When Sir Matt Busby made his oft quoted observation that ‘football is nothing without fans’ even he could not have foreseen the scenario that we face as football returns today.
When the lockdown started and football ceased we established an open and constructive dialogue with our club that has continued throughout the crisis. We have informed that dialogue through two surveys to identify Covid related supporter concerns, particularly related to season tickets and attending matches next season, and latterly on plans to restart this season behind closed doors. (Those who completed the survey will have already received this link to results but for anyone who has not already downloaded them, you can do so here).
On the restart, fans told us that:
- more than half, and particularly those who attend matches, oppose the concept of closed door matches.
- at best, most but not all will reluctantly acknowledge them as a last resort temporary solution to complete this season.
- to mitigate ‘football without fans’ the overriding request was for wider free access to broadcast matches,
- They want crowd noise only as an on-screen option and to involve groups of supporters through technology
That feedback is well reflected in the arrangements that the club has announced, and we particularly welcome the broadcast access offer for season ticket holders and other participation measures. Each supporter can now decide whether, and if so how, they watch and participate in our forthcoming matches.
On plans for next season, our surveys have highlighted issues over personal finances and health concerns that may prevent some from resuming their match-going support when that is permitted.
Following discussion of these concerns we are awaiting the Club’s response on the following requests:
- a further delay in the renewal process pending clarity of next season (particularly the return of fans)
- improved season ticket finance options
- an option to take a full or part year season ticket ‘holiday’
- a formal and safe transfer facility for season ticket holder match tickets
- relaxing or scrapping the compulsory cup scheme.
While the Club may not agree to all of these requests, we are pushing to achieve as many of them as we can. We will continue to engage on these measures, as well as other emerging issues relating to the return of supporters to the stadium next season.
You can see the results of our recent survey here:
www.imust.org.uk/Content/docs/ProjectRestartResults20200617.pdf