Fans' group praised for role in new football law

Blackpool fans boycotted matches for several years

The role played by Blackpool FC fans in pushing for new rules for football club owners has been recognised by the government minister at the helm of new legislation.

Blackpool fans petitioned for an independent regulator six years ago, with the Football Governance Bill finally introduced in Parliament on 24 October.

To mark the first stage of the legislative process, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy met key supporters including Christine Seddon of the Blackpool Supporters’ Trust, at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

The regulator will introduce rules designed to keep clubs at the heart of their communities, with evidence from Blackpool fans helping shape the bill.

Christine Seddon told the minister that football governance had not been fit for purpose

Ms Seddon, who was one of the leading figures in the group which boycotted matches in a protest against its owners, the Oyston family, told the minister: “In our recent history we’ve had problems with rogue owners and I was very worried we were going to lose our club.

"I was really shocked to find the regulation up until now just wasn’t fit for purpose.

“I’m absolutely over the moon we’ve got this far and people are now listening, and realising the importance of football clubs.

"Not just to the fans but to the community.”

Ms Nandy said clubs were handed down through the generations as part of "our social and civic inheritance", adding: "You see the ripple effects right across entire communities."

'Irresponsible owners'

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb responded to the new legislation in parliament in July, also praising Blackpool Supporters’ Trust for restoring “integrity, pride and professionalism” to the club.

He said: “Irresponsible owners, unsustainable financial models and inadequate regulation have cast a shadow over too many clubs.

“This legislation will safeguard the future of our local clubs and their heritage."

The bill will tackle rogue owners and directors, implement a club licensing regime, monitor club finances and improve fan engagement throughout the football pyramid – from the Premier League to the National League, The Local Democracy Reporting Service said.