Star comment: Salop lead way listening to fans
There has long been a penchant among football fans for the introduction of safe standing areas – and Shrewsbury Town could become the first English football club to facilitate it.
The idea has already been adopted with some success by Celtic – and now it is on the cards for Shrewsbury Town, thanks to a local firm.
It’s a fascinating possibility and you can certainly see the appeal. There are many who would say that watching football sitting down just doesn’t feel right.
Of course, the club are absolutely right to make safety the priority. That is only proper. The compromises that were made in less enlightened times must never be made again. Watching football must never be a potentially hazardous occupation.
But it is great to see such forward-thinking from Shrewsbury Town and the willingness of the club to adopt and listen to supporters is very welcome at a time when some clubs appear to be getting more and more distant from their supporters.
In hearing the voice of its supporter parliament, Shrewsbury Town are engaging with their fans.
The level of consultation has been impressive. Other clubs and, indeed, statutory authorities, quangos and other bodies, could learn a lesson from Shrewsbury here. =
