STOP PRESS! - STOP PRESS!

Several PUFC Club Statements were issued late February and the first week of March. 1)

Regarding the departure of Grant McCann, 2) The appointment Steve Evans and

3) The announcement of new co-owners Jason Neale and Stewart Thompson.

As a result we have produced this supplement to say a few words on these events.

Grant McCann The Posh Supporters Trust was sad to see the Posh legend Grant

McCann leave the club. We would like to express our appreciation

for the work he put into the club as manager over the last 21

months and wish him well for the future.

In his first full season as Manager the Posh finished 11th in

League 1 and got through to the 3rd Round of the FA Cup where we lost to the Premier League leaders Chelsea.

This season started well for Grant winning the August League

One Manager of the Month award and leading Posh to the top of

League One with a perfect record of four straight wins with a 12-

4 goal differential.

In January his Posh side beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the FA Cup before

being knocked out by Leicester City in the 4th round

Sadly, inconsistent league results more recently didn't go our way

and as a result the club parted company with him on the 25th February.

As a player Grant made over 180 Football League appearances for the Posh between 2010

and 2015 scoring 29 goals. He played and scored in the League One play off final at Old

Trafford against Huddersfield Town in May 2011 and also played in our Johnstone's Paint

Trophy Final win against Chesterfield at Wembley in March 2014. His free-kicks around the

penalty area were legendary.

Thank you Grant for some great memories. We wish you every success in the future.

Steve Evans

The Posh Supporters Trust welcome the new

manager, Steve Evans to the Posh and hope

his time at the club is a successful one.

Steve, who lives locally has been a Posh Fan

for many years, is delighted with his new job.

Steve has a very good record as Manager, he

has given 100% commitment to every club

he has managed leading Boston Utd and

Crawley Town into the Football League, and

Rotherham Utd to successive promotions.

With 12 league games left this season, and

36 points still available, the Trust urge all

Posh fans to get behind Steve and the team as he leads us back to the Championship, and

by the time his current contract comes to an end, Posh will have dislodged Celtic as the club

closest to his heart!

New Posh co-owners The Posh Supporters Trust would like to welcome Stewart Thompson and Jason Neale to

PUFC and we look forward to engaging face to face with the club's new co-owners and

Directors in the very near future.

Both new co-owners have been successful in their previous ventures and will be bringing

money and business expertise into the club which can only be good news.

There are some details to be clarified about their co-ownership, which we hope to learn very

soon, but looking forward, the PST will be seeking to establish their strategy for the future of

the football club and the plans they have to build their relationship with the Posh fan base

through supporters organisations like the PST. The Trust movement believes a football club

is not just a financial asset but an integral part of the local community with all sorts of valid

stakeholders - especially supporters.

The ABAX Stadium - London Road Finally there has been lots of talk and speculation in the local press and on the club's website

regarding the club bringing the stadium back into club ownership. With the arrival of our new

co-owners, it now looks like the Posh will be re-united with its ground at long last. And we all

must ensure it stays that way.

Assuming the Football Club and the Stadium and reunited in the very near future, The Trust

is fairly confident that our football club and Stadium are once again in safe hands and

secured for the future generations of Posh supporters and the community as a whole.

The Trust will remain vigilant, and continue to advocate and safeguard the stadium’s A.C.V

status (Asset of Community Value) and the 1955 Covenants, which keeps the ground secure

for recreation purposes only, and to ensure the ground remains part of the football club. The

right for the City Council to have first refusal / right to buy the ground back, should ensure

we have no repeat of the ownership issues of the past.

Up the Posh! The Posh Supporters Trust Board

Connecting Club and Community

“Safeguarding the future of Peterborough United by ensuring all fans have a voice”

Newsletter Issue 47 March 2018

Supporting the POSH and its Supporters!

Supporting the Community!

Connecting Club and Community

Safeguarding the future of Peterborough United by ensuring all fans have a voice!

The Posh Supporters Trust is a democratic not-for-profit organisation of supporters. We seek to strengthen the voice of Supporters of The POSH, whilst helping the football club to increase its fans base and progress to the highest sustainable level in the football leagues.

Welcome to our latest Newsletter :-

Posh Supporters Trust’s 15th Anniversary ............... on pages 4 to 7, former Trust secretary Peter Williams reflects on ‘15 Years in Football’ and the Trusts achievements.

Who are You? Quiz....... on pages 8 & 9, with no winners from the last issue, it’s a Rollover! prizes of Dene Butler's book 'Chris Turner: The Legend and & Others' and a 'Je Suis t-shirt'

AGM......... Minutes from our AGM and year end Accounts, are on pages 10 to 13

Pete’s Memory Lane ........... on pages 15 to 17, Pete Lane pays tribute to Tommy Robson, who also has an anniversary to celebrate, with his 50 year reign at The Posh!

Events at other Trust’s.......... Page 19 highlights real concerns for the football clubs and the loyal fans of Hartlepool and Blackpool.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gill Williams R.I.P.

We would like to dedicate this 15th Anniversary edition, to the memory of Gill Williams, who passed away in Adelaide Aus, on 1st Jan. 2018, just 10 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. Gill was one of the founder members of the Trust, along with her husband and former secretary Peter. They were part of a steering group that established the Trust as an entity prior to the official launch in March 2003. As Directors, both Gill and Peter dedicated a lot of their time to the Trust for over 6 years, working tirelessly to help us form a very credible society. Gill and Peter retired and emigrated to Australia in 2009. Former Board Members, will remember Gill for her dedication and hospitality when she readily made her home available to us for board meetings, providing Tea and Biscuits without fail.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“The Posh Supporters Trust” Connecting Club and Community Visit our Website : www.theposhtrust.co.uk E-Mail us : enquiries@theposhtrust.co.uk

The Posh Supporters Trust. Is registered as a Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registration No. 29533R with the Financial Conduct Authority

Newsletter printed by ‘Printing Matters’ at Sawtry. Email : printing-matters@btconnect.com

Welcome to our latest newsletter, I hope you will find interesting and informative. Your feedback is welcomed!

It’s our “Birthday” The 10th March 2018 is exactly 15 years to the day since the Posh Supporters' Trust was officially launched at the Cresset, one of the articles in our newsletter provides details of what has happened in the fifteen years the PST has been active. As for the present, for those of you who can remember from the last newsletter my dreams for the Posh this season, (as they have been since I started supporting

the Posh) was promotion and to win the FA Cup! (though I would have accepted the Checkatrade Trophy in place of the FA Cup!) and up until the end of January the dream was still on! but sadly defeats against Lincoln and Leicester has put paid to my Wembley dreams.

However we are still in with a chance of promotion through the play-offs and it's really good that the Chairman has shown his commitment to the club and our promotion push by holding on to our on-field prized assets, plus signing George Cooper and Joe Ward on a permanent basis as well as signing Omar Bogle on-loan and re-signing Jonathan Bond. Let’s hope we can now repay Darragh, and go on a good run to be in the top 6 come 7.30pm on Saturday 5th May.

Thinking about next season, the season ticket prices for 2018/19 was announced by the club in February, with discounts available to existing season ticket holders until 4th March. The Trust, PISA and Forever-Posh were involved in pricing discussions with the club, who took on board our feedback and have implemented some of our suggestions. There are some really good deals available. New season ticket holders will have until 31st March to buy a season ticket at the initial discounted rate. You can even spread the cost of a season ticket over 4 or 10 months with the clubs partner Zebra Finance.

The Trust meets with the Club at the fans liaison meeting every month to discuss anything Posh. The club want to know the views of Posh fans, their gripes and experiences to enhance the match day experience. So if there is anything you want raising with the club please contact us via email at enquiries@theposhtrust.co.uk and we will raise the matter with the club and provide you with feedback.

The PST has started to post regularly on Facebook and Twitter (@theposhtrust) so why not 'like' and follow us to see what we are up to. If you are interested in the Posh and have something to offer the PST (i.e. IT, sales skills / expertise) please email me at chairman@theposhtrust.co.uk. Up the Posh. Ray

THE POSH SUPPORTERS’ TRUST CELEBRATES ITS FIRST 15 YEARS

As we celebrate our creation and achievements of the last 15 years, we

thought you would like to reflect with us what has happened during that time to

Football in the English Leagues

Written by our former Secretary Peter Williams

FIFTEEN YEARS IN FOOTBALL

That’s a very long time in the game, almost twice the average duration of a professional footballer’s career. Thanks to its system of relegation and promotion, English football – the 11-level pyramid comprising 1,675 clubs in the Premier League, Football League and seven senior tiers of lower leagues (all 91 of them) – surely has the most dynamic structure in the world. Over the years the constant movement of clubs is always fascinating to study.

In season 2002/03, of the 20 Premier League clubs, nine would not be at the top level 15 years later: Aston Villa, Birmingham, Blackburn, Bolton, Charlton, Fulham, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Sunderland. In Division 1 (now the Championship) Wimbledon FC would “relocate” two years later, transmogrifying into MK Dons, while the club’s soul was kept alive by its fans, who formed a supporters’ trust, which in turn spawned AFC Wimbledon. Meanwhile Grimsby Town began a downhill journey that saw them languish in non-league for six years before returning to the League in 2016.

In Division 2 (now League 1) Huddersfield Town were relegated to Division 3. Three other teams – Tranmere, Stockport and Luton – were destined to depart the Football League, with only Luton regaining senior status before 2018.

The incredible turnover of clubs is best illustrated by the 2002/03 Division 3 (now League 2), where the top three promoted clubs (Rushden & Diamonds, Hartlepool United and Wrexham) are now in non-league (the ‘phoenix’ R&D being as far down as the 8th tier). Bournemouth were promoted via the play-offs. It is remarkable that, out of the 24 clubs in the 2002/03 Division 3 table, 17 of them would during the next few years drop out of the League; only six have regained their senior status.

In contrast, on the Lancashire coast, in 2002/03 Fleetwood Freeport FC was playing in the North West Counties League Premier Division, the ninth tier of the pyramid. Its name was changed to Fleetwood Town and thereafter it began a meteoric rise through the leagues, now in the third tier (League 1).

FIFTEEN YEARS AT PETERBOROUGH UNITED

15 Years ago the football club was owned by businessman Peter Boizot M.B.E. In 2003 he sold the club to Barry Fry and Alf Hand in a complicated deal that resulted in the separation of the football club from the stadium that it owned. In 2006 following a Sky TV “Big Ron Manager” documentary on the Posh, by Ron Atkinson, Darragh MacAnthony purchased the ailing football club, and brought stability and success back to the Posh.

Off the field, there have been four major changes since 2003 at London Road – sorry, since 2014 it’s been called the ABAX Stadium (that’s No 1). No 2 is the new housing built close to the ground on the site of former, somewhat pot-holed, car park. No 3 is the new 2,600-seater Motorpoint Stand that replaced the old Moy’s End terrace, and incorporates the Allia Business Centre. Allia, is an independent not for profit organization with a social mission, dedicated to helping impact organizations and initiatives to grow through inspiring workspaces, effective support and innovative social finance. And finally, No 5 is the investment of Darragh MacAnthony to set up the Mick George Training Academy, used by the Academy and Posh Foundation, as well as the first team.

On the field, in 2002/03 Posh finished in 11th place in the third tier (Division 2); during the next 15 years they were relegated three times and promoted three times, spending three seasons in the 2nd tier, six in the 3rd and three in the 4th.

During this period the club had (excluding caretakers) twelve managers: Fry, Wright, Bleasdale, Alexander, Ferguson, Cooper, Gannon, Johnson, Ferguson, Robertson, Westley, McCann. In Darren Ferguson’s two spells he was in charge of all three promotion campaigns and victory in the 2013/14 Final of what is now called the Football League Trophy, retaining our 100% record of Wins at Wembley. Now, in 2018, Posh are again hoping to win promotion to the Championship for the fourth time in their history.

FIFTEEN YEARS AT SUPPORTERS DIRECT

Since its formation by the then Government, Supporters Direct (SD) had in 2003 been operating for three years, working with a handful of existing supporters’ trusts and assisting a rapidly-increasing number of new start-ups, including ours. Each new trust was allocated an SD liaison officer to advise on the mechanics and legalities of establishing an Industrial and Provident Society. In 2003 the trusts numbered 55, with an aggregate membership of 32,883. By 2018 SD has helped in the formation of over 200 trusts, of which 50 now own or run their club; many others have a meaningful involvement via board representation, financial interest or ‘structured dialogue’.

Supporters Direct itself, has and continues to play a vital role in the ongoing effort to improve the governance of the game, encouraging greater accountability, democratic representation and community engagement via numerous initiatives. These include protecting stadia as assets of community value (ACVs), creating community interest companies (CICs) and supporting the establishment of “Financial Fair Play” rules.

SD now has its own elected representative on the FA Council, one of the governing bodies of football. Since 2012 Peter Lloyd, the Posh Trust’s former chairman (2005-09), has served with distinction on the SD England and Wales Football Council and the Board of SD itself, having been elected as Vice Chair until 2019.

FIFTEEN YEARS AT THE POSH SUPPORTERS’ TRUST

The Posh Supporters’ Trust was conceived in November 2002 through frustration with the long-term failure of Posh owner Peter Boizot to sell the club. A public meeting was called by Leigh Porter to discover if there was enough interest to form a supporters’ trust. Well organised, it was attended by more than 100 fans at Ebeneezer’s. An encouraging speech by the Posh CEO, Geoff Davey, and a rousing address by a member of the Cambridge United supporters’ trust ensured a positive response. A total of £976 was raised, thanks largely to a generous donation by PISA. Of the eight people who expressed interest in helping, only one had previously been involved with a supporters’ group; they formed the working party that would, with SD’s help, decide our name, establish an Industrial and Benevolent Society and decide on a strategy. The aim was to be business-like and professional.

An important step was to approach all 276 PUFC shareholders. Forty-five replied, offering 46 shares and 27 proxies, thus enabling all trust directors to attend PUFC AGMs.

At the official launch on 10 March 2003 three hundred fans turned up at The Cresset to witness more tub-thumping oratory from Chesterfield and Cambridge United fans, take part in an auction of memorabilia that raised £2,000, and meet Barry Fry, his coaching staff, plus the first- and youth-team squads.

A month later PUFC was bought by Alf Hand and Barry Fry in a complicated deal: effectively, the stadium was acquired by Colin Hill, a businessman that had befriended PUFC through Mr Fry, whilst Barry himself only had control of the football club, i.e. a playing staff that had just finished 11th in Division 2.

Eight months later Mr Fry invited Leigh Porter to join the PUFC board, while the Trust also manned the club shop and supplied the ball boys. With the supporters’ club we arranged a successful open day at London Road. A balloon race, bucket collections and a New Year’s Eve party raised £2,000 for new floodlights at London Road in exchange for 1,000 shares in the club, increasing our holding to 1,390.

To encourage new membership, the Trust introduced a scheme to provide discounts on a wide range of goods and services. The Gold Bond Super Draw became a popular feature for members and the major source of income for the Trust. Oakham Ales became sponsors in association with the Brewery Tap and Charters.

We knew that, if the football club collapsed, we had insufficient funds to rescue it. We had to create alliances with local entrepreneurs and organisations capable of providing financial backing: we joined Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce – regular attendance at its events enabled us to broaden our range of contacts and demonstrate a high level of professionalism – Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service and Anglia Regional Co-operative Society.

Other board members attended regular meetings with supporters’ trusts at clubs across the East Midlands, making useful contacts, exchanging ideas and meeting our SD liaison officer. We participated in conferences and seminars in London and other cities.

Although the ownership of the football club had changed in September 2003, it took a year to obtain documentation from Companies House and other sources. Trust director Peter Lloyd forensically examined the papers in order to understand the complex structure of ownership and control within Peterborough United Holdings (PUHL) and its wholly-owned subsidiary,

Peterborough United Football Club (PUFC). The Trust decided to suspend its policy of purchasing PUFC shares, whose value had diminished significantly.

To raise its profile in the community, the Trust regularly sponsored Yaxley Football Festival (ages 7-12), set up a stall at the Beer Festival, fetes and other events.

In 2006 PUHL announced a new Moy’s End stand incorporating apartments. Harbouring grave concerns, the Trust became immersed in the planning process and was heavily represented at the planning inquiry. Whereas PUHL claimed that the new stand “would not cost PUFC a penny”, the Trust discovered that the expense of fitting it out with fixtures, fittings, toilets, handrails and 2,000 seats would amount to £1.015m – not even PUFC had realised this. Noting that the developer could build the flats and then “forget” about the stand, we ensured that the developer would have to build the stand first. Eventually the project was abandoned.

In 2006 the football landscape was transformed by the arrival of the new owner of PUFC, Darragh MacAnthony, with whom the Trust developed a good relationship.

The Trust continued to introduce new initiatives to benefit PUFC. Free Posh ‘Smile’ tickets were offered to deserving people in the community. The New Posh Fans Initiative – blitzing residential areas with leaflets offering free tickets to home games – became very popular, often generating new fans, even season ticket holders. In a joint venture with PISA and Forever Posh, a wheelchair enclosure was built in the Family Stand.

When the City Council bought the stadium from PUHL the Trust worked with PISA to influence the decision. Meanwhile we participated in regular meetings involving PUFC’s CEO, PISA and Forever Posh. When another plan for a new Moy’s End stand – incorporating a Business Centre – was announced, we expressed our concerns about various issues. Actively involved in promoting safe-standing at football stadia, the Trust hopes it is incorporated in future London Road development. After a long campaign by the Trust, London Road became an ACV (asset of community value).

In 2011 the 500 PUFC shares of the late club chairman Bill Wilde were bought by Trust directors, enabling them to attend all PUFC AGMs without obtaining proxies.

2014 saw the launch of the Trust’s online museum, providing a comprehensive service for fans of Posh and other clubs, local historians, journalists and writers, it has been expanded regularly since then, and now boasts 24 different categories of historical data and pictures.

Although Darragh MacAnthony has been PUFC’s chairman for 12 years (and, we hope, many more), the Trust will always be there, needing a healthy bank balance, in case it has to launch a campaign to purchase the club or act as an honest broker in saving it. That is its raison d’être. To this end a detailed action plan is constantly revised to enable the Trust to do just that. Like an insurance policy, one hopes that it is not needed.

Over the last 15 years many trusts have suddenly had to perform miracles in galvanising local and national support, raising cash and negotiating with administrators, the local council and businesses to keep their beloved club alive. Even where such trusts later lose control of the club, they were there when it mattered. Backed by SD, the Posh Supporters’ Trust would pull out all the stops to save our club for the city.

Best wishes to all my friends back in the UK. Peter Williams Adalaide

Who are you? Here's this issues 'Who Are You' quiz. The quiz which tests your observation and investigative skills by asking you to identify ten people who have played for the Posh, however they may not be

instantly recognisable as the photos

were taken either before they joined the Posh or after they left. To win a free copy of Dene Butler's 'Chris Turner: The Legend and & Others' book and a 'Je Suis t-shirt'

simply send your answers to either: The PST, c/o 193 Oakdale Avenue, Stanground Peterborough PE2 8TH or email: enquiries@theposhtrust.co.uk. The winner will be the first person to

correctly identify all ten Posh players.

1

3

2

4

5

7

9

6

8

10

Entries close on 30 April 18. Winner to be announced on our website.

Answers for this issue's quiz will also be published in our next newsletter.

Last editions answers were: 1) Ryan Tafazolli, 2) Steve Castle, 3) Ron Cooper, 4) Andy Clarke, 5) Alan Slough, 6) Jack Carmichael, 7) Brad Inman, 8) Dave Langan, 9) Jim Barron and 10) John Wile.

Minutes of Trust’s A.G.M. held at the ABAX 6th November 2017 Minutes of the previous AGM held on 28th November 2016, published in newsletter 45 and on the website were accepted by Members as a true record and signed by Ray Cole. Chairman’s Report

Ray Cole reported that due to our limited resources of just 6 Board members, the Trust had not achieved as much as he would have liked during the previous 12 months. However we :-

Continued to play an active part in the Monthly PUFC Supporter Liaison Meetings

Raised further funds for the PST primarily through our Gold Bond Scheme.

Created several new sections on our Posh on-line museum (FA Cup, League Cup, Mr & Miss Posh, Match Reports).

Improved our communication via Social Media with regular posts on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Supported the FSF 'Watching Football is not a Crime’ initiative by participating in their video. This was as a result of the way Grimsby Town fans were treated at Stevenage earlier this season.

We further promoted our Smile scheme, by awarding SMILE tickets to a disadvantaged lady and her carer to attend the Shrewsbury game.

We created a new Strap-Line, to help supporters understand what the Trust is about, “Connecting Club and Community – Safeguarding the future of Peterborough United by ensuring all fans have a voice”

Ray gave a PowerPoint Presentation outlining proposals to update the roles and responsibilities for the Board Members and explained that the first meeting after the AGM would be to discuss these roles and the personnel to take them on. Ray then thanked members, his Board colleagues and observers who have contributed to Board meetings, for their help and support over the previous12 months. As Chair, Ray promised to strive for the long-term security of PUFC and the continued growth of the PST. Treasurer’s Report

(Annual Accounts – ending 30 June 2017) Barry Bennett, presented the Accounts, that were scrutinised and agreed by Mr Thomas Webb - ICAEW Chartered Accountant, in an Independent Financial Assessment, Full accounts are shown in this newsletter, following the main AGM report. Barry highlighted Income of £ 8336 and expenditure of £ 3575 for the financial year, resulting in a financial gain for the year of £4,640.00, and current assets of £ 145,749. The accounts were accepted by the meeting without any alterations being requested or made. Members were invited to raise any queries by Email after they had time to scrutinise the accounts in detail. Appointment of Independent Financial Examiner. Barry Bennett proposed to re-appoint Thomas Webb as Independent Financial Examiner, by a show of hands, this was agreed. Post AGM Meeting:- Due to change of circumstances, Thomas is unable to continue. The Board has appointed accountant Michael Fergusson to complete this years I.F.A.

Secretary’s Report John Henson reported that the Trust shareholding in PUFC remained at 1410 shares, the second largest shareholder after Darragh MacAnthony. He said that 6 Board meetings were held during the year and a Trust representative attended each of the supporters liasion meetings with Bob Symns, PISA and Forever Posh. During the year 2 newsletters were sent out to members and distributed from the Trust stall and outside the ground. All local councillors and MPs were also sent copies. John, confirmed that regularly communications were made with Peter Lloyd, and Supporters Direct, he then thanked the Board for their continued support of all Trust aims.

Election of Directors Seeking re-election: Ken Storey, proposed Dave Wilson, seconded Walter Moore Frank Harburn, proposed Peter Lloyd, seconded by Joe Douglass New Nomination: Joe Douglass, proposed Stephen Fox. seconded Frank Harburn Re-election Secretary: John Henson, proposed Mick Robinson, seconded Frank Harburn

Due to Board vacancies exceeding Nominations an election was not necessary. No objections were received from the floor, so all nominees were duly appointed.

New Trust Board for 2017 / 2018 is as follows: Ray Cole : Chairman Barry Bennett : Treasurer/Membership/Gold Bond John Lawrence : Director Frank Harburn : Director Ken Storey : Director Joe Douglass : Director

Secretary – John Henson Consultant to Board – Peter Lloyd

Post AGM Meeting: After observing at the AGM and again at our board meeting on 4 December, both Dene Butler and Sue Butler said they would like to join the Board as co-opted members. This was approved and agreed at our Board meeting on 12 February 2018, and we are confident that their individual skills and talent, with further enhance the Board structure.

Any other business.

Peter Lloyd reminded the meeting that it would be good practice to formally accept the Treasurer’s Report and the appointment of the Independent Financial Examiner. This was done (see minutes above) and voted on unanimously by the meeting.

Member Dave Wilson shared his frustration that the PST stall is only accessible to those fans in the Family Stand and not to fans in other parts of the ground. Ray Cole agreed, but said that, if an opportunity to have a stall accessible to all, then it would be fantastic, but having the current stall was better than not having one at all.

A member of the meeting asked why there was the need for three separate Posh supporters organisations. Barry Bennett explained that whilst all three organisations work together on different projects, each organisation does have specific and credible objectives that would be negated if they tried to exist as one. Therefore, there is justification and a need for the existence of the different groups.

Following the official close of the meeting at 8-30pm Peter Lloyd spoke to the meeting about the Supporters Direct ‘Engage Report’ highlighting fan involvement and all different levels of football clubs throughout the spectrum of professional and non-league football. And Chris Abbott (PUFC Supporter Liaison Officer) introduced himself to those who did not previously know him, and spoke to the meeting about his role and aspirations.

The Posh Supporters Limited

Income and Expenditure Account for the Financial year ending 30 June 2017

Income

2017

2016

Merchandise Sales

46

132

Cost of Sales:

Opening stock 80

165 Purchases 0

0

Closing stock -79 1

-80 85

45

47

Membership Fees

348

445

Commission

0

0 Donations

90

0

Smile Charity Scheme

0

40 Events & Functions

0

567

Gold Bond Income

7,057

9,229 Bank Interest

796

1,413

Raffles

0

211 Miscellaneous

0

330

8,336

12,282

Expenditure

Gold Bond 569

197 Printing & stationery 1,079

675

Postage & telephone calls 288

201 Web site costs 294

292

Room hire 67

50 Smile charity scheme 0

23

Sponsorship 0

0 Events & functions 630

171

FCA fee

195

195 Insurance 196

195

Bank charges 0

0 Donations 0

5,855

Subscriptions 100

100 Stall expenses 0

0

Audit & accountancy fees 0

0 Corporation tax 157

283

Sundries

0 3,575

39 8,276

3,575 4,761

8,276 4,006

The Posh Supporters Limited

Balance Sheet as at the financial year ending 30 June 2017

Current assets

Sundry Debtor 1,390

1,366 Stock in hand 79

85

Cash at bank 144,280

139,657

145,749

141,108

Creditors Sundry creditors 157

33

Net current assets

144,123

141,075 Net assets

144,123

141,075

Capital and reserves

0 Active shareholders @ £1

166

174

Income and Expenditure account

143,957

140,901

144,123

141,075

Notes to accounts: Cash at Coop Bank. £ 935.00

0% int Virgin Money £ 59344.84

0.5% int Hampshire Trust Bank. £ 84000.00

1.4% int Total Bank / Invested. £

144279.84

Sundry creditors: Corporation Tax Due by 31 March 2018 £

157.21

Sundry debtor: Accrued income of £ 1398.85 GB commission

(21/04/2017 - 01/07/2017)

It is certified that full information has been supplied

in relation to the preparation of this financial statement.

An independent Assessment of these accounts was completed by : Mr Thomas Webb ICAEW Chartered Accountant

Signed on behalf of the Society's Board

Treasurer Chairman

Secretary

Barry Bennett Ray Cole

John Henson

THE ‘GOLD BOND’ Weekly Draw in aid of The Posh Supporters’ Trust

Members are advised that due to a national decline in subscribers over the last few years, the promoters have reluctantly reviewed the prize monies available for the weekly draw.

Instead of 209 prizes, there will now be 176 prizes every week, made up as follows : 1 x £1,800 - 1 x £250 - 1 x £100 - 1 x £50 - 2 x £25 - 100 x £10 - 70 x £5

Get ‘FREE Membership’ of the TRUST! when you subscribe to the ‘GOLD BOND’ Weekly Draw by Standing Order.

176 Prizes Won Every Week! First Prize £1,800

It costs just £1 per week for 7 entries into the weekly draw, giving 7 chances for every £1 entry to Win fantastic cash prizes!

You’ve got to be in it to win it! ------ Join NOW! Download an application form : www.theposhtrust.co.uk

or Call Barry on 07710 283676

The following Social Carer, has been recommended by a Trust member.

Enza Warrington Social Carer A Helping Hand with;

Medical Appointments, Shopping, Activities Or would you just like some Company?

A lot more reasonable and personal than a Taxi Competitive Rates Apply

Contact Enza 07894 710288 Email enzawarrington@googlemail.com

'The Posh Hall of Fame' – TOMMY ROBSON Celebrates 50 Years at the POSH!

Pete Lane reflects on his memories!

50 years since joining the Posh, that is our very own Tommy Robson. This is what is known as DEDICATION and LOYALTY. Words you don’t hear much brandished in today’s footballing circles, and one word used loosely is LEGEND, but in this case the word sums the man up to a tee. I am so pleased to hear that the Club are granting a testimonial for the great man. After 50 years, apart from brief spells with Stamford AFC and Nuneaton, where even then he continued his support for the Posh, he can still be found at London Road as host to the sponsors and greeting people in the Posh reception area, always with a smile on his face. pictured : Tommy, still active at the Posh

This I thought would be an appropriate time to recall that special day I selected my very first inductee into ‘The Posh Hall of Fame’ on 4th October 2008.

“We’ve got Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, Tommy Robson on the Wing, on the Wing” etc., This song rang around London Road for many years, as did Tommy who ran on the wing for 13 seasons from November 1968 to 1981, thrilling the crowds with his speed and skill, dazzling runs and goals, oh yes! And the odd spectacular dive!

In 1968, Norman Rigby, the Posh Manager, made possibly the greatest signing ever for Posh in securing the signature of Tommy Robson, for a then record of £20,000 from Newcastle United, where he made 48 appearances and scored 11 goals. But for breaking a foot in a garden accident and out of action for 2 months who knows, Tommy may have stayed with the Geordies. His career 'kicked-off' ironically at London Road for Northampton Town, making his début and scoring in a 2-0 victory over Posh as a 17 year old, in March 1962. He went on with The Cobblers helping them to Div.1 in 1963 and playing alongside Jim Hall. Tommy Docherty noted the apparent skills of Robson and duly signed him for Chelsea paying a substantial fee of £35,000, but after only seven games Tommy contracted the illness jaundice and unfortunately was kept out of action for one year; then Newcastle took him 'home'. So all in all Tommy’s bad luck was Posh's good fortune for who knows he may well have been a star for many more years in the1st Div. (Premiership)

Tommy made his Posh début away to Workington on the 23rd October 1968 in a 1-0 defeat. He scored his first goal the following week in the 6-1 thrashing of Bradford Park Avenue at London Road, and now teaming up again with old Cobblers centre-forward Jim Hall.

Ever present in the team of his first season, Tommy scored 10 goals from 28 appearances. Again he was ever present the following season (69/70), scoring a total of 15 goals in all competitions. Under Manager Noel Cantwell, Tommy helped Posh to the 4th Div. Championship in season 1973/74 and claimed the 'Player of the Season' award for his contribution and dazzling form on the wing, with a total of 52 appearances and scoring 11 goals.

Tommy's first hat trick came on the 19 April 1975 giving Posh a 3-0 win away to Watford in Div.3. The following season he claimed his first hat trick at London Road v Bury 18 October 1975; 4-0.

At the end of that season Tommy was granted a Benefit Match against 1st Div. Leicester

City. At the age of 33 Tommy again was voted 'Player of the Season' in 1977/78 finishing top scorer with 14 league goals. In his final season as a player with Posh (1980/81) he still managed to score 7 goals with two of these against his old team Northampton in the 1st round of the FA Cup at the County Ground, helping Posh to win 4-1. His very last goal came in a 1-1 draw away to Scunthorpe United on 10 January 1981, and his last league appearance for Posh was away to Hereford United on 2 May 1981 as a substitute (1-1).

His farewell game was a Testimonial Match against Bobby Robson's Ipswich at London Rd before a crowd of over 4,000; side won 1-0 (yes Bobby Robson – the Ipswich Manager!).

In all Tommy still holds the record of 482 League Appearances for the Club. After Posh he played non-league for Nuneaton, then his 'magical' career still continued with a trip to the famous Twin Towers of Wembley Stadium, appearing in the 1984 FA Vase Final for 'The Daniels' of Stamford AFC. My wife Sandee and myself watched through tears of delight to see our favourite player, Tommy, playing on the 'hallowed turf'. Tommy returned to London Road by helping the Youth Team as their Coach, in the late 1980's and also worked later for a local newspaper in advertising, but you can't keep him away from London Road – I am pleased to say, for it was also good to see him as our host on match days in the Executive Suite a few years ago, especially when he used to conduct a Posh Quiz – though I would say that especially as I won 3 bottles of champagne! – Thanks Tommy! A few years ago Tommy even found time to entertain by appearing in his Posh Legends Team in many Charity matches – you just can’t keep a good man off the pitch!

In the past Tommy has worked as a summariser for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, both at London Road and away games, giving his expertise view on Posh matches alongside the team of Edwin Overland and a 'legend in his own right – my dear old friend Bob Burrows'. My memories of Tommy as a player, were his obvious enjoyment for the game with that famous toothless grin and never-say-die attitude. An abundance of skill, speed and dazzling runs down the wing, mesmerising many opposing defenders and scoring spectacular goals. He won many penalties with those thrilling and artistic dives, some that would grace any Olympic diving board even with the odd one or two were not totally legit. It was often thought that he could go down in the centre circle and still get a penalty for it! To this day he never forgets his fans and always makes time to chat and joke about those great times, sharing his views and love over our wonderful team of today. Tommy joins a band of other ex-Newcastle 'legends' who also played for Posh : Jack Fairbrother, Andy Donaldson and Georgie Hair – each and everyone were Posh through and through. I will end this tribute with the words I started it :-

TOMMY ROBSON - DEDICATION - LOYALTY - LEGEND

Thanks for the Memories Tommy! Up The POSH! Pete Lane

The Robson FILES: Name: Thomas Henry Robson D.o.B.: 31 July 1944 Place of Birth: Gateshead Signed for ‘Northampton Town’: August 1961

1961-65 Appearances 73 + Sub 1 TOTAL 74 Goals 20

Signed for ‘Chelsea’: December 1965

1965-66 Appearances 6 + Sub 1 TOTAL 7 Goals -

Signed for ‘Newcastle Utd’: December 1966

1966-68 Appearances 46 + Sub 2 TOTAL 48 Goals 11

Signed for 'The Posh' November 1968

1968 - - 1981

Record League Appearances

440 + Sub 42 TOTAL 482 Goals 111

F.A. Cup Appearances

43 + Sub 2 TOTAL 45 Goals 10

League Cup Appearances

31 + Sub 1 TOTAL 32 Goals 7

Total Appearances for The Posh

514 + Sub 45 TOTAL 559 Goals 128

The Posh Supporters Trust was sad to hear that former Posh players, goalkeeper Nigel Sims and midfielder John McGlashan both died in January 2018.

Nigel Sims Nigel was born in Derbyshire on the 9th August 1931 and joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 1948 as understudy to the great Wolves and England goalkeeper Bert Williams.

At Wolves for 8 seasons Nigel only played 39 and was transferred to Aston Villa in March 1956.

He was on the winning side in the 1957 FA Cup Final, in which Villa beat Manchester United 2–1 followed three years later by a Second Division winners' medal. In 1961, he helped Villa lift the inaugural League Cup.

In September 1964, having lost his place in the Villa side, Posh Manager Gordon Clark signed him for the Posh. He appeared only 16 times for them before trying his luck in Canada

In Safe Hands, a book about his footballing memories was published in August 2012

Nigel made 16 Football League appearances for the Posh.

Nigel died on Saturday 6th January aged 86.

John McGlashan

John was born in Dundee on the 3rd June 1967 and started his senior football career with Montrose in 1988.

A midfielder, John moved from Montrose to Millwall in 1990 for £50,000. After loan spells with both Fulham and Cambridge United, John joined the Posh for £75,000 in 1993.

After just a year with the Posh John moved to Rotherham United before moving back to Scotland where he played for Dundee, Ross County and Arbroath.

Whilst at the Posh John made 49 Football League appearances for the Posh scoring 3 goals.

John moved into coaching and managed Millwall Lionesses Ladies team as well as Dundee Violet and Arbroath.

John died on Wednesday 10th January 2018.

Our thoughts and condolences go to

both Nigel and John’s families.

News round up from other Trusts > > > > >

Manchester Utd fans faced a travel nightmare when they played Yeovil Town in the 4th Round of the FA Cup in January this year.

The Red Devils' long trip to Yeovil Town was selected by the BBC to be played on a Friday evening which resulted in the Manchester Utd Supporters Trust

publicly stating "Yet again broadcasters have totally ignored the impact on

away fans when considering what will be best for television ratings."

The Trust also told the FA they should protect match-going fans when negotiating new FA Cup TV deal.

In January Hartlepool United Supporters Trust (HUST) took the decision to

set-up a fighting fund with so much uncertainty over the future of the football club. The ring fenced fund is designed to provide a better platform to respond to every potential eventuality, and will only be committed when they are confident that its use will result in a long term solution for the clubs future.

HUST have also set up three committees in a bid to save the cash strapped

club; a club/investor group, a campaign/fundraising group and a liquidation/phoenix group.

Hartlepool were put up for sale just before Christmas, with owner John Blackledge, of Sage Investments, deciding that he has taken the club as far as he can – just six months after assuming control from Gary Coxall and recruitment firm JPNG. The football club is battling to keep out of

administration which would incur an automatic 10 point penalty which would increase the likelihood of relegation to the National League North.

Blackpool Supporters Trust (BST) is also working, with the help of the Supporters’ Direct Community Share Unit, to develop a Pledge concept to allow

all Blackpool fans to buy into having a financial stake in their club if a share-option can be created.

This follows Judge Marcus Smith’s ruling in November that looks like the end game for the Oystons’ involvement in Blackpool Football Club. It is a cause for cautious optimism for BST that maybe the club can make a fresh start under new ownership before or by the close season.

Mariners Trust have launched a new blog designed to help females have a voice to talk about Grimsby Town FC and the game in general. The Mariners Trust saw the opportunity because of Grimsby Town's already established and growing female fan base.

Posh Ladies: please get in touch with us if you would be interested in us offering a similar service. It is great to see such positive work being carried ou

Easter Beer Festival

Starts Midday Thurs 29th March and run until Monday 2nd April, and will showcase 20+ real ales locally and nationally sourced.

Festival entertainment to include: Thursday 29th March : –

General knowledge quiz 8pm free entry

£20 bar tab for the winning team

Friday 30th March :-

“Groovapolitan” 10:30pm – free entry Saturday 31st March :-

“Retrolux” 10:30pm – free entry Sunday 1st April :-

“The Stringlers” 3pm – family friendly -- free entry

Open for business as usual on Bank Holiday Monday for the Posh match against Northampton Town, and welcome home and away fans and families.

>>>> ‘Trust Members’ Exclusive’ >>>> At Charters >>>>

Every Posh Home Game >>> 2 Hours before and after the Game! On presentation of your Trust Membership / Discount Card you will receive

*30p a pint off normal price of ‘Bishops Farewell’ ‘Citra’ ‘JHB’ or ‘Inferno’

Former Posh defender ‘CLIFF SANSBY’ has passed away.

The Posh Supporters Trust were sad to hear that former Posh defender Cliff Sansby sadly passed

away in Newcastle on Tuesday 13th February 2018 aged 83.

Born in Peterborough, Cliff was the first Peterborough born player to represent the Posh in the

Football League. He was signed by Posh Manager Jimmy Hagan in July 1959 from March Town.

A versatile defender, Cliff played once in Posh’s first season in the Football League, a game which

Posh won 6-2 against Doncaster Rovers in front of 16,290 fans.Cliff had a long stay in Newcastle

Tyneside General Hospital, where his room was decorated with photo’s of his career and in particular

his time with the Posh. The staff at the hospital were all very fond of him. Our thoughts and

condolences to Cliff’s family at this very sad time.

The Posh Supporters Trust’s : “Smile Tickets Scheme” Our Scheme, awards Free match tickets to deserving people

in our community in two very simple ways.

1) Local community groups and disadvantaged fans can apply for Posh Smile Tickets so they can enjoy watching a game of football which perhaps they would otherwise be unable to enjoy.

2) Fans can also nominate individuals or groups for a special “Posh Smile Ticket Treat” as a means of acknowledging hard work, selfless acts and a commitment to their local community - this could be anything from cleaning up litter to helping an elderly person, or indeed a treat for the Carer of someone who is seriously ill.

Do you know someone who deserves a Smile Ticket Treat?

“Enjoying her Smile Ticket Treat”

Assunta Genovese gets to meet her favourite player, Junior Morias when she attended the game

against Shrewsbury in October.

Pictured with Assunta and Junior is carer Teressa, and nominee Keith Jennings.

Make your nominations Now!

Contact Sue :

Sue_jones_26@hotmail.com

Or Download an application form:- http://www.theposhtrust.co.uk/smile-tickets

You can help to make the Posh Smile Tickets scheme even more successful! the number of Free tickets we can offer is limited only to the funds available.

“Posh Supporters” can help us in several ways :-

*Personal Donations *Sponsored Bike Ride *Fun Run *Any other Sponsored ideas!

“Local Businesses”

Can you offer Sponsorship to our scheme? – and receive some great publicity!

*One-Off Donations?’ *Sponsor a ‘Smile Posh Season Ticket’ for us to use weekly? or * enhance the Smile scheme by offering free goodies to the nominees? etc etc

Participating Businesses will receive acknowledgement on our Website and News Letters.

‘Free Kicks Foundation’ QUIZ Night.

On Sunday 25th March from 1pm, the Free Kicks Foundation will be holding their annual quiz, which this year will be even bigger and better than before. Held in the Caroline Hand Suite at the ABAX Stadium, ‘A Question of Posh’ will not only feature the usual rounds of general knowledge questions but also special guest quizmasters that you will recognise.

Former Posh legends from the early MacAnthony era have been invited along to the event; names will be confirmed closer to the day but three of our charity ambassadors have already agreed to come along (subject to their current club commitments).

The afternoon, sponsored by Posh Fish and Chips, will also include a Q&A with the players and video compilations of their time at the club. Sam Edwards from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire will be our host with PISA chairman, Adi Mowles comparing an auction of PUFC memorabilia.

The teams will be competing for the Andy Mills Trophy. Andy, who sadly passed away last November, was a regular participant and winner of previous quiz nights and it’s an honour to rename the trophy in his memory. Tickets will be priced at £15 for adults and will include a choice of fish, sausage or vegetarian option with chips. Children are welcome to attend, under 12s will be admitted for £7.50 including food.

To Book a table (4-6 per team) please contact the Free Kicks Foundations, Twitter and Facebook feeds, or via Email : enquiries@freekicksfoundation.org

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chris Turner the Legend and Others

If you ever need to know who are legends of Posh

are this is the book for you.

Written by Dene Butler, the book is dedicated to

the memory of Chris Turner with all profits from

the sale of the book going towards the Chris

Turner Statue maintenance Fund.

The book which has forewords written by Tommy

Robson, Grant McCann and David Farrell,

features articles on the great man himself plus

many other of the “Legends” who have played for

Posh including, Noel Cantwell, Tommy Robson,

Bob Doyle, Jack Fairbrother, David Farrell and

Craig Mackail-Smith. The book also covers the

teams of :- 1960/61, 1973/74, 1991/92 &

2010/11, a Posh rabbit and a Posh man!

Now priced at Only £8-99!

Available on the Trusts Stall on the South Stand Concourse!

Or Email Dene Butler direct at dene1964@aol.com

Also available on eBay

Hold the Back Page! ……………………..…Did you know?.............

On 6 October 1928 Newcastle Utd fielded ten Scots in their team which beat Leeds Utd 3-2. The eleventh member of the Magpies team was Ted Wood, a Welshman!

In the 1933 FA Cup Final, the players of Everton and Manchester City were

numbered, not 1 to 11 but 1 to 22.

Stan Mortensen made his international debut for Wales against his own

country! He was England's reserve in a wartime match in 1943 at Wembley and when Wales lost their left half Ivor Powell with an injury it was agreed that Mortensen should take his place.

At the start of the 1950/51 season all promoted teams lost on the first day, all the relegated sides won and the newly elected clubs drew.

Terry Venables was best man at the wedding of George and Marie Graham in

Sept. 1967. On the same day in the afternoon they opposed each other; Terry for Tottenham and George for Arsenal in the North London derby.

In May 1972 the father of Leeds Utd and England defender Paul Madeley

married Paul's mother-in-law. Thus his father was his father-in-law , his wife his step-sister and his mother-in-law his step-mother.

Northampton Town's central defender Stuart Robertson was voted Player of

the Year by the club's supporters for the 1978/79 season. A week later he was given a free transfer by the club!

Liverpool's 1986 FA Cup winning team only had one player born in England,

and he was a Republic of Ireland International!

In Posh's 165th game in the Football League Cup, Gwion Edwards became

the first Posh player whose surname began with an 'E' to score a goal for the Posh in the competition.

Do you have any Posh Memorabilia? If you have any surplus football books, programmes or memorabilia lying

around, don’t throw them away.

Please donate them to The Posh Supporters’ Trust, who will be happy add them to our on-line museum or sell them on to raise funds for our cause. We are even

willing to collect them from your home. Also, if you have any treasured Posh collectables or items of items of interest, why not let us have a photograph of them to show in our on-line Museum.

YOUR RESPONSE / ENQUIRY

Please send me more details on :-

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Email us : enquiries@theposhtrust.co.uk

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