This "Fan"-Led Review of English Football

[NickDRFC]

I have to say, when I saw Filkensteins name what went through my mind was, here's an economist who is very much a part of the tory establishment. What possible interest could he have in lower league football? And why on earth is someone like that on a fan led review?

It maybe a misconception, SM will no doubt tell me he's a lifelong Stevenage fan or something.

He's a lifelong fan of Hendon FC. A club which has very close contacts to the supporters movement, especially Supporters Direct before they became the FSA.

His column still runs in the Times I believe, the FinkTank as it used to be called.

As CBCB says above, pretty sure he’s a Chelsea fan. In many of his columns before he’s referenced supporting them and going to matches - if those are the games he’s attended for a lifetime then I’m not sure him being on the panel would be that much help, regardless of whether he has a soft spot for his local club.

Thanks for your response otherwise, it is reassuring but like others I have my reservations about how much change this will actually effect.

[SydneyRover]

A lot of work there SM, is there a date when they report back?

An initial report as early as July with the final report in October.

thanks SM

[normal rules]

This is taken from the terms of reference, for those interested (which every fan should in reality!)

The Review will:

    Consider the multiple Owners’ and Directors’ Tests and whether they are fit for purpose, including the addition of further criteria;

    Assess calls for the creation of a single, independent football regulator to oversee the sport’s regulations and compliance, and its relationship with the regulatory powers of The FA and other football bodies;

    Examine the effectiveness of measures to improve club engagement with supporters, such as structured dialogue, that were introduced on the back of the Expert Working Group;

    Investigate ways league administrators could better scrutinise clubs’ finances on a regular basis;

    Examine the flow of money through the football pyramid, including solidarity and parachute payments, and broadcasting revenue;

    Explore governance structures in other countries, including ownership models, and whether any aspects could be beneficially translated to the English league system;

    Look at interventions to protect club identity, including geographical location and historical features (e.g. club badges);

    Examine the relationship between club interests, league systems and their place within the overall football pyramid.

No mention of any scrutiny around the outrageous sums of money players get paid. The single biggest issue threatening clubs and the game as a whole. ?

[River Don]

I know players wages are contentious but if the money didn't go to the players, where would it go?

[idler]

If the wages were less then ticket prices could be cheaper or grounds improved. There is nothing wrong with earning a good wage but some ot the figures are obscene.

[DonnyOsmond]

Look at the panel, they're all millionaires or near enough that. They're not gonna be able to say the players are earning too much.

[silent majority]

This is taken from the terms of reference, for those interested (which every fan should in reality!)

The Review will:

    Consider the multiple Owners’ and Directors’ Tests and whether they are fit for purpose, including the addition of further criteria;

    Assess calls for the creation of a single, independent football regulator to oversee the sport’s regulations and compliance, and its relationship with the regulatory powers of The FA and other football bodies;

    Examine the effectiveness of measures to improve club engagement with supporters, such as structured dialogue, that were introduced on the back of the Expert Working Group;

    Investigate ways league administrators could better scrutinise clubs’ finances on a regular basis;

    Examine the flow of money through the football pyramid, including solidarity and parachute payments, and broadcasting revenue;

    Explore governance structures in other countries, including ownership models, and whether any aspects could be beneficially translated to the English league system;

    Look at interventions to protect club identity, including geographical location and historical features (e.g. club badges);

    Examine the relationship between club interests, league systems and their place within the overall football pyramid.

No mention of any scrutiny around the outrageous sums of money players get paid. The single biggest issue threatening clubs and the game as a whole. ?

I'm not saying the large salaries are not a problem in the game, but I can't see how supporters should take up the baton on behalf of the clubs. And I don't think it's the biggest issue threatening clubs and the game either.

The clubs themselves should be doing that, based on having far better regulation of the game, and that's our primary task at the moment.