Loyal fans right to take up the fight

SOMETIMES you get the distinct feeling that clubs don’t value their fans. You know, the ones who part with their hard-earned cash on a weekly basis to back their team. The ones who travel up and down the land to support their favourites through thick and thin.

The ones who buy the shirts, the programmes and the never-ending supply of paraphernalia. But without them, where would the game be? If the fans didn’t turn up, there would be no atmosphere.

Yes, the television companies pump in oodles of dough, but the paying punter still parts with plenty of cash, especially important in the lower divisions.

Thankfully the days when supporters could be palmed off without a thought have diminished in the last two decades with the impact of Supporters Direct, who have helped fans gain influence in the running and ownership of their club.

But, sadly, not all clubs are amenable to fans being involved or having a say. In that instance, supporters feel as though they are being ignored.

The message from clubs seems to be: We’re happy to take your cash – but that’s it.

When that happens, fans have a choice. Sit back and take it, or do something about it. Charlton and Blackpool fans have decided on the latter, and good on them.

Tired of terrible owners who have mistreated their clubs, they have carried out protests and drawn attentions to the problems. They went along to the EFL offices on Friday to make their unhappiness known to the powers-that-be – they want something done.

It was clever PR by EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey to invite the fans in to talk to him in London. That is a step in the right direction.

Whether it will ultimately produce results remains to be seen, but at least the fans will know they’ve done everything within their power.