Club looking to appoint a new Supporter Liaison Officer
Shrewsbury Town FC are looking to appoint a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) to replace Martin James, the current SLO.
The club must have an SLO in place in response to the Football League directive, which is itself linked to a directive from UEFA.
The role of SLO is the official channel of communication between the fans and the club shareholders/management.
UEFA first adopted the principle of the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) as part of their football club licensing platform, and it is centred on improving communication and providing a focal point for supporters to make their voice heard. The role has the support of the FSF (Football Supporters’ Federation).
It is a voluntary post that can be applied for in the first instance by writing to Alan Roberts, stadium and security manager at Shrewsbury Town. Alan will provide further information upon request and can be contacted via email at alan.roberts@shrewsburytown.co.uk or by writing to Alan Roberts, Greenhous Meadow, Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ST
From the UEFA directive the prime characteristics of the SLO role are:
• Supporter liaison officers (SLOs) are a bridge between the fans and the club and help to improve the dialogue between the two sides.
• Their work is dependent on the information they receive from both sides and the credibility they enjoy with both parties.
• The SLO informs fans about relevant decisions made by the club management and, in the other direction, communicates the points of view of fans to the club management.
• The SLO builds relationships not just with various fan groups and initiatives but also with the police and security officers.
• The SLO engages with SLOs of other clubs before matches to contribute to supporters behaving in accordance with security guidelines.