A lot has happened since the Supporters Club formed in 1949, the Supporters Trust was set up in 2005 and the two groups merged in 2012. Many aspects of a City fan’s everyday life today, like the club shop, CATS away coaches and the matchday lottery, were originally begun by the Supporters Club, while the list below shows some of the milestones achieved by the Trust and latterly the Supporters Club & Trust in more recent years.
(Please note: the links below to the Trust’s old website are not working. We’re looking into it. Hopefully those pages will be accessible again soon.)
Date | Main Achievements |
November 2005 | Official launch night featuring a parade of legends. Event compered by Jonathan Pearce and Angus Scott Attended by over 600 supporters. |
February 2006 | Hosted Q&A with Club Chairman Steve Lansdown in the Dolman Exhibition Hall. Attended by over 1,000 supporters. |
Took on responsibility for running, funding and moderating the fans’ Internet forum at www.otib.co.uk, which has over 4,000 registered users. | |
Sponsored home match against Brentford | |
April 2006 | Held Wine & Cheesley event in the company of Trust Honorary President Paul Cheesley. Attended by 80 supporters. |
May 2006 | Club accepts the Trust’s Fans Representation proposals, which include a commitment to participate in an “Ask The Chairman” forum. (The Trust hosted the first such forum in October 2006.) |
Held AGM event to elect a full Trust board in accordance with the Trust’s Constitution. Ten nominations were received for the ten different positions, and all standing were duly elected. | |
Held first Poker Night. Event proved popular and was repeated in various locations throughout June, July and August. | |
June 2006 | Secured (non-voting) seat at BCFC board meetings, a vital breakthrough in terms of fans’ representation. (The Club also invites a representative of the Supporters Club to attend meetings.) |
August 2006 | Purchased 2,500 shares in Bristol City Holdings Limited for £5,000. Investment was used to facilitate improvements at the Club’s Abbots Leigh Training Ground. |
6,500, 32-page, full colour newsletters distributed before opening game of the season | |
September 2006 | Conducted survey of all Trust members, canvassing opinion about the match-day experience among other issues. |
October 2006 | Held Sportsman’s Dinner at Cadbury House, Congresbury. Norman Hunter, Gary Johnson and comedian Mark Watson were our guest speakers. Steve Lansdown joined the guests on the top table. Event is attended by 160 supporters. |
November 2006 | 330 members recruited so far. Target at the start of the year was 440. 75% of the target has therefore been achieved with 25% of the year remaining before the AGM. |
December 2006 | Held first “Ask the Chairman” away from home at Rotherham for exiles. 25 supporters attended |
January 2007 | Hosted second Wine & Cheesely event in aid of Bristol City Women’s Football Club. 40 people attended. |
Organised “Red & White” night for derby game against Bristol Rovers. Introduced the now infamous Basso “Always believe” foam hands. Also, the first time that “Jet balloons used at a football match in England | |
Challenged the football club over the distribution of tickets for Middlesbrough FA Cup tie and made recommendations for improvement | |
February 2007 | Hosted a dinner to commemorate the historic actions 25 years earlier of the Ashton Gate Eight. 275 supporters attended |
Produced “82 – The Year Bristol City Nearly Died” 40 full-colour A4 page limited edition booklet to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Ashton Gate Eight. | |
March 2007 | Instrumental in the re-opening of the East End against Brentford after bringing together campaigning activists and the Football Club |
Launched campaign to save the wedlock’s pub | |
May 2007 | Football club approve Trust policy and procedures to run under 16 travel service to away games |
Collaborated with the Football Club and Supporters Club to host the Player of the Year Awards with first ever “fan of the year award” | |
August 2007 | 5000, 36-page, full colour newsletters distributed before opening game of the season and during annual club open day |
October 2007 | Hosted informal Q&A with the chairman |
November 2007 | Bristol City Holdings Ltd AGM – Called upon by Chairman to organise fans consultation process for proposed new stadium |
January 2008 | Organised “Ask the Chairman” at St George’s Tavern, Victoria before Crystal Palace match. 80 supporters attended |
April 2008 | Ran first “taster” surveys to assess fans opinions on new stadium, using fliers and inbound text messaging |
May 2008 | Collaborated with the Football Club and Supporters Club to host the Player of the Year Awards |
Successfully lobbied for remaining Wembley play-off tickets to reach genuine City fans via direct sales | |
2,800 fans complete first major survey, with 94% saying they are in favour of the new stadium | |
July 2008 | Shaped the new membership scheme launched by the club, encouraging it to become loyalty focussed |
August 2008 | 4000, 24-page, full colour newsletters distributed before QPR game |
September 2008 | Hosted a forum with Evening Post Sports Editor to tackle the issue of balanced and fair reporting |
October 2008 | Launched an appeal to “Raise a Statue to Atyeo” by Summer 2011 in return for shares in Bristol City Holdings Ltd |
February 2009 | Organised “Ask the Chairman” at The Horse & Dray Pub before the Norwich match. 25 supporters attended |
April 2009 | Launch of “City ‘til I Die” book of fans memories in conjunction with the National Literacy Trust, Legends Publishing, Supporters Direct and the Football Club |
Findings and recommendations published from the 2nd new stadium survey completed by 1,829 fans | |
Collaborated with Manchester United Independent Supporters Trust to replay the 1909 FA Cup Final at Crystal Palace | |
July 2009 | Published Architect’s report for the new stadium, formally bringing to a close the consultation process |
August 2009 | Distributed 500 balloons during the Club’s annual Open Day promoting the Trust and the “Back Bristol” World Cup bid”
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000558.shtml |
Launched www.supportcity.net, petitions, email campaigns and other initiatives to back planning applications for the new stadium | |
September 2009 | Appealed to South Wales Police for the end of “Bubble Matches” when travelling to games at Cardiff and Swansea |
Organised “Ask the Chairman” at the Brunswick Inn before the Derby game. 40+ supporters attended. http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000573.shtml | |
Successfully launched a text service to vote for the Man of the Match at home games, raising money for the Atyeo statue
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000565.shtml |
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October 2009 | Unveiled plaque commemorating the Ashton Gate 8
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000576.shtml |
November 2009 | Two Trust Board members speak at Bristol City Council’s planning committee in support of the proposed new stadium.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000582.shtml |
Launched www.statyeo.org.uk website to support statue fund by selling online Christmas gifts | |
December 2009 | Chaired a meeting to tackle the ongoing issue of “Bubble” matches between Bristol City and Swansea City. Also attended by senior representatives from South Wales Police, Avon & Somerset Police, Swansea City FC, Bristol City FC and the Swans Trust. Travel restrictions relaxed for upcoming visit of Swansea City to Ashton Gate.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000593.shtml |
Launched offer to donors to the statue fund a unique opportunity to have their name indelibly recorded on the Atyeo statue plinth for eternity | |
January 2010 | Launched “OTIB Supporter”, a premium access to the online fans forum and “OTIB toolbar” to help fund the site. |
Distributed 600 City ‘til I Die books to local schools in conjunction with Bristol City Community Team | |
April 2010 | Launched text service enabling fans to vote for City’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000617.shtml |
May 2010 | Hosted first ever online chat session with Steve Lansdown for “OTIB Supporters” to ask questions |
Launched online World Cup 2010 prediction game to engage supporters and raise funds for the statue | |
July 2010 | A diverse group of 20+ fans representing all stands around Ashton Gate met with Football Club officials in the pub to discuss ongoing fans’ initiatives and making best use of the East End.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000628.shtml |
Following the decision by the Development Control (South & East) Committee of Bristol City Council to reject Sainsbury’s application for a relocated supermarket on the Ashton Gate site and the subsequent outcry, the Trust decided to organise a petition and a march.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000631.shtml |
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December 2010 | Christian Roberts attends Q&A session in the Supporters Club bar to promote his book and talk about his time at Bristol City |
March 2011 | Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust throws its weight behind a national campaign in support of safe standing.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000638.shtml |
The ‘Spirit of ’76 Red Tie Ball’ to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of City’s promotion to the old First Division
http://www.bcsct.org.uk/news/spirit-of-76-bristol-city-promotion-anniversary-dinner |
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June 2011 | 30,000-strong petition for a new football stadium was hand delivered to the Bristol Council House
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000641.shtml |
Special General Meeting to Vote on the Merger of Bristol City Football Supporters Club and Bristol City Supporters Trust
http://www.bcsct.org.uk/news/special-general-meeting-to-vote-on-the-merger |
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September 2011 | The Bristol City Supporters Club & Trust Inaugural Hall of Fame event including the quiz “A Question of Bristol City”
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000643.shtml |
February 2012 | Free prize draw for members for under-16’s to have a ground tour with Scott Murray and meet current first team members for signatures
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000653.shtml |
Marked the actions of the Ashton Gate Eight on Friday February 3rd 2012 recognising the 30th anniversary of a defining moment in the history of Bristol City Football Club.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000649.shtml |
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March 2012 | Launched a design competition and fundraising campaign to acquire surfer flags for use at Ashton Gate and beyond. |
April 2012 | Offered up to 200 fans a free fiver to help with travelling costs to the crucial game at Nottingham Forest.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000654.shtml |
July 2012 | AGM held to finalise the merger with the Supporters Club and to agree financial accounts for preceding years
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000656.shtml |
August 2012 | Dynamic ticket pricing model proposed and subsequently launched by the football club for the 2012/13 season. |
Marketing support and flag display organised to honour the legend Gerry Gow at his testimonial game.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000658.shtml |
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Launched match day programme service for subscribers to guarantee their copies, especially for away games. | |
September 2012 | Launched Facebook page to complement existing web presence:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bristol-City-Supporters-Club-Trust/ http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/ http://www.bristolcitysurferflags.co.uk/ http://www.1909replayed.org/bcst |
October 2012 | Called on MPs in and around Bristol to support Early Day Motion 573 calling on the government to permit limited trials of safe standing at selected football grounds.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000663.shtml |
November 2012 | Launch of Inaugural Bristol City Fans Parliament |
December 2012 | Gave away 480 Santa hats and raised voluntary donations for the surfer flag before the Wolves game |
January 2013 | First of a series of meetings with senior club officials to question the structure of the football club |
February 2013 | A competition to design a new logo for the merged Supporters Club & Trust ended with a version being chosen through a fans vote.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000665.shtml |
March 2013 | Majority shareholder Steve Lansdown conducts a Q&A session at the Walkabout pub before the Wolves game. 100 Supporters attended.
http://www.bristolcityst.org.uk/trust_news/article000666.shtml |
April 2013 | 3 new flags, including a second surfer arrive and are displayed at the 3 Lions Flag Day |
May 2013 | Awarded Louis Carey with an award for dedicated service to the football club
http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20130425-louiscareyaward-791237.aspx |
October 2013 | Launched Supporters Club & Trust Manifesto alongside a media article questioning the structure of the club
http://www.otib.co.uk/index.php?/topic/158124-a-statement-manifesto-and-an-article/ |
November 2013 | Hosted a Q&A with Sean O’Driscoll at Bar BS3 pub. 60 supporters attended. |
January 2014 | Q&A with Steve and Jon Lansdown at Bradford in the New Beehive Pub. About 100 fans in attendance |
February 2014 | Submitted banning order protocol to the club and met to look at a fairer process of appeal.
Event to celebrate the famous 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road on 19 February 74, in the presence of the FA Cup |
May 2014 | Ran the vote again for the player, young player and supporter of the season with presentations on the pitch and in the Supporters Bar |
June 2014 | The first in a series of online polls. This one to find out what keeps City fans coming back for more and fan representation generally
Chair started attending Ashton Gate Ltd board meetings to represent fans for the stadium redevelopment |
August 2014 | Golden Boot money raised and presented to Sam Baldock |
September 2014 | In response to the request from Bristol Sport for input from supporters with ideas for the final look and feel of the redeveloped Ashton Gate, the Supporters’ Club & Trust submitted a proposal
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/ashton-gate-redevelopment-consultation/ The Supporters Club & Trust started to attend Ashton Gate Ltd board meetings to provide feedback and input on all things related to the stadium re-development. A new website was launched to complement active Facebook, Twitter and fans forum online presence. |
October 2014 | Six City legends were inducted on Saturday 11th October into the Supporters Club & Trust Hall of Fame.
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/hall-fame-2014/ Detailed report written by Jon Darch on behalf of Bristol Sport as part of renewed commitment to safe standing. http://bristolcitysupporters.org/renewed-commitment-safe-standing-welcomed/ |
December 2014 | Ashton Gate Stadium has been successfully registered as an asset of community value under the Localism Act
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/ashton-gate-asset-community-value/ Q&A at Crewe with Steve Lansdown and John Pelling. Several hundred in the Royal Hotel bar. |
January 2015 | 1605 people voted for their choice of pose for the John Atyeo statue. 64% of the vote was big John with his hands in the air celebrating a goal.
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/atyeo-statue-votes/ Representation made to Bristol Sport following banning of “Ultra” Flag http://bristolcitysupporters.org/atmosphere-bristol-city/ 3,000 respondents, 1 in 4 of average home crowd, take part in biggest ever survey on stadium atmosphere |
February 2015 | Proposals presented to Bristol Sport based on survey results having previously been passed by FAN
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/proposals-presented-bristol-sport/ |
May 2015 | End of season awards voted for by the fans online presented on the pitch before the final home game. Champagne moments video subsequently compiled.
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/player-and-supporter-of-the-year-201415/ |
February 2016 | 350 fans attend the Q&A session with owner Steve Lansdown before the away game at Nottingham Forest.
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/forest-qa-a-proper-football-club/ |
February 2016 | Called upon Bristol Sport to look afresh at the appointment of an SLO and what the role is there to do
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/club-trust-call-on-bristol-city-to-appoint-slo-from-the-fan-base/ |
April 2016 | End of season awards voted for by the fans and presented after the last home game
http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/flint-lands-player-of-the-year-award-3085186.aspx |
August 2016 | Reached agreement with Bristol Sport when ticket fees started to re-appear on all ticket purchases home and away.
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/ticket-fee-changes-agreed-with-bristol-sport/ |
September 2016 | Legal papers filed against West Midlands Police claiming false imprisonment and a breach of Article 5 of the European Convention of Human Rights for fans dispersed at Birmingham. |
October 2016 | Final push to ensure the 180 names listed for inclusion on the Atyeo statue are correct before the unveiling
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/atyeo-statue-is-your-name-on-the-list/ |
November 2016 | John Atyeo Statue unveiled in front of hundreds of fans, friends and family.
http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/atyeo-now-on-show-at-ashton-gate-3402059.aspx |
December 2016 | 262 names added to the statue plinth making it a total of 474 names at £100 each as contribution towards the statue
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/add-your-name-to-the-atyeo-statue-plinth/ |
February 2017 | Final batch of name plaques on the Atyeo statue sold out |
April 2017 | End of season awards voted for by the fans and presented after the last home game.
https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/abraham-makes-history-with-triple-crown-of-awards/ |
May 2017 | Next group of players inducted into the Hall of Fame
https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/city-v-birmingham-city-sold-out/ |
June 2017 | Pleased to have been able to support the award in the Queen’s birthday honours for Marina Dolman, President of the Supporters Club |
July 2017 | New Members Bar space identified within the stadium above the Sports Bar. Work commences to fit out and make ready for the new season |
August 2017 | Contributed to crowd-funding for Shrewsbury Town to create a safe standing showcase |
December 2017 | The ‘Supporters Bar’ officially opened by SC&T and BCFC President Marina Dolman |
December 2017 | AGM held in Supporters Bar with 120 members in attendance. Financial position and round up of recent activity provided.
http://bristolcitysupporters.org/notice-of-sct-agm-2nd-december/ |
January 2018 | Board agreed to set aside £13,000 (in addition to an original £5,000) as a contingency to help the supporters involved fight the ongoing case against West Midlands Police http://bristolcitysupporters.org/minutes-january-2018/ |
March 2018 | Secured reinstatement of U-12 and U-19 price categories initially removed by BCFC for some season cards and with FAN hosted special meeting to let BCFC explain price rises http://bristolcitysupporters.org/minutes-march-2018/ |
March 2018 | Working with FAN, secured partial refunds of season card prices for disabled fans and longer payment window for all, but remained dismayed by BCFC’s lack of empathy http://bristolcitysupporters.org/reply-to-the-clubs-latest-statement-on-season-cards-201819/ |