After five years of service, our Vice Chair, Jim Calverley, is stepping down from the Trust Board.
Jim leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Much of his work went unseen — the countless hours spent protecting and strengthening York City FC, and the relationships he built that have made the Trust more influential than ever. His impact was felt in everything the Trust has done, from the Hartlepool Report and the South Stand flags, to filling the LNER for relegation survival, and yes, buses. Above all, he leaves a Board that is more structured, more accountable and better equipped for the challenges ahead.
We’re proud to publish his own farewell message in full below, but first a word of thanks.
A message from Seth, Chair of York City Supporters’ Trust
“Jim has been the best possible partner throughout our time on the Trust board together. His diligence and dedication to the Trust’s work have been unmatched, as have his integrity and patience. Whenever tough decisions about the Trust or our beloved York City had to be made, I relied on Jim’s counsel — and I shall miss talking it all through over a pint. On behalf of the Board, our members and York City supporters everywhere: thank you, Jim. You leave the Trust stronger than you found it.”
Jim Calverley’s farewell message
Dear Seth, The Trust Board, Members & Fans,
The last 5 years have been quite the bus ride. The lowest of lows and the highest of one-hundred-and-third-minute equalisers, it is however time for me to step off the Trust Board.
I joined the Trust Board driven by one goal: to get my best friend Graham back in love with York City. He had become despondent with a club in chaos, a club so disconnected from its community that many were turning their back. The club was decaying in front of our eyes and our community was following it; I could not sit aside and watch.
It has been a wild ride. We’ve had three majority owners and added three minority owners in my time. The Trust has stepped in to pay players’ wages, added to the Trust’s rights, put the football club’s heritage in the hands of supporters, given the Club legal rights to protect itself, and set out a blueprint for scrutinising future owners and transparently presenting changes to members.
Most of the work has been behind the scenes: reading and re-reading the Club’s Articles of Association, poring over Shareholder Agreements and maintaining relationships with partners throughout. The late nights and early mornings, the interruptions to family events, holidays, wedding preparation, honeymoon or just a normal weekend are fond memories of working hard with friends to protect something I love – less fond for my long-suffering wife.
We didn’t stop at protecting the football club. I still remember sitting with a pint across from Seth just after we became Chair & Vice Chair and instantly agreeing the Trust needed to do more for fans. The Hartlepool Report, the yearly meetings with Cleveland Police that followed, fundraising for community causes, filling the LNER for relegation survival, organising the South Stand flags, getting bans lifted, representing supporter opinions directly to the club, the council or the SMC are some of the things I probably won’t be remembered for compared to organising the Y22 and other bus-related activities.
How the Trust now achieves these things has changed in the last 5 years. Every board member is involved and accountable for delivery of their own areas. We have prioritised relationships and results and, as a consequence, the Trust is more influential than it was five years ago, working quietly all the time, lobbying in private often whilst simultaneously being accused of inaction. With a Board engaged with its objectives, more structured and with a clearly defined approach, I’m confident the Trust is in a better place to manage any challenges it may face.
It has been a long five years achieving so much. To every board member I have served with, every member that has helped and every football club owner & staff member that has listened and worked with me, thank you for letting me be a part of this ride. Thank you for supporting some crazy ideas, thank you for providing the opportunities and thank you for helping me represent York City fans my way.
I resign to get some time back. My life has moved on in five years and I want to focus more of my time building my life with Ellie. As City embark on the EFL I also want to spend more time just enjoying watching football without having to switch into dealing with club admin – critically I want to enjoy it with Graham, who is firmly back in love and totally obsessed with York City.
For the final time, I have been honoured to work with you and represent you, if you haven’t already Join the Trust – it will help your football club, support your community and change your life.
Keep the Faith,
Jim Calverley – Former Vice Chair & Board Member York City Supporters’ Trust
About York City Supporters’ Trust
York City Supporters’ Trust is the fan-owned body that holds a shareholding in York City Football Club. Run by fans, for fans, we give supporters a real voice in the future of our club — on and off the pitch.
Not yet a member? Join online today at https://www.ycst.org.uk/join/ and help make our voice even stronger. Membership is open to anyone aged 16 and over, from just £10 a year.