Lucas Welcomes Supporters Direct Grant

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas who has welcomed the new grant for Supporters Direct.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has welcomed the news that football supporters’ organisation Supporters Direct is to receive a £200,000+ grant.

The announcement that they will receive £268,000 initial grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund came as the organisation held its annual meeting in Chester.

The group, which has helped Wrexham Supporters Trust in preparing a bid for Wrexham FC, had its £1.2m funding withdrawn by Premier League officials following comments made by the organisation’s former Chief Executive, David Boyle, on Twitter.

Mr Lucas, Labour MP for Wrexham, was among MPs who called for funding to be reinstated for Supporters Direct.

Supporters Direct has helped to form 180 supporters’ trusts since it was established in 2000, and is said to have helped save up to 50 football and rugby league clubs across the UK.

Mr Lucas welcomed the news of the grant, he said:
“Supporters Direct has been the voice of grass roots supporters up and down the county – including right here in Wrexham.”

“At a time when it is more important than ever that the voice of true football supporters is heard, the work it does is vital.”