THE long-term future of Basingstoke Town took another step forward at a fans forum on Tuesday night, when it was decided to form a community club.

Around 50 people packed into the clubhouse at the ground to hear some rousing speeches from provision committee members Alan Turvey and Steve Williams as to why this is the right way move for the club.

Turvey stressed the need for it to be a united club and that everyone was moving in the same direction with the same goals.

Williams said: “We now have to sell this vision to everyone in the area and make this club big in its own community.”

James Mathie, of Supporters Direct, gave a presentation on the reasons why Basingstoke Town should become a community club.

He said it was a tested model right across the football pyramid, from League One AFC Wimbledon down to the Dragons’ Southern League rivals Banbury and Dorchester and below.

A vote was then taken of all those present and no one was against the idea.

Basingstoke Town manager Terry Brown gave a passionate speech and said: “I have seen a community club in action when I was manager at AFC Wimbledon and this is a well-run club.

“This town is massive and this is a great opportunity. It will of course involve a lot of work, but with some great rewards.

“We have a great Academy thanks to the super work by Jason Bristow and a team of very talented young players. So I think it is exciting times for this club.”

The initial board of Basingstoke Town Community FC was increased from three to four as they were joined by the newly-elected Supporters Club chairman Martin French.

He will join Alan Turvey (president of the club), Steve Williams (former player and manager) and Will Wilkinson (digital and marketing).

There are two spaces still available for fans on the provision committee, which will run for around six months.

Anyone who is interested in joining can contact the club via the club’s email which is admin@btfc.co.uk

Town start their pre-season campaign on Tuesday with a trip to Wessex League side Alton.

Basingstoke boss Brown is looking forward to the campaign and the chance to look at a number trialists to add to his squad.

Brown said: “I will be looking to take 22 players to Alton and play 11 in each half. It will be nice to take a look at a number of players as we look to build an exciting young team.”

The Dragons will then travel to Wessex League side Solent a week tomorrow.

Town’s first home friendly is against National League side Eastleigh on Tuesday July 11 (7.45pm). This will be followed with a visit from Crystal Palace under-23s on Saturday July 15 and then National League side Woking on Tuesday July 18.

The league campaign starts on Saturday August 12 with the fixtures expected to be announced on July 13.