TrustSTFC survey shows lack of faith in Swindon leadership from fans

The Swindon Town Supporter’s Trust survey has found that supporters of the club have lost faith in the ownership of the club.

TrustSTFC launched a survey of its members and Swindon fans at large and received more than 2,000 responses.

The average score for respondents answering their satisfaction in the club’s leadership was 1.5 out of five and the club’s strategic direction received just 1.54.

The Trust have said that the results of this survey have made them concerned for the financial health of the club as they project that season ticket sales more than ten per cent of season ticket holders will not renew, with 26 per cent of respondents remaining undecided about renewing.

Neil Hutchings, Chair of TrustSTFC, said “It has been a tough season for all of us and the clock is ticking on preparations for next season.

“The Trust has always said that we want a financially stable and well-run club, regardless of who the owner is.

“If the current ownership and leadership team are unable (or unwilling) to provide a demonstrable path to achieve this, the results of this survey suggest that Swindon supporters are no longer prepared to provide their unconditional support and are looking for change.

“We at the Trust will play our part in bringing that change about.”

In the statement announcing the results of the survey, the Trust reiterated its concern about the level of loans that the club owe.

Adding they believed this combined with the expected loss in revenue from losing season ticket holders gives them concerns for the club’s financial health.

The statement said: “The purpose of TrustSTFC is to represent the fan base and protect the legacy of Swindon Town Football Club.

“We are concerned that the survey outcome regarding Season Tickets will result in huge revenue losses for the forthcoming season and the financial sustainability of the football club moving forward.

“In August 2023, the Advisory Board published in its minutes that the Owner had invested circa £6mil at the time of publishing.

“In December 2023, the club confirmed in the Advisory Board minutes that the Owner had invested an additional £1.1mil since the start of the season and was ‘expected not to be the last injection before the end of the season’.

“The ever-growing levels of debt the Club owes to its owner further compound fans’ fears that further expected losses in revenue next season will significantly impact the future of Swindon Town Football Club.”