ANOTHER full-house fans' forum is staged by Blackburn Rovers, with under-pressure manager Ray Harford in the hot seat - and, by all accounts, another successful event.

Other clubs should take note of this venture.

It is vital that they have the supporters behind them and feeling that they have a role in the strategy - especially at times like those at Ewood, when the going is tough and calls are going out for the manager's head.

The scheme shows that Blackburn Rovers are catching up at last in the field of public relations which has been the subject of many a grouse from the fans.

Indeed, if this realisation had struck the club two or three years ago, the grumbles would not be so loud now.

Soccer clubs must think big when it comes to communicating with the crowd.

For, too often, football bosses seem to treat fans as an irritant, necessary evil when, really, they are the lifeblood of the game and their business.

And, as we are sure Ray Harford would testify, you really do need them on your side.

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