The idea of setting up a Supporters Trust Fund - as set up by a host of other clubs with great success, has been floating around for the last couple of years but needs the backing of the Supporters Club if it is to be a success.
Internal Supporters Club rumblings over recent years has seen the idea fail to take off and those who see it as the way forwards have left the comittee in frustration.
The full press release:
"This is an opportunity for all fans to contribute to an Aldershot Town FC Player/Transfer fund. It should be made clear this is not the club begging for money but an idea generated by supporters following the lead of other Football Clubs.
I have asked for the board's approval to organise this fund from which any monies will be separately recorded
and every penny will go to Shots Manager Terry Brown to spend on the playing budget. Fans or businesses wishing to contribute to the fund can do so by making a one off payment or setting up standing orders if you want to
contribute on a more regular basis.
Obviously it would be great to have some events that will also go directly towards the transfer fund and I would welcome any ideas.
In addition to the Player/Transfer Fund where all the income will be placed in the Player/Transfer Fund we are also co-ordinating fundraising events with the club official charity, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice including a "Legends" Dinner and an end of season football match at the Rec that will enable supporters to actually play against the first team squad.
Further announcements will be made in due course regarding this.
Aldershot Town are not in the fortunate position of having a rich benefactor to help with such things but do have a tremendously loyal fan base. This is a genuine opportunity for those who want to and are able to contribute to do so and see where their money went hopefully in results on the pitch.
I would like to gauge a reaction from Aldershot fans whether you believe this is a good idea or not. In the long run it can only improve the budget Terry Brown has to bring new players into the club or even help to keep existing ones. If it were possible to get a few hundred fans interested in this project it could make a big difference to the playing budget that the Manager has at his disposal.
If you would like to find out more about the scheme or, indeed, would like to discuss it further please e mail the Club Secretary directly(clubsecretary@theshots.co.uk) or by writing to the Club. If enough interest is generated full details will be published on how to contribute.
== Ends. =="
The idea hasn't generally been welcomed on the sites follow up messages - which can be read at: http://www.shotstalk.co.uk/shots.mpl?id=161190