Other results last night mean that Woking FC will be relegated. This press release was finalised before last night?s results but has not changed as a result.
1. The Future Structure of the club
The Board wishes to formally thank Chris for everything he has done for the club. Following discussions between Chris and the Board, the following have been agreed;
That control of the club is given back to the fans ? meaning that the club will in future be owned by shareholders, who will elect the Board to run the club on the basis of one share, one vote, in the same way as conventional companies. We hope this structure will help us attract new investment and anyone interested should contact the club.
The existing Board will remain in place until a new Board is elected, and will oversee the process of changing the constitution of the club to its new format, which will include proposing a change to the present shareholding structure. Following the proposed changes, the power to appoint the directors to run the club will rest solely with the ?A? Ordinary shareholders ? i.e. those shares in WFC that Chris Ingram has no interest in.
All shares will be issued with Board approval.
A timetable is being drawn up for the formal restructuring process, which will include an Extraordinary General Meeting of all existing shareholders, whose approval is needed. At this stage it is envisaged the process will take between six and ten weeks. The club will work in full partnership with both The Supporters Trust and Supporters Club.
All existing directors appreciate they may not be re-elected onto the new Board, should they wish to stand for election.
2. New Director
Shahid Azeem has been invited to become a director, and he has accepted. Shahid is a local businessman, Chairman of Guildford City, and Chairman of the Woking Asian Business Forum.His appointment is subject to permission from the FA that he can be a director of two clubs.
3. New Manager
The Board considered it urgent to appoint a new manager, so that preparations can begin early for the new season. We are therefore delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Baker as manager of Woking Football Club, with immediate effect. Graham has been a loyal servant of the club for many years, and has taken a very positive approach in his short time as first team manager. He has done a fantastic job with the academy and we hope he can do the same with the first team . He has been asked to oversee all football at the club and to implement his personal plan to formalise the football structure at the club with a clear ladder being in place from our most junior teams, through The Centre of Excellence, Academy and Reserve teams to the first team.
4. Rushden and Diamonds
As a thank you from the Board to our fans, the club will pay for the cost of travel for the supporters club coaches for the match on Sunday ? those fans who have already paid, willbe refunded. Bookings must be made through the club shop by 5pm tomorrow, Thursday 23rd April.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible loyalty and support shown by our fansduring this most challenging of seasons.
Endof press statement
All enquiries relating to this should be made to the Communications Manager, John Moore 07747-624-118
