Latest 400 Club Press Release
€250,000 in a week is very impressive if I do say so myself.
KOH
Shamrock Rovers 400 Club
URGENT PRESS RELEASE
DATE: May 11th, 2005
EUR250,000 RAISED FOR ROVERS!
The Shamrock Rovers 400 Club is delighted to announce that the initiative to launch a fans bid for the purchase of Shamrock Rovers FC has already raised an incredible €250,000!
Within three working days of the initiative being launched last Thursday, following a packed public meeting at Trinity College the previous evening, a massive amount of money has been pledged to the 400 Club by loyal Rovers fans.
As a result, the 400 Club has been able to extend the period of its fundraising efforts in order to give fans every opportunity to subscribe to what's becoming a very serious proposal.
``There has been an amazing response for far, says 400 Club chair Jonathan Roche. ``Rovers fans have clearly demonstrated that we, as a group, can mount a genuine bid to purchase the club.
``It is an emphatic statement of the fans commitment that such a sum could be raised so quickly and we would urge other 400 Club members, or potential members, to consider signing up for one of the membership deals on offer."
The 400 Club is currently seeking to raise funds through five, ten, 15 and 20-year membership subscriptions, as well as encouraging more fans to join at the standard EUR40-a-month rate.
Fans can subscribe any way that suits them, by cash, cheque, direct debit, credit card, credit union, etc. The 400 Club has also agreed personal loans for fans at a preferential rate of 6.5%, with no hidden costs, through Bank of Ireland Finance.
The five-year package, for example, would cost EUR50 a month over five years. So, for an extra EUR10 a month, 400 Club members could be guaranteeing the survival of Shamrock Rovers, ensuring that the club is viable going forward from the Examinership, and in the hands of the fans.
For more details on membership options, fans can call 086 3808 360, write to 31 Greentrees Road Perrystown Dublin 12 or email shamrockrovers400club@hotmail.com
``Anyone who may be thinking of either joining the 400 Club or committing themselves to a long-term membership should feel very confident that they will not just be contributing to Rovers, but making history, says Roche.
``Other eircom League clubs have been secured by their fan base - but nothing on this scale. And a fans-run club based in a community-owned stadium in Tallaght makes total sense.
``All money invested by the fans is secured by the 400 Club and, in the event of another investor gaining sole ownership of the club, anyone who has taken out a long-term membership can have their money back, if they so desire.
``If the fans bid is successful it would secure the clubs future, and turn Rovers into an open, democratic, and fans-owned club similar to the many successful trusts in England.
``This is an opportunity that may never come along again, he adds. ``And while congratulating and thanking everyone who has contributed so far, we would call on all Rovers fans to consider joining in, it is open to everyone."
The 400 Club has submitted an official declaration of interest in Rovers, who are currently in an Examinership process that sees the 400 Club keeping the ailing club afloat.
The money committed by the 400 Club during the Examinership period will be added to all other funds raise to further swell the fans total investment.
The 400 Club is also staging a fundraising General Knowledge Table Quiz at the Rathfarnham Inn, on Thursday May 19th. The entry fee is EUR50 for a table of four, and sponsorship options are available. Please support this event.
