About — Hull City Supporters Trust

01 · Our purpose

Three things we exist to do.

Our work falls into three categories. Each one is funded by member subs and accountable to the membership through the AGM.

Represent

Be the formal supporter voice in dialogue with Hull City AFC, the EFL, the FSA, and government on matters affecting fans — ticket pricing, matchday experience, policing, governance.

Protect

Defend the club's name, badge, colours, and traditions — including the successful resistance to the "Hull Tigers" rebrand and the ongoing scrutiny of ownership and finances.

Support

Stand behind the wider Tigers community — Hull City Ladies, the Disabled Supporters Association, Senior Tigers, and international supporters worldwide.

02 · Board

The Directors.

Elected by the membership at the AGM. Volunteers, every one of them — no director draws a salary from the Trust. Any member can stand for election.

Chair

Nick Thompson

Media, technology, and football leadership background (News International, KC, Hull City, Bath City). Trustee for two national charities. West Stand season ticket holder. Favourite player: Ian Ashbee.

Director

Russell Anson

Digital sector professional handling the board's marketing, PR and website work. Tiger since the mid-80s, currently in exile down south. First game: v Bradford City, September 1981.

Treasurer

Pete Fleming

Chartered accountant with 40+ years supporting Hull City. Passionate about sustainable football development and fan involvement at every level of the pyramid. West Stand season ticket holder.

Director · Former Chair

Geoff Bielby

Tiger since the mid-60s, with family ties to the club's original 1904 directors. Long-standing campaigner for safe standing and fan representation at Westminster. Favourite player: Ian Ashbee.

Director

Mark Bateman

45 years supporting Hull City, E3 season ticket holder. First game v Sheffield United in 1977. BAe Systems apprenticeship, still working in the aerospace industry.

Director · HCL Liaison

Rachel Gay

Former Hull City Ladies captain. Coached and managed HCL for ten years, taking the team through two promotions to Tier 3. Still co-owner of HCL. Brings the women's game perspective to the board.

Director · Anlaby Road Project

Chris Smith

Third-generation Tiger with a background in perimeter advertising for Premier League clubs and years in local government. Second spell on the board — leading the Anlaby Road heritage project.

International Director

Leonardo Annoscia

Lifelong Tiger from Bari, Italy. Founded Hull City Italia in 2013. First match at the MKM in 2019 v Blackburn. Degree in Italian Literature. Connects HCST with the global Tigers community.

03 · History

22 Years, in Brief.

The Trust has been part of Hull City's story through three Premier League promotions, an FA Cup final, a League One relegation, and back. Some moments stand out.

2003

Founded

HCST formed as a member-owned co-operative to give Hull City supporters a formal voice.

2013

NoToHullTigers

Successfully campaigned against owner Assem Allam's attempt to rebrand the club as "Hull Tigers".

2018

Safe Standing at Westminster

Former Chairman Geoff Bielby attends Westminster round table on safe standing in football.

2022

New era begins

Acun Ilicali completes purchase of Hull City. The Trust is at the first meeting between new owners and fans, with the OSC and Senior Tigers.

2026

Premier League Return

Hull City promoted back to the top flight. The Trust enters its third PL era — focus on fan welfare.

Who We Are.