Bristol Rovers answer the Fair Game call
‘We have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the wider game’
Tom Gorringe, Bristol Rovers
IT WAS the turn of the West Country to answer the call of Fair Game today with the Pirates of Bristol Rovers becoming the latest club to sign up to Fair Game.
Bristol Rovers join Accrington Stanley, Bury AFC, Cambridge United, Carlisle United, Chester FC, Ebbsfleet United, Grimsby Town, Luton Town, Maidstone United, Newport County AFC, Tonbridge Angels and AFC Wimbledon as members.
The group, which is in talks with 26 other clubs, will be working together to find long-term solutions to governance structures, sustainability, integrity and community issues currently in the game.
Fair Game seek to influence and work with the government’s fan-led review, chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, to ensure the opportunity for fair, lasting change is taken.
Tom Gorringe, Commercial Director at Bristol Rovers, said:
“The collapse of Bury and Macclesfield, and the European Super League have shown very clearly that there needs to be changes within the game to safeguard the core components that make it special to us all.
“Right now there is a small window of opportunity to do this with widespread feeling within the game and the fan-led review of the game that is taking place currently.
“Upon hearing about this campaign we could instantly see a natural alignment between their core values and our strategic approach at the football club.
‘As custodians of the club, our responsibility is not only to do all we can to make the ongoing improvements to the football club, but we also have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the wider game and the football pyramid that makes football in this country so special.
“This is a view that we hope will be shared by clubs across the country and we hope that through this campaign we can come together to help affect positive change and that is why we have chosen to join and play an active role in the ‘Fair Game’ campaign.”
Niall Couper, director of Fair Game, said: “I am delighted that Bristol rovers have joined.
“Fair Game is calling for fairness, sustainability and success. At Fair Game, we want long-term realistic solutions and we believe we can deliver them.”
