With 2021-22 being the first season where the Dale Trust had a representative on the Football Club’s Board, Murray looks back on his twelve months in the Boardroom.
As last season was the first that the Trust had a Director on the Club Board, not only was it a completely new experience to both myself, and the Trust, but also to the other newly appointed Directors. Last season, therefore, was one of understanding the systems, where/ or any existed, in the running of the Club and the numerous and diverse functions involved. It was obvious that there were many gaps in the reporting structure making it difficult for objective, rather than subjective decisions being applied, due to the lack of information.
As a result, there is now in place systems to provide detailed information on which these objective decisions can be made, with responsibility for each aspect of the Club’s operations allocated to specific Directors, reporting back to the full Board with proposals for any fundamental actions to be sanctioned.
Of course, my main role is to act on behalf of the Trust members, and I’d like to think that I have managed to do that over the past twelve months. I have been contacted by Trust members with issues relating to exiting the stadium, season ticket priority for matches, stewarding at the turnstiles, away ticket collection, reserved stickers on season ticket seats, access to Desmond’s Den for our younger supporters as well as issues relating to the Rewards Cards and the Country Season tickets. I hope I have managed to resolve these issues to the satisfaction of the members.
In addition to the above, the most significant matter to be dealt with by the Board has been in opposing the hostile takeover inherited from actions taken by those of the previous regime no longer at the Club, and the resultant legal action taken by Morton House against the Directors and the Trust. There was also the need to defend charges brought by the EFL, also levelled at individuals either no longer, or never were, associated with the Club.
In spite of these issues, a positive attitude in progressing the Club, both on and off the field, continues, and, on behalf of the Directors and the Trust, credit must be paid to the support given by the fanbase in achieving the fan-owned status our Club represents, and the incredible financial assistance to the Directors and the Trust received to date in defending that decision.
Finally – with the new season commencing on the 30th, and the anticipation each one brings, let’s continue to support our Club, in the same way as we always have. We are much stronger in all aspects than last season, and I am confident that we shall gain the success your tremendous support deserves, both on and off the field.
Please remember – my role is to represent you on the Club Board, but I can’t do that if you don’t allow me. Contact me on info@daletrust.co.uk (marked fao Murray) and I shall do my best to represent you and report back.
Up the Dale – Not for Sale
Murray
To join the Trust for the 2022-23 season, visit https://www.daletrust.co.uk/adult-exile-membership/