NLP says…

It’s Fair to say Game must talk

THE COVID crisis allowed plenty of time for thinking. Football is a game of opinions, but often conversations around the bigger picture of the overall game get diluted in the weekly carousel that spins from August to May.

When all that came to a grinding halt through factors beyond anybody’s control, people were able to reflect on questions of what we want football to be in this country.

We carried many of those different discussions throughout these pages, with much of the focus on finances – including the distribution of wealth throughout the Pyramid – governance and fans having more of a say.

The pandemic has prompted Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review and her interim report has provided some interesting insight into what to expect ahead of the full release.

It’s fair to say there is a touch of trepidation among some Non-League officials into how some of that will translate into this level of the game. For others, it will herald some important changes.

This week has also seen the launch of Fair Game – led by a group of clubs determined to drive change. If not now, then when.

They say: “It is time to reboot the game and Fair Game is bringing together ‘value-driven’ clubs to call for change.”

As part of their push for more equality and sustainiblity, they are calling for: “Central to all changes is independent regulation that works, and that incentivises good management of football clubs.

“A regulator free from vested interest, with the best skillsets to deliver, and representative of all elements of football and society.”

So far, 15 Non-League clubs have signed up as part of Fair Game, which is backed by politicians and has some well-known faces on board. Others will no doubt be looking over the proposals and deciding whether they too will join forces. Whatever way you see it, it’s important football is having the conversation.

Tales show Cup’s heart

HOW about the family affairs in the FA Cup this coming week?

On pages 4-5, we’ve enjoyed highlighting some of the tales ahead of the second round qualifying.

From Nuneaton Borough’s father and son Carl and Louis Baker, twins Gareth and Alex Dean set to face each other for the first time in a competitive game, to the family ties that run through Sutton Common Rovers for their manager Darren Salmon.

It just goes to show how many interesting storylines there are at these stages of the competition – and all the unique history written each year.

It may well be a long time before the biggest clubs in the country enter this year’s FA Cup. But it’s now where the heart of the competition really is.