Pete suggests

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Butt out

Monday, 28th January 2008

The new Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, said in yesterday's Observer that:

I'm a big believer that those who invest passion, energy and commitment in an organisation, whether that's their football club or local museum, should help run it...It's a good principle to have artists and practitioners on the boards of arts organisations and to have representatives of supporters in the boardroom at every football club.

Let's give him the benefit of the doubt, and assume that he is merely expressing a personal, private view, rather than stating what the government wants to see happen or even what he plans to command through legislation.

I happen to agree with him, up to a point. I'm a member of the Spurs supporters' trust, and think it a good idea that the trust is consulted on relevant decisions such as moving ground, or changing transport and parking arrangements. (Although board membership smacks of corporatist-style representation of every interested party.)

But football clubs are private organistions and it's nothing to do with the government how they conduct their relations with fans. And Mr Burnham's views ought to carry no more weight than those of any other fan.

Next we'll be hearing Mr Burnham shooting his mouth off on the number of English players Premiership teams should have. Again - nothing to do with him or any other politcian. IDS was on the radio last week blathering on about the need to have a limit imposed on foreign players. Could someone explain to him that it's a football matter, not a matter for politicians?