As published in our updated objectives, DHST wants Dulwich Hamlet FC to be a leading example of a financially sustainable football club, owned by supporters, with a secure long-term home in East Dulwich. The DHST Board have been working closely with the owners of Champion Hill (Hadley Property Group), during the 2nd half of 2014, to help deliver this aim. We would formally like to recognise the hard work of Hadley representatives and thank them for the open and collaborative way that they have approached the evolution of their proposals. We look forward to this relationship continuing in 2015.

We are publishing today a statement on the interim position of DHST on:

• The proposed new ground and associated facilities;
• Security of tenure on the land where the ground and its facilities will be developed; and
• Options for fan ownership.

You can read the full statement here.

Each of these three important parts cannot be considered in isolation as they are interrelated. The importance of considering the proposals in this holistic way is best illustrated by looking at how the current ground arrangements, barely 25 years after completion, have failed to serve the best interests of the club and the community. DHST’s interim position on the detail of each of the three parts, based on information currently available, is included in an Annex to the statement. We will continue to seek to influence the evolving position in relation to these priority issues. Once there is a sufficient level of clarity on the three issues, the board of DHST will poll our members on whether DHST should formally support the proposals.

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DHST believes that in the future, Dulwich Hamlet Football Club should be owned by the fans. The Board is currently exploring different models of ownership and intends to hold an event on 15 January for all supporters to “ask the experts” on the benefits of fan ownership. We will announce further details on this event once all the details are finalised. But please save the date for now.

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It is clear that the work that DHST will undertake in the coming period is critical to the future of the club. There are some important decisions on the horizon and we as supporters need to act together to make sure that our voice is heard. Membership of the Supporters’ Trust has grown at a fantastic rate over the last year and now stands at over 200 – but we need more members to give even greater weight and to show support for our objectives. Membership of the trust is just £10 for adults and £2 for concessions. You can join the Trust on our website or at the “Mega Shed” on match-day.

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Finally, we wish all Dulwich Hamlet fans a Merry Christmas and a promotion filled New Year!