›› Tranmere Rovers ST Chairman's Notes

As the dust begins to settle on a season that feels like it has gone on forever, everyone at the club now has to start to look forward. On the playing side the management will be thinking about life in League 2, even though they will not give up hope until avoiding relegation is arithmetically impossible.

Following the news that, subject to the Creditors meeting on April 7t, Jeff and Steve (along with Mark Jackson) are in line to take on ownership of the club, the Trust acknowledges that whilst we retain our right to independence, and the right to ask sometimes difficult questions, we still have a responsibility to work effectively with whomever is in charge, and to ensure that our members voice has a channel to raise any issues they feel should be discussed.

The Trust believes that the owners of AFC Bournemouth now have an opportunity to restore talks and to rebuild relationships. Once the creditors vote has concluded and the owners are formally in place, the Trust look forward to the new Board resuming communication.

In particular, the Trust would like to hear what plans the new board has for the football club, and what plans the board has to engage with the supporters and one of their representative groups, namely the Supporters Trust.

For the Supporters Trust, this too is the time when we need to look forward. In the time I have served as chair, the club have had new owners, and entered into administration! Coupled with a poor start to the season the last 12 months have been interesting to say the least.

Representation on the club main Board effectively ceased when AFC Bournemouth went into administration. Ernie Battey and David Musker proved that Supporters Representatives on a football club Board have a much greater role than merely to complain about the steak & kidney pies. In fact, I have always been deeply impressed with the level of knowledge and skill across many areas that exists within our fan base.

If it is decided that the Trust will no longer be represented at Board level, then we will need to develop our response accordingly. Whatever the outcome, your Supporters Trust will keep you posted.

The AFC Bournemouth Supporters Trust Annual General Meeting on April 25th will see at least two people, myself included, stepping down from the main committee. Living 30 miles from Bournemouth has meant that it has been very difficult to maintain the level of contact required.

It also seems right that the Trust move forward under new leadership. Someone with fresh ideas, and someone who can develop a new start. Whoever that is, I am sure that you will give them your support.

Rob Trent

AFC Bournemouth Supporters Trust