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What’s the big idea?
A new season and new attempts to ruin a simply beautiful game. Welcome back!
Aug 28, 2025 • Martin Cloake
The real face of Premier League ticket price inflation
I've worked with Nick Harris of Sporting Intelligence on an investigation into the astonishing rise in prices for fans in English football's top flight.
May 20, 2024 • Martin Cloake and Nick Harris
Why VAR is the worst thing that has been inflicted on football
I'm going studs up on VAR – bear with me. Plus, what do we mean by "best-run club"?
Aug 30, 2024 • Martin Cloake
The Truth about the fan experience in UEFA competitions
The appalling scenes outside last weekend's Champions League Final were not a one-off. The reality of attending games organised by UEFA is far from the…
Jun 1, 2022 • Martin Cloake
The enduring nature of a football club
Thoughts on the connection between fans and clubs as a new season gets under way
Aug 3, 2023 • Martin Cloake
Sorry we’re not dead yet
Tottenham Hotspur have a problem. Not enough of their longstanding fans are dying.
Mar 7, 2024 • Martin Cloake
The game versus the crowd
There is a tension in football that is bubbling under, and smart leadership is needed to deal with it.
Jun 26, 2025 • Martin Cloake
Waka waka eh eh – Winning it in Bilbao
Part two of the view from inside the fan experience at a major European final.
May 30, 2025 • Martin Cloake
Who wants the World? (Cup)
Is the furore over tournament ticket prices a positive sign?
Dec 12, 2025 • Martin Cloake
Is that all we get away?
I have written frequently about the dreadful experience of away fans at European games. Things aren’t getting any better. That needs to change.
Oct 8, 2025 • Martin Cloake
Desperate times, desperate measures
The Premier League is conducting an increasingly unhinged campaign against the football regulator, and parachute payments are proving to be a key…
Jan 28, 2025 • Martin Cloake
Kogan’s run
So David Kogan is going to be the chair of the Independent Football Regulator …
May 8, 2025 • Martin Cloake
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