ABOUT THE TRUST - GOVERNANCE
BST’s Governance Sub-Committee is campaigning for an overhaul of the current ‘governance structure’ within football. Unlike countries which operate independent licensing systems for their clubs and competitions, ‘governance’ in the UK is far less straightforward. In reality (although the footballing authorities might dispute this) governance duties are conducted jointly by the FA, the EFL and the PL and to a lesser extent the IFO (Independent Football Ombudsman). This system is heavily geared towards protecting the interests of club owners and not supporters. Apart from encouraging the FA to make some minor changes in terms of board representation in 2018, the UK Government is reluctant to intervene – this needs to change.
To date BST’s activities have included : lobbying local MP’s (Gordon Marsden, Paul Maynard, Cat Smith and Mark Menzies); working with local councillors at Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Borough Councils ; holding meetings with the EFL and attending their Structured Dialogue Meetings ; lobbying the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) ; working closely with supporters organisations SD (Supporters Direct) and FSF (Football Supporters Federation) ; setting up an on-line petition for an Independent Football Regulator ; supporting the Fans Not Numbers (FNN) Campaign ; producing a Case Review Model for a joint EFL / FA / DCMS enquiry into what can be learned from the experiences at Blackpool FC.
BST believe that the High Court’s damning verdict in December 2017 on the behaviour of the owners at Blackpool FC demonstrates that more needs to be done to ensure the wellbeing of our clubs – the judgement should provide the legal basis and framework for a thorough investigation – the footballing authorities are preventing this from happening.
We welcome any assistance or input from groups or individuals keen to help us protect our historic clubs from rogue and unsuitable owners.
Remember your club is only one bad owner away from being a ‘crisis-club’.
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In addition to the above, BST are affiliated and work with the FSA (Football Supporters' Association) The FSA campaigns across a range of issues on the behalf of supporters and supports fan representation on clubs' boards, lower ticket prices, and the introduction of safe standing areas at grounds in the top two tiers of English football. BST ensure Blackpool fans opinions are well represented, with two Committee members elected to the FSA national council.
