Wood signs over shareholding to supporters' trust

4:27pm Monday 30th June 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

After nearly six months of solid organising, Hampton & Richmond Borough FC's supporters' trust finally took control of former chairman Graham Wood's shareholding in the club.

The trust directors invited Wood to dinner to say thanks at Hampton's Monafs Restaurant on June 17, when share certificates were formally handed over against the payment of a nominal £1 consideration.

In acknowledging Wood's magnanimous gesture, the trust elected him as their first honorary life member.

While Wood is very busy planning the new season in his role as Gateshead FC chairman, he maintains an active interest in the Beavers and retains a small residual shareholding.

He is keen for the trust to have an active involvement at board level with the club and is a strong advocate of fan involvement.

The trust hopes to use its shareholding to benefit the club on and off the pitch, with much planning still to be done on a number of fronts.

Trust chairman Larry Dann said: "Without Graham's generosity, the trust would never have got off the ground and now we must try and repay his faith by delivering an active and vibrant trust that contributes to our community and promotes the club throughout the borough.

"We hope to work closely with the new club board at the same time as representing the ordinary fans' views of what they want from their club."

The trust, with the assistance of the borough council's initiatives fund, are running two free soccer schools for youngsters aged between six and 11.

There are 50 places available each week, starting August 4 and 11 respectively, at Hampton & Richmond Borough's training pitch.

Application forms are available at hrbfcst.co.uk or from Les Rance, 33 The Alders, Hanworth, TW13 6NU.

Coaches will include Hampton playmaker Shaun McAuley.

Meanwhile, hospitality packages are now being offered for the Beavers' friendly clashes with West Ham United on Thursday, July 17, and a Chelsea XI on Saturday, July 19.

For £400 plus VAT, eight people get a three-course meal, souvenir programme and a seat in the stand.