Fierce foes on the field of play but all part of the football family off it. Representatives from Supporters Trusts at Scunthorpe Utd, Grimsby Town, and Lincoln City met on Tuesday to discuss the Fan Led Review and the future of football.

John Needham and Susan Godfrey from the Iron Trust at Scunthorpe United, Kristine Green from the Mariners Trust at Grimsby Town, and Rob Bradley, Kirsty Hackney, Richard Lalka, and Steve Freestone from the Red Imps Community Trust at Lincoln City met on Tuesday at Glanford Park in a show of collaboration and support for the  introduction of the Fan Led Review and improvements in the governance of football. 

Scunthorpe United now appear to be on the road to recovery and the Fan Led Review White Paper is, equally hopefully, soon to be published.  It is to be hoped that the White Paper will address the need for greater regulation of football; better financial support for teams in the lower leagues as well as a “golden share” for fans covering club grounds, colours and badges.

Due to the precarious financial state of many clubs though, Supporter Trusts from the three major clubs in the county urge Lincolnshire MPs and the football authorities to act quickly in bringing about improvements in how the game is run. 

Each Trust supports the recommendations of the Fan Led Review. A timely introduction of new legislation as the Review describes will hopefully prevent another “Bury FC’ that for a long time seemed likely to be replicated here in the county.  Our thoughts are also with Southend FC as they face similar problems now.  The Iron Trust and Scunthorpe fans are most grateful for the messages of support from Grimsby and Lincoln fans received in recent weeks.

As stated therefore we urge that the improved governance of the game we support is introduced soon so that the clubs we support have their future assured for years to come.

All Lincolnshire MPs have been tagged into this message..

Karl McCartney – Lincoln

Victoria Atkins – Louth and Horncastle

Dr Caroline Johnson – Sleaford and North Hykeham

John Hayes – South Holland and Deepings

Matt Warman – Boston and Skegness

Sir Edward Leigh – Gainsborough

Gareth Davies – Grantham and Sleaford

Andrew Percy – Brigg and Goole

Holly Mumby-Croft – Scunthorpe

Lia Nici – Great Grimsby

Martin Vickers – Cleethorpes