eh up, the campaign has being goin very well at the minute. I have been maintaining a profile on the official message board and it has brought out more supporters to the cause.

The club have been rattled by the campaign and at the last game of the season away at Wycombe our co chairman made a made a bit of a blunder. He said in a public area in earshot of other people "you've got more chance of getting standing as I have of Wxxking the pope!" I put this on the messageboard. Next thing I knew head of operations wanted to speak to me basically accusing me of encouraging ML and saying that I broke an agreement. A month earlier we had met and I mentioned the idea of getting a banner, so he used this by saying that I would'nt be allowed to bring one inside the ground as a result of putting ML's view on the messageboard. I emailed a detailed letter highlighting the implications of refusing banners into the club. I've yet to get a response.

But what also helps when raising our campaign on the messageboard and anywhere else for that matter, is telling them what other supporters are doing around the country. This ensures that our campaign is not just an isolated one, a one off that will go nowhere. It inspires people. The fact that other fans want to do something like this is absolutely fantastic. It gives other fans hope and encourages more activity and confidence.

And we should still be looking at organising more standing days but you have to work the supporters up first and see how favourable the mood is once you've made a start and have a bit of a profile.

It's hard work but exhilerating and worthwhile!
No pain no gain! that's what I say

We really should be thinking of meeting up on a sunday during this close season like we did last year. If we don't it will really be an opportunity missed to discuss and debate how to actively build our campaign.

If we just rely on behind the scenes talking that will be a mistake. Supporters will take a more pro active role, they just have to be convinced that they can win this struggle and many will just want to be asked

Great work, Manny.

Others, please take encouragement...

Nice to see your chairman is supportive of his customers aims....

I have saved Manny's advice which he gave me on what he does. I am currently strongly considering doing something similar for next season (its just a matter of bottle if I'm honest). I'm also thinking about getting a banner done and having a protest if I can get a banner for cheap. I'm not just saying this, I am seriously thinking about it.

Do it mate. I was quite nervous when I started doing this but then your confidence grows in time as you see that you start to get support from fellow fans.

Colin Hendrie of the FSF has been a rock of support, so it would be worth phoning the FSF to find out who could help you behind the scenes and give you the support you need.

You will get more of a response if your petition is Club specific too.

On the question of banners, my club have threatened to refuse letting a banner in that promotes safe standing because the club has not yet come up with a decision to support the idea.

Here's an extract of an email to the head of operations of my response to the situation:

As for the banner not being allowed in until the Club’s views on safestanding are more favourable, does this mean that:

1. Absolutely no banners are allowed inside Valley Parade on a Bradford City matchday? If so, where does it say this?

2. Are some banners allowed in depending on what is said on them?

2.1. If so, is there a definitive list on what can be said on a banner?

2.2. How accessible is this list to supporters?

3. If it is just my banner, why?

3.1. What would happen if other fans brought in banners that shared my views, would the Club see me as the culprit?

In my view, if the supporters express views that differ to that of a football club on a banner, as long as they are without prejudice then the Club must accept that fans share alternative views.

If the present board of Bradford City only allow banners that represent the official views of the Club then it implies that the Club are not open to criticism.

The fans collectively are the largest investors of football. Without our loyalty there is no football, therefore football fans should have the right to express an alternative view emblazoned on a banner as long as it is without prejudice. I think the majority of fans would understand that not every banner would necessarily represent the view of the Club and that the Club is progressive in tolerating a view by fans not yet expressed by that of the Club.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and my I remind you that you agreed the Club would make a statement one way or another.

I look forward to your response.

I'm still waiting for the response!

Thanks mate. I'm gonna think about it then deciede in June. Then I'll get a plan ready. Do hassle me about it if I forget.

Thanks