Trust in Luton Press Release
War of words but fans will not lose their voice
David Pinkney, Chairman of Luton Town Football Club, took the dramatic step this week of refusing to allow Trust in Luton to retake their seat on the Board of the football club. Citing reasons of 'confidentiality' and 'sensitive issues still to be resolved', the club issued a statement accusing the respected fans organisation of having a 'hidden agenda'.
Trust in Luton owns 10% of the club and, itself, is entirely owned by supporters. A democratically voted representative has sat on the club's Board from 2004 right up to March of this year.
“Our members are rightly furious. We have a seat on the board because supporters saved this club from imminent extinction four years ago. Since then we have served faithfully on the Board and been fully supportive, even during the disciplinary issues with previous management and when the new stadium plans were originally drawn up” said Liam Day, chair of Trust in Luton.
“It was only when the probity of the directors was called into question in Spring this year that we had to distance ourselves from what was going on - much of which has been proved correct, and we're still waiting to hear the outcome of the FA investigation, of course. We've been told clearly by the Board that they no longer want the fans' voice - they see no value in the opinion of lifelong fans and they don't seem to trust the fans either. This brings a mockery to claims that the club's Board want to be 'transparent', 'want to build bridges' and 'don't want a them-and-us situation', Day continued.
“Directors at the club have given us a load of hogwash reasons as to why they do not want us back at board meetings. With all the accusations flying about regarding which individuals make what money out of the Junction 12 planning application, all I can say is what on earth are they trying to cover up now? I really hope that the club do not pay yet another high price for a possible pipe dream.”
Mr Day concluded by saying that the Trust has vowed not to take this lying down and would continue to demand its right to attend board meetings. He said:
“If we can't be in the boardroom, then we'll just have to get our voice heard publicly in every other arena. We know that supporters are passionate about the club and only want the best for it. We will continue to be the voice of the fans, supporting the club where it's due, but bringing to the fore any suspicions of any activity we perceive to be not in the interest of the long term future of Luton Town Football Club”.