Triesman says clubs run by fans can prosper as Red Knights target United

08 March 2010 17:23
Football Association chairman: Lord Triesman[LNB]Football Association chairman Lord Triesman believes the Red Knights' takeover campaign is a sign of their concern for Manchester United and insists that a fan-run club could work in England. [LNB]Triesman does not question the Glazer family's ability to deal with the financial situation at United but insists fans should not be viewed as mere customers. [LNB]And asked whether fan-owned clubs such as Barcelona could work in England, Triesman insisted they can. [LNB]Triesman said: 'There are some good fan-run clubs and there have been in England too - there have been some clubs in difficulties where the fans have been the decisive factor such as York City and Bournemouth. [LNB]'Broadly speaking we are organised around companies and company law and I think that is a reality of our circumstance. [LNB]'But I don't think that fact alters the way in which fans look at their club and the way it is treasured in a way that not all that many social institutions are.' [LNB]Triesman said supporters have a right to be concerned about their club's ownership and act accordingly. [LNB]He said: 'All fans are concerned about the well-being of their clubs. [LNB]'I am really not saying Manchester United cannot deal with its overall financial arrangements but of course fans do take a view about whether their club is all right. [LNB] Match winner: Paul Scholes scores United's goal against Wolves on Saturday[LNB]'I know perfectly well when I thought Robert Maxwell was going to take over Tottenham I was deeply concerned. I'm not making that point frivolously, people love their clubs and certainly want them to be in good shape. [LNB]'If they have been very successful they want them to continue to be very successful so they are interested in where the funds are. [LNB]'As it happens I think United are a huge business capable of generating very, very big resources. [LNB]'It would be disappointing in any club if fans were not interested in the whole thing.' [LNB]Triesman did warn however that fans had a special relationship with clubs that must be respected by owners. [LNB] Big day out: United fans took their protest to the Carling Cup final last month[LNB]He added: 'Being a fan is a mixture of all sorts of things. It's not a customer going into a shop. [LNB]'You want success on the pitch, there are deep cultural things involved, and most of time you support the club your dad supported. [LNB]'There's inevitably a sense of community even if a club is a great international brand as well. [LNB]'It's a huge mixture of things that fuel the emotion of football.My expectation always is that fans will be interested in the lot.'[LNB] Fergie forced to deny claims he wants part of Red Knights United takeover bidEXCLUSIVE: Crocked Brown in race to be fit for the World Cup finalsVan der Sar warns Man United to learn lessons from Milan nightmare of 2007Martin Samuel: Red Knights? Let's go one better and send for Barron KnightsMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail