Pompey Trust election deadline looms

A total of four spots are up for grabs following a testing 2015 for the group which owns around 47 per cent of the club.

Chairman Ken Malley passed away in June, while Mick Williams, Steve Tovey and Dan Fearnley have opted to step down.

Ollie Birch, who had been co-opted as youth committee leader, is also vacating his role after six months.

That has opened up the opportunity for fresh blood on the Trust board, with seven candidates vying for the four vacancies.

Those standing consist of Simon Colebrook, Sheila Devaney, Johnny Ertl, Clare Martin, David Maples, Scott McLachlan and Alexander Vernal (Jnr).

Last night all candidates were involved in hustings which took place in the Victory Lounge at Fratton Park, attended by approaching 100 people.

Those present were given the opportunity to pose questions about the direction the candidates would like the Trust to take as it seeks to remain a strong voice in the future of Pompey.

Voting will now remain open until 6pm on Friday, September 11.

The ballot will be conducted by post and email, with members allowed up to four votes.

Secretary Mark Farwell praised the fantastic achievements of the Trust, but acknowledged the need for evolution.

He said: ‘Everyone who has worked on the board deserves massive thanks, but democracy is democracy and I urge all of you who are eligible to vote.’

The election is the third time since the Trust became a major shareholder in the club that fans have been given the chance to decide who represents them on the board.

The most recent vote was last year when Fearnley, Ashley Brown, Pam Wilkins, Mike Saunders and Mark Trapani were all successful in standing.

Those selected from the current batch will have to stand for re-election every three years.

Once decided, the Trust board must then choose a new chairman to replace the late Malley, who in turn took over from Brown in January.

The Trust’s sixth AGM will be held on Thursday, September 24, at Fratton Park when the results will be declared, if not earlier, and members can meet the successful candidates.

For details on the candidates visit pompeytrust.com