Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas has sharply criticised the Northampton Town Supporters’ Trust, accusing its board of pursuing a “conspiracy-led vendetta” against the club.
His comments follow a recent letter from the Trust expressing concerns over potential delays and costs related to the ongoing East Stand redevelopment at Sixfields Stadium. The dispute revolves around a non-material amendment (NMA) submitted by Northampton Town in August, aiming to modify elements of the initial East Stand plans approved in 2014.
However, in September, West Northamptonshire Council rejected the amendment, citing that some of the proposed changes, including alterations to parking, were substantial enough to require a revised planning application.
In their letter to Cobblers CEO James Whiting, the Trust expressed its concern about the potential impact on timelines and finances. The letter reads:
“We understand that an application made by the football club on 6 August 2024… has been rejected… Can you please confirm that this is correct and the financial ramifications?”
Thomas Responds to Trust’s Claims
Speaking on BBC Radio Northampton’s Cobblers Show, Thomas downplayed the Trust’s concerns, framing the planning process as routine for developments of this nature.
“We did put in a non-material amendment, as is normal practice with these types of developments. The council agreed to part of it but required a new NMA, which we’ve submitted, and we anticipate approval. None of it will delay the outcome.”
He also voiced frustration over what he described as a lack of transparency from the Trust regarding previous responses from the club, stating,
“We get these letters from the Trust now and again but… they never actually put it out there and print the response. They are probably sitting on three or four letters from us.”
Addressing the broader relationship between the club and the Supporters’ Trust, Thomas revealed his decision to cease further engagement with the Trust board, attributing this to what he describes as an agenda of unfounded negativity. He said:
“We’re not going to entertain the board of the Trust anymore because it’s just a conspiracy-led vendetta against the football club.”
Land Development Plans and Future Vision
Beyond the East Stand, Thomas also touched on the club’s broader plans for land development behind Sixfields Stadium. While the Trust has raised concerns about the potential sale of land to third parties without benefiting the club, Thomas clarified that Northampton Town has decided to develop the land independently.
The club’s efforts to complete the East Stand follow a long, tumultuous history that began with a £10.25 million loan from the now-defunct Northampton Borough Council in 2013, intended to fund stadium expansions. That money later became the subject of controversy when it went missing, leaving the stadium incomplete and sparking an investigation that remains unresolved.
Writer’s View
The ongoing dispute between Northampton Town’s board and the Supporters’ Trust underscores the complexities and challenges of fan-led involvement in club governance, particularly when financial stakes are high. While Thomas’s criticisms reveal growing frustrations, the Trust’s concerns signal a persistent demand for transparency and accountability.
In a stadium still shadowed by the “missing millions” scandal, the question remains whether this latest rift will ultimately hinder or enhance Northampton Town’s vision for a prosperous future at Sixfields.
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