Only days after appointing Kenny Shiels as their new manager, Derry City have launched a public consultation to give everyone the opportunity to “express and advise” on the best possible future of the club.
According to the club, it will seek views on the “best models of governance.”
“This will be a widespread and open conversation with all those who consider themselves part of the community that is Derry City Football Club,” a statement on the club’s official website said.
The statement said the consultation would take place during the next few months and would want to hear views on how best to attract new generations to the Brandywell.
The statement added: “To the matches certainly, but also to the broader life of the club (events, debates, celebrations etc.) and to involvement in the administration and the management of the club.
“Apart from those major issues, the consultation will be wanting to hear anything that might add to the buoyancy and the presence of the club within the life of the city and its hinterland.
“And especially welcome will be the views of supporters and fans who now live or work abroad but who continue to hold memories and good wishes for the club.
Denis Bradley, former deputy chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, will chair the consultation along with prominent local business man Patrick Simpson, managing director of Brunswick Moviebowl and Harry McCourt, former Derry City player and current member of the club’s board of directors.
They have asked that the consultation take place between now and Christmas and that a short report be presented in the New Year.
The statement added: “The board would encourage people to take part in this important consultation.
“It will be an important contribution in the renewal and reenergising of this great football club.
“They would like to thank Denis Bradley, Patrick Simpson and Harry McCourt for agreeing to undertake this work and look forward to their reporting back to the board in January.”