Have you joined Burnley FC ISA yet?

[Big Vinny K]

Yes, but there needs to be targeted advertising, a genuine desire to bring diverse voices on board, and—most importantly—a clear manifesto outlining what the group aims to achieve. In other words, there needs to be evidence that the goal is to work for the benefit of everyone, not just the isa. I'd like to see what plans there are to appeal to a wider demographic, because if it's just an odd post on this forum, or twitter, they could, but they won't.

Otherwise, it’s likely to just become a haven for middle-aged white men who spend three hours in a pool hall sipping mild, trying to one-up each other about how many former players they’re on a first-name basis with—while patting themselves on the back for such epic victories as “bringing back Arcade Fire as the entrance music,” “getting a Scandinavian microbrewery guest ale on rotation,” and, who could forget, “successfully convincing the club to reconsider using the Pride flag as its background during Pride Month.”

Wow….

[Rileybobs]

Are the rumours about the Scandinavian guest ale true then?

[ClaretTony]

Are the rumours about the Scandinavian guest ale true then?

Working on it

[bfc-njr-2017]

I don't think that this cohort of people will adequately reflect the wide ranging demographic that make up our fanbase, the diversity of viewpoints available, and given the way I've seen some of the people I know to be involved with this venture talk about the FAB, quite a snooty affair.

If you can come up with an agenda, tangible goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, and actually add value then I'd be willing to give it another look.

Cheers,
Gaz

Knowing the steering group that’s involved in the launch and push of the BFCISA, I’m extremely confident that we have a widespread and diverse viewpoint across many topics. There’s many discussions where we differ in viewpoints, approaches to how we do things and tones etc.

Think we have a quite balanced steering group.

That’s the beauty of the ISA is that we want any and every voice represented and heard by the club.

[boyyanno]

Yes, but there needs to be targeted advertising, a genuine desire to bring diverse voices on board, and—most importantly—a clear manifesto outlining what the group aims to achieve. In other words, there needs to be evidence that the goal is to work for the benefit of everyone, not just the isa. I'd like to see what plans there are to appeal to a wider demographic, because if it's just an odd post on this forum, or twitter, they could, but they won't.

Otherwise, it’s likely to just become a haven for middle-aged white men who spend three hours in a pool hall sipping mild, trying to one-up each other about how many former players they’re on a first-name basis with—while patting themselves on the back for such epic victories as “bringing back Arcade Fire as the entrance music,” “getting a Scandinavian microbrewery guest ale on rotation,” and, who could forget, “successfully convincing the club to reconsider using the Pride flag as its background during Pride Month.”

If you want your voice to be heard or feel it's not represented then join and take part- that would make more sense than making snooty comments on here.

You seem to completely misunderstand the purpose of the ISA whilst wanting to be it's chairman. Spectacularly whopping post this one.

For everyone who is involved in the ISA you've done a terrific job so far, highlighted by the involvement of Barry Kilby.

[BigGaz]

Thank you. These things can be a thankless task and I do wish you every success - I am just a sceptic, don't mind me. I will will observe on the sidelines for now.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

It sounds like a positive start for the ISA, so well done to those who took part

Glad to hear it sounds like the ISA has declined to use the FAB to feedback supporters views on issues (both the good and the bad I hope). The FAB members only look out for themselves.

[BigGaz]

Tony, you might as well delete all of my posts mate, and my account whilst you're at it. I'm fed up of this two tier approach you're taking to modding me. Seemingly people can say what they like to me but I'm not allowed to have my opinion. Thanks for the two years, and I wish you well with your ISA.

[CoolClaret]

Tony, you might as well delete all of my posts mate, and my account whilst you're at it. I'm fed up of this two tier approach you're taking to modding me. Seemingly people can say what they like to me but I'm not allowed to have my opinion. Thanks for the two years, and I wish you well with your ISA.

Oh woe is me, a strange attitude to have when you were quick and happy to tar anyone associated with the ISA effectively as a 'Royston Vasey' type without knowing a single thing about them.

[BigGaz]

Mmm, nope, just asking if the ISA was going to be representative of all of the fanbase rather than a collective of middle aged, white, heterosexual males.

[Big Vinny K]

Mmm, nope, just asking if the ISA was going to be representative of all of the fanbase rather than a collective of middle aged, white, heterosexual males.

You didn’t ask - you said it was.
Is this your lap of honour ?

[BigGaz]

Again, nope, I still have the post.

And as I mentioned earlier, do you genuinely believe it's unreasonable to scrutinise the motives of those seeking to represent all of us in influencing the direction of the club? Or should we just nod it through without question? And what message do you think it sends when even mild questioning is met with the sort of defensive posturing you've just demonstrated?

Shouldn’t a fan group for the fans be transparent about its aims and objectives, so that people can make an informed decision about whether it actually represents their interests?

Clearly not. Silly me. It's that sort of transparency that is going to result in a massive portion of our fanbase taking this up.

[KellyClaret]

Curiously - what are the demographics of the ISA? Is this data collected?

[Targetman]

Mmm, nope, just asking if the ISA was going to be representative of all of the fanbase rather than a collective of middle aged, white, heterosexual males.

"Sipping mild in a pool hall"

See ya later lad!

[BigGaz]

Curiously - what are the demographics of the ISA? Is this data collected?

I don't think it is but here's a picture that Boyyano shared from the 2025 AGM.

[boyyanno]

I don't think it is but here's a picture that Boyyano shared from the 2025 AGM.

A: I'm not a member which is a strange mistake for you to make given you've apparently got the full list of them.

B: I don't fit in-to that demographic so sadly wrong again.

C: I will be joining as a member though as I'd hate to criticise the group for not representing my demographic whilst watching through the window and telling everyone on the street what great ideas I have.

D. This is another pointless post you've made, no debate, just childishly trying to show me up on the messageboard, more made up nonsense. Everyone is tired of it, don't you have better stuff to do?

[BurnleyFC ISA]

Again, nope, I still have the post.

And as I mentioned earlier, do you genuinely believe it's unreasonable to scrutinise the motives of those seeking to represent all of us in influencing the direction of the club? Or should we just nod it through without question? And what message do you think it sends when even mild questioning is met with the sort of defensive posturing you've just demonstrated?

Shouldn’t a fan group for the fans be transparent about its aims and objectives, so that people can make an informed decision about whether it actually represents their interests?

Clearly not. Silly me. It's that sort of transparency that is going to result in a massive portion of our fanbase taking this up.

May we ask, Gaz, have you read through the documents on our website?

[ksrclaret]

Just spotted BigGaz’s toys going flying past the window. Again.

[BigGaz]

So let me get this straight:

You’re not a member, but feel strangely compelled to leap to the ISA’s defence like its unpaid PR rep.

You don’t currently fit the demographic, but you’ve decided to join just in time to retroactively validate your argument.

And the pièce de résistance — accusing me of wasting time while you’re here drafting numbered rebuttals like you’re filing a legal brief for the pool hall elite.

If you think asking basic questions about transparency and representation is "pointless," and I'm not debating, then I suppose you're right where you belong — in the echo chamber, nodding along and congratulating each other on a job well self-congratulated.

But by all means, enjoy the view from the inside. I hear the mild's lovely this time of year.

[Big Vinny K]

May we ask, Gaz, have you read through the documents on our website?

That’s one of those rhetorical questions isn’t it ?

[BurnleyFC ISA]

We would like to firmly reiterate, we firmly believe that the more representation we have, and the wider-ranging our demographic becomes, that this will help the ISA to represent the interests of our members, as fully as possible.

If you are no yet a member yet and have itchy feet, send us an email and find out more.

If you’ve already signed up but think you could get involved with the steering group, please get in touch. And yes, we want to include all demographics, not just middle-aged males. We don’t discriminate but we do need you to step forward. Join us now and help us to shape something great for everyone.

[BigGaz]

May we ask, Gaz, have you read through the documents on our website?

Thank you for your response. I have. I read the aims and objectives, and whilst they serve as a good framework for the overall scope of the organisation, they do not tell me specifically what you want to try to achieve. What are the goals for this season, the next, ten years into the future?

I have also read your diversity policy. That is great, and it's good that you have one. Can I ask if there are any females amongst the officers?

[BurnleyFC ISA]

It sounds like a positive start for the ISA, so well done to those who took part

Glad to hear it sounds like the ISA has declined to use the FAB to feedback supporters views on issues (both the good and the bad I hope). The FAB members only look out for themselves.

We would also like to put on record that we have met with the FAB and that many of our members know and are friends with people who give up their time to work with the club on the FAB. We absolutely see a place for a FAB at Burnley FC and we’re certainly not here to try and take their place. The club are mandated to have a FAB and we’re confident that we can represent fans in a different way, independently.

One example: a few members of the FAB have spoken publicly about how the FAB pushed back against the club trying to introduce the ‘B’ as the new club badge. Their resistance helped to make the club reconsider this and BFC ISA, like many other fans, applauds them for speaking out.

[BurnleyFC ISA]

Thank you for your response. I have. I read the aims and objectives, and whilst they serve as a good framework for the overall scope of the organisation, they do not tell me specifically what you want to try to achieve. What are the goals for this season, the next, ten years into the future?

I have also read your diversity policy. That is great, and it's good that you have one. Can I ask if there are any females amongst the officers?

Gaz, thank you for your reply. The steering group are led by its membership. We’ve all brought lots of ideas to the table but ultimately, it’s the wider membership that set the agenda. Through numerous emails and two detailed surveys, we’ve analyses the data and that resulted in us presenting four initial priorities to the club. They came from our membership, not the steering group.

[BigGaz]

Okay, well in good faith, can I suggest that you make your agenda, your talking points, the specific things you are trying to influence both now and in the future front and center of your webpage.

I am not saying this as someone who knows better, or wants to be chairman, or is desperate to belittle the organisation, as some commentators seem absolutely rabid in their belief that I am doing, I'm saying it as a potential, unconvinced member that would like to see if my interests are aligned with the broader group.

There is many things that I do not know, but one thing I can tell you with certainty is that saying "ah well you have to join to find that type of stuff out" as some folks above appear to be suggesting, is one way to put people off.

[Poulton-le-Claret]

We would also like to put on record that we have met with the FAB and that many of our members know and are friends with people who give up their time to work with the club on the FAB. We absolutely see a place for a FAB at Burnley FC and we’re certainly not here to try and take their place. The club are mandated to have a FAB and we’re confident that we can represent fans in a different way, independently.

One example: a few members of the FAB have spoken publicly about how the FAB pushed back against the club trying to introduce the ‘B’ as the new club badge. Their resistance helped to make the club reconsider this and BFC ISA, like many other fans, applauds them for speaking out.

So they breached their non-disclosure agreement to state how they pushed back against the ‘B’ badge and the club were not bothered about them speaking out? Sounds like the club sanctioned them to have that small public win.

If we are on that topic, do we know what their opinion on the monochrome badge was?

We already know their reaction to moving thousands of ST holders without consultation was ‘positive’.

[Sproggy]

We already know their reaction to moving thousands of ST holders without consultation was ‘positive’.

Our group of 3 have been moved without consultation and looking at the vision for the CFS, are all positive about the plans, so the FAB has represented us well. Is the position of the ISA to oppose any ideas that originate from Alan Pace on principle?

[Poulton-le-Claret]

Our group of 3 have been moved without consultation and looking at the vision for the CFS, are all positive about the plans, so the FAB has represented us well. Is the position of the ISA to oppose any ideas that originate from Alan Pace on principle?

Strange question since I have never said that should be the position. I like a lot of the things AP has done so far.

Some balance would have been nice on this issue though. Mine and my brothers ticket is now separated by a gangway. Others have posted that they attend the games with people who have mobility issues. So some people have genuine concerns about the move, all of which could have been alleviated with consultation.

[ClaretPete001]

Alan Pace was a Salesman in a Wall Street bank who, along with other, conducted a pretty unique and risky leveraged purchase of the club and still owes the club £100 million according to the last set of accounts. Their objective is to create a multi club private equity type company with very little capital by finding what I would call distressed owners who want out for whatever reason and doing deals that require very little up front capital.

It's a very tough business to be in requires lots of cajones and quite frankly the people involved are likely pretty ruthless.

FAB can engage with the club but what the club also need is a group that doesn't seek the approval of the board but aims to have great content about the finances and heritage of the club, a lot of expertise and the ability to talk to the media to represent the fans concerns. There is no way you can protect the brand and heritage of this football club by negotiating or being reasonable with people who are trying to build a billion dollar business owning football clubs.

How much do you think they care what Bob the Burnley fan builder from Barrowford thinks about the Neon lights?

[Dassey]

Thanks for the reply to the question where does the £5 go.
I wonder whether an ISA member has had clarification from the club as to whether the ginnel from belvedere Rd,running alongside the cricket club to the Longside area is gonna be off limits to home fans this season and going forwards due to away fans turnstiles being in that area.
I did ask the club but wasn't given a clear answer .
Does anyone remember the name for that particular area. Seem to remember it was referred to as something "yard" i think.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Okay, well in good faith, can I suggest that you make your agenda, your talking points, the specific things you are trying to influence both now and in the future front and center of your webpage.

I am not saying this as someone who knows better, or wants to be chairman, or is desperate to belittle the organisation, as some commentators seem absolutely rabid in their belief that I am doing, I'm saying it as a potential, unconvinced member that would like to see if my interests are aligned with the broader group.

There is many things that I do not know, but one thing I can tell you with certainty is that saying "ah well you have to join to find that type of stuff out" as some folks above appear to be suggesting, is one way to put people off.

There does come a point where you have to s**t or get off the pot, Gaz. It's easy to snipe from the sidelines. If you want to broaden the membership, its a fiver....... join

If you don't find it worthwhile after a year, you are free to not renew....

[The Shire Claret]

Tony, you might as well delete all of my posts mate, and my account whilst you're at it. I'm fed up of this two tier approach you're taking to modding me. Seemingly people can say what they like to me but I'm not allowed to have my opinion. Thanks for the two years, and I wish you well with your ISA.

I have no input in this game but 'in my opinion' that wasn't a simple voicing of an opinion, however.... if your going to put on a post like that ... expect a response ... You are allowed to voice your opinion but your response seems like others can't have a view on your opinion ?

[Chester Perry]

Thanks for the reply to the question where does the £5 go.
I wonder whether an ISA member has had clarification from the club as to whether the ginnel from belvedere Rd,running alongside the cricket club to the Longside area is gonna be off limits to home fans this season and going forwards due to away fans turnstiles being in that area.
I did ask the club but wasn't given a clear answer .
Does anyone remember the name for that particular area. Seem to remember it was referred to as something "yard" i think.

Omerod Yard

[Leisure]

Thanks for the reply to the question where does the £5 go.
I wonder whether an ISA member has had clarification from the club as to whether the ginnel from belvedere Rd,running alongside the cricket club to the Longside area is gonna be off limits to home fans this season and going forwards due to away fans turnstiles being in that area.
I did ask the club but wasn't given a clear answer .
Does anyone remember the name for that particular area. Seem to remember it was referred to as something "yard" i think.

Haven't seen anything which has been put out by the Club but I would expect that certainly for high profile games it will be away fans only.

[MeeActon1]

Decision to be made on a match to match basis depending on police advice and risk assessment by club. Presumably this will be communicated on the pre match pack they put out.

[Leisure]

Decision to be made on a match to match basis depending on police advice and risk assessment by club. Presumably this will be communicated on the pre match pack they put out.

Sounds like a recipe for potential confusion and conflict.

[dougcollins]

Decision to be made on a match to match basis depending on police advice and risk assessment by club. Presumably this will be communicated on the pre match pack they put out.

What an absolute pain in the @rse.

I never read any of that pre-match stuff, why should I?

[BigGaz]

I have no input in this game but 'in my opinion' that wasn't a simple voicing of an opinion, however.... if your going to put on a post like that ... expect a response ... You are allowed to voice your opinion but your response seems like others can't have a view on your opinion ?

You are missing some context regarding other threads Shire, that's all I can be bothered saying. I don't disagree with you, people are entitled to their opinion.

[Row x]

What an absolute pain in the @rse.

I never read any of that pre-match stuff, why should I?

So that you know what's happening?

[dougcollins]

So that you know what's happening?

I dont want to read an itinery before I go on a game.

[equinox]

trying to one-up each other about how many former players they’re on a first-name basis with

Ha ha ha.

When they refer to ex players by their nickname, genuinely thinking that they are their proper mates, absolutely cringeworhy stuff from grown men.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Ha ha ha.

When they refer to ex players by their nickname, genuinely thinking that they are their proper mates, absolutely cringeworhy stuff from grown men.

Look, if they told me to just call them Mazza and Pelz when we were having a cigar and polishing their trophies, that's between me and them

[Row x]

I dont want to read an itinery before I go on a game.

In the past it's been used when things change, and certain roads are shut etc....it saves you being that person who goes the wrong way, then uses the excuse " nobody told me about it"

[ŽižkovClaret]

In the past it's been used when things change, and certain roads are shut etc....it saves you being that person who goes the wrong way, then uses the excuse " nobody told me about it"

I swear some people just love being ignorant, and then having something to moan about as a result.

It baffles me

[equinox]

Look, if they told me to just call them Mazza and Pelz when we were having a cigar and polishing their trophies, that's between me and them

I know you're just being facetious but this isn't that far off some of the bo11ocks they come out with.

[ŽižkovClaret]

I know you're just being facetious but this isn't that far off some of the bo11ocks they come out with.

I mean, so what? Unless someone was even more juvenile so as to be jealous, i really don't see why you'd bother yourself about it.

[equinox]

I mean, so what? Unless someone was even more juvenile so as to be jealous, i really don't see why you'd bother yourself about it.

I like it though.

[dougcollins]

In the past it's been used when things change, and certain roads are shut etc....it saves you being that person who goes the wrong way, then uses the excuse " nobody told me about it"

The truth of it is that I'm really fvcked off about the fact that Omerod Yard may be closed for home fans.

I really don't like the way this Board are going about things.

Hence the ISA, and that's fine.