Clubs United | The Story So Far

Fair Game’s origins came in the early months of this year, to work towards a common goal – for football to be fixed.

Adam Harwood

The fact that it has taken the failed European Super League to thrust the issue of football governance firmly into the spotlight is somewhat coincidental – as it’s neither the reason for Fair Game’s formation or indeed the principles it is acting upon.

Nevertheless, by going against the wishes of their own fans, Big Six clubs have helped amplify one of the main problems that has ravaged football for some years now; that of the power being held squarely in boardrooms and not on terraces.

Perhaps this is an unfair oversimplification. At many boardrooms up and down the country, discussions are held about initiatives to get fans more involved, not only to give them more of a say but to help clubs forge stronger bonds with the very communities that keep them in existence.

Fair Game’s origins came in the early months of this year, where like-minded fans from a range of Premier League, EFL and non-league clubs came together to form a coalition of advisers, strategists and experts who all wanted a common goal – for football to be fixed.

Even then, we don’t want to lead the charge by ourselves. True change will occur when clubs are a part of that change – collectively identifying and acting upon areas of football governance that need an overhaul, and then ensuring that it is implemented across the leagues.

The first clubs to formally sign up were AFC Wimbledon and Newport County AFC. As fan-owned EFL clubs, both of whom have had colourful and chequered pasts and dropped out of the football league as a result, they are in a prime position to support and promote the virtues that Fair Game sets out.

By the time of our launch in May, Cambridge United, Grimsby Town and Luton Town. A further three clubs who have spent time out of the EFL in recent years and, indeed, in Grimsby’s case, our first member who will be back in the National League next season after disappointingly finishing bottom of League Two in the season just gone. Three clubs who are also indelibly linked to the cities and towns they represent and who would not sacrifice their position at the heart of their area for anything.

Since launch, we’ve been delighted that Accrington Stanley and Leyton Orient have joined the ranks. Two sides who are often overshadowed by richer near-neighbours, but who live and breathe the values of proudly representing their communities and indeed often who punch above their weight – which is surely what football is all about.

We’re also thrilled to have attracted Ebbsfleet United, Tonbridge Angels, Bury AFC, Tranmere Rovers and Chester FC as formal members of Fair Game in recent weeks. In the much-publicised cases of the latter two, we have clubs and fans who know what it is to have their team, and their league position, torn apart due to greedy and improper ownership. 

At the time of writing, Fair Game is in consultation with several other EFL and non-league clubs, and is having early but promising conversations with people in positions of power in football, not least members of the EFL board. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust is well represented by Fair Game founder members; yet another club which is currently going through a fraught and difficult relationship with its owners.

So how are Fair Game going to get our principles rubber-stamped and ingrained in football governance? And will your club be next on board?

Watch this space. And, while you’re here, why not sign our petition?