THE man behind the fans' consortium bidding to take control of Swindon Town has thrown his support behind the Trust STFC County Ground redevelopment plan.

And Bill Power says that he will not only fund the start-up plan but will also plough any profit from the development back into the football club.

As revealed by the Swindon Advertiser, Trust STFC has unveiled a document designed to bring the club's stadium issues back into the spotlight.

The plans include turning the County Ground into a 20,000-capacity football stadium with affordable flats and a luxury hotel.

A sports supercentre to replace the Link and Oasis sports centres could also be housed on the current cricket club site.

New tennis courts and all-weather sports pitches have also been put forward by the fans' group and, in keeping with the multi-sports theme, the athletics track would be completely revitalised.

Mr Power and his business partner Phil Emmel were revealed as the big hitters behind the supporters' takeover bid last month.

But the former Town investor and QPR chairman has said that personal profits are not the motivating factor behind his endorsement of the stadium proposals and that initial meetings with Swindon Council had been encouraging.

He said: "The Trust plan has much to admire in that both the football club and the local community make significant long-term gains in terms of leisure facilities and sustainable income.

"It is my desire to assist personally in the funding and success of this plan and I would not seek to take any profit due to me from the development, but would instead plough it back into the football club, and ensure all future revenue streams arising from the redevelopment are explicitly ring-fenced for the club.

"This way the community of Swindon gains some excellent sports and leisure facilities and the club achieves a level of financial stability it needs to sustain success on the pitch.

"Initial discussions with members of Swindon Borough Council have been very positive and we are confident that together we can form a successful partnership."

Trust STFC communications officer Andy Ratcliffe described Mr Power's backing of the plans as a milestone for the blueprint.

He said: "This is a significant step forward for the Trust's County Ground proposals.

"Following the positive reaction from the council and local residents, the promise to retain the profits and ongoing income for the football club represents another key milestone for the scheme. It is also further proof, if any were needed, that Bill Power is someone we can work with and the kind of investor we want to see involved at our football club.

"We urge all fans to show their backing for the consortium by joining the Trust and continuing to wear Orange at all forthcoming games."

Swindon Town declined to comment on Mr Power's backing of the stadium plans.

More information about the fans consortium and the Trust proposals for the County Ground can be found on the Trust STFC web site www.truststfc.co.uk.

Fans are also reminded that Trust STFC is holding an open fans' meeting at the Moonrakers pub in Cricklade Road this Saturday starting at 11.30am.