A Message From The Newcastle United Supporters Trust

Today is the final day of Rafa’s contract. He is arguably the best manager Newcastle United has ever had, but this time tomorrow, he’ll be gone. We’ve been in this position before. We’ve lost great managers, lost great players, we’ve lost staff at NUFC who gave their everything for the club but it doesn’t make it any easier each time it happens.

Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images

What NUFC fans crave is the feeling of going into a transfer window knowing our manager has the full backing. It’s knowing that our football club is not just doing everything on the pitch to succeed but doing everything off the pitch to make our city, our community, our people succeed. What we crave most of all, is some stability.

This is where NUFC Trust comes in. The Trust is an independent, democratic voice of the Newcastle United supporters. It’s made up of an elected board of fans who’s sole purpose is to push the topics that are important to the Newcastle fanbase.

Where managers, players and owners may leave, the Trust will stay a constant emblem of pride to supporters and to the city.

So what has the NUFC Trust achieved in the past?

• Supported The FSA in their A Derby To Be Proud Of campaign, where fans on both sides of Tyne & Wear could have ended up seeing very restrictive away travel measures (aka “bubble matches”) from 2014 onwards.
• Supported lads arrested at Boro away following disturbance in the ground, arranging solicitor representation and avoided a banning order.
• Supported a lad arrested at West Ham away when encroaching the pitch following a goal, again got him a solicitor and avoided ban after persuading court it was due to crowd-surge.
• Set up a credit union as alternative to Wonga.
• Instrumental in setting up NUFC Fans Foodbank which raises thousands every match day to feed the people of our city and beyond.
• Local Achiever awards – providing match tickets to good causes.
• Intervened in disputes where fans have had to change seats with club.
• Applying successfully for SJP to be granted ‘Asset of Community Value’ status.
• Continuous discussions with developers around Strawberry Place land.
• Support for The FSA’s campaign 20’s Plenty.
• Support for The FSA’s campaign for Safe Standing.
• Involvement with previous potential buyers about fan representation.
• Roadshows throughout region as far as Alnwick to South Durham.
• Annual kids 5 a side competition during 6 weeks holidays.
• Football training in the community, paying for coaching going into local schools.

What has the NUFC Trust achieved/been up to most recently?

• Continuing to monitor and dispute the Strawberry Place development plans.
• Continuing to support the NUFC Fans Foodbank.
• We raised over £1,000 for the 5 supporters arrested against Bournemouth and supported them with legal advice.
• Continuing support for The FSA’s various campaigns (safe standing, 20’s plenty).
• Disputing UEFA’s European super league plans.
• Annual supporters survey.
• Opposed the current running of the NUFC Fans Forum.
• Lowered membership fees for the Trust from £10 to £1, £50 to £5 and £100 to £10 enabling more fans than ever to sign up and have their voice heard.
• We’re working on a new website which will enable all fans to manage their membership, be sent and read up to date member only news from the Trust and vote on what the Trust should be working on.
• Talking with high profile individuals to get on board our campaign for future Trust actions.

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The current membership count is 5,662 members and we’re positive with the help of our members spreading the word to other supporters online and face to face, we can reach 10,000 members in no time.

This isn’t another one off protest, it’s not just for supporters who have given up their tickets, or just for those who remain in their seats. The Trust is for every single Newcastle supporter who’s ever had an opinion on the club. Membership is open to anyone worldwide and you can join from as little as £1/year or £10 lifetime membership.

There’s never been a better time to join the Trust, what are you waiting for?

www.nufctrust.co.uk