Blackburn Rovers fans groups join together in support

10:41am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Steve Kean resignation Photograph of the Author By Steve Tinniswood, Sports reporter

TWO Blackburn Rovers supporters groups have joined forces in an ambitious attempt to buy the club.

Blackburn Rovers Supporters Investment Trust and Blackburn Rovers Supporters Trust (BRST) have united to form Rovers Trust – its aim to own the Ewood Park club in whole or part.

The Rovers Trust has the full approval of Supporters Direct, the independent Government body set up to advise football fans on taking a stake in their club.

The two groups have spent the summer formulating their merger plans, setting up the new trust as a Community Benefit Society and making sure all the relevant legal and financial structures are in place.

The new membership drive for the Rovers Trust has been launched in a bid to sign up Rovers fans for a £10 annual membership fee to give the group credibility.

The membership push will then be followed by a share-raising plan modelled on the ‘pledge scheme’ first launched by BRSIT earlier this year. That pledge scheme, first launched by BRSIT, earlier this year, has seen almost £3m pledged by supporters wanting to buy a £1,000 share in a new ownership model.

An initial target of £10m has been set by the Trust’s co-chairmen – BRST founder Oliver Jones and Wayne Wild, one of the co-founders of BRSIT – to help ensure the club’s future is in the hands of fans and the community.

“We have brought together a talented team of fans who have spent many months working on the structure of the trust to ensure it is legally watertight and financially ready to gain an ownership interest in Blackburn Rovers,” said Jones.

“Our principal objective is to obtain full or part ownership of Blackburn Rovers and its assets on behalf of fellow supporters in order to represent supporters’ views whilst protecting the club’s short and long term future..”

The fans fight to buy the club already has some high profile fans including Rovers legend Simon Garner and MPs Jack Straw, Jake Berry and Graham Jones.

Wild believes the move demonstrates to the club’s current owners Venky’s how series the Trust is in buying the club.

He said: “By uniting we can concentrate on our two main aims: Making as many supporters as possible members of Rovers Trust and persuading as many supporters as possible to buy one or more shares in the Community Benefit Society.”

Comments (22)

10:53am Wed 26 Sep 12

ponyton says...

OT WITH DRUNK DRIVERS ,LIARS AND ROBBERS OF OLD PEOPLES LIFE SAVINGS,
AND IN WITH DECENCY HONESTY AND GETTING OUR FOOTBALL CLUB BACK FROM THESE UNDESIRABLES.
OT WITH DRUNK DRIVERS ,LIARS AND ROBBERS OF OLD PEOPLES LIFE SAVINGS, AND IN WITH DECENCY HONESTY AND GETTING OUR FOOTBALL CLUB BACK FROM THESE UNDESIRABLES. ponyton

11:12am Wed 26 Sep 12

londonrover says...

Need to get some ex players on board.
Need to get some ex players on board. londonrover

11:34am Wed 26 Sep 12

the_iconoclast says...

This lot might have the money to buy Burnley (the city) or a pie shop but they'll never have the money to buy Rovers.
This lot might have the money to buy Burnley (the city) or a pie shop but they'll never have the money to buy Rovers. the_iconoclast

11:35am Wed 26 Sep 12

the_iconoclast says...

the_iconoclast wrote:
This lot might have the money to buy Burnley (the city) or a pie shop but they'll never have the money to buy Rovers.
* Change city for village.
[quote][p][bold]the_iconoclast[/bold] wrote: This lot might have the money to buy Burnley (the city) or a pie shop but they'll never have the money to buy Rovers.[/p][/quote]* Change city for village. the_iconoclast

12:20pm Wed 26 Sep 12

PaulRK says...

Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.
Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved. PaulRK

12:40pm Wed 26 Sep 12

eddie the eagle says...

PaulRK wrote:
Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.
You could well be right.
[quote][p][bold]PaulRK[/bold] wrote: Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.[/p][/quote]You could well be right. eddie the eagle

1:17pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Captain Dreckley says...

At least these guys are doing something rather than wallowing in self pity. Venkys are obviously concerned at reduction in revenue due to reduced gates because of no supporter confidence in Kean yet still he stays in place. This position is not sustainable and venkys will either cut their losses and sell or the club will plunge into administration. The answer is simple, give Kean the sack and get 10,000 back. If they persist with their current course the club will need s supporters trust to pick up the pieces. How do you join?
At least these guys are doing something rather than wallowing in self pity. Venkys are obviously concerned at reduction in revenue due to reduced gates because of no supporter confidence in Kean yet still he stays in place. This position is not sustainable and venkys will either cut their losses and sell or the club will plunge into administration. The answer is simple, give Kean the sack and get 10,000 back. If they persist with their current course the club will need s supporters trust to pick up the pieces. How do you join? Captain Dreckley

1:19pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Is Eckersley playing? says...

They are hard working people doing their best to steady the club and hopefully bring some sanity to it. If you can't support them, fine, that's your choice, but don't knock 'em.
They are hard working people doing their best to steady the club and hopefully bring some sanity to it. If you can't support them, fine, that's your choice, but don't knock 'em. Is Eckersley playing?

1:46pm Wed 26 Sep 12

A Rover 45 years and over says...

This would be a step back to the old days with local busness men running the club with no money until Jack came along. We would have to be a selling club to survive and it wouldn't be the Blackurn Rovers we have become used to.
Better with the right type of big financial backer if one could be found. Having a percentage of supporter owned shares might be a good idea in order to give supporters some sort of representation etc. Or if the Club went into administration then maybe a supporters trust would be best to pick up the pieces. I would always be wary that the businessmen on the supporters trust might feather their own nests by buying the ground for peanuts and renting it back to the club like they did at Burnley.
This would be a step back to the old days with local busness men running the club with no money until Jack came along. We would have to be a selling club to survive and it wouldn't be the Blackurn Rovers we have become used to. Better with the right type of big financial backer if one could be found. Having a percentage of supporter owned shares might be a good idea in order to give supporters some sort of representation etc. Or if the Club went into administration then maybe a supporters trust would be best to pick up the pieces. I would always be wary that the businessmen on the supporters trust might feather their own nests by buying the ground for peanuts and renting it back to the club like they did at Burnley. A Rover 45 years and over

1:55pm Wed 26 Sep 12

baz58 says...

Captain Dreckley wrote:
At least these guys are doing something rather than wallowing in self pity. Venkys are obviously concerned at reduction in revenue due to reduced gates because of no supporter confidence in Kean yet still he stays in place. This position is not sustainable and venkys will either cut their losses and sell or the club will plunge into administration. The answer is simple, give Kean the sack and get 10,000 back. If they persist with their current course the club will need s supporters trust to pick up the pieces. How do you join?
I totally agree, at least they are trying to do something instead of sitting around moaning, i will join when i know how. Good luck lads!!!!
[quote][p][bold]Captain Dreckley[/bold] wrote: At least these guys are doing something rather than wallowing in self pity. Venkys are obviously concerned at reduction in revenue due to reduced gates because of no supporter confidence in Kean yet still he stays in place. This position is not sustainable and venkys will either cut their losses and sell or the club will plunge into administration. The answer is simple, give Kean the sack and get 10,000 back. If they persist with their current course the club will need s supporters trust to pick up the pieces. How do you join?[/p][/quote]I totally agree, at least they are trying to do something instead of sitting around moaning, i will join when i know how. Good luck lads!!!! baz58

2:06pm Wed 26 Sep 12

xrayspex77 says...

ponyton wrote:
OT WITH DRUNK DRIVERS ,LIARS AND ROBBERS OF OLD PEOPLES LIFE SAVINGS, AND IN WITH DECENCY HONESTY AND GETTING OUR FOOTBALL CLUB BACK FROM THESE UNDESIRABLES.
That would obviously include Gael Givet wouldn't it?
[quote][p][bold]ponyton[/bold] wrote: OT WITH DRUNK DRIVERS ,LIARS AND ROBBERS OF OLD PEOPLES LIFE SAVINGS, AND IN WITH DECENCY HONESTY AND GETTING OUR FOOTBALL CLUB BACK FROM THESE UNDESIRABLES.[/p][/quote]That would obviously include Gael Givet wouldn't it? xrayspex77

2:32pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Miller11 says...

For more information, or to become a member, simply visit

www.roverstrust.co.u
k
For more information, or to become a member, simply visit www.roverstrust.co.u k Miller11

3:22pm Wed 26 Sep 12

The-Jerome-and-Steve-Show says...

Under £3 million and the hope to buy ther club?? That woudn;t even but half a Jordan Rhodes. I'm not a Venky's fan, BUT they have started to invest some of the money back, if they get rid of Kean, I would trust them over the trust anyday. Lets be honest it's never going to raise enough to buy the club and never be able to run it. At least the current owners have some money.

It would be losing the Indians to be run by Cowboys.
Under £3 million and the hope to buy ther club?? That woudn;t even but half a Jordan Rhodes. I'm not a Venky's fan, BUT they have started to invest some of the money back, if they get rid of Kean, I would trust them over the trust anyday. Lets be honest it's never going to raise enough to buy the club and never be able to run it. At least the current owners have some money. It would be losing the Indians to be run by Cowboys. The-Jerome-and-Steve-Show

3:36pm Wed 26 Sep 12

RUinsane says...

PaulRK wrote:
Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.
Thats my feeling on it also.
[quote][p][bold]PaulRK[/bold] wrote: Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.[/p][/quote]Thats my feeling on it also. RUinsane

3:42pm Wed 26 Sep 12

forever-a-blue-jean says...

If they have only raised in the region of £3 million they should maybe move on and possibly look to buy a lower league club. I doub that could even buy Accrington Stanley (no disrepect to Accrington).
If they have only raised in the region of £3 million they should maybe move on and possibly look to buy a lower league club. I doub that could even buy Accrington Stanley (no disrepect to Accrington). forever-a-blue-jean

3:46pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Irish knowledge says...

No disrespect but this is a waste time. They need about $50 million. Even if they bought it for $10m, then there would be no money left to operate the club, pay wages never mind buy players.
No disrespect but this is a waste time. They need about $50 million. Even if they bought it for $10m, then there would be no money left to operate the club, pay wages never mind buy players. Irish knowledge

5:06pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Oakdale blue says...

Its a waste of time....buy Chorley instead...laughing stock....here they come Mr & Mrs Negative.com that constantly write on here.

I haven't supported some of the actions that have been called for to date but the news that these two parties are now one can only mean their voice is stronger and more vocal and if, in time, that buys a voice within the club (small or large) then their mission and vision will have been a success.

Good luck to them, count me in. I look forward to hearing more details.

Whatever happened to the official supporters club of old ?
Its a waste of time....buy Chorley instead...laughing stock....here they come Mr & Mrs Negative.com that constantly write on here. I haven't supported some of the actions that have been called for to date but the news that these two parties are now one can only mean their voice is stronger and more vocal and if, in time, that buys a voice within the club (small or large) then their mission and vision will have been a success. Good luck to them, count me in. I look forward to hearing more details. Whatever happened to the official supporters club of old ? Oakdale blue

5:12pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Ivan hard 1 says...

It'll never happen. Save your money for a rainy day
It'll never happen. Save your money for a rainy day Ivan hard 1

6:12pm Wed 26 Sep 12

SilverFox424 says...

I don't knock the guys or doubt their intentions, but £3million is pledged , not received ! Even if it was received and its moved on to £10m, its no where near enough to buy the club, never mind move it forward.

The idea is crazy !!
I don't knock the guys or doubt their intentions, but £3million is pledged , not received ! Even if it was received and its moved on to £10m, its no where near enough to buy the club, never mind move it forward. The idea is crazy !! SilverFox424

7:43pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Daniel Louis Grabko says...

A Rover 45 years and over wrote:
This would be a step back to the old days with local busness men running the club with no money until Jack came along. We would have to be a selling club to survive and it wouldn't be the Blackurn Rovers we have become used to.
Better with the right type of big financial backer if one could be found. Having a percentage of supporter owned shares might be a good idea in order to give supporters some sort of representation etc. Or if the Club went into administration then maybe a supporters trust would be best to pick up the pieces. I would always be wary that the businessmen on the supporters trust might feather their own nests by buying the ground for peanuts and renting it back to the club like they did at Burnley.
Rovers Trust is a Community Benefit Society owned by its members and fully accountable to them. It will be required by its own rules, that it is legally bound to abide by, to conduct full and open elections within 6 months of opening for membership officially. That day was yesterday, meaning that elections for every position on the committee are up for election at the very latest 24/03/2013.

An official launch event is being planned for late November, with a date yet to be finalized. It will be very similar in format to BRSIT's KGH event last May. An open forum where you can ask your questions and get real answers. In the meantime, you can read about Rovers Trust, its Mission Statement, a complete disclosure of the members of the temporary working party until full elections can take place, membership details, and how Rovers Trust plan to go about achieving the ambitious goal of obtaining an ownership stake in the Club we all love.

Rovers Trust hopes you can join in the only positive movement out there to trying to bring Rovers back to the Community.

www.roverstrust.co.u
k
[quote][p][bold]A Rover 45 years and over[/bold] wrote: This would be a step back to the old days with local busness men running the club with no money until Jack came along. We would have to be a selling club to survive and it wouldn't be the Blackurn Rovers we have become used to. Better with the right type of big financial backer if one could be found. Having a percentage of supporter owned shares might be a good idea in order to give supporters some sort of representation etc. Or if the Club went into administration then maybe a supporters trust would be best to pick up the pieces. I would always be wary that the businessmen on the supporters trust might feather their own nests by buying the ground for peanuts and renting it back to the club like they did at Burnley.[/p][/quote]Rovers Trust is a Community Benefit Society owned by its members and fully accountable to them. It will be required by its own rules, that it is legally bound to abide by, to conduct full and open elections within 6 months of opening for membership officially. That day was yesterday, meaning that elections for every position on the committee are up for election at the very latest 24/03/2013. An official launch event is being planned for late November, with a date yet to be finalized. It will be very similar in format to BRSIT's KGH event last May. An open forum where you can ask your questions and get real answers. In the meantime, you can read about Rovers Trust, its Mission Statement, a complete disclosure of the members of the temporary working party until full elections can take place, membership details, and how Rovers Trust plan to go about achieving the ambitious goal of obtaining an ownership stake in the Club we all love. Rovers Trust hopes you can join in the only positive movement out there to trying to bring Rovers back to the Community. www.roverstrust.co.u k Daniel Louis Grabko

7:59pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Mr Perfekt says...

Keep dreaming if you think Venkys would sell to a bunch of losers like you lot. I rather have Venkys in charge at least they have funds to spend, with you guys in charge we'd go bump within the 1st month. You need more like 30 million to run a club not 3. Dream on. FACT Venkys are here for long run so get used to it. Makes a nice change to have Asian Indian owners. Look at the British owners walker family for instance they cdnt wait to get rid.
Keep dreaming if you think Venkys would sell to a bunch of losers like you lot. I rather have Venkys in charge at least they have funds to spend, with you guys in charge we'd go bump within the 1st month. You need more like 30 million to run a club not 3. Dream on. FACT Venkys are here for long run so get used to it. Makes a nice change to have Asian Indian owners. Look at the British owners walker family for instance they cdnt wait to get rid. Mr Perfekt

10:59am Thu 27 Sep 12

jackmetickler says...

RUinsane wrote:
PaulRK wrote: Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.
Thats my feeling on it also.
They wouldnt have the nouse to do it unless there was some ego involved... that provides the drive to see these things through.
However they are proper fans and its is a fans consortium which lets face it although never perfect it is the best way for us ordinary mortals to have some clout at the club.

Lets be honest..... I cant think of anything worse than the current regime!
[quote][p][bold]RUinsane[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]PaulRK[/bold] wrote: Not sure if this is anything more than an ego trip for some involved.[/p][/quote]Thats my feeling on it also.[/p][/quote]They wouldnt have the nouse to do it unless there was some ego involved... that provides the drive to see these things through. However they are proper fans and its is a fans consortium which lets face it although never perfect it is the best way for us ordinary mortals to have some clout at the club. Lets be honest..... I cant think of anything worse than the current regime! jackmetickler

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