For those who have argued that control of the club should be in the hands of its fans and the local community this is a significant moment. A clear path now opens up to ensure that MFC remains our club for good or ill. If the plan succeeds the future of the club will be a matter for Well Society members to determine and we will no longer depend on the whim of any individual however well intentioned.
The proposal, at the moment no more than a “memorandum of understanding”, would result in Les Hutchison providing a loan to the club, combined with funding from the Society, of an amount of working capital. Details of the loan are yet to be revealed although we are told it will be interest free and over a five year term.
The onus is on the Society to raise sufficient funds to clear the debt and the result will be a club owned by its supporters. In effect this means that the fans have a chance to own their club but they have to provide the cash to clear the loan.
There has to be a drive to increase society membership, to encourage existing members to pay an annual subscription or better still to upgrade. Bucket collections, raffles, race nights, business sponsorships and any and all fundraising techniques have to be employed to gain the prize.
Every turnstile should afford an opportunity to donate. Every local pub, shop and cafe should be encouraged to join the clamour and help raise the necessary finance to allow our club to succeed.
This aspiration has been a long time in the planning but Friday’s late night announcement brings it within our grasp. Let’s not miss the opportunity.