Following the release of the Torquay United Supporters Trust’s consultation survey results last week, TUST Chairman Nick Brodrick has paid tribute to the fans that took part and had their say.
Even more impressive than the 737 responses received, was the fact that over a quarter of them came from non-TUST members, to provide an effective snapshot of our fanbase’s opinions.
“It’s amazing. The fans of this club are absolutely terrific,” said Nick.
“The response to the survey matches the response we had almost 18 months ago to the Community Share Issue, where in our wildest dreams, we hoped we hoped we might raise £100,000, but the CSI eventually raised £225,000 – which was a fantastic result.
“It just goes to show the fans of this club are the envy of all the other clubs in this division, and I suspect the majority of the clubs in the National League.”
Brodrick explained how important it is to have a genuine and accurate snapshot of all Gulls fans’ opinions, as TUST continues to explore its aim of increasing the amount of money it annually puts into TUFC to £100,000.
“The fact that the survey was completed by not just members, but also non-TUST members was a real boost, with 737 responses shows that we have the backing of a large proportion of the Yellow Army, which is important.
“If this could entice further members to join TUST, that would be good too.”
Amongst other findings, the Consultation Survey revealed the following:
Regarding the proposal to increase annual its annual contribution to £100,000, 87% of those 737 responses were ‘supportive or very supportive’, whilst 12% were neutral – with just 1% unsupportive.
The introduction of a tiered membership scheme, with added benefits, was floated, and again this venture was well received – 76.2% said this would make them more likely to increase their contribution, with only 24% saying it would not.
Supporters were also asked their opinions on increasing the minimum monthly membership, which currently stands at £2. In response to this, 67% would support an increase to £5, 20% were unsure, whilst 13% would not support an increase.
Supporters were also asked how affordable different monthly contribution levels would be: 83% felt that £5 per month was affordable, 50% said £10 was affordable, while 26% said £20 and 19% said £25.
With such a large segment of TUFC fans clearly backing their proposals, the prospects of TUST achieving its annual target of £100,000 for the Football Club now looks attainable.
“It was a fantastic response, with 87% of respondents actually saying they think it’s a possibility they could help us raise £100,000 annually to the Football Club.
“I think the important thing is that if people can accept where the money is actually going to go, and we can actually specify targets of where this money is actually going to land, I think that will encourage people to contribute towards it.
“A lot of people would love to have a fully-functioning academy, and for us to have home-grown players that eventually could sold for millions of pounds! That would be the dream, and I know it is a long way off, but it’s certainly something I now a lot of people would love to see happen.”
Trust-ownership models for Football Clubs has been a much-talked about topic in recent months, with cases for and against fan-ownership provoking passionate responses from both sides of the argument.
Brodrick maintains an open mind, with TUST’s 28.65% stake combined with the Bryn Consortium’s 66.30% arguably seeing TUFC benefit from the best of both worlds.
“There are question marks over being fully fan owned,” said Nick.
“I know that Exeter have had their problems, and AFC Wimbledon are also finding it hard being a fully Trust-organised club, so there’s no hiding from the fact that it’s not easy.
“At the moment, we have a 28.65% stake in the football club under the Bryn Consortium, and long may that continue. If we can generate this £100,000 annually, and it helps cement that relationship, as well as providing extra funds for the club, then that has to be the goal for the immediate future.”
