The last few months have been a turbulent time in football - particularly for Football League clubs. The last two weeks alone have seen the failed court case against Carlton and Granada, the resignation of the Football League chiefs and amongst all this confusion a secret report commissioned by First Division chairmen containing radical proposals that would restructure the League, giving them more power.
What is the best way of addressing these new developments and issues, not least what to do with Carlton and Granada? One thing is certain - it remains more important than ever that the "decision-makers" are aware of what the fans think.
In fact throughout the summer it was the fans who seemed the only ones capable of organising themselves in a positive manner! The FFU's 'Can the Commercials' campaign brought thousands of fans together to hammer ITV's ratings over the World Cup. We also saw the launch of a new campaigning organisation the Football Supporters Federation (FSF) - the long-awaited merger of the Football Supporters Association (FSA) and the National Federation of Football Supporters Clubs (NFFSC). The FFU welcomes this initiative.
Just as football is at a major crossroads so is the FFU. In light of the developments above we feel it is in the best interests of football supporters that the FFU focuses on a different but complimentary role to the FSF.
The FFU's strength lies in its independence and ability to faithfully communicate the views of fans. In re-focusing the FFU, it's activities would be redirected towards research and publishing of fan opinions, providing an online forum and communicating their views to the "decision-makers" in football - the FSF, football authorities, clubs, the media and sponsors.
If we did this the FFU would bow out of the campaigning, leaving the path clear for the FSF to fulfil this role - this could include carrying the baton for the 'Can the Commercials' campaign. This enables each organisation to concentrate on their respective strengths for the benefit of football supporters everywhere.
However, as always we want to know what you think.
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