Letter to Julian Knight MP Since the scenes of supporters rushing barriers, fighting and causing disruption before the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday 11 July, commentators have referenced similarities to what happened at Hillsborough. This is a completely false narrative and one that must be corrected. On 14 July, the Chair of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Julian Knight MP appeared on the news again drawing untrue parallels.  Spirit of Shankly Chair, Joe Blott, has written to him asking that he apologise for his comments. Here is a copy of the [...]

In Memory of Dominic Boyle Lifelong Liverpool supporter Dominic Boyle contacted Spirit of Shankly earlier this year. He wanted to make a contribution to help us with the work we do supporting our local community. Dom made a substantial donation to SOS, and at the same time told us he had a terminal illness. We were grateful a couple of us from the committee we were able to visit him at home and spend a little time with him, telling him more about what we do. We spoke about our shared love of LFC and [...]

Government fan-led review Spirit of Shankly presented evidence to the Government Fan Led Review Panel chaired by Tracey Crouch MP on Monday 14th June. We took questions on good governance in football during an encouraging conversation. Click on the image below to view our presentation. Join Renew Donate Back to Latest News >>

Result of members ballot Thank you to all the SOS members who took the time to vote in our recent ballot. The membership were asked to vote on the recommendation to continue to work with LFC to set up contractual recognition of SOS, and establish a Supporters Board. The result was an overwhelming yes, with 99.44% of members in favour. We had a turnout of 68.39% in total, 0.46% voted against and 0.10% abstained. This firm mandate means we will now step up our work with LFC. Alongside supporters from other representative groups, we will [...]

FSA VAR Survey Results Earlier in the year, we asked our members for their opinions on VAR before inviting them to take part in a Football Supporters Association led survey. The results of that survey were published last week. You can find the report here. Thanks to all those who took part. Back to Latest News >>

Members presentation Q&A These are the questions, and answers, received before, during and after the SOS members meeting on Tuesday 1 June 2021. Some were answered ‘live’ on the night, the others we are working through. We will continue to update this list over the next few days. Representation / Supporters Board In what format will the Supporters Board be set up: how many members, when and how often will they meet, will the meetings be instigated only as and when there are major issues to be raised and discussed? SOS: These are still details [...]

Presentation to SOS Membership Spirit of Shankly held an online meeting on Tuesday 1 June 2021 to update members on the recent talks with LFC and the four requests made of the club. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions ahead of a members vote with regards to the establishment of: • Contractual recognition between SOS and LFC • Amendment of LFC Articles of Association to include the setting up of a Supporters Board with the power to ratify strategic decisions and embed supporter engagement legally Thanks to everyone who attended [...]

Agreement reached after talks with LFC Spirit of Shankly met with representatives of Liverpool FC’s board on Tuesday 18 May 2021 to continue talks on the union’s four requests. We can now report the outcome – to be ratified by members. A Supporters Board is to be established and written into the club’s regulations making it a legally binding agreement. SOS will be head of this board. ≠ There will be a formal recognition agreement between SOS and LFC. This will become part of the club’s constitution so that if / when the ownership changes, this [...]

European Super League: Government fan-led review Opposition to the European Super League stunt that dropped at the end of April, has been pretty universal with politicians, across political parties and divides, joining fans in their condemnation. The government has promised a fan-led review of football governance and we must not allow this opportunity to pass. So often, such ‘reviews’ fade away after the initial fanfare never to be heard of again. We must not let this happen this time. Next week MPs will vote on amendments to the Queen’s Speech. One amendment: ‘Football Is Nothing [...]