This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister meets Supporters Direct
19/01/2003
The so-called ordinary supporters are the lifeblood of
football and should have better opportunities to become
involved in their football clubs, it was announced
today.
Speaking at the first Annual Conference of Supporters
Direct in Scotland held at Tynecastle Stadium, the Minister
for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mike Watson joined fans from
across Scotland to discuss enhancing the role of
grass-roots supporters in the development of the national
game.
The Executive has identified funding of £150,000 over
two years to enable the Scottish element of Supporters
Direct to develop activities north of the border.
Supporters Direct provides advice and financial assistance
to groups of supporters who want to become more involved in
their club.
There are now 13 Supporters Trusts in place across
Scotland, 10 more in the pipeline, with eight Trusts
holding shares in their clubs and five with 'supporter
directors' - Aberdeen, Airdrie Utd, Falkirk, Morton and
Partick Thistle.
Mike Watson said:
"In these difficult times for Scottish professional
football, the message should be that this is about
involving the most vital ingredient - the fans. Players,
managers and increasingly owners come and go, but the
supporters are the one constant - theirs is a lifetime
commitment.
"I am convinced that the ordinary supporter should have
a greater say in how football is run. Far too often, they
are taken for granted until their loyalty, and all too
often their wallet, is called upon to help out their club.
Seeking to add a financial investment to an emotional
investment in their club is not an unreasonable demand.
"Responsible supporters want the best for their club and
there is a huge amount of energy and creativity to be
released."
Supporters Direct in Scotland had started Trusts at five
clubs - Hibernian, Partick Thistle, Aberdeen, Celtic and
Morton - before funding was announced. Since then a further
eight Trusts have been established at Falkirk, Raith
Rovers, Dundee United, Motherwell, Heart of Midlothian,
Stirling Albion, Dumbarton and Montrose.
Supporters Direct can be contacted through Derek
Robertson 01383 730 558 or 07740784505.
this releas was published on 21/01/2003