Paul Newton - PN
Norman Steel - NS
PN – As we stand at the moment what is the situation?
NS – The situation is that yesterday the judge decided to extend the injunction that we already had to prevent the owner selling shares until such time that the dispute is finalised or settled.
PN – So how do the Trust see that result, do they regard that as Round One if you like?
NS – Not necessarily. I’ll be quite blunt about this, the Trust doesn’t take any pleasure in having to go through the Courts in pursuing what it believes to be it’s right. We had an agreement and we are simply trying to implement that agreement.
PN – How do you respond to criticism, inevitably, that the Trust’s actions could prove damaging to the football club?
NS – I’ve been involved with this Trust board for the last four and a half years. My goals now are exactly the same as they were then and it’s simply to attain a shareholding in the club and a voice on the main board from the supporter base. Dead simple.
PN – There is also an argument that the Trust don’t wholly represent the views of the majority of football supporters. How do you respond to that?
NS – There is probably, in fairness, an element of truth in that but that would again be down to the supporters to join the Trust and voice their opinions in a democratic fashion.
PN – On the back of yesterday’s outcome in the High Court what happens now exactly?
NS – What happens now is I hope that we can talk to Mr Story and the rest of the board. If I can just put one thing right here there is a perception, certainly amongst part of the public and part of the media, that the Trust is pursuing a campaign to oust Mr Story. That is simply not true now and never has been so I would like to put that right straight away.
What I see happening now to answer your question fully is that the Trust have a balance of funds of approximately £600,000. I would like to think that come January when the transfer window opens that that money can be in the bank account of Carlisle United Football Club to assist Paul Simpson, who by the way I believe is the best young manager in the game. To assist Paul to proceed with his team strengthening plans.
PN – Is it all about supporter representation, is it all about shares? What ultimately do the Trust want to see happen at Brunton Park, long-term and short-term?
NS – Long-term I would see it fundraising and assisting the club and the community in any shape or form it can.
PN – You made it quite clear that the Trust doesn’t want to see Fred Story ousted but you would understand and agree that any working relationship between the Trust, their representatives and Fred Story would be virtually impossible if the outcome goes against Fred Story.
NS – I don’t accept that no. Certain individuals will not get on in any walk of life but I think with a possible change of personnel it would be possible to push things forward and work together.