FANS GIVE THUMBS UP TO MAJOR CHANGES

The Chesterfield Football Supporters Society (CFSS) is to give up its majority shareholding in Chesterfield FC and allow the current football club board to take full control, with plans to move the club forward to a new phase in the history of the club.

The results of a secret ballot of CFSS members, reveal that an overwhelming 94.6% ratified the CFSS Board's recommendation to approve key changes, the main one being that the Society reduce its shareholding in CFC (2001) Ltd to approximately 250,000, with the balance being distributed into the ownership of individual CFSS members.

It's an important step, which is expected to open the way to attract new investment and funding crucial for the football club's exciting plans to relocate to a new stadium.

CFSS members have also agreed that the Society's future representation on the CFC Board will reduce to one, but safeguards have also been built in.

Approval has been give for proper arrangements to be made to ensure the ground now, and in the future, remains part of the club's assets, and that community aspirations should remain an integral part of the football club's future.

CFSS acting chairman John Croot, a founder member of the Society, said:

"Although CFSS, and its partners on the football board, have successfully brought the club back from the edge of oblivion, the time is now right to make the changes that will ensure the club moves forward into a new stadium."

John Croot added: "I want to thank CFSS members for making a realistic assessment of the situation and recognising that the future of the football club is more important than what's best for any particular organisation."

After nearly six years of democratic, supporter ownership, the first such venture of its kind in England, and brought about by the shenanigans of convicted fraudster Darren Brown's disastrous tenure in 2000-01, the supporters of Chesterfield FC have once again boldly decided to implement the solutions that best meet the club's needs.

The CFSS decision is being reported to CFC shareholders at tonight's AGM of CFC (2001) Ltd, when details of the investment opportunities being planned, and the latest position on the move to a new stadium, will be given.

During the formal part of the CFSS AGM on Monday the accounts for the year ending 31 January 2006 were approved, and re-election of CFSS Board members, David Bowler, Ian Browes, Margaret Cook, Philip Taylor and Roy Willett was confirmed.

CFSS Ballot Result

Recommendation voted on:

I accept the proposal to reduce CFSS's shareholding in CFC 2001 Ltd and agree for the arrangements detailed in the proposal to be implemented on my behalf by the Society Board.

Yes votes 702

No votes 40

Total votes cast 742

Percentage in favour 94.6%

Percentage turnout 62%

M Hadfield

Returning Officer

17 January 2007