Bid to give football fans across region a voice (From This Is Lancashire)

Bid to give football fans across region a voice

4:00pm Tuesday 12th June 2007

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FOOTBALL fans across the North-west could join forces to lobby the sport's ruling bodies.

Mark Longden, chairman of the Manchester United Independent Supporters' Association, wants to form a network of supporters to provide a regional voice for fans.

Mr Longden, who is a member of the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF), wants fans of the region's clubs to have a dialogue with the Football Association and the Premiership.

He wants to form a consultatory body to discuss matters such as ticket prices, kick off times and atmosphere at grounds, such as a return to standing on terraces.

Mr Longden said: "These are all issues that affect match day support.

"I'm hoping to gather support for the network and find out what supporters are really thinking."

Mr Longden has already approached Wigan, Blackburn and Everton fans and plans to liaise with the Bolton Wanderers Supporters' Association.

Christine Isherwood, Wanderers Supporters' Association secretary, has welcomed the proposal. She said: "This is a great idea. I would like to get a better picture of what he wants to do but I think it's an excellent move to unite the various supporters' associations in the region."

The call follows a recent report from the FSF which calls for a return to standing on terraces at grounds belonging to clubs in the top two divisions of English football.

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