Supporters Direct Press Release

Supporters Direct

Press Release: 25/09/2009

Fans look for solutions to game's problems

Supporters Direct Annual Conference 2009 to meet at Birmingham NEC.

Members from supporters' trusts across the country are to gather at Birmingham's NEC on October 16 to discuss the current issues in football at the Supporters Direct Annual Conference, with top billing going to recently appointed FA Chief Executive Ian Watmore.

Others present will include representatives from member-owned Barcelona and Europe's governing body, UEFA.

A major issue of discussion will be the important role of supporter-directors at clubs. At a time where transparency of ownership in football is a hot topic, supporter-directors can play a critical role. 

SD Spokesman Kevin Rye said, "All too often fans are in the dark about problems at their clubs until late in the day. Supporter directors like that at Championship Swansea City and League One Exeter City offer the opportunity for stability and can provide fans with a window into the boardroom, ensuring that the decisions that are taken are done with the best interests of the club at heart, instead of an individual's personal agenda or bank balance.

"We're also delighted that Barcelona are going to be speaking at the event; a demonstration of supporter-ownership in action. The additional presence of UEFA, as strong supporters of this model of ownership and supporter involvement in clubs is also extremely encouraging, as is their backing of our burgeoning work in the rest of Europe."

For more general information about the day, including registration, visit our events section http://bit.ly/ pqTc