This update was originally printed in the match day programme for Truro on 20.12.2025.

The Supporters Trust owns 25% of York City Football Club which means that it is entitled to have representatives on the main Club Board. The Supporters Trust representatives on the York City Board are Alastair Smith and James Daniels. Alastair is in his fourth year representing the Trust and James in his third year.

The role of Supporters Trust representative has evolved since Glen Henderson bought the club from Jason McGill in July 2022. Initially Alastair, and Mike Brown at that time, were volunteers heavily involved in the day to day running of the club with Glen.

Julie-Anne and Matt purchased the club from Glen in June 2023 and have brought salaried people in to run the day to day, leading to the Trust representatives role changing. Today the Football Club Board has seven members, including the two Supporters Trust representatives.

The Supporters Trust objectives that include our relationship to the club include the following:-

  • Being the democratic and representative voice of the supporters of the Club and strengthening the bonds between the Club and the communities which it serves;
  • Achieving the greatest possible supporter and community influence in the running and ownership of the Club;
  • Promoting responsible and constructive community engagement by present and future members of the communities served by the Club and encouraging the Club to do the same;
  • To provide and maintain facilities for the enjoyment of professional football in the area;
  • To benefit present and future members of the community served by the Club by promoting encouraging and furthering the game of football as a recreational facility, sporting activity and focus for community involvement;
  • Operating democratically, fairly, sustainably, transparently and with financial responsibility and encouraging the Club to do the same;

The Board meets in person quarterly and Julie-Anne issues a great monthly update to keep Board members informed of everything happening on and off the pitch. Club Finance Officer Paul Fenton provides all Board members a monthly management accounting pack, which is great for our representatives as they are both ex-accountants. In May 2025 the quarterly board meeting included discussing the budget for the upcoming season (the financial year mirrors the football season and runs from 1st July to 3oth June.) This was difficult as we were not sure which division we would start the season and made planning difficult.

The Supporters Trust also have a Shareholder Agreement in place with the owners which stipulates certain working practices. Alastair and James role is to ensure this is adhered to and we are pleased to say that both the Uggla’s and the Fords are complying with this and we are all working to ensure the relationship goes from strength to strength.

Alastair and James work closely with all the club staff, helping wherever they can, they have nearly 100 years experience supporting City between them and try to call on that experience to help the club.

Our representatives provide a monthly update on Club activities to the Trust Board to keep the Trust abreast with what is happening at the Football Club. They also provide a Supporters Trust update to the Football Club Board at each Board meeting, giving Supporters a voice at the table.

While the Supporters Trust owns 25% of the Club, unlike most shareholders in other business it does not match the investment that the Uggla’s and the Fords are making in the Club. Instead one of our aims is to undertake fundraising activities so that we can support projects in line with our Objectives. Last year we ran campaigns such as “Renew Your Vows” around Valentines Day that raised funds to help purchase a new minibus. The new owners are making massive investments in our club, it is important the Trust makes efforts to continue to contribute in this way.

About York City Supporters’ Trust

Established in 2002, York City Supporters Trust is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We were formed to protect the long-term future of the football club and represent the interests of the fans. We are also 25% shareholders in York City Football Club Ltd.