Ten years ago today Motherwell FC transferred into fan ownership. A new episode for a top flight football club
had begun.
Supporters are the life blood of any club. Owners, managers and players come and go but
the life-long affiliation of those who fill the stands and terraces ensure its
continuing operation.
John Boyle purchased of the club from John Chapman in 1998. In what proved to be an overambitious attempt
to raise the profile of the club he invested around ten million pounds before
calling an abrupt halt in 2002. The club
was put into the hands of an administrator and put on sale.
Many staff and players lost their jobs and the club continued on a
shoestring budget. After two years a Company
Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) allowed the club to leave administration. Boyle had written off most of his investment.
In the meantime the Well Worth Saving campaign was formed days after the
administration announcement and it evolved into a Supporters Trust (The Well
Trust). It argued for representation on
the club board, raised funds and acquired a number of shares. It was the forerunner of today’s Well
Society, proud owners of the football club.
As a one member one vote organisation every member has a voice in the
stewardship of Motherwell FC. It
controls the strategic direction and leaves the day to day running of the club
to an executive board on which it is represented.
Hearts, Falkirk and St Mirren have followed Motherwell’s lead and
together they have the potential to influence the game at a national
level. Supporters at every club in the
country should back them in their endeavours.
Congratulations to the many fans who worked and planned for the dream of
fan ownership. Those currently at the helm
will ensure that the club is ready to face the future in good health and in
support of its community.
Here’s to the Society – congratulations.
