Robins Trust: Cheltenham Town fans group increase shares in club

Cheltenham have four significant shareholders who own the majority of the club

The chair of a Cheltenham Town fans group says they want to build "solid supporter ownership" after increasing their shares in the club.

The Robins Trust have become the third largest shareholder with an almost 16% stake in the League One outfit.

Former chairman Paul Baker transferred a portion of his shares, although retains 10%.

Cheltenham are currently in a relegation fight to save their third-tier status this season.

"We're seeing with the sad state of affairs at Reading - and we've had Derby in recent years, although thankfully they're out of that crisis - that football can be a perilous business when you're sort of risking your life on on the whims of one person," James Young, chairman of the Robins Trust, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"Strong, community supporter trust stakes in football clubs are really important for the long-term security of clubs, especially at our level."

After the four significant shareholders, the rest of Cheltenham's ownership is split between a large number of minor investors.

However unlike other models, the club is run by the board of directors who are appointed by the shareholders, rather than the shareholders themselves.

The Robins Trust already have someone on the board who was selected by their members.

While Young said the board would admit to areas they would like to do better, he said the club is "lucky" with the structure they have but would like to see it move to becoming fully-fan owned.

"We're lucky with the diligence and the commitment of the board of directors we've got and I think now we're lucky to have that increased representation from the Trust," he added.

"Ideally, we'd like to increase it even more and one day put the club into community ownership.

"But that involves working currently with the two main owners and working with the supporters to try and put the case forward for that."