The Board of Norwich City Supporters Trust have long lived behind the mantra that “Directors come and go, Managers come and go, Players come and go but through the good times and bad, the fans are there for life” the only two constants are the Football Club and the fans.

That is why it is important that the fans should have as large as possible shareholding in the Club, not just for now but into the future no matter what that future may hold. From AFC Wimbledon to Barcelona co-operative ownership with fan empowerment has proved itself to be a successful model.

The Trust believes that the long term sustainability of our football club must override all other issues, the Southampton scenario must not be replayed at Carrow Rd and for that reason the Trust has welcomed Michael Foulger’s generous offer to match the relegation rebate to provide at least some funds for player recruitment.

The Trust do not see waiving the right to the rebate as implicit support for the previous actions of the Directors or Managers, this is not about sending vague messages, we see it as a necessity to sustain football at Carrow Road at the highest possible level within the financial limitations of the Club.

Speaking on behalf of the Trust, Chairman Paul Bond said he hoped that as many season ticket holders as possible would waive their rebate and at the same time join the Supporters Trust. To those that have already claimed their rebate the Trust asks them to reconsider and, if willing, to return all or some of the rebate to the club via the Trust in order that the Trust might increase the fans voice as a major shareholder.

If every season ticket holder, some 18,000 plus became members of the Trust then not only would it unite the fans within a single democratic structure but the voice of the fans could not be ignored. Almost certainly from that 18,000 membership, there would emerge suitable candidates with the necessary business experience to become a valuable member of the Football Club Board.