The Trust received a response from the Football League last week after it raised the issue of full consultation by owners with fans when rebranding is proposed.
Commenting on the response (below), Trust chair Tim Hartley said: “It is good to see the League recognise the all-important role that fans and supporters groups should play in major decisions, including the rebranding of a club.
“We welcome their clear statement that ‘formal consultation has a part to play’ when things like the playing colours and crest, the name and the location of a football club are being considered. We agree with the League that further discussion is needed and look forward to receiving the response of the other footballing authorities.”
Responses are awaited from the Premier League and Football Association.
Thank you for your letter dated 26th March 2014.
The issues you raise are clearly very sensitive matters for football supporters and we appreciate the importance of traditional values. As you recognise, a change of name is already covered under FA rules and the case of Hull City was considered by the FA Council earlier this week.
However, club owners equally feel that they have the right to determine the policies to be adopted by their club. Ticket prices, for example, is another matter over which there has been much public debate but, not unreasonably I would suggest, owners are always likely to insist that this must remain a business decision.
So, whilst we would agree with you that there is a balance to be struck here over some aspects of the club’s identity where formal consultation has a part to play, further discussion is needed – particularly around where the lines are drawn. Otherwise, there will be a fear amongst owners that this is simply ‘the thin end of the wedge’.
Nevertheless, we understand your concerns and would support the idea of these being debated further with other football stakeholders.
Kind regards
Andy Williamson, Chief Operating Officer
The Football League Ltd