BEES United, the supporters trust aiming to buy out chairman Ron Noades' controlling shares in Brentford, has reached the quarter mark in its appeal to raise £1 million before the start of the new season (writes TONY FLOOD).

The trust wants the money to back their takeover of the club and to run it through the coming season. Without it, Brentford faces a real danger of going into administration by the end of July - and possibly even liquidation by September.

After just five weeks of their new appeal for funds, Bees United have raised almost £250,000 in cash and pledges. That does not include money the trust hopes to raise from negotiations with major international companies, or expected earnings from fund raising activities.

Bees United chairman John McGlashan, chosen by the trust to represent supporters on the main Brentford FC board, said: "For the first time for some months I am now optimistic there will continue to be a Brentford F.C. in the future."

In addition to having a supporter elected to the main football club, Bees United - only in existence for 13 months - have successfully fought the recent local council elections. This has given fans a voice in both the club and with Hounslow Council over the acquisition of a new ground to replace the aging Griffin Park.

Leaders of Hounslow Council and the Supporters' Groups at Brentford FC have agreed to a series of frequent meetings with the objective of resolving the issues surrounding the problems of identifying a site for a new stadium. It is recognised by everyone that there is no ideal site in the borough,

but both sides are hopeful that a compromise can be reached.

Pete Johnston, chairman of Brentford Independent Supporters Association, added: "The Council are not going to grant planning permission without a number of conditions attached. One is that Brentford must have a site for a new stadium. We welcome that, but we acknowledge that identifying a site is extremely difficult so a speedy and successful conclusion to these meetings is absolutely vital to our future.

"BIAS fully realises the urgency of a resolution to this saga. The last thing we want is for Brentford FC to become the next Wimbledon."

Councillor Luke Kirton of the ABeeC Campaign, who was elected purely on the basis of securing a new stadium for both the club and the community, is also attending the meetings and stated: "There has been a definite change in attitudes since the local elections. This is partly due to my own election but is also a tribute to the way Brentford's supporters have raised the profile of the whole issue."

Leader of the Council John Chatt said: "Brentford F.C. is an important asset to the Borough of Hounslow. The Council is liaising with all the parties concerned in order to find a way forward that will protect the interests of the club and guarantee its future development."

Noades also met with Chatt last week after which he said: "The meeting went well and the councillors are fully aware of the seriousness of the club's situation. In order to stop losing money we need to have planning permission for Griffin Park so that we can sell it for housing."

But former Brentford chairman Martin Lange, who holds the power to veto any ground sale, has issued a statement saying he will block any deal he does not think is right for the club.

However, Lange, who resigned as a Brentford director five weeks ago, added: "I have advised the club chairman that I may reconsider the position concerning the veto subject to the club's financial position and to further safe-guards to provide for a situation where ultimately the club can be acquired by the supporters through Bees United following receipt of planning consent.

"Brentford is now facing the biggest crisis in its long history and I sincerely hope that I and the club's Board of Directors can work towards a satisfactory conclusion to ensure that Brentford and its supporters are given the utmost opportunity to ensure its future and to provide a basis on which the Club can go ahead, ultimately in a new stadium and on a sound financial footing.

At a board meeting on May 13th a decision was taken by a majority vote to sell Griffin Park to a development company, subject to planning consent, but Lange and McGlashan voted against this proposal.

Brentford Independent Association of Supporters are starting a promotional campaign this Saturday to help Brentford FC and Bees United. Volunteers should telephone the BIAS Hotline on 0790 437 5051 or via their website www.bias.org.uk or by e-mail on info@bias.org.uk

July 8, 2002 17:30