The Football Supporters Federation (FSF) and Supporters Direct (SD) are the two main umbrella organisations for supporters’ groups within the UK.

HTSA is affiliated to both groups and has regularly benefitted from the expertise, advice and support that they offer.

We are pleased to say that both groups are taking particular interest in the progress of our “Blackpool” campaign.

On Tuesday of this week Supporters Direct (SD) welcomed publication of the Government’s expert working group report on supporter ownership and engagement. It has the potential to start a new era of meaningful dialogue between supporters and football clubs if its recommendations are to be implemented.

The case might be put that Huddersfield Town already enjoys the benefits associated with “supporter ownership” without experiencing some of the complications that might be attached to ‘community owned sports clubs’.

However, our seaside experience should be a continuing reminder to all supporters that structured dialogue is an essential element in every club’s development and eventual success.

For information about structured relationships you can view the joint discussion paper submitted by SD and the FSF http://www.supporters-direct.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Structured-Relationship-discussion-paper-for-EWG.pdf

During 2014 SD revised their model rules for affiliated associations. In order to adopt the rules as part of our constitution an Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 25th February. This will be at The Knowle Club, Mirfield and will start at 7.30pm.

The resolutions to amend the society’s rules will affect; membership and conduct policies, standing orders for meetings as well as future elections.

The changes will bring the association up to date and allow us to operate much more efficiently and effectively.

A copy of the proposed constitution can be viewed on the HTSA-online website or by sending a SAE to Trevor Whitehead, Secretary HTSA, Musgrave Cottage, 106 The Common, Thornhill, Dewsbury. WF12 0LH

Regarding HTSA membership there are still over 150 life members of HTSA who have failed to contact the association to confirm that their contact details have not changed within the last ten years.

This puts HTSA in a difficult position constitutionally when it comes to holding ballots or elections.

If, in those early days, you chose the option of Life Membership please get in touch to confirm your details.

Since March 2015 HTSA have organised two Free Draws for members. The Travel Free Draw has paid out £360 to one lucky winner but the weekly Examiner Draw has yet to pay out.

By way of consolation HTSA has sent Membership Cards and an extended 12 months HTSA membership to all those previous winners of the draw.

If you unexpectedly received a Membership Card through the post, and would like to know the value of the prize that you missed out on, a list of all winners can be found on our HTSA-online website or contact Trev Whitehead (details below).

£250 awaits the HTSA member who holds the following numbers, (3)3651.

If your HTSA membership card is up to date and shows this, or (135)3651, £250 is yours. Please send details of your full name and postal address by text to 07725036109 or by email to trevwhitehead@virginmedia.com before 19:08 on Friday, 22nd January 2016. You will receive your cheque by return of post. The winning number last week was (4)3412, or (246)3412: the winner was J White.

Finally, don’t forget to book your seats on the HTSA coach, and hopefully claim the £250 Travel Draw prize, by texting Rachael on 07905 580784 or by calling in at the HTSA Cabin on your way to any home game.