Name Change Press Release from the OSC...
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HULL CITY OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB (HCOSC) REGARDING THE PROPOSED NAME CHANGE OF THE FOOTBALL CLUB AND THE CITY TILL I DIE CAMPAIGN
Unlike other “independent” supporters groups, the HCOSC is the Official (properly authorised by Hull City) Supporters Club and the priority of the Board of Directors is to represent ALL of its paying members and safeguard their interests and advantages of being members. At the last count we had 1561 members. All these members have recently been asked to vote on the proposed name change of the Football Club via an Electronic Newsletter and the Tigermag. By these means all have been given the opportunity to vote. While the majority have not responded to the request to give their views on the planned name change, those that have, by two to one, are opposed to it. We have the names and contact details of all those who voted. The result of this vote is as follows and this information has already been forwarded to the Football Club.
Against the name change 50 votes
For the name change 25
Indifferent to the name change 11
A Total of 86 votes
The percentage of vote is disappointing but that is all we can go on at this point in time. The vote on our Official Website was not restricted to just members and it appears thousands voted but we do not know who they are and who they represent, so the above vote is clearly the one we should take into account. It could be argued that the 1475 members who did not vote are not concerned one way or another but that is open to conjecture. We can only respond to the votes received.
It is also fair to say that the majority of members who voted For or Indifferent are keen to keep the word City in the name and this should be reflected in future discussions and why we as a Board will follow the “City Till I Die Campaign” with interest. Representatives from the Board have recently met with the owners and staff of the Football Club and they are aware of our position. We are also in the process of correspondence with the Premier League and the Football Association regarding what criteria they consider regarding supporters consultation.
As time progresses and the situation develops, we will continue to consult with our members on a regular basis. We are also well aware that our members, as individuals or as a group, will act in whatever way they wish to do so in the future. We are aware that this is an important issue and individuals are entitled to their opinion and act accordingly but we must respect those who do not wish to behave in the same way. We have made an encouraging start to our second Premier League experience and may we take this opportunity to call on all supporters to get behind the team and playing staff and give them our 100% support.
This statement will be copied to all interested parties that include all officers and members of the HCOSC. media and branch representatives, independent groups, football club officials and others who have shown concern in this situation.
HCOSC Board of Directors
3rd October 2013