The Dale Supporters Trust will soon be holding an election to fill the six vacant positions on the Trust Committee. Seven people have been put forward for the election, and Trust members have been sent out their voting slips.

As part of that process, we have been asked to bring you details on each of the seven candidates:

DAVID GARTSIDE

I am 47 years old, married and have been a Dale fan since 1969/70, most of those years as a season ticket holder. I run my own finance business and have lived in Rochdale all my life, having previously been a Director of a PLC for 10 years. I feel that I have a good deal of experience which would benefit the Trust and hopefully, the Football Club.
I was one of the people behind the” fans initiatives" to try to boost our attendances this year, and as such wish to stand for election to the Trust Board.


JAN HARWOOD

I am a lifelong Dale fan of 22 years and have been a member of the Trust every year since it began. I have wanted to help out with the Trust for some time and now that I have finished my University studies I feel that I can devote the time and effort that a role on the Trust board requires. Having just completed a Masters degree in Newspaper Journalism I hope to utilise my news writing skills for the Trust and help get it, and the football club in general, the recognition it deserves given the state of things on the pitch at the moment. These are exciting times to be a Dale fan and I believe I can help drive the Trust forward in 2008/09. All in all I’d say I was a tall friendly chap who always enjoys a beer or five with fellow Dale fans.


FRANCIS COLLINS

Many fans will know me as the rogue who started EGP (with Richard Wild) the Rochdale fanzine back in 1993. Within a few years both myself and Richard had been invited to run the club’s commercial department. We both went onto serve the club for years before I left in 2001 to seek pastures new. My support for Dale has never wavered and I can be found at practically every match we play, something that has never changed since I left school. I would like to be elected to The Trust’s Board as I feel my inner knowledge of the way the club works would prove advantageous to The Trust Board. I would bring energy to Trust led initiatives and my belief for The Trust’s existence is that we should always look at our directors and ask them one question every time….What can Dale Trust do to help Rochdale AFC?


KELVIN FINAN

I would like to be considered for a place on the trust board as I feel I would bring fresh ideas to the board with regards to both its direction and the increasing of its membership numbers.
Through my involvement with RochdaleAFC.com I have held a number of social events for supporters and I feel that, should I be elected, I could hold events that are just as successful in the name of the trust. I feel confident that I can bring new members to the trust through these social evenings and encourage them to become actively involved in the ethos of what the trust is trying to achieve. I am extremely passionate about all aspects of Rochdale AFC and would do everything possible to be a success in any role I am chosen to perform.


JARROD FLETT

I was a member of the original team that set up the Rochdale Supporters Trust, but had to surrender my place due to works commitments. Now I have the time to push the trust forward. The past Trust board members have done a sterling job in solidifying the Trusts position within the fan base, and its relationship with the football club. With this in place there is a great opportunity to take the trust to the next level, giving it even more credibility and clout so the feelings and ideas of the fans can bring even stability and further prosperity to Rochdale Football Club. I feel I can contribute to this with my experience in many fields from my current and past working environments. I have experience in catering, events organisation, marketing and currently I am a partner in an advertising company. I feel these skills would benefit the trust.



SCOTT GOULDING

I have been a Dale supporter for over 25 years and have sat on the Trust board since it's formation in January 2004.
I believe Dale Trust has rapidly moved forward as a supporter’s body and has a major part to play in the future of Rochdale AFC. It is important that Trust Members are heard and represented regarding development of the football club. It is my turn to stand down having served another 2 year term. It was an honour and a privilege to have been the Chairman of Rochdale Supporters Trust for the past three years. It had not been easy, at times it had been difficult and challenging, but above all this, leading an organisation, which exists, to support the Club we all love was a hugely rewarding experience. I wish to stand for re-election as Membership Officer, to utilise my knowledge of the new membership database.


MOHAMMAD RAHMAN

Some of you will know me as ‘Ray’, formerly of Raj Restaurant, now of The India Lounge. I am seeking election to the Trust Board to develop the fundraising activities of the Trust, and consequently help Rochdale AFC. I have been involved in three “Curry On Up The Dale” nights, and have brought in sponsorship (and free lager!) worth four figure sums to the Trust at these events. I would also like to use my professional abilities to revive and expand the “Friends of The Trust” scheme. The team’s recent successes have raised the profile of the club. Let’s use these achievements to get more funding and sponsorship on board to help the club to even greater feats.


The 2008/09 election timetable is as follows –
• Call for nominations • Open May 08
• Closing date for receipt of nominations • 28/06/08
• Ballot Papers issued • 05/07/08
• Closing date for receipt of Ballot Papers • 22/08/08
• Election results declared • AGM 2/10/08

NB: 2007/08 Dale Trust members (excl. under 16's) are only entitled to vote.

For more information on Dale Supporters Trust & the election process log onto www.daletrust.org.uk
 

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