Manchester United set to welcome three new members to Fans’ Forum



Manchester United will soon announce three new representatives to the Fans’ Forum, which means these fans will have the ability to echo the views and concerns of fellow supporters with a direct line of communication to the club.

I thought, as editor of Stretty News, this would be of great interest to our readers. Especially those who contacted the website over the past year with growing fears over digital ticketing, seat relocations and rises in ticket prices.

Some outlined their thoughts on what could be done differently at Manchester United.

I’m not one to say these people are more equipped to make decisions at United than our list of executives, but a lot of fans feel they could make a positive difference at United and push for changes which is why we think it’s great that the club has opened the door for three new representatives to join the Fans’ Forum.

The three roles include:

Season Ticket holder representative UK Supporters’ Club representative (eligible candidate must be secretary of an official Manchester United UK Supporters’ Club) Official member representative

The successful candidates will be announced next week.

The Fans’ Forum is a fantastic initiative that helps give fans a greater voice at the football club, serving as a vital platform for the club’s supporters to voice their opinions, share concerns, and engage with United’s Executives.

The forum was initially seen as a token gesture by fans, but the latest development shows United are opening the door to more supporters. The club has vacancies following the departure of two Fan Reps who had met maximum tenure on the Forum. This means there will always be an opportunity for others to have a voice and to help fellow supporters.

Furthermore, United are making noticeable strides in proving its communication with fans, as seen with Dan Ashworth’s open letter to fans during the summer. There has been more transparency from the newest additions to the club’s Executive team.

Many people sit behind a screen and complain at hard-working individuals involved in fan groups about what they haven’t done or what they should be doing. The truth is, anyone can involve themselves in fan politics. It’s a matter of whether you are up for it?

The fans on the forum have become more effective as a result of working closely together on a range of issues affecting like-minded fans. A recent example of collaborative work came when the club was forced to adjust the minimum usage rule from 17/19 to 15/19.

Representatives on the Fans’ Forum come together four times a season to understand the issues that impact other supporters and act as a voice acknowledged by those in power. This went amiss at United for a long time. It’s still far from perfect but progress is welcome.

Season Ticket Holder Representative, Dips Jandu, spoke to Stretty News about the fans’ forum.

“By fostering a strong community among its members and ensuring ongoing, open communication with the club, the Manchester United Fans’ Forum continues to be a pivotal platform for fan engagement and influence,” Dips said. “This dynamic ensures that the club remains attuned to the needs and concerns of its supporters, ultimately benefiting both the fans and the club itself.”

Pros of being a Fans’ Forum Member

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“Direct communication: One of the most significant advantages of being a Fans’ Forum member is the direct line of communication with the club,” Dips said. “Members can discuss pressing issues directly with club officials, ensuring that fans’ voices are heard at the highest levels.

“Influence on club policies: Through the forum, fans can influence decisions regarding matchday experiences, ticketing policies, and other fan-related matters. This level of involvement helps ensure that the club’s decisions reflect the desires of its supporters.

“Transparency and updates: Forum members receive regular updates on club affairs, ranging from ticketing, infrastructure, fan-related issues, and matters concerning the club’s progress in all competitions. This transparency helps in building trust and maintaining a loyal fanbase.”

Cons of being a Fans’ Forum Member

When asked about the Cons, Dips answered with honesty: “Limited Influence: Despite the opportunity to voice opinions, the final decisions rest with the club’s management. This can sometimes lead to frustration amongst fans if their suggestions are not implemented.

“Time Commitment: Being an active member of the Fans’ Forum requires a significant time commitment. Attending meetings, assisting supporters through fan channels and at games, engaging in discussions, and staying updated with club news can be time-consuming.

“Exposure to Criticism: Unfortunately, Fans’ Forum members are sometimes subjected to abuse. Despite their intentions of advocating for what is best for all supporters, they can become targets of criticism and hostility, which can be discouraging and harmful.”

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