The Way Forward for CAST

castrust

This article summaries a recent board discussion about the future financial and strategic approach of CAST and the opportunity to develop more proactive initiatives:

https://www.castrust.org/2021/01/outlining-the-way-forward-for-c-a-s-t/

stonemuse

Very good .. as a suggestion, what about closer liaison with CADSA ... we’ve had a few useful ideas in the past 

Weegie Addick

Thanks for this @stonemuse - I've dropped you a DM - definitely keen to be in proper contact on this.

addickson

Excellent article. The harsh fact is that most Supporters Trusts are only set in motion at a time of crisis. The original CAST was set up when the club “seemed” to be stable and I give thanks to the folks who had the foresight to set the ball in motion.

Due to the TS takeover some people might question the need for CAST now. I don’t. A Supporters Trust is very necessary to maintain vigilance over the club and be prepared to take action in the event of the nuclear option. CAST was, but TS taking over the club meant that this was no longer deemed necessary (but to play Devils Advocate here since TS took over we’ve lost our prize asset Dillon Phillips for nowt and sold 2 young players with potential, Bonne and Alfie. Had Roland done that would there have been more than a few murmurings of disquiet?)

One look at the board of CAST would have most businesses salivating at the talent within. But the perception at the moment is that with TS at the helm we are in safe hands.

So, why do we need a Supporters Trust at all? I’d say that it is a very valuable insurance policy for mobilising the fan base if ever things go tits up again. In the meantime in this article CAST have told us about the practical initiatives they are working on, all of which seem to me to be highly laudable. I’m very proud to be a member of CAST.

addick2000

This is an excellent article and the views and initiatives put forward show the average fan (me) that CAST really care about the Club and supporters.   I notice that you refer to the BP5 annual fee.   I know I have joined but can't find a recent payment from my accounts.   Can you remind me again how to pay/rejoin, bearing in mind I am in Australia.

801912601

Fully agree with previous comments about the high quality of this CAST article and I am proud to be a member. 
One suggestion I have (apologies if already covered) is to look for new sponsors to come into the club. 

sillav nitram

Are there any plans for an update Q&A from Thomas and how he feels the season has panned out so far?

Pico

addick2000 said:

This is an excellent article and the views and initiatives put forward show the average fan (me) that CAST really care about the Club and supporters.   I notice that you refer to the BP5 annual fee.   I know I have joined but can't find a recent payment from my accounts.   Can you remind me again how to pay/rejoin, bearing in mind I am in Australia.

Have sent you a DM

Off_it

Gotta love a survey

Stig

Excellent article and a timely reminder that I need to pay my subs. For the record, I agree with every bullet point.

Weegie Addick

sillav nitram said:

Are there any plans for an update Q&A from Thomas and how he feels the season has panned out so far?

We'd certainly like to, but nothing fixed yet. 

PopIcon

addickson said:

Excellent article. The harsh fact is that most Supporters Trusts are only set in motion at a time of crisis. The original CAST was set up when the club “seemed” to be stable and I give thanks to the folks who had the foresight to set the ball in motion.

Due to the TS takeover some people might question the need for CAST now. I don’t. A Supporters Trust is very necessary to maintain vigilance over the club and be prepared to take action in the event of the nuclear option. CAST was, but TS taking over the club meant that this was no longer deemed necessary (but to play Devils Advocate here since TS took over we’ve lost our prize asset Dillon Phillips for nowt and sold 2 young players with potential, Bonne and Alfie. Had Roland done that would there have been more than a few murmurings of disquiet?)

One look at the board of CAST would have most businesses salivating at the talent within. But the perception at the moment is that with TS at the helm we are in safe hands.

So, why do we need a Supporters Trust at all? I’d say that it is a very valuable insurance policy for mobilising the fan base if ever things go tits up again. In the meantime in this article CAST have told us about the practical initiatives they are working on, all of which seem to me to be highly laudable. I’m very proud to be a member of CAST.

CAST was set up at the beginning of those dark days. i would describe the situation as very unstable at the time, there were a lot of whispers coming out regarding Roland's intentions. I do however remember there was a huge problem with getting the wider fan base to support CAST.

Weegie Addick

PopIcon said:

addickson said:

Excellent article. The harsh fact is that most Supporters Trusts are only set in motion at a time of crisis. The original CAST was set up when the club “seemed” to be stable and I give thanks to the folks who had the foresight to set the ball in motion.

Due to the TS takeover some people might question the need for CAST now. I don’t. A Supporters Trust is very necessary to maintain vigilance over the club and be prepared to take action in the event of the nuclear option. CAST was, but TS taking over the club meant that this was no longer deemed necessary (but to play Devils Advocate here since TS took over we’ve lost our prize asset Dillon Phillips for nowt and sold 2 young players with potential, Bonne and Alfie. Had Roland done that would there have been more than a few murmurings of disquiet?)

One look at the board of CAST would have most businesses salivating at the talent within. But the perception at the moment is that with TS at the helm we are in safe hands.

So, why do we need a Supporters Trust at all? I’d say that it is a very valuable insurance policy for mobilising the fan base if ever things go tits up again. In the meantime in this article CAST have told us about the practical initiatives they are working on, all of which seem to me to be highly laudable. I’m very proud to be a member of CAST.

CAST was set up at the beginning of those dark days. i would describe the situation as very unstable at the time, there were a lot of whispers coming out regarding Roland's intentions. I do however remember there was a huge problem with getting the wider fan base to support CAST.

CAST launched on 5 Dec 2012, before any Charlton fans had ever heard of Duchatelet! Got to c1,000 members quite quickly and stabilised more or less at that level until significant increase during the crisis last year - principally when Southall threatened to sue us and after we launched "Our Club" sign-up campaign. 

CAST called and chaired the Woolwich meeting back in Feb 2015 which is maybe what you are remembering?

We aim to be open, transparent and accessible for all fans. Suggestions and comments always welcome.