Villa Fans Combined have noted with interest the press speculation about rumoured takeovers or majority shareholding buy-outs over the past 3-4 weeks and share in the optimism and intrigue.
Jonathan Fear says "It is very difficult for VFC to take a position on these rumours without the relevant information but would implore potential new owners to talk with VFC, (including both the Supporters Trust and the Shareholders Association) and not to alienate the essential fan base.
VFC have repeatedly called for roots and branch change at Aston Villa and feel that the fans are a vital component of any club; in fact, they are the lifeblood. VFC would join the Trust in calling for clarification from the current board of directors as to their intentions, we understand the rules of the PLC and that any news has to be announced to the City first, but also feel that the current uncertainty and rumours are serving no one well."
He continues "We urge any potential investors not to side step the fans but to include them in securing a better future for Aston Villa and to give David O'Leary the solid foundations on which to build success. The potential at Aston Villa is huge and just waiting to be unlocked by a dynamic board and investors"
VFC have since its induction forged good relations with the media, corporate advisers, lawyers and financiers, many from large City firms, as well as achieving a great deal of support from AVFC's major customer base, the supporters. In a very short time we have proved dynamic enough to commission and publish a major report on the workings of AVFC (The Hodgson Report - Aston Villa PLC ). As well as commissioning a major grass roots fans survey on how these supporters feel as customers of AVFC (which is still being conducted by www.footballfanscensus.com).
VFC are still awaiting a date to meet the current board as proposed by the club but have readily agreed to wait until any talks are completed so the future direction of Villa is clear.
On a lighter note VFC are delighted to announce they have raised £750* to be donated to AVIDS (www.avids.co.uk). We also asked the club to match the sum raised and they have happily agreed to put aside any differences and to do so. The sum total being £1500 to an excellent charity who are delighted. Cheques will be presented at the Avids agm at Villa Park later in the year.
Another sign that VFC are a constructive not destructive force.
ENDS
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