Top 15 things fans would do it they could own their club for a day revealed including name a stand after themselves

FOOTBALL fans are dreaming of becoming chairman for a day – and have revealed their ultimate wishlist.

A poll of 2,000 footie enthusiasts revealed the things they would do if they held all the power at their EFL clubs.

Nearly 30 per cent of respondents to the poll believe clubs across the English pyramid could do better when it comes to spending their cash.

Player transfers, team kits, and marketing were just some areas fans believe their club invests too much in.

While reducing ticket prices for fans and pumping money into youth academies topped the wishlist.

Supporters also want teams to offer free tickets to those who can’t afford them, while a cap on players’ wages was equally popular.

And some cheekily claimed they would name a stand after themselves or build a statue if given free rein.

Chris Houghton, CEO of Egg, which commissioned the research, said: “We’ve loved hearing what fans would do if they were club owners for a day.

“Football plays such a big part in many of our lives.

“So it’s no wonder there is so much passion and inspiring ideas about what would make the nation’s favourite teams even better.”

Even if being the owner is a far-off dream, the study found 48 per cent would like to have more of a say in how their club is run.

A large part of this would be changing how the money is spent, with fans wanting to see bigger investments in local community initiatives (41 per cent).

Stadium upgrades were also on the agenda, (34 per cent), as well as the addition of mental health and wellbeing services (33 per cent).

And a whopping 78 per cent believe sustainability is important in football and should be prioritised by clubs.

It also emerged that fan-focused advisory boards would be an avenue for increasing supporter involvement, with 78 per cent believing more clubs would benefit from this.

That model is utilised in Germany, where the 50+1 rule ensures that clubs are majority-owned by their members.

Supporters are also eager for a shift towards valuing eco-friendly policies, especially in terms of sponsorship.

47 per cent said they wouldn’t be happy if their clubs partnered with a fossil fuel company – instead of a green alternative.

And if clubs are set on investing in fossil fuels, 61 per cent believe these should be offset by doing more for the environment.

This was also reflected in the changes fans would like to see by the year 2030, with 22 per cent dreaming of solar-powered stadiums.

While 18 per cent hope for better recycling facilities, and 16 per cent expect to see players travelling more sustainably in the next five years.

Houghton added: “This data shows that it isn’t just the scores and wins – every aspect of the club is important to fans, including sustainability.

“As more and more of us become aware of the issues affecting the environment and take steps to be more eco-conscious, we also want to see this mindset shared by the players and teams we love so much.”