Announcing our new Co-Chairs Jaimie Henderson & Sam Nair and three new Board Members

The Robins Trust are delighted to announce that Jaimie Henderson and Sam Nair have been appointed co-chairs.

The pair take over from James Young who has made the decision to step down after eight years in the role.

Jaimie Henderson is originally from North Oxfordshire and has supported Cheltenham ever since he and some friends drove over the Cotswolds to see what Steve Cotterill was cooking up in the spring of 1999. Now living in East London, his current CTFC diet largely consists of away fixtures around the country. He has been on the Robins Trust board for four years, working on various projects including the launch of Cheltenham’s first retro shirts and the Ornithology podcast. Away from the Trust, Jaimie is a writer and works in a university research office.

Jaimie: "It's an honour to take up this position alongside Sam and to continue to build on James Young's brilliant tenure which saw a sea-change in the fortunes of the Trust. This is a hugely important time for our Trust (and our Club) and I'm eager to start the work of laying out our future direction, working with our members to play an increasingly important role in the Club eco-system, and growing our numbers so that the Trust is as effective, representative and visible as possible. With the three new members on the Board, we've got an even stronger pool of talent, passion and experience, and I'm really looking forward to the projects and contributions that Trust will be driving in the coming months."

Sam Nair was born and raised in Cheltenham, and first went to Whaddon Road as a 12-year old to witness the famous promotion six-pointer vs Gloucester City in 1997. Signing-up as a Junior Robin the following season Sam has been a season ticket holder ever since, having the same seat in the Colin Farmer from the day it opened. Sam currently lives in the North East and sees his season ticket as his real passport. He is Director in an economic development consultancy company providing evidence and advice on strategy and policy around the UK. Since joining the Trust Board in November 2023 Sam has focussed on using his consultancy experience to help develop the Trust’s own vision and strategy which we will be sharing with members for input soon.

Sam: "I am really pleased to be appointed Co-Chair alongside Jaimie after encouragement and backing from fellow board members. Since joining the Trust Board I have been part of work behind the scenes to improve the way we do things as a Board to get the most out of our mix of skills - all of our existing and new Board members are passionate and talented. By combining my experience with Jaimie’s I want to make sure all Trust members and fans are represented, have a chance to contribute, and see the value of joining the Trust. I am looking forward to working with the Club, Trust Appointed Director, and Shadow Board so that the Trust can support the Club in its efforts to secure more investment and take CTFC to where we all know it can be."

The Trust board would like to thank James Young for his time and commitment as chair. James will continue to be a key member of the Trust board.

He will also continue to represent the Trust and Cheltenham Town fans in his role on the Football Supporters Association’s National Council, having been re-elected for a three-year term earlier this year.

James: “After eight years, it's the right time to hand over the role of chair to others on our incredibly-talented board - the best board the Trust has ever had. I told the board of my wish to stand down prior to this year's AGM, but I will still remain a committed and vociferous ‘backbencher’, as well as represent the Trust with the Football Supporters Association. Jaimie and Sam are brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, I wish them nothing but success, and I will be there to support in whatever way I can as the Trust sets our own ambitious plan for the future.”

We are also very pleased to announce the appointment of three new board members: Greg Newcombe, John Peake and Adam Stanley. (Ahead of preparing their Trust profiles, we've included a bit of information to introduce Adam and Greg in the 'Who are the Trust Board?' section at the bottom of this email.)

David Beesley has been re-appointed as the Trust Appointed Director (formerly FED) following the AGM.

Andrew Kafkaris, who joined the Trust as a co-opted board member in April has now completed his term on the Trust Board. We would like to thank Andrew for the insight, efforts and expertise he provided during his short time on the board.

The Trust would also like to thank Robert Whittaker of the Blackpool Supporters Trust for his assistance as independent Scrutineer during the election process.