Fan Advisory Board confirmed

[cerbera45]

After a rigorous interview process, Simon Wingrove, Phil Bigwood, Lewis Hobday, Chris Lee, Michelle Gargate and Danny Coe have been chosen.

Sitting alongside them will be a Southend United Board member and a Shrimpers Trust Board member.

An introductory meeting has been arranged for Thursday 12th December.

 

[Smiffy]

Fan Advisory Board Members Confirmed

The official website of Southend United FC

www.southendunited.co.uk

 

[Smiffy]

Simon Wingrove
Lifelong Southend United fan since 1976 with a background in risk control and compliance for banks. Former club employee and season ticket holder. Experienced in committee and board roles, sits on the Governance & Search Committee at a further education college. Passionate about the club's future and eager to contribute by serving on the FAB.

Phil Bigwood
Lifelong Southend United supporter since 1974. Season ticket holder and dedicated away fan. As Executive Producer of Football at the BBC, oversees major events like Euro 2024, with BAFTA and RTS awards. Will offer ideas around media, fan engagement, and industry contacts to benefit SUFC's future.

Lewis Hobday
Dedicated Southend United fan for 25+ years, born in Southend and now living in Wiltshire. Season ticket holder, active home and away. Qualified accountant with strong communication skills, including writing for “Fan in the Stand”. Committed to representing diverse fan perspectives and supporting the FAB’s work on financial and fan-related matters.

Chris Lee
Lifelong Southend United fan, having attended matches for over 50 years. Visited all 92 league grounds and 170+ European stadiums. Former Head of Professional Sports at Barclays, with top-level contacts across football and other sports. Has featured live on TV and radio to discuss football and wider sports finance and trends.

Michelle Gargate
Dedicated Southend United fan and local business owner for eight years, excited about the club's future under COSU. Balances perspectives as a fan, business owner, and mother. Passionate about preserving SUFC for future generations, fostering community engagement, and driving improvements to enhance the matchday experience.

Danny Coe
Long-time Southend United supporter and Rayleigh resident with a track record of leading successful, innovative teams. Committed to collaboration, transparency, and strengthening community ties. Keen to help shape SUFC’s future, foster a united vision and boost the club's global reputation.

 

[Napster]

Looks a strong board. I did get to the final interview stage but fell at the final hurdle. Congrats to the guys above.

 

[Hooly]

Looks a strong board. I did get to the final interview stage but fell at the final hurdle. Congrats to the guys above.

Oh that's a shame, did you tell them that you knew something they didn't? That should have had you nailed on.

 

[Napster]

Oh that's a shame, did you tell them that you knew something they didn't? That should have had you nailed on.

Haha I actually did. One for the pub next time I’m down

 

[Holy Joe]

I could be wrong, and I hope I don't offend anyone, but none of them sound particularly young? No one in their teens or 20's apply?

Edit - Ah I've now read complete article - there's gonna be a separate youth advisory board. So maybe that's why the main FAB board is perhaps older than a cross section of the fan base

 

[TrueBlue]

I got to the final stage as well, again like @Napster did not get past the final hurdle

 

[rigsby]

That looks like a very good team that can bring plenty to the table. Congratulations to them all and lets give them plenty of support rather than ill informed snipes from the sidelines.

Would have been nice to see someone like Dagenham Kev on board.......For the sake of diversity of course.

 

[dusterman]

I got to the final stage as well, again like @Napster did not get past the final hurdle

Couldn’t handle the truth, I reckon.

 

[Amwell Blue]

What formation will they play? 3-2-1 or 2-2-2

 

[Tinks]

I could be wrong, and I hope I don't offend anyone, but none of them sound particularly young? No one in their teens or 20's apply?

Edit - Ah I've now read complete article - there's gonna be a separate youth advisory board. So maybe that's why the main FAB board is perhaps older than a cross section of the fan base

Looking on the site it would seems the club is also going to have a Youth Advisory Board as well as the FAB and the Fans Engagement too.

 

[Tinks]

I got to the final stage as well, again like @Napster did not get past the final hurdle

Ditto I got to the final stage too but likewise fell at the post.

I have to say there are quite some impressive people on that board and wish them the best of luck but I can’t help but feel they are all similar

 

[Grayson]

Looks an impressive first set. Good luck to them.

 

[Shrimper4lifeCBS]

Bunch of YES people!!


Bet they have done plenty of brown nosing!!

 

[lreed567]

Reading into their backgrounds on the website looks like a good set of people, so good luck to them

 

[Strykr]

Seems like they've gone for an extension of cosu in terms of recruiting people with specific skillsets.

Not what i expected but im sure they are all good people.

 

[JCB]

Bunch of YES people!!


Bet they have done plenty of brown nosing!!

How have you come to that conclusion? Very odd post

 

[TrueBlue]

Bunch of YES people!!


Bet they have done plenty of brown nosing!!

Can’t speak for those that got in (other than Michelle who I know and she’s not yes person)

I’m certainly not, proved that enough times, and maybe in my detriment to this process

 

[Barling Magna]

A most impressive bunch, especially Phil Bigwood and Chris Lee - neither of whom would be "Yes" men, nor even "Maybe" men, if they did not believe in any particular initiative.

Good luck folks.