I think any such group would need to have a very clear aim in mind - maybe the trouble in the past has been too many issues that not enough time or energy could be focussed onto any one.
Just a thought?

Indeed. Excellent point, and maybe where we struggled with an ISA. A more focused supporters' trust may substantially reduce the time input - especially if you can avoid time-consuming activities like putting together newsletters, organising events and regular engagement with the media. Although in practice, I think these activities would still play a part?

I do suggest though that those interested in pursuing this route on an active basis give serious thought to:

1. Whether you really will be in a position and be prepared to put in the sort of time and effort that is involved?

2. Whether you are the sort of person who will stick at and with it once the initial novelty and kudos has worn off?

3. Whether you - or enough of you - are comfortable with and are prepared to attend to the detail, not just the top-level magic wand-waving?

4. Whether you - or enough of you - are prepared to stand up and be counted when difficult or contentious decisions have to be taken, or challenged?

5. Whether your shoulders are sufficiently broad to dismiss the inevitable brickbats and criticisms from the armchair experts?

6. Whether you are prepared to do a load of work when you see others, often the most vocal, sitting on the sidelines telling you what you should be doing and pointing out all the things they think you are doing wrong?

Those points - as Tigs says, are relevant (I would suggest) to people standing for office in any voluntary organisation (or for that matter, rugby club board...), not just a supporters' trust or ISA. I can speak from my own experience of several voluntary organisations including an ISA.

Those who can truthfully answer yes to the above will make excellent active committee members/trustees, and I salute you. And you can count on my full support.

I'd be interested to see what is involved. I couldn't give up too much time, because I have other commitments with my coaching, but would be happy to help when it's convenient.

I'm pretty good when it comes to organising fundraisers.

I'd be happy to help with anything from newsletters, sending e-mails, or anything that needs doing really.

I think it is important that everyone is honest about the commitment they are prepared to make and the time they can put in on a long term basis. That's why I think it's sensible to have a meeting together with a club official so that we know what we can realistically achieve, and decide if the time/effort required would be worth giving. Again, with no prior experience of this kind of thing, I have no idea what's required or achievable.

Wigan Bull had a meeting with Mr Duffy on a similar line a few months back IIRC. Maybe a PM to him could entice him out onto this thread as I know he was very positive about the outcome of the meeting?

My apologies if I am mistaken in any way (my head is a bit pickled at the mo as I have the Swine Flu) but I seem to remember that that is what happened.

Indeed.
Stuart was more than happy to work with a group of us in a CONSTRUCTIVE manner.

Maybe a meeting could be set up with a view to discussing what's been mentioned on the club interaction thread and sound out some views / opinions on what could be achieved.

Again though, I think it needs to start off very simplistic and let’s see if and how it evolves.

Ploughing in and setting up a full blown trust / committee / whatever straight away, will be destined for failure.

Not wntirely linked to the thread, but didn't Duffy and Hood say there would be another fan forum at the end of this season?

Agreed.

And agreed. As one who has been there.

So let's try and gauge the interest in the idea.

If there were a meeting to discuss the formation of a new supporters association, with potentially the involvement of a club official such as Stuart Duffy and Laura from Supporters Direct, who would be prepared to attend?

I'd go