TanyaT
15th September 2003, 16:03
FANS UNITED IN DEFENCE OF UNITED
PRESS NOTICE: For immediate release, 3.00pm Sunday 14th September 2003
In response to yet more fevered speculation and hyperbole, this time in The Observer, surrounding the future ownership and stewardship of Manchester United plc, the club's independent supporter-shareholder organisation has warned that any potential suitors ignore the wishes and concerns of fans at their peril.
Oliver Houston, spokesman for Shareholders United, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, said:
"Manchester United is not the plaything of wealthy individuals or international corporations. It is a 125-year-old community asset that should be run in the interests of its supporters.
"Anyone ignoring the 15 per cent, or so, of the shares held by fans is going to wind up with a bloody nose. Just ask Rupert Murdoch!
"SU, IMUSA and the fanzines are united in the belief that no-one, other than the Supporters' Trust, should control 50 per cent or more of the Club."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Observer said: "City sources say that if any of the three interested parties gains control, they will end United's status as a public limited company and return it to private ownership. 'The other top clubs in England - Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle - all have a dominant shareholder, and United need one, too. It makes things more stable and is better for supporters, because the single owner tends to want the best for the club rather than just a quick profit,' said a source who is aware of the trio's interest in United."
CONTACT:
Oliver Houston SU press officer: 07855 097753
PRESS NOTICE: For immediate release, 3.00pm Sunday 14th September 2003
In response to yet more fevered speculation and hyperbole, this time in The Observer, surrounding the future ownership and stewardship of Manchester United plc, the club's independent supporter-shareholder organisation has warned that any potential suitors ignore the wishes and concerns of fans at their peril.
Oliver Houston, spokesman for Shareholders United, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, said:
"Manchester United is not the plaything of wealthy individuals or international corporations. It is a 125-year-old community asset that should be run in the interests of its supporters.
"Anyone ignoring the 15 per cent, or so, of the shares held by fans is going to wind up with a bloody nose. Just ask Rupert Murdoch!
"SU, IMUSA and the fanzines are united in the belief that no-one, other than the Supporters' Trust, should control 50 per cent or more of the Club."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Observer said: "City sources say that if any of the three interested parties gains control, they will end United's status as a public limited company and return it to private ownership. 'The other top clubs in England - Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle - all have a dominant shareholder, and United need one, too. It makes things more stable and is better for supporters, because the single owner tends to want the best for the club rather than just a quick profit,' said a source who is aware of the trio's interest in United."
CONTACT:
Oliver Houston SU press officer: 07855 097753