Surveys

Wednesdayite, the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Society, today announced the results of its recent fan survey. All fans of the club were encouraged to participate, either on-line or through thousands of surveys handed out before the first home match of the season.

Over 75% of respondents were non-members of Wednesdayite and therefore the survey was more representative of the views of the wider fan base and almost 1,100 fans participated, making it a verifiable representative sample.


Key Survey Results:

• 9 out of 10 fans (whether members or not) think that the club should listen to its fans, whilst more than 8 out of 10 fans think the club does NOT do this.

• 2/3rd's of fans think that the principle of supporter representation on the club board remains a good thing and almost a similar number feel the same way about the original gifting of the shares.

• 6 out of 10 fans think that Wednesdayite's shares are putting off new investment - the main reason being that an investor won't want to be accountable to the fans - we would contend that it is a concern if any incoming investor did not want to be accountable because if they had the club's interests at heart and were prepared to take the club forward why would the fans be a cause of concern unless their motives were not honourable?

• Almost a third of fans did not realise that Wednesdayite earlier this year announced that we would indeed consider a sale of our shares to any investor who could reduce debt and make meaningful investment in the team - this highlights that there is clear misunderstanding and misinformation amongst the fan base at large about Wednesdayite’s stance on the shares.

• Almost 9 in 10 fans (irrespective of membership) think Mr Allen should be talking to Wednesdayite to sort out any impasse - this highlights that Mr Allen’s stance is out of touch with the fan base - we reiterate our total willingness to talk, as we always have done for over 2 years. A similar ratio of fans support the route of mediation which has also been offered by Wednesdayite.

• 2/3rd's of fans think Wednesdayite should pledge its shares to the Shareholders Association scheme, including a majority of Wednesdayite members who participated. This is supported unanimously by the Wednesdayite Board and members are being approached in writing this week.

• To counter any suggestion that Wednesdayite will hang onto its shares at all costs - 2/3rd's of Wednesdayite members think that the number of members is more important an influence than the number of shares held.

• A majority of respondents feel that there is a place for supporters groups' generally and that they can make a difference to a club like SWFC - although the next highest rated factor was 'depends on the club chairman'.

• 9 in 10 fans (whether members or not) feel that the club should not be spending money on pursuing legal action against fans for criticisms on internet message boards - suggesting that the club's Board is substantially out of touch with the general fan base on this matter.