CCST RECIEVE FA RESPONSE TO REBRAND COMPLAINT.

Tuesday 15th April 2014.

The Trust has received a response from the Football League after it raised the issue of full consultation by owners with fans when rebranding is proposed.

Commenting on the response (below), Trust chair Tim Hartley said: “It is good to see the League recognise the all-important role that fans and supporters groups should play in major decisions, including the rebranding of a club.

"We welcome their clear statement that 'formal consultation has a part to play' when things like the playing colours and crest, the name and the location of a football club are being considered. We agree with the League that further discussion is needed and look forward to receiving the response of the other footballing authorities.”

Responses are awaited from the Premier League and Football Association.

"Thank you for your letter dated 26th March 2014.

The issues you raise are clearly very sensitive matters for football supporters and we appreciate the importance of traditional values. As you recognise, a change of name is already covered under FA rules and the case of Hull City was considered by the FA Council earlier this week.

However, club owners equally feel that they have the right to determine the policies to be adopted by their club. Ticket prices, for example, is another matter over which there has been much public debate but, not unreasonably I would suggest, owners are always likely to insist that this must remain a business decision.

So, whilst we would agree with you that there is a balance to be struck here over some aspects of the club’s identity where formal consultation has a part to play, further discussion is needed – particularly around where the lines are drawn. Otherwise, there will be a fear amongst owners that this is simply ‘the thin end of the wedge’.

Nevertheless, we understand your concerns and would support the idea of these being debated further with other football stakeholders.

Kind regards

Andy Williamson, Chief Operating Officer

The Football League Ltd

Basically this:

So, whilst we would agree with you that there is a balance to be struck here over some aspects of the club’s identity where formal consultation has a part to play, further discussion is needed – particularly around where the lines are drawn. Otherwise, there will be a fear amongst owners that this is simply ‘the thin end of the wedge’.

to:

If there's something in it for us or we feel its okay then it will happen. Same old. Same old. Did anyone else expect anything different from them? They're just like politicians and never give a straight up answer so there's no chance of what they say backfiring on them later. I don't for a second believe that they care about the fans and the only reason a name change was rejected was because it helps them quell a massive problem mid season.

Hull's owner now has survey results he'll take to the FA and say 'yes loads of fans want it' and they'll just do it then as it suits them at the end of the season. I expect Hull's name to change end of the season which will give it time to die out before the new season kicks off. They fully know what they're doing as they're not stupid.

They're just like politicians and never give a straight up answer so there's no chance of what they say backfiring on them later.

Answer in a nutshell.

Wouldn't it be self defeatist to fight for a rule that stops a change of strip colour?

Surely we now want NO ruling so we can change back at some point.

Any new ruling will not be back dated so we will be stuck with red.

'thin end of the wedge' my ARSE! -Jim Royale

That's the best side stepping I've seen since Phil Bennett against the barbarians

That's the best side stepping I've seen since Phil Bennett against the barbarians

Waste of time these authorities. When big money is involved then conveniently make it difficult for the grass roots that makes them.

Comparing the identity of a club to ticket prices... FFS.

What a pointless reply.

Comparing the identity of a club to ticket prices... FFS.

What a pointless reply.

Spot on Ralph

We (premier ticket holders) were told by julian jenkins that the price hike was due to the premier league pricing..