Will Brooks launches new fan-owned football club initiative

Will Brooks is trying again to create a supporter-controlled football club, after his first attempt with MyFootballClub did not go as planned. He originally bought Ebbsfleet United in 2008 with the help of thousands of fans who paid to be part of the club's ownership. Despite initial success, financial issues and declining membership led to challenges. MyFootballClub aimed to allow fans to have a say in the club's management. However, many fans were disappointed when it came time to pick the team, as the club struggled financially. The experiment eventually ended when Brooks sold his stake in 2010, and MyFootballClub's remaining members handed control to other investors in 2013. Now back in the UK, Brooks has a new plan called FC100,000. This initiative focuses on creating a sustainable way for fans to own a football club together, aiming to attract 40,000 members willing to pay a small monthly fee. Unlike the last attempt, there will be no fan voting on team selection. The goal of FC100,000 is to give fans a voice in decision-making, not control over the team. Members will be able to influence aspects of the club, like new kits and stadium improvements. Brooks believes there is enough interest and support to make this new project work, despite skepticism from some in the football community.