The Fleet are pleased to have been recognised for our approach to fan engagement as recognised by the seventh annual Fan Engagement Index.
Having operated since 2019, the Index for the first time included last season’s National League clubs in addition to Premier League and EFL clubs. The Index scores English professional football clubs on their fan engagement. It covers all clubs from the Premier League to the National League and uses publicly available data to analyse clubs’ dialogue with its fans, the governance which underpins it, and their transparency around meetings and decision making.
The Fleet were placed fifth of last season’s NL clubs and above others including Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Newcastle United. You can view the full results here and the scoring system here.
Kevin Rye of Think Fan Engagement – the publisher of the Fan Engagement Index – said, “Transparency is often the biggest problem for clubs. Many of the clubs doing least well in the index are simply not publishing information. Clubs should disclose to their fans, not only the what, but how decisions are made, why, when and by whom. To do it well, fan engagement needs to be layered. Many clubs focus on smaller scale initiatives such as Fan Advisory Boards but miss out on the opportunity to engage with their wider fanbase through fan forums or meetings.”
Fleet CEO Damian Irvine – who is also vice chair of Fair Game UK’s Advisory Council – commented, “The results of the Fan Engagement Index are a very good reflection of our transparency and commitment to fan engagement. Through in-person and online Q&As; regular, detailed and timely club updates; engagement with sponsors and fans before games in our Main Stand Lounge; our EUFC Schools programme in the community; and the open-door policy we operate for any fan to ask a question or seek clarification from us, it’s rewarding to see that recognised.
“To come fifth of last season’s National League sides and ahead of some very big clubs who have much greater resources than we have in this department shows the importance and value we place on informing supporters. Nowhere is this more vital than keeping them updated with the very biggest decisions such as ownership and stadium development and with this ongoing, we will continue to place fans front and centre when there is relevant news to communicate. as has been demonstrated only this week with our latest open and honest update about ownership.”
