Football fans: SFA worse than scandal-ridden Fifa

The Scottish Football Supporters Association Benchmark 2017 survey results were released yesterday.  Over 16,000 fans participated in the survey, conducted by academics from the University of Leipzig, and showed an alarming disconnect between the paying public and the sport’s governing bodies.

I was surprised at the optimism evident in the survey.  73% believe their club is committed to the good of football and 63% believe they are open and honest.

Worse than scandal-ridden Fifa
From a maximum mark of 5, fans rated their own club’s commitment to the good of the game at 4.01.  The SFPL and Uefa were almost tied on a low score (1.99 and 2.02 respectively), while at 1.58, the SFA ranked worse than scandal-ridden Fifa’s 1.86.

The SFA also ranked bottom of the pile when it came to perceptions of openness, honesty and trust; good governance and transparency; as well as to a commitment to fans affairs.

Although dissatisfaction with the SFA was across the board, “Rangers” (sic.) fans were significantly more satisfied with the national association than either Celtic fans or all other fans.  Perhaps an indication of the work Stewart Regan did in halting the SPFL’s request to review matters surrounding old Rangers.

Fans of all colours want an independent supporters’ organisation to allow fans access to the structure of the game, although, interestingly, “Rangers” fans are significantly less keen on this idea.

Former First Minister, Henry McLeish, said the report uncovered “some very concerning issues, but also provides a real opportunity for change.”

The SFA responded immediately, blocking any change while pointing to its in-house Supporters Direct Scotland body, as a source for their authorised fan liason.

When 16,000 of your customers tell you they believe you to be less honest than Fifa, you have a problem.  This is an ideal opportunity for the SFA to grasp the nettle and connect with their public.  But what’s the point in raking over old coals?  Better to let the game wither on the vine.

Well done to the Scottish Football Supporters Association and the University of Leipzig for this insight.

Tommy’s Runs for The Oscar Knox Fund at Solving Kids Cancer

The enormous pain Oscar endured during his five years, and the continuing pain carried by those who loved him will never be offset.  But it is an enduring inspiration that Tommy Melly (in particular) and many Celtic fans in general, work towards solving kids cancer in his name.

Tommy has completed five runs this year, his final effort before taking a winter break is in Glasgow on Sunday.  His commitment has been astonishing, this kind of work takes hundreds of hours training.

You can read a wee bit about the story here.  And if you want to do your part, you don’t need to run anywhere, just give the support him however you can.

Thank you.

The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP21) Matchday Special v St Johnstone – When History Was Made…

Kevin Graham recorded the latest episode of The CQN Podcast at McDiarmid Park, as Brendan Rodgers’ side extended their unbeaten domestic run to a record-breaking 63 matches against St Johnstone.

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Brendan Rodgers – The Road to Paradise The Official Autobiography is available now from CQNBookstore.com – the first 100 orders received will come with a free gift.

From a small village on the north-east coast of Ireland to the treble-winning manager of Celtic, Brendan Rodgers’ football journey has been a remarkable one of dedication, hard work, a desire to always keep improving and a determination to succeed at the highest level of the sport … and throughout his life there has always been a love of his team … Celtic Football Club.

In his own words, Brendan Rodgers tells his story – from a promising young footballer growing up in Carnlough and dreaming of playing for Celtic one day through to his professional career – as a player, a coach and now as one of football’s top managers. And Celtic supporters will also enjoy an insight into a remarkable season – from the first competitive game in Gibraltar through to the thrilling Scottish Cup final, with plenty of highlights in between, including the manager’s first trophy triumph and some unforgettable Glasgow derbies.

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