FAQs: OTR Membership Vote

Supporters' Trust members are currently being asked to vote on a strategic capital expenditure: the Club gaining full control of OTR (Exeter) Limited, the owners of 'The Park'.

Further information on the vote can be found here.

Below is a series of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the vote. These FAQs may be added to and have last been updated on Thursday, May 16.

If you have any questions relating to the vote, please contact us at enquiries@weownexetercityfc.co.uk or join us for a Members' Forum on Thursday, May 16 from 6:30pm in the Trust Suite at St James Park.

What is 'The Park'?

'The Park' building consists of the Club's offices, some storage areas, Supporters' Bar, Trust Hospitality Suite and bar, the Museum room, and The Legends Lounge.

It also owns the area adjacent to the Nevada Stand (known as the Fan Zone) up to the metal gates separating it from Stadium Way.

Why is this being voted on now?

This has been looked at regularly over the years. OTR (Exeter) Limited now has just two closely related, as opposed to multiple, participants (excl. ECFC itself), and so the arrangements are much easier.

Who is involved in OTR (Exeter) Limited currently?

There are 3 current participants in OTR (Exeter) Limited: Exeter City FC are a minor participant, while another individual and a company they own are the remaining participants. They have asked for anonymity.

It should be highlighted that no participant receives any interest or dividend from their investment. It is purely altruistic. 

Do the Trust rules allow for it to hold property?

Yes. Rule 4.4.4. states that "in order to achieve its objects, the Trust may either itself or through a subsidiary company or society acting under its control; buy, sell and lease property or land."

The Trust Rules can be read here.

What are the benefits of purchasing OTR (Exeter) Limited?

Quite simply, it gives the Trust and Club complete control of the building and outside area (e.g. the Fan Zone).

Past and present participants have been incredibly co-operative and have allowed us to operate with little or no reference to them.

At present, there are several scenarios that, once purchased, could save the Club considerable money, not least through the cost of rent.

When does the ballot close?

The ballot closes at noon on Monday, May 27.

Why is there a vote on the purchase of OTR when there hasn't been one for the Cliff Hill Training Ground?

The decision to not take the Cliff Hill Training Ground purchase to the members was made to avoid external parties from taking an interest.

Because 'The Park' cannot be subject to interest from any external parties, the decision to make this purchase will be made by the members of the Supporters' Trust.