последние новости:
what's happening?
Here's what's happening:
- IMUSA and the fanzines have today publicly called for a boycott of the CL game in August - it is an individual choice whether you participate in this, but I certainly will (well I don't have a ST any more so it's easy)
- we will be relaunching SU as a mutual society, 'The Manchester United Supporters Trust', by the end of the month - logos are now being designed for this and for Phoenix
- we are still in the throes of liquidating SUSS, which has been painful in the extreme - cheques to those who cashed out will be processed by the end of the month and new share certificates should be on their way from the registrars to those who requested transfers
- we are in discussion with a number of financial institutions about the legal, regulatory, financial, structural and IT issues relating to the setting up of the Phoenix Fund - an announcement will be made as soon as we are in a position to do so
- we are in the process of changing our organisation from a mainly anti-takeover campaigning group on the inside of the fight against takeover to a structured, professional and commercial entity on the outside, positioning ourselves for a 3-year long campaign to be there when our club comes back on the market - of course we will take hits and it ain't going to be an easy transition
- we have a 5 page draft strategy document about to 'go live' covering such issues as organisational strategy, funding, commercial (sponsorship and revenue-raising deals), branding/merchandising, communications/media, recruitment, advertising - that's in addition to the direct action, branch programme, volunteer database, and other critical matters which need to be dealt with yesterday
We need people to contribute and get/stay involved, and we will be coming to you all for that - those who are committed to the cause and see this as a long-term war not those who lose heart at the first sign of difficulty. We aren't going to win this in the first few months, it will take years with apparent setbacks and loads of apathy. MU will try to paint us as the small minority, the enemy (they already are doing that). And many fans will walk away from the fight for one reason or another. But be sure that we have to get it right from the start because if we stay United, Glazer will push wavering United fans back into our arms as the seasons roll by with price increases and loopy decisions across the board year-on-year.
Be patient. I know we all tend to get disheartened when we lose a battle and see no obvious action plan, but you know it is easy to sit in an armchair and complain when nothing appears to be happening. Things are happening, bigtime, but SU is a bit like a supertanker which takes a mile or several to change direction.
The beginning of the season proper will see MUST as a broad-based and dynamic organisation, offering a real long-term alternative to the nightmare that is Glazer. This will be a long and bumpy ride - make sure you're strapped in and ready.
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