Derry City supporters Matt Boyle, Ryan McKeegan and Deaglan Barrett – all of whom have been involved in the formation of the Supporters Trust – today met the FAI to discuss the concept of a Supporters Trust at Derry City FC.

In a relatively short meeting the FAI outlined their ambition to see senior football return to Derry and outlined a process that must first be followed in order to achieve this. They were extremely hopeful that Derry will be back playing football within the FAI jurisdiction next year.

Dear All,

The events of the last few weeks have been very traumatic for all those who consider themselves fans of Derry City FC. Leaving aside the recent contract issues,the revelation that the club is in debt of over £500,000, the future of the club is far from certain.

It will require a huge effort from a large number of people in the coming weeks and months to attempt to ensure that this club is playing senior football in 2010.

Given the dynamic nature of events and the uncertain financial future of the club at this time, it seems the correct moment to invite supporters to join the Derry City Supporters Trust. The Trust has been formally registered as an Industrial and Providential Society under Industrial and Provident Societies Acts (NI) 1969 and 1976, Company Number IP393.

Supporters interested in becoming involved with the Supporters Trust met yesterday to discuss the direction of the groups.

Full minutes will be published here in the coming days.

The main action points from the meeting were

1.  Seek volunteers to become involved in working group

2.  Open membership to gain mandate from supporters

3.  Seek  assistance from Supporters Direct and other Trusts in this matter

Given recent events surrounding Derry City FC and the uncertain future of the club, a meeting has been organised for tomorrow by those involved in the formation of the Supporters Trust.

The Trust was formed and registered over a year ago, but due to a number of issues has been in “cold storage” since then.  Tomorrow’s meeting is to invite interested parties to meet and discuss the role of a Supporters Trust in the future of Derry City.

Those involved in calling the meeting would like to make it clear that tomorrow’s meeting is not a “Save Derry City” meeting, but is specifically related to the future of the Supporters Trust and the possible role for the group going forward.

If sufficient interest exists, the plan is to form a working group to talk the Trust forward and play an increased role in the future of Derry City FC.

Individuals interested in learning more, or becoming involved, are invited to come to the meeting in Badgers at 5pm.