meeting, CFU board members also provided reports on their respective portfolios before answering questions from the floor and online.
The AGM also includes the CFU board elections, however as there was only one candidate and four available places, an affirmative ballot was held instead, with Kieron Shiel, who had completed his three-year term, successfully re-elected.
The full AGM minutes, financial statements and reports will be published on www.cityfansunited.com (http://www.cityfansunited.com/?trk=public_post-text) shortly
That's impressive, both for the openness to supporters and the financial performance.
Certainly something to aspire to!
Football Community in action!
:scarf:
I take it they never had a Sports England loan to pay back. Have we started making inroads into that I wonder 🤷�♂️
Quote from: Mallard on December 03, 2025, 09:11:35 PMI take it they never had a Sports England loan to pay back. Have we started making inroads into that I wonder 🤷�♂️
Chester were vocal in the fact that they were unable to take out a Sports England loan due to their fan owned status so, like many others in NLN (and appreciate we were NL at the time) don't have a DCMS loan.
Back on topic. From an email.
For those who are unable to make it in person we are looking to stream the event live on our Mixlr commentary channel subject to any technical issues - we will keep you updated on this.
https://kltfc.mixlr.com/?mc_cid=73d9c1847a&mc_eid=5fe9b49f42
Quote from: TonyM on December 04, 2025, 08:41:07 AMQuote from: Mallard on December 03, 2025, 09:11:35 PMI take it they never had a Sports England loan to pay back. Have we started making inroads into that I wonder 🤷�♂️
Chester were vocal in the fact that they were unable to take out a Sports England loan due to their fan owned status so, like many others in NLN (and appreciate we were NL at the time) don't have a DCMS loan.
Do we know if our DCMS loan was "successfully" renegotiated or not?
Maybe we'll hear tonight.
Quote from: TonyM on December 04, 2025, 08:41:07 AMQuote from: Mallard on December 03, 2025, 09:11:35 PMI take it they never had a Sports England loan to pay back. Have we started making inroads into that I wonder 🤷�♂️
Chester were vocal in the fact that they were unable to take out a Sports England loan due to their fan owned status so, like many others in NLN (and appreciate we were NL at the time) don't have a DCMS loan.
Its lucky for us that we had someone at the Helm that fully understood "Football Finances".
Something from the past, which could be useful for tonight. It demonstrates the reason for Trust involvement, openness and honesty:
You are here: Parliament home page > Parliamentary business > Publications and Records > Committee Publications > All Select Committee Publications > Commons Select Committees > Culture, Media and Sport > Culture, Media and Sport
Session 2010-11
Football Governance
Written evidence submitted by the Blue and Gold Trust (King's Lynn FC Supporters Trust (FG 49)
Football Governance
This is a submission to the committee from the Blue & Gold Trust (King's Lynn FC Supporters Trust)
It contains details of the recent history of the club, how a greater level of governance in the game could have saved the club from liquidation and how it could influence the newly formed club in the future.
A Brief History
1. King's Lynn football club over the last thirty years has gone from one period of financial mismanagement to the next. There have been a couple of periods of administration, several bailouts by local business people and then finally in November 2009 the liquidation of the club in the High court by the official receiver on behalf of HMRC. The final debt that sunk the club was for just under £80,000 owed to HMRC. This debt was the tip of the iceberg with the club having soft debts of over £200,000 in director loans as well as many other debts to local companies.
2. The only people that knew about these financial issues until it was too late to help were the Directors in charge of the club. The common supporter and the newly formed Supporters Trust asked on numerous occasions about the situation at the club but were always denied any knowledge of the financial mess. The supporters were finally told some of the story a few days before the club was in court to be wound up. The Supporters did offer to try and raise the money that was needed to stave off the winding up order but the underlying soft debts that the directors would not write off made any such action ultimately implausible.
The question is how would better governance within the game of helped the Supporters of King's Lynn FC to safeguard their club.
3. Much stricter financial controls, bi monthly accounts to the league that the club is in, illustrating that amongst other financials that all tax affairs are in order and up to date, with these being checked by impartial committees. Late or non submission, proven untrue accounts or accounts that show issues should face substantial punishments that may act as a deterrent to clubs that are financially mismanaged. The issues at King's Lynn FC were ongoing for more that a year, so the practice above would have at the very least alerted the supporters to what was going on. An extension of the quarterly HMRC reporting that now exists within the Conference would be welcome.
4. Banning of soft debt from the game. Monies given to the club should either be for shares (have a realistic monetary value), in the form of a financially viable structured loans or non repayable gifts. This would have meant that the saving of King's Lyn FC in financial terms could have been a realistic prospect. Clubs should only legally, be able to take on proven viable levels of debt.
5. Supporter involvement at all levels within clubs. This would lead to greater transparency within clubs. Football clubs are at the heart of communities and should be used to bring communities together. They should never be allowed to become a business person's plaything. Rules should be put in place that mean that supporters have to legally have a meaningful role within the club with penalties against clubs that do not follow this rule. This would mean that the supporters always play a role in safeguarding their clubs.
6. A much stronger and rigid fit and proper person test on directors at all levels of football. One of the directors at the insolvent King's Lyn FC club had previously caused major financial issues at a previous club he had been involved at. The FA were very much aware of this but unable to deal with the appointment.
7. Any one of the above points of governance had the potential to prevent the winding up of King's Lynn FC.
Where King's Lynn FC is now.
8. A new King's Lynn FC, this time with an added "Town" to the name was formed in January 2010. The club was formed after a bidding process with the local council (who own the ground). The winning local business (the newly formed Supporters' Trust submitted an unsuccessful bid) were verbally encouraged to work with the supporters by the local authority. A legally standing arrangement would have meant that the supporters would have had to been involved.
9. Given that the club, run as a private company failed again, and our view that the football club is a community asset it would have helped us if we had been given a period of exclusivity to buy the club if voted for by the community as a whole.. The Supporters Trust model and the aims that are listed by all Supporters Trusts fit the public interest ideal and are an ideal model of football club ownership because by their nature they have to be run sustainably, are open and inclusive, have community objects written into their articles and the Board are accountable to their members. In summary the ideal framework to ensure that the club was secure for the future. We were disadvantaged because we didn't have enough time to raise money that the winning bid could lay their hands on in the short time we had, despite the current owners professing publically that they would look to get their money back out of the club in the future. In contrast whilst we had less money to begin with our ethos and rules are markedly different stating that were the community to own the club all the money we made would have had to be reinvested into the football club or in pursuit of community objectives. 'Right to buy' would have helped, and resulted in our club being in much safer hands.
10. At the current time the new owners have given little cause for concern but the same issues of lack of supporter involvement, transparency and how financial investment within the club has been structured are still as prevalent now as with the previous owners. The risk of what the future holds could have been minimised with better levels of governance.
The Broader picture
11. Football clubs should be engaged in real terms with the communities that they represent and should have supporters actively involved. This should be enforced at a national level with communities given the power to become owners within their clubs if possible. The best interests of all parties involved in clubs should be of paramount importance to ensure that football clubs remain as the heart of the communities that they lie within.
12. Community ownership should be encouraged by government, the relevant local authorities and the football associations
Message to Spiv: Mallard's point about the Sport England loan needs airing tonight. I hope someone will ask the question about what sort of timeframe is envisaged before TSI withdraw their commitment. I would appreciate some feedback from the meeting on the forum. Sorry I can't attend.
Quote from: Colin Fuller on December 04, 2025, 11:38:58 AMMessage to Spiv: Mallard's point about the Sport England loan needs airing tonight. I hope someone will ask the question about what sort of timeframe is envisaged before TSI withdraw their commitment. I would appreciate some feedback from the meeting on the forum. Sorry I can't attend.
If no one else asks about it or they don't say anything about it first then I shall ask the question.
Thanks. Let's hope for clear answers to all questions and a positive evening for fans sidelined for far too long.
Quote from: Spiv on December 04, 2025, 01:50:30 PMQuote from: Colin Fuller on December 04, 2025, 11:38:58 AMMessage to Spiv: Mallard's point about the Sport England loan needs airing tonight. I hope someone will ask the question about what sort of timeframe is envisaged before TSI withdraw their commitment. I would appreciate some feedback from the meeting on the forum. Sorry I can't attend.
If no one else asks about it or they don't say anything about it first then I shall ask the question.
Top man. :thanks:
Lets hope there are no "technical issues" tonight.
Now that the trust are part of the set up will raffle tickets be on sale?
Yes Grissles raffle tickets will be on sale.
Will they be announcing the new Board of Directors?
How about a player/director ? Not sure if it's been done before ?
Bal made a statement (speech) at the start which covered a lot of ground. But part of that was about the loan, and hope I don't miss quote him. Now they taken charge they've paid in the interest and I'm sure he said substantial amount - if not saying exactly how much - but I'm also sure he said it would take another 16 years to pay back the remaining loan. I did hear later in answer to a question that remaining payments where at least £15,000 per time.
Hopefully the statement Bal made is posted online.
Spiv online I couldn't quite make out what Bal was saying that something had to remain confidential, his voice went very quiet when he was speaking at this time. I can't see how it can be Confidential when the Trust are now felllow shareholders ( 130 members). Unless the Trust is also not privy to this information
Quote from: Mallard on December 04, 2025, 08:49:12 PMSpiv online I couldn't quite make out what Bal was saying that something had to remain confidential, his voice went very quiet when he was speaking at this time. I can't see how it can be Confidential when the Trust are now felllow shareholders ( 130 members). Unless the Trust is also not privy to this information
I think Bal was talking about another loan (maybe taken out by TSI) when was asked a question, but yes he did answer that question a little quietly
But all in all a very positive meeting (forum).
Think it would be nice to have a few per year.
One at the start or just before the start of the season - can introduce new players at the same time
One or Two (depending on what's happening) over the course of the season.
Quote from: Mallard on December 04, 2025, 08:49:12 PMSpiv online I couldn't quite make out what Bal was saying that something had to remain confidential, his voice went very quiet when he was speaking at this time. I can't see how it can be Confidential when the Trust are now felllow shareholders ( 130 members). Unless the Trust is also not privy to this information
Perhaps he was waiting for the information to be given to Trust members first, before going public. That's normally how things are done.
On a need to know basis
A few notes of last nights meeting:
As others have said, Bal read a lengthy statement, repeating much of what was in the press release when the takeover was confirmed but then expanding on a few more areas:
- looking at merging all age groups below under 16s with KL Elite
- thanked David Griggs and Mervyn (apologies I didn't get the full name) for their help on the commercial side and also Michael Clunan for help on commercial and finance
- quick plug for the launch of the business club coming up
- looking to monetise the stadium with ideas including paddle/5-a-side pitch in Hospital End car park, fanzone behind the main stand, upgrade of bar to include darts, looking at funding options on 3G pitch
- need to work more on the community side and get the charity back up and running including outreach to the more deprived areas of the town/area
- 1st payment of DCMS loan has now been made including all of the accrued interest, this will take 16 years to clear with payments due every 6 months
- TSI have now put in over £1m (described as a seven figure sum)
- explained it wasn't the original intention for TSI to own the club but SC was no longer able to fund the club so TSI have stepped in to keep things going. They had looked at selling at the end of the 2024-25 season but there were no credible buyers. Bal did also say that TSI's involvement will be for 'multiple seasons' to come
Travis then started the Q&A section of the evening with some nice 'half volleys' for each of the top table
- To IC - Reflections on return
Under no illusions to what he was coming back to, squad still needs adjusting but won't be done overnight - To MC - How is dressing room
Been back for five months and three managers in that time with lots of drama, this understandably unsettled the group and they lost confidence. Now more stable and can see confidence returning - To JS - Explain the recruitment process
Lots of turnover in playing squad (last three seasons about 80% each year) but having worked with IC previously has a good idea of what people to get in and working on being destination for players leaving higher level academies - To PE - Introduce the Blue & Gold Trust
Formed in 2009 and lots of hard work has seen ~£100k raised. Good to have an owner who wants to engage with fans but now need to find ways to grow the Trust and encourage younger age groups to volunteer
Questions from the floor
- Are there plans to repair the main stand
BS - Not filling the stand at present and obviously have to consider where we spend our money, looking at funding options to ensure things don't get worse - Position of loans (bounce back/DCMS/TSI) post-takeover
BS - bounce back only has 10 months left, DCMS £470k (capital element £15k every 6 months), TSI is confidential - Expand on community activity
BS - not too much happening without volunteers but actively looking to restart - Comment on quality of refs this season
MC - nothing to say ;)
Norman (from the audience) - lots of clubs seem to be complaining this season - What involvement will the Trust have on day-to-day activities
PE - Trust is ready to help but with limited numbers of active volunteers there is a limit on what they can do but always looking for new volunteers - With comments about looking to profit from player sales what is club doing about multi year contracts
IC - try to secure players we like, and have a core of players going into 26-27 then bring youngsters through - So looking at staying FT into the future?
BS - wouldn't have got IC if not
IC / MC - when here previously recruited all of Norfolk for part-time but market harder with likes of Spalding etc. Getting players to turn from p-t to f-t can be costly (lost earnings). FT and accommodation gives more options. Probably not a lot in it - How to expand Blue & Gold Trust
BS - experience with AFC Wimbledon, maybe look at doing something with season ticket holders next year - Question re fines for yellow / red card
No definitive answer
Quote from: TonyM on December 05, 2025, 12:07:59 PMA few notes of last nights meeting
You took a lot more than me Tony - good job.
Well done and thank you to those providing feedback. Can anyone enlighten me as to what is wrong in the main stand?
Colin as you probably know the main stand is mostly made of timber ( built in 1956 ) parts of the flooring in one section of the stand in particular need replacing. Whilst the stand is covered with the direction of the wind rain gets in and problems occur.
Player/director ?? Care to enlighten us Mal.
Of course I can't Vera. As a few have picked up. You are very good at asking questions but not so good at answering them. Must be an interview technique.
Quote from: Veratis on December 05, 2025, 04:20:16 PMPlayer/director ?? Care to enlighten us Mal.
I don't think Mallard wants to explain things to you. He has made a very good point as to why not.
This is Kings Lynn. There's obviously a lot that needs to be learned by people at the Club.
Current regime has been here for 5 minutes, but are dealing with people that have known each other, through football and other things, all their lives. In some cases that means for six or seven decades. If just one person hears something, numerous others will know by the end of the day. By the end of the week, it will be old news. No matter what you do, that won't change, especially when it involves football. In most cases, the loyalty is between friends more than Club so it will never change. It's Terrace Talk which of course now extends to social media. It won't stop and trying to stop it is a waste of time. Divide and conquer technique only works for a while before people revert to type.
We've all heard "make sure you don't repeat this.......". Obviously they do. Makes it all extremely difficult to keep things under wraps and even trying to can do more harm than good. You've probably had someone provide you with information they have heard. That's a two way street. If someone has told you something the chances are he/she has discussed something you have told them with someone else. Think about it, even if they do sound convincing when saying they will keep it under their hats. It doesn't happen!
Things come out of the club. With 30 or so people employed there it only takes one to hear something before it to go viral.
There's a well known Facebook Group that has staff members past and present, and also supporters, belonging to it. You can imagine what's discussed in there with that mix of people, especially when the beer has been flowing.
And of course some people like to prove how close they are to the seat of power. What better way than to repeat to others something they have heard?
In this particular case, I would think Mallard has heard it from people who frequent the Bank House or the White Hart. Lots of alcohol flow in both those places over the weekends and are popular with players, supporters and sponsors/advertisers. Then of course there's long standing contacts at Rouen Road.
Indeed I've heard myself that Clunan and David Griggs are to be appointed as Directors. Also a Trust member but presumably this would have to be put to the Trust members first. I'm surprised that Clunan's Father in Law's name has not been mentioned. A very astute person that could add real value to the Club. I believe that quite a few have heard all this, so as always, time will tell.
By the way. The mention of a Padel court. Wasn't that Mallards suggestion a few months ago. He could probably be a valuable addition to the Leadership team.
Hope this helps.
:scarf:
Blue and Gold, if you stopped firing from the hip and learn to stop telling the Veratis all the time, you would make a far better addition
At the forum last night Cully said that there will be further changes to the squad going forward as we were 'top heavy'.
Is he saying we have to many strikers onboard ( 3 out on loan currently) or is he saying money wise we have to many top heavy earners ?
Some mentioned a "managed decline" a few weeks ago.
The next few weeks will be very interesting.
Even the best of managers need money to succeed. If Cully is working with 30% less than Lakeland had last season, with people out on loan, and saying we are top heavy (presumably that means some have got to go), he'll have his work cut out to survive at this level.
However with Cully, we have someone that can bring out the best in younger players.If that's the route he's forced to take (because of costs), we've got the best available to be able to do that.
Building for the future, but not for this season? :dontknow:
B and G I have noticed in several of your posts you quote how the Trust should be operating under their rules, in particular yesterday you talked about how the Trust members would need to vote on appointing a
a director to the Club.
Could you please read the rules( available on this website ) before making incorrect quotes. The Trust adopted new updated rules in 2022 which you would be wise to refer to prior to making inaccurate quotes about legally binding Trust rules.
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on December 04, 2025, 10:43:13 AM"They should never be allowed to become a business person's plaything."
Hmm 🤔 I wonder why 🤣🤣🤣
Quote from: Veratis on December 06, 2025, 12:35:28 PMB and G I have noticed in several of your posts you quote how the Trust should be operating under their rules, in particular yesterday you talked about how the Trust members would need to vote on appointing a
a director to the Club.
Could you please read the rules( available on this website ) before making incorrect quotes. The Trust adopted new updated rules in 2022 which you would be wise to refer to prior to making inaccurate quotes about legally binding Trust rules.
Nice to see that you keep so up to date with Trust matters. Did you manage that all by yourself of have some assistance?
Thanks for pointing that out. I'll review the Trust rules.
Equally, maybe you should suggest to others that they should do a bit of reading on the legalities of things as well.
Just saying!
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on December 06, 2025, 02:41:01 PMQuote from: Veratis on December 06, 2025, 12:35:28 PMB and G I have noticed in several of your posts you quote how the Trust should be operating under their rules, in particular yesterday you talked about how the Trust members would need to vote on appointing a
a director to the Club.
Could you please read the rules( available on this website ) before making incorrect quotes. The Trust adopted new updated rules in 2022 which you would be wise to refer to prior to making inaccurate quotes about legally binding Trust rules.
Nice to see that you keep so up to date with Trust matters. Did you manage that all by yourself of have some assistance?
Thanks for pointing that out. I'll review the Trust rules.
Equally, maybe you should suggest to others that they should do a bit of reading on the legalities of things as well.
Just saying!
Smokescreen