BFCISA Chair, Simon Jackson, has today updated members on the current situation at Burnley FC, outlined the association’s current position and has explained how we intend to represent supporters’ concerns. Originally sent to members by email, we are now publishing Simon’s message on our website to share it with the wider Burnley supporter base and ensure everyone has the opportunity to understand our approach. We welcome feedback and actively encourage non-members to join BFCISA. 

 

Dear Members,

Between our regular newsletters, we wanted to update you on current activity and thinking at BFCISA, thank those of you who have recently been in touch and ask others to share their views.

The first thing to say is obvious to all of us: things aren’t perfect at our football club just now. Supporters are concerned, and understandably so; after all, it is their club.

The success of our team on the pitch is what most of us care about first and foremost. We also understand better than most that teams go through ups and downs. That’s football, and the role of a supporters’ association isn’t to react on a game-by-game basis. But it is our role to represent our members and remain true to our guiding values, which include safeguarding the future of the club.

So, as we mark an unwanted anniversary of a year without a home league win, we note what our members are telling us, hear what supporters are saying and recognise that there are wider questions beyond, and affecting, team performance. Whether it’s recruitment, finance, debt, matchday stewarding, multi-club models, strategy or branding, many supporters tell us that what they see on the pitch feels like a reflection of broader concerns about the direction of the club.

Some of this is about being properly listened to. Supporters have questions and want and deserve answers. As a democratic body, we answer to our members, so, whatever the consensus, we will continue to communicate it to the Club (we thank the Club for their engagement to date and their commitment to meeting us again soon). As we continue to advocate on your behalf, our job is to do so without fear or favour, to seek answers and publicise your concerns as appropriate.

When thinking about next steps for BFCISA, it is important to listen. When we speak out, we want to ensure that what we say commands support and properly reflects supporter views. So, we want to ask you, our members, what you think. We would love to hear from the wider supporter base too. What do you think about the current situation at Burnley? What do you want to change? What are your priorities for BFCISA’s response? What you tell us will inform our next steps.

You can send your views by replying to this message or emailing us at memberships@burnleyfcisa.com

We hope that provides some clarity on our current position and answers some of the questions we have received. We believe this approach provides a solid basis for whatever comes next. But we also want to place on record our belief that any fan or group has the right to speak out however they see fit, now or in the future. Whether that’s waving banners, chanting, signing petitions or none of the above – fans have a right to speak out. Such things have been part of football tradition for longer than any of us have been going to games.

Thank you for reading. Do let us know what you think and, as ever, up the Clarets.

Simon Jackson

Chair, BFCISA
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You can join BFCISA for just £5 at the following link: https://www.burnleyfcisa.com/join-bfc-isa/