Press and publicity |
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Various items have been published in the press about the Viking Supporters Co-operative, which we reproduce below: From the "Doncaster
Star", Friday March 29, 2002 Doncaster Rovers are on course for a Nationwide Conference double this season. The club's glossy, full-colour programme was voted the best in the Conference last season and editor Michael Harker and his team are keen for the title to remain at Belle Vue. "You could say that we would all feel very disappointed if the programme wasn't voted the best in the Conference again this season," he said. Michael was asked to take over from local journalist and historian Peter Tuffrey, who had edited the programme successfully for 18 months. It was part of a cost-cutting exercise which also resulted in the departure of manager Steve Wignall and chief executive Joe Hoggins. Michael's name was put forward by supporter-director Andy Liney who had been impressed by his work on the club's unofficial web site (www.doncasterrovers.co.uk) and the Viking Supporters' Co-operative website. Said Michael "Andy mentioned the cost-cutting exercise to me in early January and that the programme was one of the things that the Board were looking at, and would I be interested in taking the job on. Before I made a decision I consulted John Coyle and Paul Gilligan. Had they not agreed to get involved then I probably wouldn't have agreed to take the job on. With it being a voluntary job by necessity it had to be a team effort. You have got to have contributions to be able to put together such a big programme - especially when you have to do two in a week. "Working on the website prepared me in as much that I knew my subject, and fortunately as a result of the research that I had done, I had the pictures of a lot of the former players. We have got all but seven of the players who have played for the club since the war. A number of the pictures were taken by Paul, who was the club's official photographer for a decade or so. Paul, who has also had books on his beloved Rovers, takes the action shots which appear in the programme. He also contributes a match report and other copy. John is also something of an expert on the club's history and he contributes among other items in the programme a "Where are they now?" column. Despite the fact that John has lived in Birmingham for the last 20 years, he is a regular at Belle Vue and has only missed one home game this season. Like Paul, John has worked on the programme before. "When Ken Avis used to be the editor I did a column for about five years." He said. All three men are pleased with how the programme is looking - especially considering the circumstances. Said John "A lot of it is down to the hard work that Michael has put in. Living in Birmingham means that I can't do things like go to the printers." Said Michael, who paid tribute to the help and guidance provided by printers Trafford Press, "It has been difficult taking the job on in mid-season. Not only has it been a big learning curve, but it also takes a lot of time. On average I would say that it takes about two full days to put a programme together With two to do in the last couple of weeks as well as other commitments to attend to as well, it has meant a few late nights." Michael, who is also grateful to the likes of Tony Bluff and Barry Watson, is particularly proud of the fact that the production team have managed to have sixteen pages of updated copy in the recent programme for the Boston game which was initially printed in early January. "It is the first time in the club's history that that has happened," he said. "In the past there has just been a one page slip." Such is Michael's dedication to the job that he didn't finish working on the programme until 1am on the morning of the match. Feedback on the programme has been slow. But those people who have taken trouble to voice an opinion have been very complimentary. All three men are anxious that fans both appreciate their efforts and find the programme a good read. Said Michael: "The logo on the front of the programme says 'for the fans, by the fans' which is why it is important to us that we get it right. That is why we have placed a couple of adverts in the programmes asking fans to tell us what they want to read about next season when we hope that it will be an even better read." March 29, 2002 The "Conference Guide" web site, Thursday, November 8, 2001 'Turmoil' is the buzzword around the conference at the moment - and Doncaster Rovers is the latest club to be affected. The Vikings Supporters Co-operative site carries a statement which reports that chairman John Ryan has resigned. The statement begins John Ryan announces his resignation as chairman of Doncaster Rovers today in a dramatic move intended to put pressure on Doncaster MBC to make a quick decision to proceed with the new stadium. In a separate development, John met with the council yesterday to impress on them that he cannot continue to fund the Rovers at the present ground for much longer. However, he remains disappointed with the responses he is getting. Like us, he is not happy with the council's latest delaying tactic, the formation of a project team which has the remit to provide reasons why the stadium should go ahead. At best, this will allow the council to make a decision on priorities, although that may itself take some time, and even then result in a start date totally unacceptable to the club. See that Donny site for the full statement, and details of a meeting on 24th November. The supporters' co-operative is urging supporters to pressure the council over the stadium issue. Update: Although there is still nothing on the official Doncaster site about this, the story is confirmed by BBC Online. Doncaster Star, Friday, October 26, 2001 VIKINGS ON WARPATH! - FANS' GROUP PLANS MAYOR ELECTION FIGHT Doncaster Rovers supporters are set to contest next year's mayoral election if their fears of a delay in the provision of a new sports stadium in the town are realised next week. The Viking Supporters Co-operative have decided to field a candidate in the historic election if Doncaster Council inform delegations from Rovers and Doncaster Dragons next week that the building of a new stadium is no longer one of their top priorities. "We have heard rumours that the council are giving priority to a new performing arts complex in order to boost their city status bid." said spokesman Andy Liney. "If that happens we will definitely be fielding a one-issue candidate in the election." Mr Liney, who represents the Co-operative on teh board, said that the candidate would campaign for a new stadium for the town. He said that a candidate would be selected after the Co-operative had studied the application details for the town's first elected mayor due to be published by the council before the end of the year. Doncaster Rovers Matchday magazine, October 5th, 2001 View from the board Unfortunately I missed my first Board meeting which was called at very short notice on 1 September specifically to discuss budgets. This was due to my being otherwise engaged (as you will see from the photograph!)(which was Andy at England's 5-1 win over Germany). However, I have arranged regular fortnightly meetings with Joe Hoggins (Chief Executive), and these have proved successful in communication ideas in both directions, and also in getting several benefits for supporters agreed. As official bord meetings are infrequent, contact with Joe and other members of staff is, in any case, a good way of keeping up to date and getting problems sorted out without delay. News on such matters is regularly provided on the web site, www.vikingsc.co.uk. In the first month since my appointment, we have dealt with quite a few matters. In terms of individual supporters, these include reviewing three banning orders, a personal injury, various problems with access to the ground after kick-off time, ans some season ticket problems. More generally, solving the tannoy problems has been a major topic, as well as reviewing the Reserves kick-off times, restoration of free entry to reseves for season ticket holders (probably from next season), reintroduction of the half time draw board (for those who can't hear the tannoy!), complaints regarding the toilets, and availability of an answerphone out-of-hours (in the event of postponements etc.). Joe is also looking favourable at permanently reintroducign the "quid a kid" scheme in some format, possibly with a "one-off" ticket purchase or family ticket from next season. Closer to my heart, Joe has agreed to look harder at avoiding clashes with England games, even when Rovers are away (quite a few Rovers fans attend these partley because tickets have to be purchased before Rovers fixtures are finalised). And I have successfully persuaded him to reduce bar prices in the new club to £1.50 for all drinks! I assure you I am doing my utmost to make use of this attractive offer! These are only small beginnings, but I can and will respond to any requests or suggestions. You can contact me at home (01777 703757), at the ground, in the Park before, or club after games, or on away coaches, or by leaving messages at the Rovers office. Your opinions are valued because supporters know what is best for themselves and the club. However, we need many more members if we are to achieve major influence and have significant financial impact, as well as convincing the council of the level of "community ownership" necessary to persuade them to invest in the new stadium. To join, see me or any other committee member, ring me, access the web site, fill in one of the many forms circulating, or simply leave your contact address or telephone number at the Rovers office for my attention. Please join us today in sharing ownership of our club. TOGETHER
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Doncaster Rovers Matchday magazine, September 1st, 2001 The official public launch of the Viking Supporters' Co-operative took place on Saturday, 25th August, prior to the Yeovil game, the dawn of a new era in fan involvement and democracy. The initial objective of the co-operative, to purchase a shareholding in the Rovers and elect a supporters' director to the main board, has now been achieved. The two candidates were Alistair Millar and Andy Liney, respectively secretary and chairman of the co-operative. Although the successful candidate was Andy Liney, thanks go to Alistair for a good campaign, and no doubt he would also have made an excellent director. To complete the formalities, a cheque for £2,500 for the first block of shares was presented at half-time to John Ryan by Nicky Beech. Because this seat on the board has been purchased by supporters, it is ours as of right, and your new director will have full involvement and genuine influence at board level. The co-operative currently has 129 members. However, this is only the start. the membership needs to expand considerably, not only to achieve greater influence at board level and to meaningfully contribute to advances both on and off the pitch, but also to demonstrate real community ownership fo the club. Large scale community ownership would undoubtedly assist the council in viewing an investment by them in the new stadium favourably, as occurred at Northampton - a big return indeed on a small investment! A large shaer will also help to safeguard the Rovers for future generations of fans, and give the largest possible democratic base. You will find an application form included with today's programme. If you have not already joined, we urge you to consider doing so, and positively contributing both to Rovers' future and to achieving genuine invlovement. If you are already a member, or do not wish to join, please do not waste the form, but pass it on to a friend or relative. Most supporters rightly believe that the club "belongs" to them - now is your chance to make that belief come literally true! Your director is now in place. This gives you the opportunity to voice your opinions and have them heard at board level, receive information direct from the "top", and generally have a say in running the club. Formal quarterly meetings will be held, at which members will be able to hear the latest news, receive reports on progress on their suggestions or complaints, voice their opinions on further matters which they feel should be raised at board level and, where necessary, vote on important issues. The first quarterly meeting will be on 24th November at 11am in the Earl of Doncaster, prior to the Dagenham game. Information will also be routinely exchanged via the Viking Supporters' Co-operative website at www.vikingsc.co.uk. There will additionally be a continuous informal opportunity to voice opinions and receive feedback by direct contact with Andy at any time, either at his home (on 01777 703757), on the away coach, in the Park Hotel before home matches or at the ground. Andy is very approachable and you will always get a good hearing. The other co-operative directors would also welcome your comments and opinions. We need your ideas and input, after all, you, the fans, know best! TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE
A DIFFERENCE! The Green 'Un, September 1st, 2001 ANDY'S ON BOARD TO MAKE IT A FANS' FIRST History was made at the Earl of Doncaster last weekend when the first Rovers' supporter was elected to the Belle Vue board. Andy Liney, a supporter for 42 years, beat off the challenge of solicitor Alistair Millar in a two-way battle to be appointed the club's first supporter/director. The Viking Supporters Co-operative was allocated a seat on the borad in return for the purchase of £50,000 of shares - the minimum requirement to become a director. Unlike most other clubs involved with the Supporters Direct scheme, the Doncaster directors backed the initiative from the day the Viking Co-operative was launched in November. And they immediately agreed to accept a supporters' representative before the full amount was raised, a gesture which went down well with Co-operative members, and set the scene for the harmonious discussions which have taken place since between the two parties. A cheque for £2,500 was handed over to chairman John Ryan during half time at Saturday's game against Yeovil, the money being raised by membership fees and the purchase of £15 shares. But there is still a long way to go and many more members will need to be recruited if the money pledged is to be raised. The hope is that now a supporter/director has been appointed many more fans will join the Co-operative, which plans to meet quarterly. Mr Liney would like to see several thousand involved, not least because he feels that would help influence Doncaster Council when a decision is finally taken on whether to go ahead with plans to build a new stadium. Much will depend on the success, or otherwise, of the supporter/director initiative. Everyone is fully committed to making it work, but there are bound to be problems from time to time due to a conflict of interests. Mr Liney will have a key role to play due to the fact that he will have a foot in both camps. He has a well deserved reputation among supporters for speaking his mind when it comes to matters relating to the club. He was a leading figure in the campaigns to bring back the club's Viking logo, and to give the supporters more of a say in the design of the club's kit, qualities which helped to get him elected. During his election address Mr Liney promised to stand his corner and represent members' views at board meetings. There is no doubt that he will give supporters a strong voice on the board, even if he will have little or no actual influence on major decision making, in view of the fact that chairman John Ryan and his deputy Peter Wetzel have a controlling interest between them. But whether he will be able to be as open with member on club affairs as he has promised remains to be seen. There will be certain matters relating to such things as finance and team affairs that the other directors will not wish to see openly discussed outside the boardroom. As such Mr Liney is likely to find himself in a difficult position at tiems, and the post will call for great diplomacy. But Mr Liney insists that he is the man for th job and that despite his outspoken reputation, he is capable of being diplomatic. The Doncaster
Star, August 28th, 2001 Andy Liney has won the race to become Doncaster Rovres' first supporter/director as part of the Supporters Direct scheme. Andy, who has been following the Rovers since 1959, beat Alistair Millar in a secret ballot of members at a meeting at the Earl of Doncaster on Saturday morning. Both men had earlier addressed the meeting, and fielded questions from the floor. Andy, who successfully campaigned for the return of the Viking logo on the club's shirts last season, pledged to work with the Rovers board, who he said had been very supportive of the initiative. But he said that he would not be afraid to stand his corner in board meetings, and his prime objective would be to represent supporters' interests. He promised to keep members of the schemd, who plan to hold quarterly meetings, informed of any developments. "As soon as I know anything, then so will you." he said. "I will always be available." The Co-operative, which now has 128 members, has pledged to raise £50,000 for the club by means of purchasing shares, in return for a seat on the board. They handed a chequed for £2,500 to the club during the interval at Saturday's Conference game against Yeovil at Belle Vue. Andy, who will initially serve for a year, urged more supporters to become involved in the Viking Co-operative. He said that the more members on board, the better the chance of a new stadium, because a membership of several thousand would prove to Doncaster Council that the club had the backing of the community. Mr Millar, one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Co-operative, which was officially launched in November, will continue to serve as company secretary on the five-strong board, along with Ian Dobb, Nicky Beech, Maureen Stephenson and Andy. Membership of the Vikign Supporters' Co-operative is £10 per year, and shares are available at £15 each. Details can be obtained form any of the board members.
The co-operative has sold 150 shares to about 60 members, at a cost of £15 each, plus a membership fee of £10. The money will be used to buy shares in the club, but the group has already been promised a seat on the board. If the scheme goes to plan, the fans will eventually have a £50,000 stake in the club. The co-operative's secretary, Alistair Millar, said "Our target is 500 shares sold by the end of the first year. The take-up has been a bit slower than I had thought, but I think there are people who are not aware of all the details. The letters will be going out this week to people who have already joined, inviting them to get the application for to stand for the board. I suspect from having spoken to people that we will get three or four applicants, who wil each give a speech at the launch meeting. It is important that we get the right person." "In the mean time, we want as many people as possible to join the scheme, because the more people we have, the more representative we are of the fans. We need enough people to have a mandate from the fans." Applications for the fans' seat on the board will have to be returned with a proposer and a seconder by August 4, and members of the co-operative will vote for their choice. Doncaster Free
Press, June 21st, 2001 Details of the Viking Co-operative Limited emerged at the supporters' annual meeting where fans were told that membership would entitle them to vote on issues facing the club, and to ensure it listens to what they have to say. There will be a formal launch in August, but subscriptions are already being taken, with shares priced at £15 each, with an annual membership of £10. Money raised will be invested in the club with each member enjoying equal voting rights. The Doncaster
Star, February 13th, 2001 Mr Miller, a solicitor, said that details of the scheme have yet to be finalised and that he would be having further discussions with the Government-backed Supporters Direct organisation. But he said that he hoped that both shares and membership would be up and running before the start of next season. Rovers company secretary Andrew Smithson said that the directors welcomed the initiative and pledged that as soon as the scheme was launched, a supporters' representative would be co-opted onto the board. He added that they would not have to wait until the full amount of money was raised. The Non-League Paper,
February 18th, 2001 The Supporters Direct scheme is part of a government sponsored blueprint to encourage fans' involvement in clubs. Fans will be able to buy as many shares as they like. How much they will cost will be decided when the scheme is launched before the beginning of next season. "We're hopin to keep it low to attract as many people as possible." said spokesman Andrew Liney. The Non-League
paper, February 11th, 2001 The Society, similar to set-ups operating at Bournemouth and Northampton, was rubber stamped at a public meeting with 200 fans yesterday at the Earl of Doncaster Hotel. Chairman John Ryan, other members of the board, and manager Steve Wignall all turned out to back the scheme that could eventually boost Rovers' bank balance by up to £1 million. Fans all over the world will be offered the chance to buy as many £20 shares in the Society as they can afford. The money raised will be used to buy shares in Doncaster Rovers and, subsequently, to fund team building and expansion plans. The scheme, fronted by fans' representatives Rob Woodmansey and Andrew Liney, follows the thumbs up from a working party set up last year to investigate the feasibility of the idea. It will take some of the financial responsibility off chairman Ryan and vice-chairman Peter Wetzel, who have had to dig deep into their own pockets to finance Doncaster's ambitions. But it will also forge a vital new link with fans who have become increasingly frustrated at the team's inability to make a major impact this season. Director Andrew Smithson said last night: "We're very excited about this. We need as much money as we can get, but the main reason behind this is for the board to work and communicate with the supporters." An Industrial and Provident Society is similar to a limited company, but each member is allowed only one vote, no matter how many shares they buy. The supporters will democratically elect the person they wish to sit on the board. Yesterday's announcement came alongside the launch of another initiative aimed at helping the town's budding young players. The Alick Jeffrey Charitable Trust, set up in memory of the club's most famous player, will provide funds for the development of youth football in the town. |