OUR committee member GARETH ROBERTS was recently interviewed about the union for Polish Liverpool supporters’ website, LFC.pl – here’s the interview in English.

1) What motivated you to get involved with Spirit of Shankly? What are the main goals of the union?

I believe supporters are central to the identity of a football club. The fan culture makes a club unique, and at Liverpool, much of the folklore is tied to The Kop, the Anfield atmosphere, and passionate support — all driven by the fans.

The same goes for the tradition of flags and banners, which come from loyal supporters whose passion has been passed down through generations. This should be valued, but unfortunately, it hasn’t always been the case, both at Liverpool and across the Premier League.

Supporters know their clubs best. For us, it’s a lifelong commitment, rooted in what’s best for the club, its values, and the community it represents. For some people who buy into football clubs the motivations are clearly very different.

I got involved with Spirit of Shankly shortly after it was formed when the goal was to rid the club of Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The union is in its 16th year now, and in 2024 the aims are to represent our members, and by extension all Liverpool fans.

We hold the club to account, lead the Supporters Board, campaign for fairer ticket prices, address issues fans face, and support initiatives like Fans Supporting Foodbanks.

2) What are some of the most significant changes that the union has achieved for Liverpool fans?

Spirit of Shankly has achieved a lot for Liverpool supporters. Most notably, we were instrumental in ousting Hicks and Gillett. Since then, we’ve campaigned for safe standing at Anfield, supported Spion Kop 1906 in protests against increased ticket prices, and successfully lobbied for a £30 cap on away tickets.

We also helped secure Michael Shields’ release, pushed for fairer, cheaper coach travel, and led the fight against the European Super League. As the club’s official supporters’ trust, we ensure fans have a voice within Liverpool FC. We contributed to the government’s Fan Led Review, challenged UEFA after the Paris 2022 Champions League final, and helped establish Fans Supporting Foodbanks, feeding thousands in the city.

We’ve been key in keeping Anfield’s tickets affordable and opposed the club’s furlough decision. Our work continues to protect fan traditions and ensure Liverpool supporters’ voices remain strong.

3) Spirit of Shankly often engages in social and political issues. How important is it for the union to represent not only the interests of fans but also the broader Liverpool community?

We believe Spirit of Shankly should be a good neighbour and an active, caring member of the local community. We’ve demonstrated this through a range of initiatives, such as providing Christmas dinners for the elderly, partnering with The Greenhouse Project to supply food, books, and other goods to over 48,000 people, and funding local art projects. We aim to work with agencies to improve the Anfield area, which is often neglected.

4)How do you think the club could improve its relationship with the fans? What are the key issues that still need to be addressed?

While it’s great that there’s now an established Supporters Board, there’s still work to be done on meaningful engagement.

A key example was the decision to raise ticket prices for the second season in a row, despite fan opposition. This led to a withdrawal of flags and banners at games as a protest. We believe the price hike was unnecessary, and it was disappointing that the club presented it as a fait accompli.

We hope to see more meaningful communication in the future, and both sides have expressed a commitment to improving this.

5) What’s your opinion on the current ownership of Liverpool? What changes would you like to see in their approach to the club and its community?

FSG has done many things right during their time as owners, especially in terms of improving the commitment to community work and making the club financially stronger. However, they’ve made mistakes, such as with the European Super League proposal and the furlough situation. Despite these missteps, the club is in a better position than it was when FSG bought it.

There’s still more to be done, especially with community engagement. The club is a powerful force, and I believe more focus could be placed on bringing in young fans and strengthening the club’s ties to the local area.

6) How does Spirit of Shankly work with the club’s management? Do you feel they are more open to dialogue now than they were in the past?

There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Members of Spirit of Shankly regularly speak to club management about supporter issues. This is in addition to our formal dialogue through the Supporters Board and our initiatives on community work. Established lines of communication are in place, which is positive.

 

7) Do you think modern football has become too commercial? What do you see as the main risks associated with the increasing role of money in the Premier League?

There is no doubt in my mind that it has become too commercial. The focus now seems to be on attracting the richest fans, demonstrated by increasing corporate offers and rising ticket prices (every club in the league bar Crystal Palace put up their prices this season).

Add to that the cost of multiple TV subscriptions to watch games, the changing kits year on year (which kids will always want, and they know it), the inflated travel prices around football, the price of cup finals (and the reducing allocations), the catering for TV schedules at the expense of the match-going fan…the list goes on.

What worries me is the talk about playing Premier League matches abroad, including from the Liverpool chairman Tom Werner. That simply should not even be a conversation. Liverpool Football Club is in Liverpool. The English Premier League is in England. It’s brilliant that fans all over the world love the club and love the city but that’s the point: it’s in the city and of the city. Not just something to be scooped up and jetted elsewhere in the name of money.

8) Many fans are unhappy with high ticket prices. What actions is Spirit of Shankly taking to support accessible games for all fans, regardless of their financial situation?

We regularly communicate with the club to stress that ticket prices should not increase any further. Increasing prices now represents exploitation of supporters, especially since clubs are making vast sums from TV money and commercial deals. Ticket prices have been rising above inflation for decades.

Spirit of Shankly supports the Football Supporters Association’s Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign, which calls for an end to rising prices and scrapping reduced ticket prices for certain groups like younger, older, and disabled fans. Collective action, like the protests that led to the £30 away ticket cap, has proven successful.

9) What’s your opinion on projects like the Super League? What stance does Spirit of Shankly take on this issue?

The Super League was a disastrous idea, driven by greed. There was no consultation with supporters, no regard for the game’s traditions, and it was quickly condemned by Spirit of Shankly. It was the right decision to reject it and expose it for what it was.

10) How has the culture of supporting Liverpool changed over the years? Do you think the global popularity of the club has affected the atmosphere at Anfield?

The culture of supporting Liverpool has shifted, largely due to rising costs. Many fans have been priced out or can only afford to attend occasional games. If this trend continues, more supporters will reach their financial tipping point.

As for the atmosphere at Anfield, while some debate the impact of global popularity, recent moments, like the comeback win against Brighton, show that when it matters, Anfield can still come alive and make a difference.

11) How important is it for you and Spirit of Shankly to preserve the traditions and values of Liverpool? Are there any specific actions aimed at protecting this identity?

It’s incredibly important. Liverpool FC’s identity should never become “just another football club” or a mere form of entertainment. We’re committed to preserving what makes this club special – something everyone who cares about Liverpool should share. This is why we fight for fair ticket prices, ensuring younger fans have access, and creating opportunities for local kids to attend games.

12) How does Spirit of Shankly support local initiatives and foster a sense of community among fans?

Spirit of Shankly is deeply involved in local initiatives, including our collaboration with the Vauxhall Community Law Centre. Every Monday from 10am to 12.30pm, we offer free legal advice at Homebaked in Anfield. We’re also active in mental health initiatives, with plans to expand our efforts in that area. Becoming a member of SOS means not just joining the fight against football’s injustices, but also giving back to the local community.

13) Do you think Spirit of Shankly is adequately represented in the media? What are the biggest challenges when it comes to publicising the union’s activities?

There are definitely misconceptions about Spirit of Shankly, especially in some corners of social media. A big part of my role is to help challenge those and amplify what we’re doing. Raising awareness can be tough, particularly in an era of clickbait and short attention spans. But we’re committed to showing the full picture.

14) What are your thoughts on the role of social media in mobilising fans and sparking discussions around football? Do you feel that social media helps or hinders the union in achieving its goals?

Social media is a double-edged sword. It can be an excellent tool for mobilising fans and demonstrating our collective power, as seen during the Hicks and Gillett protests. It helps us stay connected and amplify our voice. However, it also exposes us to misinformation from people with their own agendas. The key is using it to unite, while challenging the negative voices.

15) How do you see the future of football? Do you believe fans have a chance to play a larger role in club management?

The future of football will continue to be challenging, especially when it comes to rising ticket prices. Without organised opposition, prices could be even higher. The power of fans lies in unity and active engagement. Apathetic fans are a threat to the culture of the game, especially younger fans who might just see the Premier League as a TV show. Representation on boards and the new football regulator present opportunities for fans, but supporter ownership of clubs like Liverpool seems unlikely – unless someone has £5 billion to spare!

16) What are the main goals of Spirit of Shankly for the coming years? Does the union plan any new initiatives to further strengthen the voice of the fans?

Our goals are to continue growing our membership and ensure it’s diverse, preserving the future of the union and its voice. The bigger our numbers, the more power we have. We will keep fighting for supporter representation and work to ensure the momentum gained through the Supporters Board continues.

17) What advice would you give to Liverpool fans who would like to get involved in actions supporting the club and community?

Sign up! You can register as a supporter for free, or for just £10 a year, you’ll have a voice and a vote. Under 18 can sign up for free, too. Join us and help make a difference: https://spiritofshankly.com/join/.

18) What do you consider your greatest achievement in advocating for fans? Is there a particular memory that will always stay with you?

The 2016 walk-out at Anfield stands out as a defining moment. 10,000 fans walking out in protest against £77 tickets was unprecedented. It sent a clear message to the owners that fans wouldn’t tolerate being treated as cash cows. That moment, and the reversal of the ticket price decision, demonstrated the power of fans when united.

19) How has your perspective on the club and its community changed since you became involved with the union?

Getting involved has shown me how many great people there are inside and outside the club. It’s about fostering closer relationships for the greater good.

20) Finally, a piece of advice for Liverpool fans in Poland

If you ever bump into Jerzy Dudek, buy him a pint and say thanks. And of course, join SOS!

– Gareth spoke to Sebastian Borawski of LFC.pl