CCUIST, which was formed in 2001, has already pumped nearly £160,000 into United's coffers. They have re-negotiated their agreement with CUFC Holdings, the clubs' parent company to purchase 25.1% of the shares at a total cost of £502,000. That means another £342,000 over the next three years. The Trust have announced they are hoping to launch a lottery in association with the club and are partnering the local press in their 'We'll Bounce Back' campaign. The new identity for the trust will be unveiled at their AGM on Foxy's restaurant on July 11 and a major re-launch meeting has been provisionally arranged for the Sands centre a fortnight before the new campaign kicks off. Courtenay said: "In my view the Trust concept is simple. The fans contribute money to the Trust share fund, which comes directly to the football club and will help us in the attainment of our future objectives - this can only be a good thing. As a consequence of this investment into the football club the fans will eventually hold 25.1% of the shares in the holding company and continue to secure a permanent elected fans board member - again this can only be a good thing." CCUIST chair Kate Rowley said: "These initiatives will not succeed without the support of the fans on the terrace. There has been a good degree of complacency from all of us as John Courtenay has pumped money into the club . It is time for us to do our bit." The Trust currently has nearly 700 members and is looking to substantially increase that figure. They are asking supporters to join at a cost of £5 per year and to pay £10 a month into their share fund scheme. Picture from News & Star |
