To what extent should fans have power over their clubs?

Similarly the Chelsea Pitch Owners were unhappy about Abramovich’s plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge. They are one of the few fan bases that have the sort of power that they do. The reason the Chelsea Pitch Owners was set up was for precisely this reason: so that they could stand up to wealthy owners. However, do they really have the right to a) block the attempts of a man who has turned their club from a decent side in to one of the top clubs in the world and b) hinder the progression of Chelsea FC for future generations? What is exceptionally hard for fans is to separate emotional attachment and sentimentality from their ideas on the future of the club. Perhaps it is precisely because the owners may have less emotional attachment to the clubs then, as long as they are not an idiot or incapable of running a business, they are able to view the direction of the club more objectively. Without the emotional attachment they can make those sacrifices that may prove too difficult for the supporters to ever do. I’m sure there were many Arsenal fans that did not want to leave Highbury, and even more who didn’t want their new stadium at Ashburton Grove to named after an airline company. However, both of those decisions have undeniably helped the club to secure its future.

So how much power is too much for football fans? That is a question with a variable answer. Fans should not be looking to influence every decision made by their club. Yes, they can have their say and make suggestions. However the primary role should be to act as united sovereign of the club. Providing accountability for the owners of the club rather than helping to run it. The fans should be there to step in ‘as one’ in truly desperate times, apart from that their power should be limited to voting at AGMs and influencing public opinion through media.

The article was written by Hamish Mackay for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.

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