Cardiff City must be a family together because with their little pick and shovel the fans will always be there

The anniversary of the failed attempt to form a European Super League recently passed with a fresh set of articles and documentaries analysing the failed coup. Last April, a group of 12 football heavyweights, including six from the Premier League, pooled together with plans to break away from the domestic game in order to play each other regularly and enjoy the financial benefits.

Already incredibly rich, these clubs sought to ringfence their wealth and eliminate any future unpredictability. The fact every other side left behind would likely wither and die in their absence did not appear to be a consideration.

This proposal lasted about 48 hours out in the open because supporters, even those of the clubs that stood to benefit the most, rallied and with a show of united force, starved the idea of oxygen. Without them, football would look very different now.

Whether coincidentally or deliberately, this idea was implemented at a time when most of the world was isolating from Covid, so supporters were absent from games. It was a taste of football without fans and the whole exercise felt rather soulless and pointless.

Supporters are the lifeblood of a football club and often the conscience, too, sadly. They have the club’s best interests at heart and while they might get a little bit carried away at times in terms of spending and ambition, they’re in it for the long haul. With their little pick and shovel.

In order to have a voice, supporters clubs and trusts exist to allow fans a say on what happens at their club and also to organise travel to and from games. These people sacrifice their own time to do this and their efforts are not always appreciated like they should be.

The Supporters’ Trust is a democratic, non-profit