The Football Supporters' Federation (or FSF as it will now be known) has developed a blueprint for the future of football.
The Football Supporters' Federation (or FSF as it will now be known) has developed a blueprint for the future of football.
As you would expect from such an organisation it is a spectator-friendly charter that will hopefully allow supporters' voices to be heard amongst the behemoths of SKY, the Football League and the FA.
They are aiming to recruit fans from all levels and backgrounds as they bid to unify their voice and form a formidable unit, ably led by chairman Malcolm Clarke and deputy chairman Alan Bloore.
Their recent conference was a rip roaring success and enabled them to make the following recommendations for football's future well being.
They believe that one unified governing body governing all levels of football in England and Wales would be far more beneficial than the current multiplicity of leagues and associations.
A fairer system of revenue sharing between professional clubs whereby one quarter of all league, television and gate revenue (including executive boxes) is pooled and divided equally.
They would also like to see a 'fit and proper person' test introduced for prospective owners of football clubs as well as the introduction of safe standing areas at stadia where clubs and supporters so wish. This is a long overdue proposal and will only serve to increase the atmosphere at games as it has definitely dipped with the advent of all-seater stadiums.
Another bugbear of supporters is the constant adjustment to the fixture list to suit television and policing - I presume a return to Saturdays and three o' clock would suit the book.
Taking this one stage further the FSF have proposed prior consultation with supporters on broadcasting contracts to ensure a fair deal for the match-going fan, which in turn should ensure an end to television 'overkill'.
The FSF would also like to see an end to bans on away fans and an increase in away ticket allocation. The hot potato of European, domestic and international competitions don't escape either and they believe consultation with the fans is a must before deciding on the structure of these competitions.
Rules should be bought in according to Clarke, that prohibit clubs selling their own grounds without the explicit prior agreement of their supporters and another ground being provided in the same town - hopefully this would prevent any reoccurrence of the Wimbledon scenario and moving to Milton Keynes.
The FSF also want the constant above inflation increase in ticket prices looked at and a discounted price for younger and retired supporters as well as the encouragement and adequate funding of supporter organization and involvement in the game at all levels.
This is a comprehensive blueprint and the FSF look set to be around for years to come so clubs beware - we are watching you!
