SINCE former vice-chairman Mike Parker gifted the Grimsby Town Supporter’s Trust £500,000 worth of shares, fans have asked questions of the new majority shareholder’s intentions. Re-launched as the Mariners Trust, its board has now told the Grimsby Telegraph what has been done so far, and what is still to do in the future.

How many members do you have?

As of January 1, we have 250 members which is 80 more – nearly 50 per cent – than when we re-launched in early November 2011.

Of these, 101 are life-members and interestingly over a third of all members are 'exiles'.

We are getting new members enrolling each week, and we are targeting to have around 500 by the start of the 2012/13 season, and around 1,000 by the end of that season.

The club has highlighted a shortfall of £500,000 for this season, and a similar one for next. Who do you expect to fund this shortfall?

In terms of this year's shortfall, much of this was planned and obviously we have had no input into the setting of the original budget and how it was to be funded.

As we understand, the gap is higher than expected and we will do everything we can to help.

For next season, again we haven't been involved in the budget-setting but our understanding is that to have a competitive playing budget there will be another gap of £500,000. Again, we will do everything we can, but this emphasises our need for as many members as possible.

Without another significant backer it will be left to the fans and public of Grimsby to decide whether or not they want a competitive playing budget, or alternatively re-set the budget and accept the playing budget that comes with it.

Are the board members paid?

Certainly not and the only way that can ever change is if it was voted for at the AGM or EGM.

You have stated that you are not the fundraising arm of the club – what does that mean?

Although we work extremely closely with the club we are an independent body and not part of the club.

Also, although everything we raise will be for the ultimate benefit of the club, some of this may be indirect investment rather than direct. Indeed, the members will have a big say in how the investment back into the club will be made.

So how are you going to raise money?

One of our income streams is obviously membership and this has been our primary focus in the first few weeks.

We have added to our membership options by introducing a corporate membership scheme which we are hoping will attract some businesses to join.

We are also in the process of organising a number of events such as a speaker evening, casino night, a race night, a five-a-side tournament, a family fun day, an open evening including football quiz and a sports quiz involving players and management.

How much are you hoping to raise each year?

The last thing we want to do at this early stage is over-promise and under-deliver. After we have launched some of these initiatives we will get a better idea but the real answer is that at this stage we really do not know.

Do you intend to ask for a place on the club's board?

Not immediately, but our long-term aim is to have a seat, or even seats on the board. However, we accept that we initially have to build our membership and be able to quantify any financial commitment we can put our name to.

We have already established a regular dialogue with the club and directors and our ultimate aim is to have a seat on the board of Grimsby Town.

The Trust is the major shareholder in the club. Do you think that brings with it responsibilities to underpin the finances of the club?

W e accept that we need to help as much as possible, but the reality of the situation is we don't have funds to fall back on, and so any investment will be generated from future activities.

Would the Trust be prepared to sell any of its shares?

Within reason, yes, and it would certainly help raise much-needed funds. Any significant offer would be put to the members for acceptance.

As a result of your shareholding and that held by Mike Parker, the major shareholding sits outside of the boardroom and as such John Fenty has stated that he is not prepared to fund the club until that situation is resolved. What are the Trust going to do about that situation?

We haven't got the answer to this one yet and we will be working closely with John Fenty, pictured left, to try and resolve it. We will lobby members if this results in any significant action.

Why did you accept Mike Parker's shares when you knew the Takeover Panel were investigating?

Mike had made his mind up that he wanted to withdraw from his involvement, and put the proposal of donating the shares to the Supporter's Trust to the Takeover Panel who accepted that as the solution.

Who watches what you do and are you regulated in any way?

We certainly are, we are part of Supporter's Direct who are a government-funded body overseeing all of the Supporters Trusts in the country.

Do you think you have made a good start?

We would probably give ourselves seven out of ten so far. The new board only came together at the beginning of November, and since then we have completely re-branded, developed a new website, launched Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin pages, sponsored a match, launched a membership drive and done lots of preparatory work for future events.

We accept there are some things we could have done better, such as answering some of the questions and laying out some of our plans, but this is a big learning curve for some of the board and we really are doing our best.

We will learn from our mistakes and are happy to take on board constructive criticism.

What are the key things that will make you successful?

More members, great support for all of our events, more volunteers, hard work and the fans and public understanding the financial reality of the club.

What are the aims and objectives of the Trust ?

We intend to be an all-inclusive organisation representing the views of the fans of Grimsby Town and doing everything we can to help the football club prosper, while at the same time improving the match-day experience for its fans and help promote the club in the local community.

In simple terms we are trying to help pull the fans and football together and get everyone pulling in the same direction for the good of the football club.

What does it cost to join?

Adult membership is £15 per annum, but only £12 if paid by standing order (23p per week). Concessions are £5 per annum and we also do a family membership of two adults and two children aged under-16. The lifetime membership costs £100.

We have also just launched a corporate membership scheme which costs £100 per annum which will hopefully get some businesses on board.

How can I get more involved?

Please do, we desperately need more help either at board level or just with projects.

We particularly need people who can organise events. Just contact any of the board members.

How do I join?

W e have issued over 3,000 forms and there are still some in the bars and offices at the club.

Also you can join via the website www.marinerstrust.co.uk you can pay by cash, cheque, Paypal or preferably standing order.