Supporters Direct encourages these bodies to be formed as Industrial and Provident Societies (IPSs) and assists with their formation, legal and start-up costs.
Their involvement has reportedly ensured the survival of over 20 different clubs entering into administration, particularly during the period of crisis as a result of the collapse of ITV Digital.
The main objective of a supporters' trust is to provide a vehicle for fans to influence the running of their club.
This is achieved by a number of different strategies, including gaining control by fundraising to finance the acquisition of shares in the club or direct board representation.
Barrow-born Texan businessman Paul Casson of Casson-Mark (C-Mark) Corp.[3] purchased the club in the Summer of 2014.