Mariners Trust: 'Fan power vital to future of Grimsby Town'

THE recent problems at Coventry City and Aldershot Town have again brought the sustainability of football clubs to the fore.

This subject was a major topic at the recent Supporters Direct/Football Supporters Federation summit held at the impressive St George's Park.

There is a growing feeling that supporters have an increasing role to play in their clubs. Players, managers and directors come and go, but fans are there for life.

Directors are the custodians, but fans remain the lifeblood of every club. Without fans there is no club, there is no game. I don't think many will dispute that?

Sure, every fan wants success for their clubs, but surely having a club to support is more important?

It is for this reason that I strongly believe supporters must be included in discussions regarding their club finances, to be able to challenge decisions, to be able to stop gross overspending and ensuring long term sustainability of their club.

It is possibly harder at the top levels of the game for fans to have a say, but I still believe fans have a right to be treated with respect.

Ticket prices at the top are getting out of hand, fans are being ignored and despite what some people think, empty seats at TV games are not what the broadcasters want to see. Maybe next time around the TV bubble may burst?

The best way for a club like Grimsby Town to be competitive and sustainable is for the local community to unite behind their professional club.

I maintain that the supporters have been extremely loyal as GTFC have tumbled out of the Football League, but equally the only way we can progress back up the divisions is by fan involvement and investment. Surely it is better for 4,000 people to pay a £1 a week than the club to borrow £200,000?

The club has to go out and make the local people feel like it is their club again and then I believe the community will respond.

The Mariners Trust want to help the club in reaching out to the community – and you can help too by joining the Trust.

Please visit www.marinerstrust.co.uk or email enquiries@marinerstrust.co.uk.