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DTFC Chairman explores giving the Club back to the Community
Shaun Hearn has confirmed that he is in talks with the Dorchester Town Supporter’s
Trust in respect of a possible transfer of his majority shareholding to the
Trust.
In the two years since Hearn took over as Chairman of Dorchester Town he has
overseen significant change that has put the Club in a much better financial
position than when he took charge. He now considers that the best future for
the Club may be community ownership.
According to Hearn “I would be happy to see the Club community owned,
since we took over it has been a constant battle financially but now we have
turned it into a viable business and if the Trust prove they are capable to
take the club forward then now is the perfect time to do so, however, I must
be 100% reassured that this will work before I would transfer my shares, but
I am fully committed to exploring this option with the Trust. I have met recently
with the Trust and they are fully aware of the Clubs financial position and
are very confident they can take the Club forward so we are now looking forward
to hearing their proposals.
If the majority shareholding were to pass to the Trust, all Trust members would
become part owners of the Club. The Trust would then put in place a Club board
before holding elections for key roles. It will be crucial to gain the support
of their members, and the local community, in such an important change for the
Club, and the Trust are seeking members of the local community to provide active
support in their endeavours.
Trust Chairman John Greenslade said ‘this is clearly a fantastic opportunity
for the Club, the Trust and the Community as a whole. Community ownership is
a growing movement in this country as clubs at every level realise that the
current ‘boom and bust’ business model of ownership is wholly unsustainable.
We need to ensure that we can manage the finances sustainably. If we were to
take this forward, we’d need to arrange payment plans with creditors,
and ensure the club lives fully within its means. Perhaps most importantly we
would need to urgently gain the support of our members and others in the community.
We are a relatively small Trust with a board of 6 people. We really can’t
do this on our own and would urge anyone who would like to help in this hugely
exciting development to step forward and offer their services – the more
volunteers the better!
If you are interested in volunteering your services to help the Trust, then
please contact Trust Secretary Dave Ring on
or telephone 01305 850099 (please ensure you use the area code when dialling).
The Trust would love to hear from any volunteers. If you have any skills or
expertise that would help, or are just happy to offer some time then please
let us know!
Please see the FAQ link on the left hand menu for information on community
ownership.
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By Ky Capel »
