In the first of what I hope becomes a regular feature with FABs and other elements of structured Fan Engagement across football, I spent a bit of time yesterday down at Stamford Bridge with Tracy Brown, co-Chair of the Chelsea Fan Advisory Board, to ask her a few questions about how things work at Chelsea.
Fan Advisory Boards are a relatively new creation. As our recent article about them explained, originally these bodies were touted as ‘Shadow Boards’, including in the Fan Led Review of Football Governance. In their piece, ‘What is a Shadow Board’ the Corporate Governance Institute explains that there are actually several examples of the role Shadow Boards can play, but that the one in football is pretty self-evidently the following:
‘Checking and balancing the official board – act(ing) as a separate, unofficial group that reviews and critiques the decisions of the official board of directors. They can offer alternative perspectives or point out potential flaws in the board’s decisions. This structure is less common and can sometimes arise in activist or oversight situations.
The Premier League introduced what became FABs as part of the required rules for their new Fan Engagement Standard, and Fan Engagement Plans (the latter of which are now required in the 72 EFL clubs as well, though they don’t have the actual Fan Engagement Standard.)
Chelsea received a Fan Engagement Award for last season after adding 50 points to their previous year’s tally, something director responsible for fan engagement, Danny Finkelstein, was understandably delighted by. The Index is the industry standard for Fan Engagement, which this year began awarding clubs Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit for their achievements.
The Premier League introduced what became FABs as part of the required rules for their new Fan Engagement Standard, and Fan Engagement Plans (the latter of which are now required in the 72 EFL clubs as well, though they don’t have the actual Fan Engagement Standard.)
Chelsea’s FAB has the majority in place (four) on an appointment basis, with the three supporter advisors to the board elected, as outlined in their ‘Terms of Reference’. In line with Premier League guidance, the FAB will consist of at least seven members, including the three individuals who have been appointed as Supporter Advisors to the board
of directors; and the Nominated Board Level Official (the “NBLO”), who is currently Danny Finkelstein.
I spoke with co-Chair, Tracy Brown, a fan of 35 years, who several years ago became involved in the FAB when it was being established, eventually becoming co-Chair with Neil Beard, formerly of the Chelsea Supporters Trust. You can watch the videos below.
Question 1
Tracy Brown is co-Chair of the Chelsea FAB. Here she introduces herself. NB: The video had a technical error and her answer is incomplete.
Question 2
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?
Question 3
How does the FAB and Danny Finkelstein work together?
Question 4
How does Tracy find working with her co-Chair, Neil Beard?
Question 5
What is your biggest achievement as an FAB?