FSA Annual Review 2018-19
THE FSA. ANNUAL REVIEW 2018_2019 STRENGTH COMES IN NUMBERS... JOIN THE FSA AT THEFSA.ORG.UK
2 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 CONTENTS 04. ABOUT THE FSA 08. TV & THE FA CUP 12. COMMUNITY OWNED CLUBS 16. TICKET PRICES 18. CLUBS IN CRISIS 22. INTERNATIONAL 24. AWARDS 2018 26. AWAY FANS SURVEY 28. SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICERS 29. SUPPORTER ENGAGEMENT 30. FANS FOR DIVERSITY 34. STAND UP FOR CHOICE 36. CASEWORK: FAIRCOP 40. NON-LEAGUE 42. FSA NETWORKS 44. EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE 46. #ICYMI
Editor – Michael Brunskill Editorial team – Liam Thompson, Garreth Cummins
The FSA’s Annual Review 2018-19 has benefited from the contributions of Amanda Jacks, Andy Walsh, Anwar Uddin, Ashley Brown, Christine Seddon, Dave Pennington, Debs Dilworth, Jane Hughes, Kat Law, Kevin Miles, James Boyes, Lily Brunskill (and The Crystal Gems), Malcolm Clarke, Maria Horner, Martin Cloake, Matt Walder, Nicola Hudson, Nina Donkin, Paul Corkrey, Peter Daykin, Richard Irving, Roger Ellis, Tom Greatrex, Vicki Haddock, and many others who we should have remembered, some of whom probably even deserved a namecheck. Oh, and all at Solution Group including the work experience kids (even the feral ones). All images via PA Images unless otherwise stated.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 3 ABOUT THE FSA.
ON THURSDAY 22ND NOVEMBER SUPPORTERS MET IN CENTRAL LONDON TO FINALISE THE MERGER OF THE FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ FEDERATION AND SUPPORTERS DIRECT INTO ONE ORGANISATION - AND THE FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION (FSA) WAS BORN.
THE FSA IS THE NATIONAL, League, the EFL, National League, As secretariat to the All Party DEMOCRATIC, REPRESENTATIVE and the FA, as well as a whole host Parliamentary Football Supporters of other organisations within football Group, we have strengthened the voice BODY FOR SUPPORTERS IN such as the Professional Footballers’ of fans within Parliament in ENGLAND AND WALES. Association (PFA). recent years.
We are the leading advocates for Football is for all and we work closely Our casework helps hundreds of fans supporter ownership, better fan with organisations such as Kick It every year who feel they’ve been engagement, cheaper ticket prices, Out and Level Playing Field to ensure poorly treated by their clubs, stewards, the choice to stand at the match, that core belief is happening in the or police. We give those fans a voice, protecting fan rights, good governance, real world. We have supported the the best possible advice, and even diversity, and all types of supporter establishment of scores of BAME and legal support. empowerment. LGBT fans’ groups over the past few seasons. We pioneered the concept of Fans’ The breadth of work is huge and Embassies and have helped fans of difficult to sum up in a paragraph or We are founder-members of Football both the England and Wales men’s two, so we hope this Annual Review fills Supporters Europe (FSE) who national teams at tournaments across that role in showcasing our work across represent supporters across the the planet. We are proud to have the football season. continent and heavily involved in the replicated this service, for the first time, organisation, with two members who at the Women’s World Cup 2019. As the national organisation we have sit on FSE’s Committee (Kevin Miles regular contact with the Premier and Paul Corkrey).
4 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 GET INVOLVED
The FSA is by fans, for fans - we couldn’t deliver results without the countless hours invested by our volunteers across the country, throughout the leagues. If you are passionate about one of our campaigns, lead a fans’ group, or think you have skills we can put to use, then get in touch.
Malcolm Clarke, Chair Tom Greatrex, Vice chair Kevin Miles, Chief executive
Malcolm Clarke (Chair, the FSA) - Tom Greatrex (Vice chair, the FSA) - Kevin Miles (Chief executive, the Malcolm is a Stoke City and York Tom co-founded Fulham Supporters’ FSA) - Kevin was appointed FSA chief City fan who is one of our two fan Trust and was chair of Supporters executive having previously held the representatives on the FA Council. Direct. He was a Labour/Co-op MP and same position at the FSF. He oversees Malcolm was chair of the FSF is chief exec of the Nuclear Industry our staff team, the long-running throughout its existence and has Association. Tom is also a fan rep on England Fans’ Embassy service, and a big interest in reforming football the FA Council with special interest in sits on Kick It Out’s Professional governance and power structures. good governance and fan ownership. Game Guidance Group.
OUR CONSTITUTION MISSION STATEMENT:
We are an inclusive, independent, democratic organisation working with supporters, governing bodies, leagues and clubs to drive positive change in football through supporter engagement at every level of the game. We nurture and develop supporter networks at local, national and international levels, working with supporters’ trusts, clubs and individuals to initiate and support campaigns on issues of concern to football supporters, encouraging good governance, supporter representation on club boards, community-ownership and sustainable stewardship of football clubs. A commitment to diversity underpins all of our activity and we oppose all forms of discrimination or violence in relation to football. You can download our constitution: www.bit.ly/fsa-constitution
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 5 OUR STRUCTURE
AGM
OUR CHAIR AND STRUCTURE VICE CHAIR
PREMIER CHAMPION- LEAGUE SHIP
ASSOCIATE INDIVIDUAL MEMBER MEMBER REPS NATIONAL REPS COUNCIL
LEAGUE 1 NATIONAL & LEAGUE 2 GAME
FAN/ COMMUNITY FANS FOR OWNED DIVERSITY CLUBS
BOARD
FSA Board ine members elected b the ational Council plus the chair and vice chair
Elected at AGM Selected b networks
6 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 NATIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Chair Malcolm Clarke Vice chair Tom Greatrex Premier League Katrina Law (Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust), Dave Pennington (Manchester United Supporters’ Trust) and Dave Kelly (The Blue Union). Championship Geoff Bielby (Hull City Supporters’ Trust), Rick Duniec (Leeds United Supporters’ Trust), and Teddy Bellamy (Millwall Supporters’ Club). EFL 1 & EFL 2 Antony Wilkinson (Blackpool Supporters’ Trust) and Roger Ellis (Sky Blue Trust). National Game Rob Street (Billericay Town Supporters Society), Richard Tomkins (Hereford United), Simon Cope (Scarborough Athletic). Supporter-owned clubs Neil Le Milliere (Exeter City Supporters’ Trust), Tim Hillyer (Dons Trust), Nick Duckett (FC United of Manchester). Fans for Diversity Chris Paouros (Proud Lilywhites), Malcolm Hirst (Port Vale Supporters’ Club) and Shin Aujla (Apna Albion). Associate organisations Ally Simcock (Pint of Vale), David Michael (My Old Man Said), and Dave Tomlinson (Sandbach Travelling Alex). Individual representatives Christine Seddon, Fiona McGee, Kristine Green, Martin O’Hara, Peter Daykin, and Steve Powell.
Networks are entitled to three elected representatives and the responsibility is with those networks to fill the positions. See more on FSA networks under Network Engagement. Nine members are elected from the NC to make up the board alongside the chair and vice chair. The Board: Ally Simcock, Chris Paouros, Dave Pennington, Fiona McGee, Malcolm Clarke, Martin O’Hara, Peter Daykin, Roger Ellis, Tim Hartley, Tim Hillyer, and Tom Greatrex.
MEMBERSHIP INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP All tiers of membership are embedded Open to all fans. in our structure, weighted towards affiliate members who receive more AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP positions on our National Council and THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES more votes at the AGM - five per group For supporters’ groups who fulfil as opposed to one vote per individual OF MEMBERSHIP FOR THE FSA key criteria relating to constitution, member or associate group. AND THEY ARE ALL FREE: affordability, independence, democratic structure, annual Policy is set primarily at the AGM accounts and diversity policy. JOIN THE FSA: following democratic processes although the National Council can WWW.THEFSA.ORG.UK ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP make interim policy if required during For entities such as regional or non- the gap between AGMs. While the democratic supporters’ groups such networks can set up campaigns they as atmosphere groups, club-based can’t unilaterally set policy - that must fan forums, fanzines, or digitally be done at the AGM or via the based collectives. National Council.
CONTACT:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 0330 44 000 44 Address: 1 Ashmore Terrace, Stockton Road, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7DE
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 7 TV & THE
FA8 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19CUP THIS SEASON’S FA CUP WAS traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off time. “THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR AND IT IS THE FIRST UNDER A NEW SIX The remaining 22 games were spread TAKING AWAY SOME OF THE MAGIC across the weekend, starting with YEAR INTERNATIONAL TV DEAL Tranmere Rovers vs Tottenham on OF THE FA CUP. REPORTEDLY WORTH £820M TO Friday evening and ending up THE FA - AND ITS EFFECTS BECAME with Liverpool away to Wolves on THE FA CUP THIRD ROUND ON CLEAR IN THE THIRD ROUND. the Monday night. SATURDAY AFTERNOON IS ONE OF THE ENDURING TRADITIONS OF A TV selections were compounded by WONDERFUL COMPETITION. TO HAVE Normally one of the highlights of the compressed timescales between the footballing calendar, the third round draws - for example, Grimsby Town FEWER THAN A THIRD OF THE 32 was fragmented to meet the needs fans were unable to get back from MATCHES KICKING OFF AT 3PM ON their late-Saturday kick-off against of broadcasters in various territories SATURDAY IS BOTH EXTRAORDINARY across the world. Crystal Palace. This denied many Mariners the chance to see their team AND VERY SAD.”
The headline result was that only in what could have been the biggest FSA chair Malcolm Clarke 10 of the 32 ties were played at the game of their season.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 9 TV HELL 2018-19Spurs were initially picked by Sky TV: GOING TO GET WORSE ONE STEP FORWARD, Sports to play Manchester City at home BEFORE IT GETS BETTER TWO STEPS BACK on Sunday 27th October. Tottenham were unable to fulfil the fixture on this date due to the build issues and a clash In recent seasons the relationship Back in 2017, the big issue with TV was with an NFL game at Wembley - so the between match-going fans and TV the Premier League failing to meet game was moved to the Monday has deteriorated significantly - and its own deadlines on releasing the night slot. next season it could get a whole lot TV fixtures. The Premier League has worse as the number of televised committed to giving fans six weeks However, Sky Sports were unwilling games is set to increase once more. notice of changes, but over the 2017-18 to give up the now-vacated TV slot season, more than half of the division’s so transferred the Manchester United Saturday 3pm kick-offs will become TV fixtures were announced late. vs Everton game, originally slated for a rarity for many fans as 200 of the early-Saturday, into the late- 380 Premier League games will be Rafts of TV fixtures often came weeks Sunday slot. broadcast across the 2019-20 season. late, leaving fans to gamble on train tickets and accommodation for away The move meant that the games causing supporters to, rightly, inconvenience that should have been kick up a fuss. We released numerous limited to Spurs and Manchester statements calling on the Premier City fans left thousands more out of League to get its act together and pocket. Manchester United Supporters’ raised the issue with former-chief Trust (MUST) described Sky Sports’ executive Richard Scudamore directly. behaviour as “naked commercial opportunism”. This season, the situation has improved. TV selections have been released MUST pushed the Premier League and on time for the most part - but Sky Sports to compensate supporters, one problem has been replaced by but the broadcaster was unmoved - another: the rise of conditional picks. telling the Trust that the move was a Broadcasters are now releasing TV commercial decision to preserve their Similarly, in the EFL Sky’s new five year selections on time, but completely “Super Sunday” brand. deal allows them to broadcast 138 disregarding them further down the league matches a season - with the line and carving up weekends long “While expressing sympathy for option to increase that to 158 games in after the initial selections have affected supporters however they have the final two years of the deal. been made. sought to shift responsibility for any compensation to the Premier League This all adds up to more and more The first taste of this in the 2018-19 and ultimately to our own club that did inconvenience for fans trying to plan season came as a result of the delays not instigate the fixture change,” their travel to games - more days to the construction of Tottenham MUST said. off work, more time spent travelling Hotspur’s new stadium. through the early hours and more time away from family and friends.
10 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 “THIS REGRETTABLE, BUT SADLY MISSING: LAST HOME GAMES Similarly, Spurs’ game against PREDICTABLE, BUCK PASSING AND Bournemouth, which was due to be OF THE SEASON played on the Monday night, was IMPASSE IGNORES THE VALID CLAIMS shuffled back to a Saturday kick-off. OF SUPPORTERS WHO REMAIN Manchester City against Leicester City, The penultimate weekend of the season SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF POCKET.” originally picked for an early Saturday was carved up not once but twice by kick-off off, was transferred into that broadcasters who sought to secure Not to be outdone by Sky, BT Sport empty Monday night slot. the most lucrative fixtures possible - also got in on the conditional picks regardless of the impact it would have show by somehow putting fans of four Ray from Man City Fan TV said: on fans looking to see their teams at Premier League clubs out with their “Two weeks notice is absolutely home for the final time. selections around the League Cup final scandalous.” weekend. The broadcaster inexplicably With Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur chose Manchester City as it’s number proceeding to the semi-finals of the one pick for the mid-week games 48 “THIS GOES BEYOND WHO YOU Champions League, Sky Sports decided hours after the final (despite City being to change their original selections SUPPORT, IT GOES BEYOND THE TRIBAL 9-0 up on aggregate in the semi-final made for the penultimate game of the NATURE OF FOOTBALL, WE SHOULD ALL at the time). season. Liverpool’s trip to St James’ BE STANDING TOGETHER BECAUSE IT’S Park to play Newcastle United, chosen City predictably went through to the RIDICULOUS. THE PREMIER LEAGUE for a Sunday 4pm kick-off on May 5th final but rather than lose the TV game existed in limbo for a few weeks before SHOULD NOT BE PUNISHING OTHER to their own short-sightedness, BT ending up as a Saturday 7.45pm FANS BY FORCING THEM TO BUY NEW Sport simply brought in other teams kick-off. off the bench to fill the slot vacated FLIGHTS, NEW HOTEL BOOKINGS, OR by Manchester City’s League Cup final GETTING MORE TIME OFF WORK.” clash - Burnley, Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Newcastle United fans were the victims - bringing their games forward with just four weeks notice.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 11 COMMUNITY-OWNED CLUBS SINCE 2000 SUPPORTERS DIRECT SUCCESS STORIES Tonbridge Angels navigated their way through Isthmian Premier League play- HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN off matches against Haringey Borough, BRINGING DOZENS OF FOOTBALL Merstham, and Metropolitan Police Community-owned clubs were led CLUBS INTO COMMUNITY to elevate themselves to the National this season by title winners City of League South next season. All this OWNERSHIP THROUGHOUT Liverpool FC, who won promotion came after a fourth place finish some ENGLAND AND WALES. THE to the Northern Premier League 23 points behind champions North West Division. They were run FSA’S RICHARD IRVING GIVES Dorking Wanderers. US A RUNDOWN ON HOW OUR incredibly close by Bootle FC who managed a superb winning streak of Club chair Dave Netherstreet told us: COMMUNITY-OWNED CLUBS 20 consecutive games to finish just two “It is great for all the people who have FARED IN 2018-19. points behind. supported the club over the years and who have helped the club through Unfortunately for City of Liverpool some of the really tricky moments of FC they couldn’t make it a league and the last five years. cup double as they were defeated by fellow community-owned club 1874 Northwich in the League Cup final. “IT IS HOPED THAT THE PROMOTION AND THE COVERAGE PROVIDED BY BT SPORT OF THE NATIONAL LEAGUE WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BOOST FOR THE COMMUNITY TO GET BEHIND US AND HOPEFULLY PUSH ON.”
(CC) James Boyes
12 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 COMMUNITY-OWNED CLUBS THE EFL A run of just one defeat in their final 12 minute winner at the national stadium. games secured their safety in a season Their season had many other highlights also made memorable by a superb 4-2 as, once again, they beat higher level win over West Ham United in the FA opposition in the FA Cup, defeating OUR HIGHEST RANKED CLUB, Cup fourth round before eventually Premier League Leicester City and WYCOMBE WANDERERS, IN THEIR being knocked out by Millwall. With Championship side Middlesbrough FIRST SEASON BACK IN LEAGUE ONE, just one more season to go before their before finally succumbing to FINISHED IN 17TH PLACE. IN THE move to a new ground back at Plough Manchester City at Rodney Parade in Lane in Wimbledon these are exciting the fifth round, despite holding the SAME DIVISION AFC WIMBLEDON times for the club. Premier League champions until the FACED AN UPHILL STRUGGLE TO AVOID 51st minute. RELEGATION BACK TO LEAGUE TWO, In League Two, Exeter City were in HAVING SPENT MUCH OF THE EARLY with a chance of reaching the play-offs PART OF THE YEAR IN THE with just a handful of games to go, but a poor run of two wins in eight games RELEGATION ZONE. put paid to their hopes.
Following a solid 2017-18 season, Newport County put together an astonishing campaign that led them to Wembley and a League Two play-off final against Tranmere Rovers which, ultimately, saw them defeated by a last-
(CC) James Boyes
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 13 play-offs only to be defeated in the in a division containing Manchester NON-LEAGUE qualifying round by Wealdstone in United, Tottenham Hotspur, and front of more than 2,200 fans at Crystal Palace. Twerton Park. In the National League, Wrexham will In the Isthmian League North, at Step have to spend at least another year In the Southern League Premier Four, Grays Athletic improved on their outside the EFL as the strength in the Division South, Merthyr Town, 16th place finish last season by finishing league of Leyton Orient and Salford Dorchester Town, and Hendon all seventh, despite still ground sharing City prevailed, and the club fell to finished in mid-table, whilst in the at Aveley. They will look to push for defeat at the hands of Eastleigh in Southern League Premier Division promotion back up to Step Three the play-offs. Central, AFC Rushden and Diamonds next season. and Banbury United finished in Near neighbours Chester finished three ninth and 17th places respectively. Scarborough Athletic’s hopes of points short of the National League At the same level in the Isthmian reaching the Northern Premier Division North play-offs whileDarlington, in Premier Division, Enfield Town and play-offs were dashed with just one their first year back in the division, Lewes couldn’t reach the heady heights game to go following eight league finished a creditable 16th. of Tonbridge Angels but finished in defeats since New Year’s Day. The club 10th and 11th places respectively, the ended their first season at the new level Unfortunately, after four seasons in the latter in their first season back at with an eighth place finish. Boro also National League North, FC United of Step Three. reached the North Riding Senior Cup Manchester were relegated back to the final for the second successive year, Northern Premier League. A special mention should also be beating Marske United 3-2 on penalties made of the Lewes Women’s team, after a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough’s Our representatives in the National who in their own first season in the FA Riverside Stadium. League South, Bath City, reached the Women’s Championship finished ninth
14 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 COMMUNITY- OWNED
(CC) James Boyes CLUBS
Our other Northern Premier League Fisher were another of our teams to In their first season of competition, clubs, Hyde United and Bamber steadily improve and finish third in Clapton Community Football Club Bridge, finished in 10th and 16th places the Southern Counties League East took the Middlesex County Football respectively, with Hyde attracting a Division, while our two remaining Step League Division 1 (Central and East) crowd of nearly 800 for their final day Five clubs, Peacehaven and Telscombe title pipping Stonewall FC by one point clash against Stalybridge Celtic. in the Southern Combination Premier and gaining promotion in front of 1,200 and Saffron Walden Town in the Essex fans. A league and league cup double Our two teams in the Northern Premier Senior League finished tenth and follows an incredibly successful year League First Division West, Runcorn fourth respectively. which, amongst many other things in Linnets and Prescot Cables, both their community, saw them sell more missed out on the play-offs, finishing At Step Six, AFC Liverpool finished than 12,000 of their famous second in sixth and seventh place – with the third in the North West Counties First strip shirts to owners across the world. former missing out on goal difference Division North, Hinckley AFC 16th in Finally, in the Welsh Football League, to Ramsbottom United. In the Southern the Midland League First Division. In Ton Pentre endured a difficult season League Division One Central Kempston the Wessex League Premier Division, finishing bottom of Division One. Rovers finished 13th. Newport (IOW) finished sixth, Wythenshawe Amateurs took fourth Here’s hoping for a successful 2019- At Step Five, City of Liverpool aside, place in the North West Counties 2020 season for all our clubs! our other three teams in the North League Division One South, and West Counties Premier Division Newark Town achieved ninth place Design Note endured mixed fortunes. Congleton in the Central Midlands League. Town were some way behind City of Liverpool in third, 1874 Northwich finished 10th, but did win the League Cup, and Litherland REMYCA finished 15th.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 15 FA CUP TICKET PRICES
THE FA AGREED A REDUCTION IN The FA’s decision to reduce the ticket Last season, the FA was criticised for TICKET PRICES FOR 3,000 TICKETS AT prices followed concerted lobbying introducing inflation-busting price hikes and discussions with supporters, led without consulting supporters – the THIS YEAR’S FA CUP FINAL FOLLOWING by supporter organisations around FA responded by meeting fans and LOBBYING EFFORTS BY SUPPORTER the country and our supporter increasing the concessionary saving on REPRESENTATIVES – BUT MANY representatives on the FA Council. the most expensive tickets (from £10 to FANS REMAIN UNHAPPY WITH THIS £25) and committed to not increasing Tom Greatrex, our FA Council supporter the price of semi-final and final tickets SEASON’S PRICING. representative said: “Fans have beyond the rate of inflation until 2022 rightfully raised concerns about the at the earliest. 1,500 tickets in the lower band behind ticket prices we’ve seen at Wembley both goals (3,000 total) at Wembley for the semi-finals and finals – some Tom said: “While this is a step in the Stadium were reduced from £115 to of the highest for national cup finals in right direction, we feel the FA could go £70, a total saving for supporters in European football. further in making the Wembley fixtures those areas of around £135,000. more affordable for match-going fans.
Fans are still unhappy with the high “Supporters are integral to the success costs of attending the Wembley “THE FA NEEDS TO of the competition – a competition fixtures – particularly the thousands REMEMBER THAT WITHOUT which the FA markets on its tradition, paying in excess of £100. Manchester DEDICATED SUPPORTERS FILLING authenticity and atmosphere.” City’s 1894 Group said: “This year’s WEMBLEY FOR THE CUP FINAL IT final prices have been dressed up as Alongside supporter organisations price freezes whereas in reality they WOULDN’T BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF at club level, the FSA will continue are massively out of step with the THE FOOTBALLING CALENDAR THAT to push the FA for a fundamental cup final prices in other major WE KNOW AND LOVE.” review of ticket pricing at the FA Cup’s European countries. Wembley fixtures, as well as other issues impacting the competition this “How many true fans who have been season – such as kick-off times, travel going for decades have had to miss out difficulties and disruption caused by because of the prices? Once you price broadcasting selections. traditional fans out, who will replace them?”
16 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 MORE TO DO BACK IN FEBRUARY IT WAS EFL AWAY PRICES UNDER EUROPEAN PRICES: FANS CONFIRMED THAT THE POPULAR AND THE MICROSCOPE CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE SUCCESSFUL £30 AWAY TICKET PRICE CAP IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WOULD Beyond the success of the £30 price You may have noticed some English RUN FOR ANOTHER THREE SEASONS. cap in the Premier League, ticket prices teams did very well in European remain a thorny issue in the EFL. competitions this season, but that The current competition-wide cap success has made for some (very) was introduced at the start of the With other leagues such as France’s expensive seasons for fans following 2016-17 season, following sustained Ligue 1 also introducing competition- their teams. campaigning by supporters across the wide price caps for away tickets (€10) country led by the then-FSF under the the EFL Championship has suddenly Too many big clubs in Europe charge “Twenty’s Plenty” banner. become one of the most expensive visiting supporters far too much. places in the world to be an away fan. Barcelona were one of the main Since its introduction three years ago, offenders this year, charging Liverpool the £30 cap on away prices in the and Manchester United fans €119 to Premier League has saved millions of see their teams from the top tier of pounds for away fans. Camp Nou.
FSA chief executive Kevin Miles said: Both clubs stepped in to subsidise “We have always argued that away the price, and said they would be supporter attendance needs to be charging Barcelona fans more to make encouraged if the atmosphere and up the difference in the return legs - spectacle of a live football match is to something we’ve been describing as be sustained. “revenge pricing”. According to analysis by journalist Dubas Fischer published this year, Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly group “WE STILL BELIEVE MORE CAN BE 80% of Championship matches had said: “Success comes with expense, but DONE AND WE CALL ON THE PREMIER standard, advanced, adult tickets priced that does not have to mean extortion LEAGUE TO LOOK AT WAYS TO at £30 or less - with 77 fixtures coming – Barcelona’s pricing structure for this in above that. stage of the Champions League is an FURTHER REDUCE CONCESSIONARY elitist joke.” TICKET COSTS AND SUBSIDISE FANS’ The average cost of an away ticket TRAVEL COSTS WHEN GAMES ARE in the division stands at £27.04. The MOVED FOR TV.” worst offenders included Leeds United, who charged visiting fans an average of £37.82 per ticket; Birmingham, meanwhile, charged £19.12.
We continue to lobby UEFA on such extreme price gouging and the pressure is beginning to tell - president Aleksander Čeferin conceded earlier this year they would have to consider competition-wide price caps.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 17 CLUBS IN CRISIS There’s no set definition of a club in We see an unscrupulous owner running The problem is tightening up rules crisis but fans know it when they see our beloved club into the ground. The which are written by owners with a it - if it looks like a duck, swims like a law sees a business owner making his vested interest. The EFL sees itself duck, and quacks like a duck, then it or her own decisions about their own primarily as a members club not probably is a duck. investment and won’t intervene, as long a regulator. as they follow the laws of the land and Clubs with an endless stream of unpaid pay tax. Meanwhile the FA has never fully creditors and fall outs with HMRC. grasped its own role as regulator, Owners who react to fan protests with The Conservative Party sees itself as instead shifting its focus to the self-defeating threats. Media calls for the party of business so there’s been national teams, disciplinary issues, and FA action. Player wages going unpaid. no legislative movement and the past grassroots administrative matters. few years have hardly been ideal terrain Even within a club’s own fanbase not for that anyway, given the enormous WHAT THE FA NEEDS TO DO every single supporter will comfortably focus on Brexit. accept the label but there comes a Our proposals to the FA rest on point when everybody knows, including THE EFL two key principles. Firstly, that the the football authorities. significance of football clubs is properly The EFL has in recent years prided recognised. These are not just ordinary The easy part is identifying the clubs in itself on how few administrations have businesses, whatever the law might say, crisis and analysing their problems but actually occurred, although that has and if you are involved in the football the tricky bit is finding ways to fix changed now with Bolton Wanderers industry you must recognise that. the problem. going into administration. Clubs are cultural commodities, the As supporters we see football clubs Of course the scarcity of clubs in biggest expression of community for the uniquely special entities they administration was hardly consolation identity in our country, with loyalty built are: history, importance to the local to supporters of Blackpool, Charlton up over generations. They should be community, decades spent going to Athletic, Coventry City, Hull City, Leyton afforded levels of protection in keeping games with friends and family or Orient, Morecambe, or others who have with listed buildings or conservation taking your own kids. all fallen out with owners at various areas. It is not appropriate to treat points in recent seasons. them as if they were supermarket or But legally they are businesses and mobile provider. they exist within the laws of the land.
18 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 Secondly, massive conflicts of interest The Code of Practice on the If our proposals are put into force and exist within the game and they must Stewardship of Football Clubs would implemented there’d be a significant be removed. The Premier League, EFL, set out new guidance for clubs (and reduction in the number of clubs and National League are effectively owners) on a range of issues which in crisis. Without real action the member bodies for football clubs and have caused problems over the years supporters of those clubs will supporters don’t accept that self- - name changes, playing colours and continue to suffer. regulation works. badges, stadium location, and training facilities. The damaging actions of a small Regulatory decisions should be taken handful of rogue owners overshadows by people with a suitable level of Prospective owners should outline the good work at the majority of clubs independence, with support from business plans that demonstrate and reflects poorly on the game’s external expertise where needed, to their capability to run a football club commitment to good governance. avoid the conflicts of interest which sustainably, in accordance with the currently exist. Code of Practice and its requirements Good owners must stand up, be to engage with the club’s supporters counted, and make their case The FA is the best placed organisation and other stakeholders. alongside supporters. It’s in all of to do this and should be the our best interests. game’s regulator. Crucially, proposed owners shouldn’t be allowed to use shares in a club to raise FSA ACTION FA PROPOSALS funds to complete their purchase. This restriction would avoid repetition of Beneath these core principles we have recent examples where new ownership Our proposals presented to a meeting made a series of proposals to the FA has seen significant new debt loaded of the FA Board, a first for a supporters’ including a new Code of Practice on onto a club, rather than the new owner. group. The Board welcomed the the Stewardship of Football Clubs. proposals and asked us develop a more Owners should also have to deliver focussed package to take forward for While the FA, Premier League, EFL, a bond to the FA which the owner implementation, with the FA, Premier and National League have all taken forfeits if the club failed to honour League, EFL and National League. steps in recent years to protect clubs, wages, tax commitments and so on. Further meetings with the FA and the their actions are too often undermined Proposed owners would continue to be leagues are scheduled. The FSA AGM in by the actions of a small number of subject to current checks and directors June 2019 will be asked to endorse renegade owners. should face their own separate checks. the proposals.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 19 CLUBS IN CRISIS
20 | The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 FURTHER READING CORE PRINCIPLES:
If you’d like further details on our 1. CLUBS MUST BE RECOGNISED proposals - 10,627 words of further FOR THEIR CULTURAL IMPORTANCE. detail! - we’re happy to send the full set of proposals with supporting appendix THEY ARE NOT NORMAL BUSINESSES. to members. Get in touch. 2. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST HAVE The work has been coordinated by TO BE REMOVED. CLUBS CANNOT FSA chair Malcolm Clarke and special thanks should go to Roger Ellis (Sky REGULATE THEMSELVES AND THE Blues Trust) whose expertise has FA MUST STEP IN. proven invaluable.
FROM THE GROUND...
On 13th June 2019 it was announced to colleagues at Coventry City, Bury, that the Oystons were finally out of Bolton Wanderers, and all the other Blackpool FC with lifelong fan Simon clubs who have been failed to make Sadler taking a 96% shareholding. sure that their plight continues to Blackpool Supporters’ Trust (BST) said be highlighted.” they were “delighted” with the news that the Oyston’s 31-year reign was For BST chair and FSA National Council finally over. member Christine Seddon the hard work begins now. “Everything needs “For years, we as supporters have rebuilding, from the training ground campaigned with vigour and with and the Bloomfield Road pitch through decency to see the regime change at the academy system, the managerial Bloomfield Road, with little support set-up, the squad,” said Christine. “It’s a from the football authorities,” said BST. new start that lies ahead – new owners, new infrastructure, new staff, new kit, “We will continue to campaign with new sponsors, new ambitions. The only energy for wholesale regulatory real constant, as at any great club, is reform of English football. We owe it the fan base.”
The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 | 21 INTERNATIONAL FREE LIONESSES
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR WE Offering our usual mix of behind the women’s game more generally. HAVE EXTENDED OUR FANS’ EMBASSY scenes advice and assistance along At the time of going to press England with a presence in each host city had qualified for the last 16 through SERVICE TO FOLLOWERS OF THE around every game that England victories in their opening three group WOMEN’S GAME, WITH THE LAUNCH play, we hope that this will mark stage games. We will hopefully be with OF FREE LIONESSES, OUR FANZINE the beginning of a long-running them all the way to Lyon for the final on FOR FANS OF THE ENGLAND WOMEN’S relationship following the women’s Sunday 7th July. team at major tournaments, which TEAM ATTENDING THE 2019 WORLD highlights our ongoing work in the You can follow the team on Twitter CUP IN FRANCE. @FreeLionesses
22 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 FREE LIONS
After a (perhaps) longer-than-expected Free Lions continues to go from that little bit further, before rounding stay in Russia last summer, the Free strength to strength as we’ve now off this season’s activities with a match Lions fans’ embassy team could have racked up 167 issues, and we’re already in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. been forgiven for looking forward to a looking forward to autumn trips to little break. Prague, Sofia, as well as a first fixture Our colleagues at FSA Cymru provided away in Kosovo, on our route to the their fans’ embassy services at each Given the unusual situation of England’s Euro 2020 finals. game, along with fundraising efforts Nations League match against Croatia for local orphanages with their partners in Rijeka being played behind closed FSA CYMRU Gôl Cymru. doors, they got a few extra days off before travelling to Seville in October Unfortunately defeats in both June for England’s excellent 3-2 away victory fixtures leaves Ryan Giggs’ men with Following last year’s trips to the USA against Spain, securing England’s an uphill task of qualifying for next and China things were ‘back to normal’ qualification for the Nations League summer’s tournament. for the Welsh fans’ embassy team this finals this summer. year, finishing off their Nations League FSA Cymru will continue to work with campaigns with games in Denmark There they joined hosts Portugal along the FA of Wales, with particular focus and Ireland. with Switzerland and the Netherlands, on the issues of ticket harvesting and who likewise topped their Nations issues around providing ID at matches While Dublin and Aarhus are not too League groups. to ensure that named ticket holders far off the beaten track, their trips get in. to Elbasan in Albania for a friendly The disappointment in the performance in November 2018, and a Euro 2020 on the pitch in Guimarães in the semi- qualifier in Osijek in Croatia (June 2019) final against the Netherlands didn’t tested the limits of their preparation detract from another great trip, and another surprising penalty shoot-out victory, this time against Switzerland. We’re almost beginning to make a habit of them.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 23 FSF AWARDS 2018
Arsenal’s Beth Mead picked up “Usually I share any awards WITH MORE THAN 366,000 the trophy for the Women’s with my teammates and all the Player of the Year, with staff at Liverpool, but on this VOTES CAST, THE FSF AWARDS IN Mohamed Salah topping the occasion I would like also to PARTNERSHIP WITH VIRGIN MEDIA fans’ vote for the Men’s Player dedicate it to the Liverpool fans ARE THE LARGEST SUPPORTER-LED of the Year award, holding off for their incredible support. AWARDS IN THE UK, AND THE 2018 competition from runner-up Thank you. ” EVENT RETURNED TO THE TOWER OF Eden Hazard. Other winners on the night LONDON TO CROWN THE BEST IN Salah said: “Thank you for this included Sky Sports duo THE GAME. award, it means so much to Gary Neville and Martin Tyler, me because it was voted for Football365.com and the by supporters. Guardian, who picked up a hat-trick of awards for best newspaper, best podcast, and best writer.
24 | The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR COMMENTATOR OF THE YEAR PODCAST OF THE YEAR MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool) MARTIN TYLER THE GUARDIAN FOOTBALL WEEKLY
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR FANS FOR DIVERSITY AWARD PUNDIT OF THE YEAR BETH MEAD (Arsenal) PROUD LILYWHITES (Spurs) GARY NEVILLE
AWAY DAY OF THE YEAR FANZINE OF THE YEAR RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR PRESTON NORTH END POPULARSTAND (Doncaster Rovers) 606
NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR FAN MEDIA OF THE YEAR THE GUARDIAN TONY BARRETT (Liverpool) ARSEBLOG
ONLINE MEDIA OF THE YEAR WRITER OF THE YEAR CLUB PODCAST OF THE YEAR FOOTBALL365.COM BARNEY RONAY FROM THE ROOKERY END (Watford)
NATIONAL GAME COMMUNITY AWARD CURZON ASHTON FC
FOR THE FULL SHORTLISTS IN EACH CATEGORY, HEAD TO WWW.BIT.LY/FSF-SHORTLISTS
The FSA Annual Report 2018_19 | 25 AWAY FANS SURVEY
SINCE IT BEGAN BACK IN 2012, MORE THAN 20,000 OF YOU HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS AS PART OF OUR AWAY FANS SURVEY.
We collate ratings on everything Because of the work we’ve done over Some of the comments are well from the price of matchday pies to the past eight years, clubs are able thought out, well constructed pieces the position of the away sector and to see where they are, whether the of feedback highlighting specific areas everything in-between. changes they are making have had an of concern that need to be addressed. effect, and the areas in which they still Others, not so much. Judge for yourself All your feedback (good and bad) gets need to improve. which is which. passed to clubs via their Supporter Liaison Officers. We also share our Data is all well and good but we also We’ve also anonymised some clubs datasets with each of our affiliate give people the opportunity to offer as we find they’re more likely to act supporter groups, so they can see the specific comments which the survey on criticism when they’re informed concerns away fans have about their might not cover. privately - public shaming often leads ground, and can take them up with to them digging their heels in. their own club.
26 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 THE GOOD
• I really appreciated the welcome • It’s the stewards that make it for whoever was in charge on that the [Club]’s fans and club put me. Been a couple of times now and realising that none were needed on for us, it was relaxed, friendly and they’re one of the best. The fact that for this fixture. welcoming - which definitely didn’t they are happy to let you out to have prepare us for just how dirty their a smoke at half time is brilliant. Just • A lovely gesture at the end of the team was! shows what intelligent people you match to hand out the pastries that have as stewards. hadn’t been sold. • Great vibe at the outside bar - police on horseback really friendly too, • For once in away end plenty of ladies • Excellent leg room. Excellent fanzone stewards in the away end sensible toilets! It was a community day and with band playing, food outlets and and relaxed about standing and goal [Club] had organised very good real ale outside of ground. Very celebrations. Impressive. events for children including those friendly atmosphere. Good pricing visiting and with learning disabilities at £20. THERE WAS FREE COLD WATER • [Club] bring a bit of what is good IN THE CONCOURSE TO DRINK • The ability to use contactless cards is very good and other clubs about non-League to the match day - A GOOD TOUCH. should copy. experience. They are friendly from the off and treat away fans as adults. • Nice to see the local police be • Excellent DJ playing before the game Not all away fans will respect that proactive and helpful with respect in the away end. Played songs that but on the night I went it worked to away supporters on social media were for the away fans. very well. they’re probably up with the best policing I’ve seen on my travels. • Didn’t see any police, even outside • Police at [Club] are excellent. Pre South Yorkshire Police take note. the ground. Congratulations to match Twitter and face to face.
MUST DO BETTER THE UGLY
• The half-time “entertainment” was • As with every ground, get more • If there is ever a competition for by far the worst I’ve ever seen in a staff serving at the bars. It’s not most mean minded but complacent sporting arena of any description, rocket science. club in the entire universe, [Club] can utterly dreadful. count on my vote. • I’d like there to be more TVs for • My son was picked out by a sniffer away fans so that they can watch an • Their clappers used by the home dog and IMMEDIATELY treated like a earlier game which is being televised fans are a total embarrassment criminal. The reality was that the dog live and it would encourage fans to and should be banned from wanted his used McDonalds wrapper get in the stadium earlier and buy football completely. in his pocket. No apologies from the refreshments. security staff. Very embarrassing to • Can’t fault the stadium. Refreshments be searched in front of big queues • Before kick off the home team was poor, cocky, arrogant, fawning PA at who automatically think you announced but not the away team half time. It’s [Club], wouldn’t expect are guilty. which I found disrespectful. anything different.
• PA system far too loud and intrusive • When leaving the match, the lighting • Many seats were very dirty. Pigeons! - completely destroyed the ability for was not particularly good and either home or away fans to create this combined with the poor car [GROUND] IS A S**T HOLE, any kind of atmosphere despite parking surface, positioning of the FLATTEN IT AND START AGAIN. best efforts. away coaches and damaged street furniture was not good, and could • This ground needs demolishing. have been dangerous.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 27 SUPPORTER LIAISON OFFICER TONY BARRETT RIP JONATHAN
local support and its growing Sadly at the tail end of 2018 Jonathan international audience? Waite, the respected and well-liked Supporter Liaison Officer at Tottenham “A major challenge for Liverpool, Hotspur, died suddenly at the age like any big Premier League club is of 48. retaining that local connection as the Premier League goes global – because Jonathan was a genuine advocate of like it or not it has become global. fans within the game and his work at THIS YEAR’S SUPPORTER LIAISON Spurs led him to win the SLO of the OFFICER OF THE YEAR WINNER “Traditionally you had a dressing room Year Award at our awards in 2016. “It to community connection, but when was impossible not to like, respect and (P24-25) WAS LIVERPOOL’S TONY the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven get on with Jonathan,” said Katrina BARRETT, WHO HAS HELPED Gerrard move on, how do you maintain Law and Martin Cloake, co-chairs of TRANSFORM SUPPORTER that link?” Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust. RELATIONS ON MERSEYSIDE. Liverpool have launched numerous community initiatives, such as Red “I don’t think the club was out of touch Neighbours in the L4 postcode to necessarily,” Tony says about the state bolster its presence in the immediate of play when he came into the role. neighbourhoods around Anfield. “But the relationship between the club and supporters had definitely “We all want what’s best for the club,” become strained.” Tony says. “But at any big institution there’s going to be competing interests, Before Tony joined discontent had been “HE DEALT WITH EVERY CHALLENGE competing ambitions - you just have to rising and things came to a head in - AND THERE WERE MANY - WITH try to do what’s right for the club. And 2016 when the club published planned not everyone’s always going to agree PATIENCE AND GOOD HUMOUR. ticket price hikes, leading to protest in with you or the club’s position.” the stands and walkouts led by Spirit of “HE LISTENED AND HE ADVISED AND Shankly and Spion Kop 1906. The club Compared to the nadir of the 2016 GUIDED, AND WE LEARNED SO MUCH listened and backed down. walkouts, relations on Merseyside are FROM HIM. SIMPLY PUT, HE JUST now much warmer. “I was approached by Liverpool GOT IT.” THST several months before I took the role,” “The biggest improvement over the last said Tony, who has a background in 12 months has been the embracing of journalism, becoming a respected voice supporter culture. You’ve got to listen amongst Scousers along the way. to supporters and have that network to draw on but there needs to be more “It was a special moment for me and understanding of the role. a huge honour - and it would be a fundamental change in career,” he said. “Fans need to know that the SLO is “But it was a chance to influence the often the one fighting their corner in club and make a positive contribution.” meetings. There’s a real person behind that role that just wants what’s best for So how can a club the size of Liverpool you and the club.” balance the interests of its traditional
28 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 and/or senior executives. This is up MEMORANDUMS 8% from the previous year. OF UNDERSTANDING • 39% of respondents said their club either misunderstands or doesn’t act SUPPORTER A Memorandum of Understanding upon the guidelines, although this is (MoU) is a public document signed an improvement as almost half (48%) between two parties, such as a fan of fan representatives said the same group and a club. The MoU isn’t legally last year. ENGAGEMENT binding, but it does commit both parties to certain practices, such as a • 86% didn’t believe, or were unsure, Premier League and EFL clubs are commitment to open dialogue. Think that clubs would be sanctioned mandated by their respective leagues financial analysis, stadium issues, and by a league for not conforming to to meet with fans twice per season, at a ownership of the club. regulations. minimum, and no issue should be “off- the-table”. Deborah Dilworth our EFL network manager, said: “The survey shows The Department for Digital, Culture, dialogue is in a healthy state, but Media and Sport (DCMS) guidelines unfortunately there remains a handful are in place and the leagues have of clubs where this isn’t the case. incorporated versions of these into their rulebooks. “THERE’S DEFINITELY ROOM FOR Last year we surveyed fan groups IMPROVEMENT AND WE’LL CONTINUE to find out how their clubs were TO SUPPORT FANS AT CLUBS WHERE It’s an attempt to move away from club implementing supporter engagement v fan dynamic to a more constructive THE GOVERNMENT’S GUIDELINES and to asses the picture was across- relationship. the-board - afterwards, feeding that AREN’T BEING MET.” information back to the sports minister. Doncaster Rovers, Fulham, Grimsby Seventy three clubs were covered in The research also showed that fans Town, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, the results. want a clear distinction between and Rochdale AFC have already signed promotional or social fans forum-style MoUs with their own club’s HERE’S WHAT SUPPORTER events and engagement meetings - supporters’ trusts. GROUPS TOLD US: where 52% of fans wanted to hear from CEOs on more difficult topics such as • 84% of clubs are meeting with ownership and financial data. supporters at least twice per season. This matches previous survey’s FSA ACTION We will continue to raise results which reported 85%. cases where engagement guidelines aren’t being met with DCMS, the EFL, • 94% of clubs are fielding appropriate and Premier League. people – either owners, directors
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 29 FANS FOR DIVERSITY FANS FOR DIVERSITY GUIDANCE GROUP CLUB FORUMS
It’s been another busy year for the Fans The 2018-19 season has been the first It’s been a privilege for Fans for for Diversity campaign as we continue year where the Fans for Diversity Diversity to take part in many club to grow and develop our work across Guidance Group has been in full swing. forums this season - events which give all strands of diversity. supporters a direct path to talk about The group is a small network of like- diversity issues with their players, Almost every weekend somewhere in minded individuals from across football coaches and senior management. the country there will be a Fans for who provide valuable feedback on the Diversity event, and we’re extremely current work of our campaign, as well Our most recent club forum at the time proud of the work we’ve done helping as suggesting and exploring new areas of writing was at Griffin Park with Fans supporters over the last five years. of work. for Diversity’s Anwar Uddin, Brentford’s manager, players, and Liam Rosenior on
Our work has expanded rapidly to The Guidance Group is a great way a panel answering fans’ questions. We cover all diversity strands - covering for supporters to get involved in the covered some big topics such as ‘would LGBT, black and ethnic minority Fans for Diversity campaign and help you pull your players off the pitch if backgrounds, disability - so that fans promote diversity at the match. We’re they received racist abuse?’ which from all walks of life feel confident extremely grateful for the advice and showed how valuable these events are coming to us for help with support the group has given to the - we look forward to rolling out more their initiatives. FSA already. club forums in the 2019-20 season.
30 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 FANS FOR DIVERSITYAWARD WINNERS: PROUD LILYWHITES
The Fans for Diversity award is now in its third year and the winners of 2018-19 prize were Proud Lilywhites for their fantastic work on LGBT issues.
Established in 2014, the Proud Lilywhites have become a well- established and respected group within the supporters’ movement - in the last 12 months they’ve helped Tottenham Hotspur Foundation appoint a dedicated LGBT co-ordinator and embed LGBT inclusion in the club’s work.
Co-chair Chris Paouros said: “We were delighted, we weren’t expecting it at all. There’s so much brilliant work that goes on in this area. So the fact that we’ve been recognised for the work we’ve been doing over the last four years is wonderful.”
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 31 WHEN FOOTBALL UNITES THIS SEASON THE BURGEONING The two groups made contact through Fans for Diversity campaigns officer FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN FANS OF the Fans for Diversity network back in Maria Horner said: “This was an the autumn of 2018, meeting for the opportunity to bring two very different BRADFORD AND LINCOLN CITY first time at Valley Parade in October. groups together through football to WAS THE SUBJECT OF A NEW The Bradford City hosts taught the meet and learn about each other. FILM CELEBRATING THEIR visiting Lincoln City fans how to make RELATIONSHIP VIA THE FANS pakora, took them round the Bantams’ ground and visited the Bradford City FOR DIVERSITY CAMPAIGN. “TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO Fire Memorial. ORDINARILY WOULD NEVER HAVE When Football Unites is a short Then in November the Lady Imps MET - BUILDING UNDERSTANDING documentary by film-maker Liam returned the favour - hosting a group AND FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH THE Sullivan that documents the of Bradford City fans at Sincil Bank blossoming relationship, and cultural POWER OF FOOTBALL.” and taking them to the RAF’s Battle of exchange, between the Lady Imps Britain Memorial centre in Lincoln. Supporters Association and the Bangla Bantams. The film debuted back in January at the Natural Science and Media Museum in Bradford and is set to be shown again in July during the Bradford Festival.
32 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 NON-LEAGUE: into the landscape of the football decisions - often a bigger club will community. This in turn should have a single point of contact and PROMOTING INCLUSION encourage more people to attend some resources too, which can help. matches, support their club With smaller clubs it can be harder and community. because the people involved are There are huge numbers of people who very much focussed on week to haven’t experienced a match but who • To educate and challenge the week survival and ensuring the carry misconceptions and fears; some narrative around discrimination match goes on! based on negative media coverage, and abuse. One way we do this which hasn’t until more recently begun by bringing people of different This leaves less time for the ‘nice to do’ to balance out with the reality of the backgrounds together in solidarity projects, but where there is a will, we match going experience. – football is for everyone and if you find a way to help. share the same team even more so! So over my first year with the FSA it’s There is a lot to love about non- been a pleasure to extend the Fans for And the elephant in the room? Yes, league - those in it, know it. It survives Diversity campaign’s ground-breaking there are still problems with racist and and is cherished thanks to dedicated work into non-league football – homophobic abuse and all manner individuals, supporters and volunteers, showing people that there is great live of other abuses. There is no quick yet sometimes it’s invisible in its own football on their doorstep, and helping fix, but as individuals we can make wider community – I’d like to see those who wouldn’t normally consider a difference; visible support for our that change. it get into the matchday habit. campaign partner Kick it Out – wear a sticker, re-tweet the message against OUR IMPORTANT WORK discrimination, help your fellow HAS THREE KEY AIMS: supporters by endorsing or getting involved in projects which bring people • To communicate with people who together - and find a way to make a may not think football is for them matchday welcome for those who may (which includes underrepresented be different to you, even if it’s just groups and marginalised a smile. communities), and to build bridges between those people, existing In non-league we’re encouraging clubs supporters and football clubs to to start somewhere, to reach out into Maria Horner, create space for a welcome to their different communities and to try Fans for Diversity campaigns officer everyone at football. to engage supporters in that process. While you may think it’s easier to work • To help support those groups to with a small club - fewer departments become more visible and accepted or individuals to be involved in making
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 33 STAND UP FOR CHOICE CAMPAIGN AWAITS WOLVES MAKE Head of the FSA’s standing campaign Peter Daykin described Wolves’ GOVERNMENT REVIEW STATEMENT commitment to offering their supporters choice as “great news”.
The campaign to reform the all-seater In May 2019 Wolves announced plans “Government and SGSA are committed legislation covering the top two to install more than 5,000 rail seats at to evidence-gathering across a range divisions of English football has been Molineux. They will become the first of different standing technologies and chugging along in the background as Premier League club to retrofit rail- stadium designs,” Peter said. we await the outcome of a Government seating type accommodation into review to be published. an existing stand. “WE HOPE THAT THE OPPORTUNITY Last year, the Sports Minister Seats in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand committed to reviewing the legislation will be replaced this summer by the TO OBSERVE SUCH A LARGE and commissioned independent rail seats and all seats in the Stan INSTALLATION OF RAIL SEATS AT analysts to look at all the evidence Cullis quadrant will be fitted with THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF THE GAME surrounding the issue. an independent barrier. PROVIDES A LOT OF DATA THAT
We eagerly await the outcome of that The club said they were proud of the CAN FURTHER PROGRESS report and fans having the choice of move and say both areas will fully THE DEBATE.” how they watch their football. comply with the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s (SGSA) most recent guidance.
34 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 SUPPORT FOR CHANGE YouGov also polled 2,000 adults on the same question and nearly half backed REMAINS STRONG reform, with a third undecided. Only one in six were against changing the law. Almost two-thirds of MPs believe the all-seater legislation governing the top Support was significantly higher among two flights of English football should be those interested in football and more reformed, according to data released familiar with the issue. Seven out of ten this year from YouGov. adults surveyed who said they had an interest in football were in favour The polling company recently asked of reform. 100 MPs whether they wanted to see a change in the law to allow licensed This rose further amongst those standing areas at the top of English described by YouGov as having a football. 62 of those asked backed the “strong interest in the game” to choice to stand, 22 were against and 15 almost eight out of ten. were undecided.
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 35 CASEWORK: FAIRCOP
36 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 ON THE PITCH
WE ALL KNOW TROUBLE AT Pitch incursions became a hot topic high advertising hoardings onto the this season after one high-profile perimeter of the pitch. Cue more calls THE MATCH IS RARE - BUT IT moron invaded the pitch to assault for clampdowns on This Sort of Thing. CAN HAPPEN WHICH IS WHY Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish A number of Newcastle fans who during their visit to St Andrew’s back were unlucky enough to be pushed WE’RE ALWAYS ON HAND in March. over the small barrier onto the pitch (and subsequently whisked away TO HELP SUPPORTERS WHO Despite this particular idiot being by the authorities) got in touch with FIND THEMSELVES IN A SPOT arrested and receiving a custodial us for advice and we put them in sentence within 48 hours the national touch with Football Law Associates OF BOTHER. WE CONTINUE media went into overdrive about the who represented them in court. The TO OFFER ADVICE AND potential for disorder and a return to fact that the fans left court without the ‘bad old days’. Pundits were lining banning orders shows once again the ASSISTANCE TO FANS up to deliver their hot takes - one ex- importance of legal representation. pro even suggesting there should be CASEWORK: ROUND THE CLOCK WHO armed police in the stands. Across the media we argued that FEEL THEY’VE BEEN dragging fans through the courts for The hysteria was ramped up even celebratory pitch incursions was not TREATED UNFAIRLY BY THEIR further the following weekend when in the public interest. The authorities FOOTBALL CLUBS, POLICE a small number of Newcastle United should be able to use their discretion, fans, after a last minute equaliser at and we want to see fans dealt with in OR OTHER AUTHORITIES. Dean Court, spilled over the shin- a more proportionate manner.
IAGS
We’re generally the first point of FSA caseworker Amanda Jacks said: FAIRCOP contact for fans when things go wrong, “We’ve always recommended Police and we can point them in the direction should consider the views of fans - who of specialised legal advice - but it’s not are the largest stakeholders at football all negative. This season has seen the matches - and engage with growth of a new area of work for us - the feedback they provide. Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs).
IAGs are groups of supporter “ALREADY, IAGS HAVE HELPED MAKE representatives who act as critical POSITIVE CHANGES AROUND THE but constructive observers of policing COUNTRY, PARTICULARLY WITH operations around football matches at your clubs - providing direct feedback WEST MIDLANDS POLICE AND THE to police on their matchday activities. METROPOLITAN POLICE.”
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 37 ARRESTS DOWN AGAIN
YOU’RE UNLIKELY TO HAVE SEEN Over the 2017-18 season there were “It’s very pleasing to see football- THIS IN MANY MAJOR NEWS 1,542 football-related arrests, a 6% related arrests falling again,” said decrease of 96 on the previous season. Amanda Jacks FSA caseworker. OUTLETS BUT FOOTBALL-RELATED Additionally the number of live football ARRESTS HAVE FALLEN ONCE MORE banning orders, and new banning “Any match-going fan will know - CONTINUING A LONG-TERM TREND orders issued, also fell. that the overwhelming majority of TOWARDS HISTORICALLY LOW supporters are well behaved and There has been a steady decline in the that matchdays mostly pass without LEVELS ACCORDING TO THE LATEST total number of active football banning incident – these figures once again HOME OFFICE STATISTICS. orders in the last seven seasons. reflect that.”
ARRESTS DOWN BY 43% (-1,352) The arrest rate was just 3.5 football- related arrests per 100,000 attendees FROM 3,174 IN NOVEMBER 2011. - comparing favourably to other large scale public events.
Of all competitions with 30 arrests or more, League Two had the highest arrest rate of 8.6 per 100,000, while European club competitions had the lowest of 1.2 arrests per 100,000.
38 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 DODGY STEWARDING? DON’T STEEL CITY SHRUG IT OFF, GET IN TOUCH! DERBY POLICING
Over recent years, we’ve seen police In a consultation led by the FSA earlier supporters’ expectations of how a increasingly reducing the number of this year, Sheffield United and Sheffield modern high-profile fixture should be officers deployed in stadiums - rightly Wednesday fans condemned the handled. Supporters have expressed so in these times of austerity. A football policing of the Steel City Derby. serious concerns about the force’s match is a private event. The club’s communication, conduct safety and security team are More than 1,000 supporters took and approachability.” ultimately responsible. part in our survey examining South Yorkshire Police’s operation before Among those who took part in and after the Sheffield derby held at our survey, only 11 described police Hillsborough back in March. instructions post-match as “clear, audible and helpful”. Almost 80% of The results paint a damning picture those who attended the match believe of the operation, particularly post- South Yorkshire Police are worse than match as Sheffield United fans left the average when compared with other Leppings Lane end at Hillsborough forces around the country. It’s not unreasonable to suggest that - 72.6% of fans surveyed said the post- clubs have been reliant on police, and match policing of the derby was worse as a result haven’t invested as much as than it had been at previous fixtures. they should have in stewarding, training and recruitment. Additionally, 70.7% described the management of the exit from the We recognise that stewarding is a stadium as very poor, a further difficult job that isn’t well paid, but 14.8% described it as poor. Just 4.3% nonetheless these are the people that described it as good or very good. When asked how derby policing clubs are employing as front-of-house could be improved, supporters of staff. There is a certain irony that clubs both clubs said the force should have who are so acutely aware of their ASKED TO GIVE A SCORE OUT OF 10, more proactive interactions with fans image and their global brand don’t (66.7%). Respondents also felt fans WITH 1 BEING VERY POOR AND 10 stop to consider the impression that should be more involved in pre-match stewards can create. BEING EXCELLENT, THE POST-MATCH planning (65.1%) and pre-match OPERATION WAS RATED ON AVERAGE communications should be We’ve recently surveyed supporters AS 1.9 OUT OF 10 BY SUPPORTERS. improved (53.3%). on policing and stewarding - it’s telling that results so far indicate overwhelmingly that stewarding at The pre-match score fared slightly Don’t expect and accept - if you’ve clubs doesn’t make supporters feel better, though was still rated poorly seen or been on the wrong end of valued. We’re also concerned about by fans, averaging 4.2 out of 10 from shabby treatment, get in touch: the far too frequent reports across all respondents. the leagues of stewards exerting what appears to be excessive and AMANDA JACKS Amanda said: “There is no doubt that unnecessary force against supporters. the results of this survey should give all 07703 519 555 stakeholders ample food for thought. @FSA_FairCop Twitter This is something we will be working on Unfortunately, South Yorkshire in more detail next season. Police’s approach did not meet
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 39 NON-LEAGUE
Award-winning Curzon Ashton
FANS CAMPAIGN Clubs in the Northern Premier League Level Playing Field’s Ruth Hopkins can sign up to the new ‘Disability said: “There are a number of low cost FOR BETTER ACCESS Inclusion Charter’, created by Fans and no costs ways to make your clubs for Diversity and Level Playing Field, accessible to disabled people and to receive specialist advice on their signing up to this charter and working Our Fans for Diversity campaign has facilities and how they can improve. with us and the FSA will be the first teamed up with leading disability step in making improvements and charity Level Playing Field and the enhancing your club’s reputation.” Northern Premier League to help “PART OF THAT COMES DOWN TO non-league clubs improve access for Clubs in the Northern Premier League disabled fans. ACCESSIBILITY AND FACILITIES,” will receive an information pack MARIA SAID. “BUT WE ALSO WANT explaining the aims of the charter The partnership will offer support and TO TRY AND SHINE A LIGHT ON AND and be invited to attend presentation guidance to non-league clubs across SHARE SOME OF THE POSITIVE sessions that will raise awareness and the division who are looking to appeal help club staff understand the needs of STEPS THAT CLUBS ARE TAKING to a wider range of supporters and disabled supporters. improve disabled access at TO MAKE SURE FOOTBALL IS A their grounds. WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT.” “At our level of the game football must be accessible to all parts of the Fans for Diversity campaigns officer community,” said Northern Premier Maria Horner said: “We’d like to create The charter will demonstrate to clubs League chairman Mark Harris. “So we a culture of understanding which, that improving access is not just about fully support a programme of better ultimately, results in more disabled fans large capital projects like installing education for clubs that will help them coming to games and supporting their ramps and electric wheelchair lifts – expand their support base and offer a local side.” but the many small, low cost ways non- better fan experience.” league grounds can be improved for disabled supporters.
40 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 (CC) James Boyes
NON-LEAGUE NATIONAL GAME AWARD WINNERS COMMUNITY AWARD
Harrogate Town FC were named as the We recognise that facilities and Back at our awards in December 2018, 2018-19 winners of the Best Away Day resources vary at the different levels we also presented our first National in non-league at the National Game of the game, and so categorised Game Community Award, aimed at Awards in association with Buildbase. nominations at each of steps one to showcasing the variety of community This was the second year that we have four of the National League System. outreach work undertaken by non- partnered with the Non-League Paper A judging panel sifted through the league football clubs. to recognise the clubs who are the best nominations we received from fans at welcoming fans across steps one to before deciding the winning club at The award recognises those clubs that four of non-league. each level (see below). involve supporters and community delivery partners to make a positive impact in their local community. THE WINNERS WERE: The winners on the night were Curzon Ashton FC of the National League North, who topped a shortlist that included Altrincham, Boston United, Eastbourne Borough, Hartlepool United and Wrexham.
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 41 FSA NETWORKS FSA NETWORK MEETINGS PROVIDE While all affiliate and associate fan The vast majority of our work is carried OUR AFFILIATED AND ASSOCIATED groups are entitled to attend network out within policy areas that are already meetings, giving their own points of defined - we all want to see affordable SUPPORTERS’ GROUPS WITH AN view and helping shape debate, only ticket prices, for example, and good OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE OUR affiliate members (i.e. democratically governance within the game - so it’s CAMPAIGNS AND POLICY. THEY structured groups) can vote at rare that specific campaign ideas need MEET A MINIMUM OF THREE TIMES meetings. Individual members may approval from the AGM or National be invited to meetings, too. Council. PER YEAR AND EACH NETWORK HAS
THREE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE FSA Networks have autonomy to dictate As fans we all share a similar ethos NATIONAL COUNCIL. their own campaign priorities, although but this flexibility allows each network they can’t set policy by themselves. to set its own priorities within an There are networks for the Premier organisation that has a responsibility to League, Championship, EFL Leagues 1 Any decisions which impact the entire the wider membership. and 2, the national game, community- organisation must be agreed by the owned clubs and Fans for Diversity AGM or National Council, should a It is possible that a Premier League - the latter having a core purpose to decision be needed between AGMs. decision could, for example, be popular address diversity issues, with members Network disputes would be referred among top-flight fans but have being appointed under a process to the FSA Board, with their decision negative consequences for those lower approved by the National Council. requiring FSA National down the pyramid. That’s largely a Council approval. theoretical issue at the moment, as fan groups across the leagues are typically consistent in their views on the majority of subjects, but never say never.
Nonetheless, the AGM and networks give all fans the opportunity to debate such issues, and a route onto the National Council, while the overarching FSA structure provides safeguards to manage any tensions in a fair and democratic way.
42 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 TONY WILKINSON DAVE PENNINGTON GET INVOLVED (Blackpool Supporters’ Trust and (MUST and Premier League The FSA is by fans, for fans - we League 1 & 2 Network Representative): Network Representative): couldn’t exist without our members
“The network meetings are a great “A Premier League network of trusts All representatives are listed in the chance to speak with other trusts existed under Supporters Direct opening section of the annual review and supporters’ group members, the auspices, and that was expanded to ‘About the FSA’ which also explains contacts made become useful to call non-trusts by the FSF pre-merger. more about the structure of the on if they can provide help or advice, organisation. Each network is entitled and this is something that can grow “That network first met with the to have three elected members sitting for everyone’s benefit. Premier League in July 2016 and on our National Council. If you’d like worked hard on the Twenty’s Plenty to get involved, speak to your local campaign, which itself led to the £30 supporters’ group to find out who is away cap. representing them at our meetings. “THE SHARING OF IDEAS, THOUGHTS
AND INTERESTING PROJECTS FROM “We focus on common matchgoing MEMBERS OF THE NETWORK IS VERY issues - particularly ticket prices, TV USEFUL INFORMATION THAT CAN BE fixtures and travel matters. Groups also UTILISED AT YOUR OWN CLUB. IT’S network directly between themselves, sharing information and data to help EARLY DAYS FOR OUR NETWORK local lobbying. BUT THERE’S GREAT POTENTIAL FOR COLLECTIVE CAMPAIGNING AND “Supporter groups involved in SHARING OF INFORMATION European competition collaborated extensively, sharing major away AND IDEAS.” supporter safety issues to help with match planning and travel arrangements. We provided a lot of advice to Burnley supporters travelling in Europe, and that was welcomed.”
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 43 HOW MUCH MONEY IS ENOUGH The new format from 2024-25 would There’s even been talk of the European MONEY? THE CONCEPT OF A involve a Champions League of 32 fixtures taking place at weekends, teams, a Europa League of 32 teams, pushing our league fixtures into EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE HAS BEEN and a Europa League 2 of 64 teams – midweek slots – which would make AROUND SINCE THE LATE-80S BUT with a maximum of five teams from the life more difficult for away fans in THE IDEA THAT WON’T DIE HAS ONCE same national league per competition. particular, and destroy the traditional AGAIN RESURFACED – THIS TIME LED culture of weekend league football. The knock-on effect on English football BY JUVENTUS CHAIRMAN ANDREA could be huge. Instead of eight groups Once initial membership of the new AGNELLI AND THE EUROPEAN CLUB of four teams each playing in the Champions League is established, ASSOCIATION (ECA). autumn, they’re going for four groups there’d be promotion and relegation of eight – which means competing of eight teams from the 32 at the Unsurprisingly, the primary motivation clubs would play 14 times between end of each season – with the four behind the proposal appears to be September and December. semi-finalists of the Europa League money, with many of the bigger clubs being promoted, and only four places across Europe looking enviously at the Adding that number of games into an available to clubs based on domestic worldwide television revenues secured already crowded fixture calendar would performance. by the Premier League in particular. signal the end of the League Cup while the FA Cup would become a midweek With the five English teams unlikely competition without replays. The to finish outside the top 24, there’d be Premier League would reduce in size to no prospect of any other English team 16 or 18 clubs. qualifying for Europe again.
44 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 GOOD RIDDANCE TO THEM?
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT broadcast income, the money that It’s also important to remember that THE AVARICE OF JUVENTUS, filters down in the form of solidarity fans at the most successful domestic payments would take a significant hit. clubs don’t back these plans. Liverpool BAYERN MUNICH AND THEIR ILK? supporters might have loved seeing SADLY, THE PROSPECT OF SO MUCH Last season, Championship clubs their team win the Champions League BROADCASTING MONEY GOING TO shared £72.6 million, League One but that doesn’t mean they want to THE ELITE EUROPEAN CLUBS WOULD clubs £16.3 million and League Two breakaway from domestic football. clubs £10.9 million of Premier League HAVE A HUGELY NEGATIVE IMPACT TV income. The loss of this solidarity FSA ACTION Fans can have decisive RIGHT DOWN THE ENGLISH money could push a number of EFL voice and we’ll be at the forefront FOOTBALL PYRAMID. clubs over the edge financially. of any campaign, along with our colleagues at Football Supporters’ If they start playing Champions Premier League clubs have spoken Europe, as we learn more about their League matches at weekends then unanimously against the changes plans. Watch this space. the blackout of televised matches at saying “qualification for the Champions 3pm on a Saturday will soon be a thing League and the Europa League At the start of June, the ECA clubs of the past, meaning that all down must continue to depend on current voted against the draft reform put the pyramid clubs will be competing domestic performance.” Presidents forward by Agnelli - but this hasn’t directly against televised football. from the Bundesliga and La Liga stopped those behind the proposals. With the potential for a drastic registered their opposition while fifteen The ECA is due to meet UEFA in the reduction in the Premier League’s Serie A clubs also opposed the plans. Autumn to push for changes.
SIX REASONS TO OPPOSE A EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE
1. Promotion and relegation based 3. Weekends are for domestic leagues – 5. Domestic football comes first – on sporting performance - from the protect fan culture, home and away. No protect the pyramid and bottom of the pyramid to qualification live broadcasts on Saturdays at 3:00pm cup competitions for Europe 4. We want competitive leagues – no to 6. Share the wealth – the money from 2. No to closed leagues or franchise even more concentration of wealth and elite football should be shared across football – qualify on results, not through on-going domination by a fixed few the whole game history or heritage top clubs
The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 45 #ICYMI OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR • Fans Supporting Foodbanks aka THERE ARE ALWAYS QUITE A FEW FSF - now where have we heard that before? - continue their great STORIES WHICH DON’T FIT NEATLY work across the UK, with many FSA INTO THE PREVIOUS CHAPTERS, affiliates now running their own SO WE THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH foodbanks on matchdays to support RECAPPING A FEW OF THEM, IN the local community. Get in touch if CASE YOU MISSED IT... you’d like to be involved.
• The proposed sale of Wembley • On the Ball campaign for free period Stadium to Shahid Khan eventually products to be available at football fell through, but not before we grounds, and they’ve achieved surveyed thousands of fans to see success at almost 90 clubs now. They what people thought. 58% thought started in Scotland, with Celtic being the FA should never sell, 32% would the first to sign up, and have since have sold if the deal was right, and taken their work south of the border, 10% thought the FA should not own and even into Europe. its own stadium.
• The BBC carried out some interesting research which highlighted a significant gap between actual and reported attendances in the Premier League. It’s a bugbear for many fans. We told the Beeb: “If clubs know the actual number of fans through the turnstile, rather than the number of tickets sold or given away, then there’s no reason they shouldn’t publish that figure.” (CC) OnTheBaw
46 | The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 The FSA Annual Review 2018_19 | 47 WWW.THEFSA.ORG.UK
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