PRE-SEASON is upon us and the new League Two campaign is creeping up on the horizon but, while much of the focus among Swindon Town fans has been on new manager David Flitcroft and his squad, Trust STFC have continued to be busy behind the scenes.

As the players rested up during June, our board members and associated volunteers have pushed on with the plan to purchase the freehold to the County Ground.

The club’s announcements regarding their interest in developing the stadium came as a surprise to most of us but our stance remains the same, as we expressed in a Swindon Advertiser article not that long ago.

It is the Trust’s aim to become landlords at the County Ground, and to that extent, we have continued to meet with a number of key parties involved in the project to acquire the freehold. Our team sat down with senior council staff in June several times and discussions with the local authority remain productive and positive.

We understand the need to reach an agreement that is both beneficial to Swindon Town and the town of Swindon, and that remains our overall objective.

Discussions have also taken place with Supporters Direct, who have expertise in these areas and have been advising our bid team throughout. It is from these conversations that we have assessed various online platforms for crowdfunding, which will be critical as and when we begin to fundraise to purchase the stadium.

We have begun to formulate a detailed plan for how and where the money will be raised once we agree a fee for the County Ground with the council, and the aim is to be able to share this fully with fans, residents and taxpayers by the end of September.

The interest levels in the Trust’s activity continue to grow and contributors to the Red Army Fund, which numbered around 100 prior to the announcement of our County Ground bid, have now more than tripled to 325.

The money raised from these monthly payments - which start from as little as £1 - will go towards our campaign to purchase the stadium and allow us to reach more and more supporters, whose contributions we need to make this dream a reality, as well as enable the Trust to carry out the necessary due diligence on the project.

To sign up, visit the Red Army Fund website - www.redarmyfund.co.uk

Meanwhile, with the new campaign almost upon us, board members have donated their own money for the sponsorship of two new players.

The Trust are very proud to be supporting the club by sponsoring striker Harry Smith and defender Chris Hussey for the coming season. We’re certain they’ll settle in quickly and play a big part in returning Town to League One at the first time of asking.

We anticipate the autumn to be a busy one for the Trust and fans will be kept in the loop with all the developments - both through the Adver and via our website, www.truststfc.tv.

For now, all that’s left to do is wish David Flitcroft and the boys the very best of luck for the new season. We’re all with you, let’s get this club back to where it belongs.

COYR.