THE HEARTS SUPPORTERS FORUM

BACKGROUND

Posted by Hearts News on 27/9/2000 15:40 GMT:

Not to be confused with the meeting between Kickback representatives and Chris Robinson
three weeks ago, the Supporters' Forum established as part of the club's five-year strategic plan met for the first time last Sunday. They'll soon have their own section on Kickback, but for now, here's a short report on what went on:

The Supporters Forum

Following chairman Doug Smith's mailshot in July, all supporters who expressed an interest in becoming actively involved in a Supporters Forum were invited to the inaugural meeting in the Gorgie Suite prior to last Sunday's game against Kilmarnock. Of the 114 fans that had responded to the initial invitation, 66 attended the meeting. The main portion of the time allotted was taken up in laying the basis of how the forum will operate through discussing the terms of reference that the forum will have, and in appointing committee members from those assembled. A draft constitution was drawn up by Fraser Jackson and this was acknowledged by all assembled as providing a good and useful start point, however it will be discussed in detail when the committee first meet and will be amended where appropriate. Based on feedback from Stoke City Football Club, the only other football club in the UK with a Supporters Forum, our constitution had proposed an initial committee of 10 members including representatives of the associations we already meet with to discuss issues from their members AND non-aligned supporters to represent fans not involved with these associations.

Following a debate on how the committee should be set up it was agreed that once in place it would review what supporter groups are represented to ensure a balance of views could be achieved it was proposed the committee consist of,

1 Representative from the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs
1 Representative from the Hearts Shareholders Association
1 Representative from the Hearts Disabled Supporters Association
1 Representative from the Corporate Supporters that attend Tynecastle
6 Non-Aligned supporters one of whom would be Chairman of the Forum.

Following a brief session at which those interested in serving on the committee introduced themselves, the following committee was elected,

Hearts Disabled Supporters (Ian Bird) Corporate Members (Drew Oswald) Shareholders Association (Alex Knight) Non-aligned supporters George Hawkins, Ali Hibberd, David McLennan, Christopher Pitt, Peter Wilson, Jim Wyllie.

Following Sunday's meeting, the Club has received notification from the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs that they are declining the invitation to nominate a representative to the Forum.

THE FEDERATION HITS BACK 

I am responding to recent criticism regarding the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs decision to decline the invitation to nominate a representative to the Club's Fan's forum. Comments such as "in 25 years I can't recall anything positive coming out of the Federation", "Any spare tickets, guv", and "the Federation are twats" illustrate a lack of knowledge and understanding in certain quarters. For the record :-

• A successful Centenary Rally was held in 1974/75
  

• In December 1975 a Gala Evening was held on behalf of Jim Cruickshank - something the club failed to do.
  
• Also in the 70's a sterilising unit was purchased by the Federation on behalf of the club - the club did not have one at the time and the club physio was of the opinion that this was a necessary acquisition.
  
• When the ground was threatened with closure in the late 70's, many individual Federation members rallied round and undertook the onerous task of painting, weeding etc and this directly resulted in the Club being granted a safety certificate (this was well documented in the press at the time). (ed - I can vouch for this, because myself, the Goader and the Teaboy were there, as well as other members of the SQBBL and Tolcross Hearts Supporters Clubs)
  
• In 1980 a testimonial match against a North East Select was arranged on behalf of John Cumming (again something the club failed to do).
  
• In 1980/81 the Federation were instrumental in proposing amendments to the club's "Articles of Association" which at the time restricted individual shareholdings. Meetings were held in order to "open up" the club to supporters and this objective was achieved within 6 months. These historic events are substantiated by press reports at the time and directly resulted in Wallace Mercer and more recently Leslie Deans and Chris Robinson being given the opportunity to "acquire" Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
  
• Also in the 1980's at the direct request of assistant manager Sandy Jardine, a sauna unit was installed at the club, again financed by the Federation. Portable floodlights were also provided and financed.
  
• The Federation were the first organisation to liaise with police forces around the country with regard to stadia routes, parking areas etc. Many other organisations have since followed this successful practice.
  
• At the time it was suggested that the club may have to move away from Tynecastle a survey was undertaken to establish where Hearts should play. The results were made available to HMFC., and was commended by the Chairman and Board of Directors.
  
• 500 Club - discussions took place with the Chairman and Board of Directors at their request in order to form a committee responsible for raising finance for the funding of the Wheatfield Stand. Several months were spent visiting various clubs "selling" the idea with the result that a high percentage of Federation members and indeed clubs contributed.
  
• In the 1990's manager Joe Jordan approached the Federation with a view to establishing a youth Development committee with the sole purpose of providing finance for the youth programme. The Youth Development Committee, which includes Federation Committee Members have raised considerable finance over the years.
  
• Share option scheme - although the Federation expressed reservations it gave it's full commitment and backing.
  
• New 500 Club - The Federation were again represented on the committee responsible for raising finance for the funding of the Gorgie Stand.
  
• Testimonial/benefit matches - the Federation have contributed and assisted to various degrees over the years for Walter Kidd, Neil Berry, Henry Smith, John Robertson, Gary Mackay and David McPherson.
  
• Craig Levein benefit match - Hearts of Midlothian Football Club did not deem it necessary to reward one of the finest players every to appear in a maroon jersey with a benefit match. Following initian discussions with the Chief Executive, the Federation were responsible for the sole organisation of a very successful fixture.

The above clearly illustrates the Federation's involvement, commitment and contricution over the years.

The reasons for the Federation's decision to decline the invitation to nominate a representative are twofold.

Firstly - as a democratic organisation our membership have the opportunity to put forward their views at club meetings. Those views are aired by their democratically elected delegates and taken on board at Federation meetings.

Secondly - we already have a forum for discussion and exchange of views with the Board of Directors at the club.

The Club's decision to initiate a Fan's forum will be welcomed by many spectators who feel that they do not have an opportunity to voice their opinions. However, this statement that "the fans forum will speak with one voice" is clearly, in our opinion, an attempt to dilute any influence or views that the Federation may have. We as an organisation reserve the right to air the memberships views whether or not they concur with others.

John N Borthwick

Secretary - Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs

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