Southampton's Fan Advisory Board (FAB) has demanded an emergency meeting and a fans forum within the next week to address the fallout from the Spygate scandal that saw the club expelled from the Championship play-offs and hit with a four-point deduction.
Letter to CEO
The FAB sent a letter to chief executive Phil Parsons on Thursday evening, expressing frustration over the club's handling of the situation. The board described the club's communication throughout the process as "poor," noting that most information came from non-club sources rather than official channels.
Silence from the Club
Highlighting the lack of communication since the failed appeal, the FAB stated: "In all honesty, the silence is deafening." They called for more frequent club statements and urged key figures to conduct live interviews, such as at a fans forum, to provide direct answers to supporters.
The board also noted the absence of a further apology from the club and the failure to recognise the impact on fans. They criticised the club for not fighting its corner during the controversy.
Season Tickets and Refunds
Season tickets are an immediate concern, with the FAB calling for a price reduction for next season. They are also seeking refunds for fans who attended the play-off semi-finals against Middlesbrough, describing supporters as "utterly disaffected." The board believes incentives are needed to encourage season ticket renewals.
Role of the Fan Advisory Board
Fan advisory boards regularly meet with clubs to represent supporter views. Southampton's FAB claims it plays a key role in decisions related to fan experience, with members elected by the fanbase to provide feedback and insights. The board now wants the club to explain its decisions live at a fans forum.
The emergency meeting would be held outside the scheduled sessions, with the FAB pressing for answers from Parsons and owner Dragan Solak.
