As things currently stand it doesn’t look like the Owls will be playing their way out of the Football League into the Premier League any time in the immediate future and so with this in mind this official survey is well worth taking the time to consider and complete as it relates to key issues on how the sport is officiated and organised and well as looking into supporter trends.
The Football League is giving fans throughout the country the opportunity to help influence the future of professional football with the launch of its third online supporter consultation.
The Football League Supporters Survey 2010 lets fans have their say on a range of important football issues from the introduction of goal-line technology, sin-bins and salary caps to refereeing standards, football on television and diving.
Fans are also invited to give their views about the club they support with a range of topics up for discussion including ticketing, stewarding, communication with supporters and whether they feel valued by their club.
To take part in The Football League Supporters Survey, visit http://www.sportswise.info/surveys/fld/fld.htm
The 2010 Survey follows on from previous supporter consultations in 2006 and 2008, both of which saw more than 40,000 fans contribute their views.
In launching The Football League Supporters Survey 2010 League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, encouraged supporters to take part: "This is the opportunity for fans to tell us their views on the football they watch.
"The opinions expressed by supporters in our two previous surveys contributed to our thinking as we developed our Regulations on Agents, our new Home Grown Players rule and our smoke-free policy at matches.
"They have also given clubs a better understanding of what their fans like and dislike about watching football, which has helped The League identify best practice at club level and improve the supporter experience.
"I hope fans to take this opportunity to make a difference, once again."
Around 400,000 e-mails will be sent to registered supporters, asking them to contribute their views. Additionally, all other supporters will be able to participate online, via The Football League website - www.football-league.co.uk.
By completing the survey, which is being run in conjunction with sports research specialists SportsWise, supporters will have the opportunity to win a 'money can't buy' prize to see their team train and meet the players. There are also 100 Mitre Official Football League balls on offer to lucky winners.
The results of The Football League Supporters' Survey 2010 will be published in the New Year.
Example questions from The Football League Supporters Survey 2010:
- Would you like to see The Football League trial the use of sin-bins in one of its competitions?
- Do you think The Football League should introduce a system that puts a limit on the amount clubs can spend on players' salaries or restricts the number of players they can sign?
- Do you think the standard of refereeing in Football League matches is improving?
- Why did you start supporting your club?
- What might encourage you to attend more of your club's home/away matches?
- Do you feel valued by your club?
- When would you prefer to watch live Football league matches on television?
- Would you be willing to pay to join a subscription service that would enable you to watch your club's away matches on the internet?