My concerns are about the need for better engagement and communication between Middlesbrough FC and its diverse fanbase.
The essence of a football club's spirit lies not just in the game itself but in the community it fosters. While pricing is a tangible factor, the intangible warmth of feeling valued and heard is equally important. A simple 'thank you' can indeed resonate deeply with fans, acknowledging their loyalty and support.
For Middlesbrough FC to rekindle that sense of belonging, it's imperative that all voices are heard and not just those that the Chairmanwants to talk to behind clised doors.
MSF's role as a conduit for fan engagement is crucial, and it's disappointing when such a platform isn't adequately consulted and is used as a tick book exerciseby MFC. Transparent and regular communication can bridge the gap that has long been felt since the Ayresome years.
Visibility and transparency from the chairman are essential in fostering trust. Engaging with a broader spectrum of fans, including LGBTQ+, Women's and BAME groups, ensures that everyone feels represented. Recognising the diversity within the fanbase is the first step towards inclusive engagement.
The club's communication and media strategy needs a revamp urgently. It shouldn't be just about relaying information; it's about creating dialogues. Fans should feel like they're part of the conversation, not just passive recipients of decisions made behind closed doors.
Extending the FanZone and creating more social spaces are excellent ideas that can encourage fans to gather and share their passion.
Events with players and staff, which are accessible to all and not just the elite, can strengthen the bond between the team and the community. It is good to see players attending schools and interacting with children and young people, and this does need to extend to adult fans also. I would love an opportunity to have a sit down with some of the players to hear their passion for the game but fir them to hear what Boro means to us as life long fans of the team. This could help them to play with more passion on the pitch.
A Boro museum would be a testament to the club's rich history and a beacon for future aspirations. Success with the Boro Shirt Museum exhibition could pave the way for such a legacy project. However transport links to the club would need to be better in order to make it more accessible.
The MFC Foundation's work is commendable, and its initiatives are a testament to the club's commitment to social responsibility. However they do focus their work reactively rather than proactively and this maybe down to funding.
MFC Women's focus on inclusivity and empowerment is a beacon of progress, inspiring not just women but the entire community. It has been fantastic this season to see that a little investment in the women's game can pay dividends...so I would urge the club to do more.
To enhance our connection with the club, wherever we are in the world, we could:
- Implement a more inclusive consultation process. A Fans Advisory Board would be good but only if it is actually truly transparent and listened to by MFC.
- Increase the chairman's visibility and interaction with fans through regular open forums.
- Develop targeted outreach programs for underrepresented groups within the fanbase.
- Improve the club's communication and media channels, ensuring clarity, honesty, and a two-way dialogue.
- Hosting regular forums where fans can voice their opinions and suggestions directly to the club's management.
- Organising community-driven events and projects that involve fans in meaningful ways, such as neighbourhood clean-ups or charity matches.
- Leveraging digital platforms to create virtual spaces where international fans can interact, share experiences, and feel closer to the club.
Let's seize the opportunity to have our voices heard, to remove barriers, and to unite as a stronger, more cohesive community. It's time for us to shape the Riverside into a place that truly feels like ours—a home where every fan is valued and every voice matters because at the moment sadly this most certainly not the case