Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, offers his opinion on being determined to protect the future of football - meeting up with a Crewe Alex director.

I don't mind saying as someone who has played a lot of rugby that football is the most popular sport in the UK - by a long shot.

Over 17.4 million of us watched the lionesses finally bring glory home to England in the Women's EURO final.

Millions will spend this weekend supporting their favourite Premier League team in the pub or cheering on from home.

Many others will go down to their local Lower League Club, supporting passionately from the stands.  

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan offers his opinion on being determined to protect the future of football (Wikimedia Commons).

Fans are the lifeblood of the sport. 

We are lucky to have many clubs in Crewe from all levels of the Football pyramid.

Of course we have Crewe Alex but we also have also have lots of community clubs like Crewe FC, Crewe Town FC, Cheshire Blades and others.

These are where most people start out playing football after the playground and local park.

As the local MP, I work with many of these clubs.

They are not just teams but vital community organisations doing much more in the community, such as providing sessions for disadvantaged children. 

We all know where most of the money and power is.

Dr Kieran Mullan says Crewe Alex are important but also are community clubs - like Crewe FC, Crewe Town FC, Cheshire Blades and others (Peter Robinson).

Despite the sport's success, English football is built upon a fragile pyramid - top-heavy, with a small number of clubs holding most of the money and influence.  

Many of you will remember in 2021 when the six biggest clubs in the country announced their intention to join a new 'European Super League' protected from relegation.

Clubs, pundits and fans all roundly and passionately condemned the plans as not only going against the competitive spirit of the sport but having the potential to fatally damage the football pyramid. 

As highlighted by the downfall of Bury FC in 2019, it is also all too easy for unscrupulous owners to leave a much-loved club in ruins. 

Clearly, something had to be done to protect the game from owners gambling with the future of clubs and the sport. That is what gave way to the Fan-Led Review of Football. 

First published last year, the review sought the views of thousands of fans and other stakeholders to put forward several recommendations that will protect the sport for years and decades to come.  

Dr Kieran Mullan says even the biggest clubs like Manchester United - are nothing without their fans (Wikimedia Commons).

At the heart of these recommendations is the formation of a new Independent Regulator for Football.

This will, among other things, provide greater oversight, protect the financial stability of the sport and ensure that clubs are only in the hands of prudent owners.

The proposals also aim to give fans a greater say in the running of their clubs and be appropriately consulted on any big decisions. Crewe Alex is already showing how fans can be properly included with their place on the Board. 

The Government last year committed to introducing all 10 of the key recommendations from the review. I am determined to see that this happens. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been meeting with the big decision makers to push for a regulator and a financial shake up that will benefit the wider football community. 

Early in January, I met with Crewe Alexandra FC's director, Tony Davison and the English Football League Chairman in Parliament.

Crewe Alexandra director, Tony Davision, spoke with Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe Alex).

We share the same determination for seeing change. I followed that up by meeting with the Culture Secretary and then Minister for Sport.   

Football is a massive business, but sometimes even the biggest ships can sink.

We must do what we can to ensure the sport can survive for years to come.

While the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are the big money makers, clubs at the levels of Crewe Alexandra and Crewe FC are just as crucial a part of the pyramid. 

Dr Kieran Mullan has been meeting with the big decision makers to push for a regulator and a financial shake up in football (Nub News).

Let's always remember that even the biggest clubs are nothing without their fans. They must be listened to.

After all, 22 men running around an empty Anfield would look quite silly - wouldn't it? 

READ MORE: British gold medalist training at Crewe gymnastics club feeling 'really supported' by charity.

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