The EFL has today published the results of its most comprehensive study of supporters for over a decade.
In January, supporters of all seventy-two EFL Clubs were given an opportunity to have their say on the major issues that affect fans in what is one of the most wide-ranging surveys of its kind.
The EFL was quick to highlight that most supporters felt engaged with their clubs who were generally providing a positive and inclusive match day environment in a statement that accompanied the findings.
EFL communications director Mark Rowan said: ‘The results tell us that supporters are engaged, tech-savvy and maintain strong emotional connections to their club and community.’
‘What’s also clear is that supporters from all sections of society generally feel safe, welcome and included.’
The survey also found that almost two-thirds of 28,000 participants wanted video assistant referees (VAR) and goalline technology introduced in the EFL and that 70% accepted gambling sponsorship of EFL competitions.
It also found that the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy provided a welcome distraction from the rigours of League Football and that it was the clubs duty to educate the fans on the benefits of the EFL Trophy.
The Survey also 48% of fans felt the EFL’s purpose was to ensure a sustainable and profitable league that gave all clubs an environment to prosper and succeed.
However, only 9% strongly agreed that the EFL does a good job in administering its competitions, and only 8% felt the organisation had the interests of supporters at heart.
This result, in particular, was reflected in the social media response to the survey which seemed to illustrate that despite the organisations positive spin on the report many supporters seemed disengaged with the league’s governing body.
Here is a selection of supporter reaction to the findings on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/millmoor1/status/1149442858597978114?s=20
Useless. Laughing stock
— Brad Cobbledick (@Cobbie_1234) July 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/uglygame/status/1149563834090213377?s=20
We don't need educating about the EFL Trophy, we just don't want the B teams in it. Shame you didn't reflect this is your summary.
— Paul ECFC Sussex (@Paul_not_ecfc) July 11, 2019
Care to comment on this article? And don’t bother writing a “we are aware etc etc etc of the situation at Bury” cos it achieves nothing. Corrupt https://t.co/UV6YWZ5vPG
— Chris (@chrxs_t_) July 11, 2019
We don’t want VAR
— Jamie Hudson (@Jamie_Hudson_) July 11, 2019
Complete shambles from top to bottom.
— Nick Prowse (@nickprowse1) July 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/uglygame/status/1149309194706833409?s=20
Biggest finding? The @EFL are incompetent
— Clifton Magpie (@AlexWes20199409) July 11, 2019
If, in your own words you want to listen to the Supporters, then change the rules to take control in these rogue owners from destroying clubs.
— vince howard (@vincehoward73) July 11, 2019
So you’ve used it as an opportunity to blow your own trumpet rather than discuss how you intend to tackle some of the issues or opportunities for improvement
— Dan O'Dell (@dan_odell_) July 11, 2019
71 pages of dross and only 1 multiple choice question on what people think about the EFL trophy – with no option to vote that its a farce of a competition 🖕🏼
— James Miskell (@jamesmiskell) July 11, 2019
