Football League fans have their say!

Last updated : 19 April 2006 By Smallsy
In a survey of over 43,000 people, fans were given a chance to give their thoughts on the re-branded League Football which has been present since 2004/05.


In the largest survey ever amongst football supporters, interesting trends stated that football fans would like to see 'sin bins' introduced into the game, as well as the inclusion of goal line technology.

With over 90% of people stating their desire for such technology to be used within their matches Brian Mawhinney football league chairman said,

"I would certainly volunteer the Football League to give a trial to new measures."

Sadly because the data was collected from football league supporters only, the top flight's authorities FIFA and UEFA may not be willing to listen to the thoughts of many like minded fans.

He did however say,

"If we were delegated authority by Fifa and Uefa to decide on these matters, and I called a meeting of the clubs, I think sin bins would be a shoo-in," said Mawhinney.

"I also believe that goal-line technology would be a shoo-in. Those are just two examples of the things we are unable to do."

"We have made an offer to Fifa to introduce goal-line technology and sin bins on a trial basis in a competition like the Football League Trophy, but so far those have not been taken up."

The survey also found that 88% of fans backed the League's decision to force clubs to publish how much they had spent on agents' fees, and 69% believed it was correct to limit League One and Two clubs' spending on wages to 60% of turnover."

Other intersting facts and figures which came from the survey:

  • 79% of fans advocate some form of smoking ban on matchdays.

  • 48% would like to see this implemented in the entire ground, 26% in seated/terrace areas only and 5% in the concourse area only.

  • 97% of supporters believe that clubs have an important role to play in their local community and 78% were of the view that their club is making a significant contribution locally.

  • 60% of fans believe the standard of referees in The Football League is average or above.

  • 88% would like to see the introduction of 'technical assistance' for referees if a suitable system to become available.

  • 50% of supporters indicated that the image of The Football League has improved during the last two years.