Hatters back FSF campaign
The Hatters has given its support to the Football Supporters’ Federation’s Safe Standing Campaign.
The Football Supporters’ Federation’s (FSF) Safe Standing Campaign has helped convince dozens of clubs to give their backing to safe standing and even took the issue to Parliament.
Standing at Kenilworth Road was last in place at the end of the 1993/94 season, with the terracing in the Kenilworth Road stand turned into seats following the last home game of that campaign against West Bromwich Albion.
Whilst everyone at Kenilworth Road makes every effort to create the best supporter experience – as seen by the recent reintroduction of home supporters to the Oak Road end for certain fixtures – the safety of all supporters, however, is paramount, and the club adheres fully to the legislation and guidance regarding safety and standing at sports grounds.
However, trials of ‘rail seats’ were sanctioned north of the border in the Scottish Premier League and have already proved to be a resounding success in Europe, in particular in Germany.
Town managing director Gary Sweet told lutontown.co.uk: “We are fully behind the FSF’s vision for safe standing, whether it’s possible for use at Kenilworth Road or in a new stadium once we’re able to relocate.” he said.
“Having grown up on the terraces as a kid I try to take the opportunity to stand at the occasional away fixture with one or two other directors when terracing is available and we thoroughly enjoy it.
“Since the Club has been more stable we have been looking at numerous methods of making a few minor changes to Kenilworth Road which would enhance everybody’s enjoyment at matches which includes the possible re-introducing a standing terrace.
“Whilst there are no simple solutions – in particular, certain regulatory conditions that could be somewhat restrictive – we are keen to explore all options available to us.
“If it looks like a feasible way forward we’d like to consult with supporters during the process and are even looking at ways how supporters could vote on any potential decision.
“First and foremost, however, the emphasis must clearly be on the safety aspect and with this in mind we’ll need to plan prudently and consult all relevant authorities.
“We will support the FSF’s long-standing efforts to encourage the appropriate authorities to investigate the rail seat system with a view to defining criteria under which it could be introduced in future at grounds.”
Tony Murray, chairman of the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust added: “As supporters we would love to see a standing area return to Kenilworth Road and will do whatever we can to support the FSF and the Club with this campaign.”