TUST

Those of you who attended the recent Fans’ Forum or watched the video of the evening will now be aware of the continuing financial constraints the club is under. The current football board have inherited a long list of infrastructure items which either need repair or replacement.

Members will be aware that your Supporters’ Trust has recently paid for additional hand rails in Bristows and two sets of grow lights but there are bigger items requiring financial support.

Over the coming weeks the current floodlights are undergoing an upgrade with new LED bulbs and pylon refurbishment. This is being paid for through a 70% Football Foundation Fund grant with the Club paying the remainder.

Now there is an urgent need to replace the digital screen which regulars know ceased working at both of the last two home matches.

The Club see this as a priority and have asked if we can contribute 30% of the cost of a new screen as unfortunately this is classed as ‘media’ so not eligible for Football Foundation funding. This equates to a contribution of £8,400 from the Supporters’ Trust.

Apart from providing useful information and a video facility, the screen offers a significant income opportunity for the Club estimated to be in excess of £20,000 per annum.

Now that our Club has emerged from the crisis of 2024 our new Strategic Plan is based on ‘Building for the Future’. To put this request in to context, we are projecting an uncommitted surplus of £14,000 for the financial year ending June 2026.

The Supporters’ Trust board unanimously agree that we should support the Club on this venture, subject to receiving members’ views. To this end we are consulting with you, We would value your opinion and ask that you email your reply to info@tust.co.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 26^th August 2025 or speak to one of our board members at the pre-match Fan Zone on Monday.

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