At the meeting last week between Trust Representatives and Sam McEwan, (spokesperson for the B&S consortium), the Trust raised the issue of the lack of direct communication between the prospective new owners themselves and supporters.

The Trust feels strongly that answers to key questions need to be on the record from Mr. Bhatia and Mr. Strang in order to keep Trust members informed about the current situation at the Club.

Agreement was reached that Trust questions would be submitted to Mr. Bhatia and Mr Strang for them to reply. The following questions (listed below) which reflect key concerns and points of interest from Trust Members are now with the prospective new owners and a response is expected soon.

The full replies to each question will posted up on the Trust message board as soon as they are received.

Keri Usherwood
NCST Vice-Chair



Questions for Mr. Bhatia and Mr. Strang from Notts County Supporters Trust

1. There is growing discontent and uncertainty amongst Trust Members about the delay in completing the take-over process. The new season is only a few weeks away. Why is the process taking so long? What are the I's that need to be dotted and the T's that need to be crossed? When can we expect the take-over to be completed and when can we expect to come out of administration?

2. We have a squad that is down to the bare bones. On the first day of the season, what assurances can you give that we will have new players available to play and that Billy Deardon will have the necessary funds to secure these players for Notts County Football Club?

3. What will be the position if the Club is still in administration when the new season kicks off?

4. Who will be on the new board of directors once the takeover is completed?

5. Some people have said that you do not have the money to take over the Club. Can you confirm categorically that the necessary finance is in place to satisfy the purchase conditions?

6. There has been confusion over the season ticket concessions and mixed messages over whether Steve Parkin will be Billy's number 2. What is the reason for this confusion and what steps will be taken to ensure that consistent and accurate information is given to supporters?

7. There is some discontent over the season ticket and match day ticket pricing. While the Trust understands the need to put the Club on a stable and realistic financial footing, a Trust survey shows ticket prices to watch Notts County are in the top quarter of prices in the second division. £18 is a very high price to pay to sit in the Main Stand. The loss of the incentives for under 12's will not help in attracting kids to come along and watch our Club. Will you agree to look again at the pricing structure, particularly for match day tickets and see if any changes can be made?

8. When will the first "fans forum" be?

9. What are your plans for the Lifeline scheme?

10. What ideas do you have for increasing the role of the club in the community?

11. What role will Geoffrey Richmond be playing in his capacity as Chief Executive?

12. Where do you see Notts County Football Club in five years time?

[This message was edited by Nigel King on Mon 14 July 2003 at 10:24 PM.]

[This message was edited by Nigel King on Thu 17 July 2003 at 07:09 PM.]