[Henry Morton]

Previous replies to Redskin's intelligent question have been very helpful, and they've painted a pretty accurate picture of the relationship between the Official Supporters' Club and the Ultras.

In the early stages of the Ultras' formation there was a brief discussion as to the possibility of the Ultras coming under the "umbrella" of the OSC ; this was because we (the OSC) were rather afraid that there might be a repeat of the Junior Reds situation where well-intentioned enthusiasm got the better of practicality.

The Ultras decided not to join in with the OSC , although both parties acknowledged that we were working hard to benefit Accrington Stanley in our own ways , and I can honestly say that - after my initial scepticism - the Ultras have done a fine job in raising the profile of ASFC.

What the Ultras do is neither cheap nor easy. They work very hard indeed and , because of their relatively informal structure , they don't need a long "lead time" from the conception of an idea to its implementation. Hence, new ideas and imaginative concepts don't have to be shelved for another month until they can be considered by a committee , and there is no doubt that this has enabled them to move very quickly in comparison to the Official Supporters' Club.

This is bound to be attractive to younger supporters, and I know that this was a major consideration in the formation of the Ultras.

I suppose that the Official Supporters' Club has adopted the position of a benevolent uncle who sees the "youngsters" enjoying themselves and just hopes that they won't come to any great harm ! And, like any decent uncle, the Club doesn't look to the Ultras to provide it with cash ; the very fact that our "nephews" are having lots of fun and attracting lots of (favourable, we hope) attention to Accrington Stanley is quite sufficient.

Meanwhile, we of the OSC are very happy to continue with our fund-raising for the likes of the Clayton Terrace project which was mentioned at the beginning of this thread.

More significantly, in a very short time the Supporters' Club will be opening its doors to a World-Wide Membership as part of a long term plan to increase the awareness of the Accrington Stanley "Brand" in every football-speaking place in the known Universe. And , please believe me , we're going to have a lot of fun doing it !

So more power to the Ultras to do their excellent thing, but please rely on the Official Supporters' Club to help raise the money that Accrington Stanley needs to complete essential major projects.

Thanks,

Henry, on behalf of . . .

Steve Baker (Secretary) Supporters' Club