Our John Peel talks with Richard Irving. Richard is the Football Supporters Association Network Manager for Community Owned Clubs, as well as a true Rooks fan and match day volunteer (ie, an all round hero). Richard was previously involved in the Arsenal Supporter’s Trust, and their move to the Emirates - before gravitating to Lewes FC.

(NB: the interview was recorded a few weeks back and so some of the reference points may be a little out of date ref coronavirus.)

Inside this edition you’ll find…

Why Lewes FC and non-league football is an increasingly interesting game for all kinds of football fans - versus the Premiership money-go-round

How testing a time it is right now for owner/member run and owned clubs - and why they’re more sustainable than ’normal’ clubs.

What ‘behind closed doors’ may mean for non-league football - and how and when we may return

How we need to prevent elitism within the game when making our 'restart' choices

How fragile a return to football might be in the context of repeat infection and and longer term planning

Why time out now may help us to chart a better course for the game - resetting some of the financials

Why money may need to matter less in non-league football (and why talent across all aspects of a club should mean more)

What alternative revenue streams might be available in the absence of crowds

Enjoy!

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