Late on Wednesday evening, a fan led review headed by former Sports Minister, Tracey Crouch was released.
The 162-page review was the result of three points of crisis in the national game, the collapse of Bury, the COVID-19 pandemic and finally, the attempted set up of the European Super League in April 2021.
The review worked alongside supporters of clubs across the entire football pyramid to discuss and identify methods and ideas to reform the professional game and ensure the long-term sustainability of the footballing pyramid.
In May 2021, the Mariners joined a number of clubs as founding members of a new initiative called Fair Game, whose vision is to have a game governed with fairness, openness and transparency and with four developed principles – sustainability, transparency, integrity and community. You can find out more about the aims and objectives of Fair Game at www.fairgameuk.org.
Mariners Chair, Jason Stockwood welcomed the publication of the review and is looking forward to seeing steps being taken.
“I would like to thank and congratulate Tracey Crouch on the output of the Fan Led review.
“Whilst there is work to do, it sets a clear path towards a better-governed game for generations to come.
“An independent regulator is an important and welcome step and I think it is right to allow the Premier League and EFL to come up with their own improved model of financial support for the football pyramid. Having the backstop that the regulator can step in should this not be resolved within 12 months seems fair.
“I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the GTFC to Niall Couper and everyone at the Fair Game initiative. Niall and the team have been heavily involved in the process on behalf of all fans. A lot of the recommendations in the final review are aligned with those conversations so thank you.”
Ahead of its publication earlier this week, Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, said: “This promises to be a truly momentous day for football. Our heartfelt thanks and praise goes to Tracey Crouch and her panel for all their efforts.
“They have put months of work into this. They have spoken to fans groups up and down the country, they have listened to key stakeholders and led by Tracey Crouch they have produced a roadmap for change.
“For anyone who cares about the game in this country that has to be welcomed.
“It is now for government to reflect, as we will, on the findings and make proposals for how the recommendations are to be implemented. We cannot allow this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fail.”
