Fan Advisory Board confirmed

[Target man]

It's a really positive step for the club and after years of being dismissed by the former owner, at last we have a fan corner that has a voice that is able to healthily and respectfully challenge the hierarchy.

I'm sure they have all been chosen well in what appears to have been an in-depth selection process. Obviously, not everyone could be chosen, and some good people may be disappointed to miss out, but it's the absolute right thing to do to get behind every single one of them. If COSU found them trustworthy enough to be selected, then who is anyone to question that judgement. Best wishes to them all!

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

I did put my name forward, but didn't mention I was a mixed-race vegan with an immigrant mother - maybe that would have sealed the deal!

Did Dale Vince not trigger your release clause?

 

[Sherif H]

Did Dale Vince not trigger your release clause?

I wish...the pies there are awesome

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

SOUTHEND United have confirmed the six supporters appointed onto their newly-formed Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

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Playing their part - Southend United have confirmed the six supporters appointed onto their newly-formed Fan Advisory Board (Image: Lucy Copsey)


By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter.

SOUTHEND United have confirmed the six supporters appointed onto their newly-formed Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

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

And COSU member Ian Redbourn is pleased with the group working closely with the club.


“We were genuinely amazed by the sheer number of fans who stepped up and participated in this process,” said Redbourn.

“Selecting the final team proved to be incredibly challenging due to the remarkable passion, dedication and creativity shown by each and every one of them.

“We're immensely appreciative of the time and effort these fans put into the process.

“Their unwavering support and enthusiasm mean a great deal to the club, and we're very fortunate to have such a vibrant and committed community rallying with us every step of the way."

The Fan Advisory Board has been formed to provide insights and feedback on key issues alongside the strategic direction of the club.

The members, representing a range of supporters, will also work closely with the club to ensure fans' voices are heard in shaping Southend United’s future.

Sitting alongside the six successful supporters on the FAB will be a Southend United Board member and a Shrimpers Trust Board member.


An introductory meeting has been arranged for next Thursday.

The club will now turn their attention to establishing a Youth Advisory Board.


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.

 

[defender05]

After the selection process we seem to have a fans version of the board rather than some fans who are going to look at things from the people in the stands point of view.

Unfortunately I can see more of 'we have improved the burgers by getting a posher version of the same thing for more money' type of things rather than what the fans want.

 

[Holy Joe]

After the selection process we seem to have a fans version of the board rather than some fans who are going to look at things from the people in the stands point of view.

Unfortunately I can see more of 'we have improved the burgers by getting a posher version of the same thing for more money' type of things rather than what the fans want.

TBF better quality food was wanted by many!

 

[Mad Cyril]

No XXL16?

 

[Mad Cyril]

After the selection process we seem to have a fans version of the board rather than some fans who are going to look at things from the people in the stands point of view.

Unfortunately I can see more of 'we have improved the burgers by getting a posher version of the same thing for more money' type of things rather than what the fans want.

I don’t want posher but I want edible food and decent beer.

Several lower league clubs are famous for the food they sell at decent prices. We are a Titan at this level - why shouldn’t we aspire to join them?

 

[BoyWonder2]

Good to see we can moan about fans before they’ve had a chance to do anything as well as players, management, owners and everything else inbetween.

Just need someone to claim this is unforgivable, then I can claim bingo on the SZ thread bingo card.

 

[PrawNZ]

Give them a chance before any criticism please
Phil Bigwood is weirdly my porn film star name

Yeah, Phil (feel) Bigwood sounds like a name Bart Simpson would ring in to Moe's bar. "Hey guys, I really wanna Phil Bigwood!"

 

[DCC]

I hope there will be photos - I’d expect to recognise at least a couple of them even though I don’t know any of them by name.

 

[Strykr]

Maybe we just need a second advisory board, an advisory board to the advisory board, stipulation being you must earn under 25k

 

[PIERS]

Half a dozen top fans , prepared to give up their time … and people are moaning already.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Good to see we can moan about fans before they’ve had a chance to do anything as well as players, management, owners and everything else inbetween.

Just need someone to claim this is unforgivable, then I can claim bingo on the SZ thread bingo card.

I almost got a full house for mentioning the word 'woke' on another thread. I agree, the moaning this last two months has gone through the roof. I would have been no good putting this Fan Advisory Board together. As I live in the past I was thinking, a Milkman, a Coalman, a Dinner Lady and a Laundrette Lady for starters.

 

[BriggBlue]

I'm assuming that now they are in place there will be some communication from them on how we as a fanbase can engage with them.

For me we need to be attracting more fans to the club of all age groups these days that means being active on all forms of social media, be it Facebook for the old folk, X / Reddit / TikTok for millennials through to whatever platform the youth of today use, (I'm 41 so I'm not cool enough to know what it is).

Despite some of the comments on here deriding it a bit, more diverse food options are needed as are better toilet facilities. I felt comfortable letting my 8 year old daughter use the ladies at Halifax whilst I popped to the gents on Saturday, not sure I'd feel the same way at roots hall as she would probably be put off by the state of the toilets and that would be her core memory of the match

 

[Ricey]

I was also one of the lucky 15 to have been interviewed. It was a genuine shock when I received the email offering an interview. I gave myself a good account during the interview and thought I had a good shot. Looking at the board and their experience if that was something being targeted I had zero hope. Yes I am in a senior management position for a business that deals with VVIPs however, not near the level of some of those.

I felt I would have represented many demographics from Under 40, Ex Military, Young Kids, Vegan/Veggie, Exiles (weak, only live in Braintree) and I feel having an SZ staff member on the board would have been great for a communication perspective. Unfortunately the panel did not agree and have selected the candidates.

I wish them the all the best of luck, again I was genuinely just honoured to have made the final 15 and when it comes around again I'll stick my hat in the ring. I'll be a Director or COO/CEO then so maybe that might help

 

[PIERS]

I'm assuming that now they are in place there will be some communication from them on how we as a fanbase can engage with them.

For me we need to be attracting more fans to the club of all age groups these days that means being active on all forms of social media, be it Facebook for the old folk, X / Reddit / TikTok for millennials through to whatever platform the youth of today use, (I'm 41 so I'm not cool enough to know what it is).

Despite some of the comments on here deriding it a bit, more diverse food options are needed as are better toilet facilities. I felt comfortable letting my 8 year old daughter use the ladies at Halifax whilst I popped to the gents on Saturday, not sure I'd feel the same way at roots hall as she would probably be put off by the state of the toilets and that would be her core memory of the match

Im caring sharing guy but what the …. Is diverse food ?

 

[BriggBlue]

Im caring sharing guy but what the …. Is diverse food ?

Plant based options, healthier options, something that isn't just pukka pies,horse burgers and Bovril.

Some of the food options available at other clubs is fantastic, people will pay more for good quality scran.

 

[* ORM *]

So we have a FAB but no Alan, Virgil, Brains, Parker etc???

 

[Sherif H]

Plant based options, healthier options, something that isn't just pukka pies,horse burgers and Bovril.

Some of the food options available at other clubs is fantastic, people will pay more for good quality scran.

Agreed. The food is and always has been an absolute disgrace at RH.
Putting a mobile concession in at the northern end of the West Stand is only going to go so far.