At Hull City Supporters Trust (HCST), we stand firmly with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) in expressing serious concerns about the deployment of DNA tagging spray by Cheshire Police at football matches, as reported by the Associated Press on 6th August.
While we acknowledge the need for effective policing to ensure safety, the use of largely unproven technologies like DNA spray raises significant issues about proportionality, necessity, and the potential impact on innocent fans.
The FSA has rightly highlighted that football remains an overwhelmingly safe activity, with only 5.5 arrests per 100,000 spectators last season. The introduction of DNA spray, which marks clothing and skin with a synthetic solution that can persist for months, risks entangling innocent bystanders in criminal justice procedures. This could unfairly affect law-abiding Hull City fans who travel to support the Tigers, particularly at away matches in regions like Cheshire and potentially beyond.
What is particularly disappointing is the complete lack of consultation with supporters or representative bodies like the FSA. At a time when the Football Governance Bill is progressing to give fans a stronger voice in the game, this absence of engagement undermines the spirit of supporter inclusion and transparency.
We urge Cheshire Police and other forces considering similar measures to: • Consult with supporter groups and the FSA before deploying such technologies. • Provide clear evidence that DNA spray is necessary and proportionate, given the low arrest rates at football matches. • Ensure safeguards are in place to protect innocent fans from unintended consequences.
Hull City fans, and all fans, deserve to enjoy matches without fear of being unfairly targeted by invasive policing methods. We call on the club, the EFL, and the wider football community to join us in advocating for fair, transparent, and proportionate policing practices that respect the rights of all supporters.
For more information on the FSA’s stance, visit thefsa.org.uk. Together, let’s ensure football remains a safe and welcoming environment for all fans.
I took two weeks to think, to search for the right words to convey my explosion of emotions, and yet I’m sure that not even the best words could certify my state of mind during that week. Two weeks ago I spent a week in Turkey to see my Hull City during their pre-season training camp, together with almost 100 other lucky fans like me who experienced something similar.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Until a few weeks before the trip, I was aware of the free journey(a tradition now going on for three years) offered to supporters. However, since it was limited—rightly—to those with a stadium membership, I wasn’t among the expected travelers. The opportunity came thanks to one of the invitees, Geoff Bielby, a fellow director of the Hull City Supporters Trust, who kindly asked the club if it was possible to transfer his place to me. The entire HCST board supported the idea and was happy to send me. The club agreed (for which I’m incredibly grateful), but I must clarify that I wasn’t invited—I paid (happily!) for the Brindisi–Manchester flights. Still, I knew this would be an unforgettable holiday. For a die-hard fan living far away, who experiences all the highs and lows from a distance, no price could compare to what this trip would mean.
A Midnight Arrival
I arrived in Manchester at midnight, and Geoff once again helped me by driving through the night to the small Humberside Airport. I got there at 3 AM on Sunday, July 13. First passenger of the day—I literally “opened” the airport. The flight was around 10 AM, and I only saw the first fans arrive at 6. In those three hours, I caught a few minutes of sleep, but adrenaline kept me wide awake. From the moment we met, my travel companions were kind and welcoming. They made me feel part of the group instantly, and that bond only grew stronger over time.
Flying with the Team
I remember little of the flight—I fell asleep almost immediately after staying awake for nearly 24 hours. But we flew with Corendon Airlines’ Hull City-liveried plane, alongside players and staff. Just incredible. We had this privilege again for the return flight, but I must point out that the players stayed in Riva, an hour outside Istanbul, while we were based in Atasehir, on the Asian side of the city. So aside from the flights, our time with the team and staff waslimited to the two friendly matches.
A Week in Utopia
The whole trip felt like a dream. Istanbul—or, as we Italian’s sometimes still call it, Constantinople—was a beautiful discovery. A true crossroads of cultures, a metropolis rich in history, greenery, and breathtaking views. We spent our first days sightseeing: the Blue Mosque and HagiaSophia were majestic. And we paired history with food—Turkish cuisine is highly underrated and, in many ways, reminds me of southern Italy. I was delighted.
The First Friendly in Riva
On Tuesday afternoon, we took a bus to Riva, where the Turkish Football Federation is based and where the team was training. At 6 PM, we faced Istanbulspor in our first friendly. Before the game, Acun met with us and gave a short five-minute speech to reassure us about the club’s direction. Shortly after, I was pulled aside by the social media team to film a quick video—I appeared on the club’s official pages 3 or 4 times that week. Massive thanks to Joe, Ben, and Devon for that. The match began slowly, with Istanbulspor scoring late in the first half. But in the second half, we turned it around with goals from Kyle Joseph and the standout performer, Pharrell Brown. After the match, we had the chance to chat and take photos with players and staff. I met manager Jakirovic, Millar, and Joseph (I joked it took my presence for him to score!). Two encounters were especially memorable: – I finally got a photo with Andy Dawson, a club legend I had long wanted to meet. He embodies loyalty and devotion to the club. – Then, there was our goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. I knew he had played two years in Italy, at Hellas Verona, so I asked him in Italian if he could still speak it. That sparked a friendly exchange where he asked if I studied in Hull. I explained I live in Italy but support only Hull City. Surprised and happy, he called me crazy—in a good way. A great guy and a great keeper. That was probably the most special moment of the trip.
The Days in Cesme
From Wednesday to Friday, we left Istanbul for Cesme, a charming coastal town about 70 km from Izmir, known for it’s crystal-clear waters. While the others were enthusiastic (and the two days were great), I wasn’t blown away—mainly because I already live a similar kindof summer every year. Still, there were unforgettable moments: – A wild night out in Alacati, with many Jagerbombs under peer pressure. – A night of singing at a local bar in Cesme. – And above all, Acun’s second appearance. He reached us by yacht and took six of us fans on board, even bringing us to the coast of Chios island. To make me feel at home, he played two Italian songs. Another magical, unforgettable moment.
The Last Game and Return to Istanbul
We returned to Istanbul for the penultimate day. Before heading to Kasimpasa’s training ground, we visited the Grand Bazaar—a massive market full of bargains and curiosities. Then came our final friendly, against Kasimpasa, managed by ourformer boss Shota Arveladze. Another win—1–0, with a decisive goal from Tyrell Sellars-Fleming. A solid performance that fills me with confidence for the season ahead. Thanks to Kasimpasa for their warm hospitality, offering us coffee and water. Before leaving, I also managed to snap photos with Burstow and Egan.
Farewell and Gratitude
Then came Sunday—sadly, the day of our return. The flight was a bit delayed, but eventually, we found ourselves back at Humberside Airport, where it all began. Before heading home, almost at midnight on Tuesday the 22nd, I spent a final day in England. Together with the HCST board, wegathered at the Old Zoological to celebrate the success of our plan. I’m so thankful: – To Nick, for hosting me and for his company. – To Russell, for masterminding everything and always being present since I became International Director. – To Geoff, for giving up his spot and driving me to the airport. – And to everyone else, for wanting to meet me and share thiswith me.
Hull in My Heart
I miss Hull so much. Every time I leave, I feel a wave of sadness… Who knows when I’ll be back. I hope very soon. In any case—UTT.
The Italian Version
Ho preso due settimane per pensare, cercare le parole giuste per trasmettere il mio tripudio di emozioni eppure sono sicuro che neanche le migliori parole possano certificare il mio stato d’animo in quella settimana. Due settimane fa sono stato una settimana in Turchia a vedere il mio Hull City in ritiro pre campionato insieme a quasi altri 100 tifosi fortunati come me ad aver vissuto un’esperienza simile. Per prima cosa voglio dire che fino a qualche settimana prima della partenza, ero a conoscenza del viaggio gratuito (è una ormai prassi che va avanti da tre anni) per i tifosi ma essendo circoscritto a chi, giustamente, ha la membership allo stadio, non ero certamente tra i partenti. L’opportunità mi è stata concessa da uno degli invitati, Geoff Bielby, direttore (come il sottoscritto) dell’Hull City Supporter Trust, che gentilmente ha chiesto al club se si potesse fare un cambio nominativo e portare me in Turchia. L’idea del cambio nominativo è stata coadiuvata insieme a tutto il board dei direttori dell’HCST, felici di potermi mandare in Turchia. Il club ha acconsentito (ringrazio tantissimo il club per questo) ma voglio precisare che non sono stato invitato e ho pagato (con tanto piacere) i voli Brindisi-Manchester, ma sapevo che sarebbe stata una vacanza indimenticabile. Per un tifoso sfegatato, però costretto dalla distanza a vivere tutto da lontano, sofferenze e gioie, non ci sarebbe stata alcuna cifra che tenga. Sono arrivato a Manchester a mezzanotte e sempre il grande Geoff mi ha accompagnato nel cuore della notte nel piccolo Humberside Airport dove sono arrivato alle 3 del mattino di domenica 13 luglio. Sono stato il primo passeggero della giornata, ho “aperto” l’aeroporto. Il volo era alle 10 o giù di lì e soltanto alle 6 ho visto i primi tifosi arrivare, nelle tre ore di attesa ho racimolato qualche minuto di sonno sempre però spezzato dall’adrenalina che mi permeava il corpo. Gli altri tifosi e miei compagni di viaggio, sin dal volo si sono mostrati gentili, amichevoli e non mi hanno fatto mai sentire solo, una vicinanza che col passare del tempo si è solidificata. Del volo ricordo poco poiché sono crollato dopo essere stato sveglio quasi per un giorno intero, però abbiamo volato con l’aereo della Corendon Airlines con la livrea dell’Hull City insieme a calciatori e staff, è stato incredibile essere a stretto contatto con i tuoi idoli e così è stato ovviamente anche per il ritorno. Devo precisare però che i calciatori sono stati a Riva, a un’ora da Istanbul mentre noi alloggiavamo nel quartiere di Atasehir, nella parte asiatica della città, quindi oltre al volo, siamo stati con la squadra e staff solo quando si son disputate le due amichevoli. Il viaggio in sé è stato come vivere in un’utopia per una settimana. Istanbul o come certe volte noi italiani la chiamiamo ancora Costantinopoli è stata una piacevolissima scoperta: l’incrocio delle culture ha prodotto una metropoli che anche per la sua posizione ci ha deliziato con i suoi panorami fantastici e ho apprezzato il tantissimo verde. I primi giorni li abbiamo trascorsi qui dove abbiamo visitato la Moschea Blu e la Basilica di Santa Sofia, abbiamo unito la storia al piacere, ovvero il cibo. La cucina turca è molto sottovalutata e per certi versi si avvicina a quella del sud Italia, posso dire di esserne molto soddisfatto. Martedì pomeriggio siamo saliti sul bus che ci ha portato a Riva, dove ha sede della Federazione Turca di Calcio e dove i calciatori si stavano allenando. Alle 18 locali era in programma la prima amichevole con l’Istanbulspor, squadra di seconda divisione. Prima dell’amichevole, abbiamo incontrato Acun che ha tenuto un discorso di 5 minuti per rassicurarci sullo stato delle cose, poi sono stato “catturato” dai social media managers per girare un video (sono comparso in quella settimana sulle pagine ufficiali 3-4 volte, sono grato a Joe, Ben e Devon per questo) ed è arrivato il momento della partita. Sebbene una partenza a rilento con i turchi che hanno segnato a fine primo tempo, nella seconda frazione è arrivata la nostra rimonta con la prima rete di Kyle Joseph e la rete del giovane Pharrell Brown, migliore in campo. A fine partita abbiamo avuto l’occasione di scambiare qualche parola con calciatori e staff: ho avuto il piacere di fare la foto con il nuovo manager Jakirovic, Millar, il goalscorer Joseph con il quale ho scherzato dicendogli che c’è voluto la mia presenza per finalmente vederlo segnare e poi altri due incontri sui quali perderò un po’ di tempo. Ho finalmente fatto una foto con Andy Dawson, leggenda del club che mi mancava alla collezione di ex calciatori e leggende dell’Hull City, per me lui è un esempio di attaccamento e di fedeltà alla nostra maglia; infine c’è il nostro portierone Ivor Pandur, questo è stato il più bello e il più particolare di tutti: sapevo che Ivor aveva giocato due anni in Italia, all’Hellas Verona, così gli ho chiesto in Italiano se ancora riuscisse a parlarlo. È iniziato un bello scambio di parole in Italiano dove mi ha chiesto se studiassi ad Hull, ma gli ho spiegato che sono tifoso dell’Hull City e tifo solo questa squadra pur vivendo in Italia e lui sorpreso, ma felice mi ha detto che sono un pazzo, ovviamente in senso positivo. Un grandissimo ragazzo Ivor oltre che un grande portiere, è stato sicuramente l’evento più bello accaduto in questa vacanza. Tra mercoledì e venerdì abbiamo lasciato Istanbul per arrivare nella piccola cittadina di Cesme, situata a circa 70 km da Smirne, località con un mare limpidissimo. Devo ammettere che sebbene i miei compagni di viaggio erano entusiasti e son stati sicuramente due giorni bellissimi, non sono stato così impressionato da Cesme perché vivo più o meno la stessa vita della cittadina turca ogni estate. Da ricordare l’uscita nella cittadina vicina di Alacati dove sotto pressione degli altri, ho bevuto tantissimi shot di Jagerbomb oppure la prima serata a Cesme dove abbiamo cantato in un bar vicino al nostro albergo. Merita una menzione speciale la seconda apparizione di Acun che ci ha raggiunto a Cesme col suo motoscafo. Sono stato fortunato e ho avuto l’occasione di salire a bordo di esso insieme ad altri sei tifosi, Acun ci ha portato addirittura sulla costa dell’isola di Chio: il presidente per farmi sentire a mio agio ha addirittura messo due canzoni italiane, un altro momento da destinare alla memoria eterna. Così siamo tornati ad Istanbul per il penultimo giorno, prima di recarci al Campo d’Allenamento del Kasimpasa, ci siamo diretti al Grand Bazaar, un grandissimo mercato dove fare affari e comprare di tutto a prezzi modici. L’Amichevole contro il Kasimpasa, guidato dal nostro ex manager Shota Arveladze si è conclusa con un’altra vittoria, questa volta per 1-0, con la rete decisiva di Tyrell Sellars Fleming. Un’altra bella prestazione che mi rende fiducioso per la stagione ormai che inizierà tra una settimana. Doveroso ringraziare il Kasimpasa per l’ospitalità e per averci offerto caffè e acqua. Sono riuscito ad intercettare Burstow e Egan e fare una foto con loro. E la tristissima domenica del viaggio di ritorno ci aspettava e dopo un volo un po’ in ritardo rieccoci dove tutto è partito, sempre da quell’Humberside Airport che mi aveva accolto in piena notte. Prima di tornare a casa, quasi a mezzanotte di martedì 22, sono stato una giornata in Inghilterra dove insieme a tutto il direttivo dell’HCST abbiamo festeggiato all’Old Zoological la perfetta esecuzione del piano e non si può immaginare quanto sono grato a tutti loro. Nick per avermi ospitato e per la sua compagnia, Russell per essere stata la mente e per essere sempre presente sin da quando ho accettato la carica di Direttore internazionale, Geoff per avermi ceduto il posto e avermi accompagnato all’aeroporto e a tutti gli altri per esserci stati e avermi voluto conoscere di persona. Hull mi manca tanto, ogni volta lasciarla mi porta a deprimermi…chissà quando ritornerò, spero molto presto. In ogni caso, UTT.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Peter Thornes, former Director of the Hull City Supporters Trust, who is bringing his passion for the Tigers to the blogosphere with The Likes of Hull (www.thelikesofhull.co.uk, X: @thelikesofhull).
Peter’s unique voice, sharp wit, and deep love for Hull City shine through in his entertaining and insightful blog. His words of wisdom, laced with humour, capture the essence of what it means to be a Hull City fan. We’re proud to support Peter in this venture and look forward to promoting his content to our community.
Join us in welcoming Peter to this new chapter! Be sure to visit The Likes of Hull and follow @thelikesofhull on X for a dose of Tiger-tinted commentary that’s sure to inform and entertain. Up the Tigers!
We’re thrilled to share that our International Director, Leo, @hullcityitalian will be joining fellow international and local supporters for the Tigers’ pre-season week in Turkey! Leo is self-funding his return air fare from Italy to the UK and is excited to connect with fans from across the globe and cheer on the team in action.
Let’s show our support for Leo and all our international fans making the journey. Here’s to a fantastic pre-season and a united Tigers community!
Up the Tigers! Hull City Supporters Trust
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Hull City Supporters Trust Announces Community Partnership with Hull City Disabled Supporters Association
Hull City Supporters Trust (HCST) is thrilled to announce a new community partnership with the Hull City Disabled Supporters Association (DSA), reinforcing our commitment to fostering inclusivity and enhancing the matchday experience for all Tigers fans. This collaboration marks a significant step in uniting our efforts to ensure every supporter, regardless of ability, feels valued and connected to our beloved club.
The Hull City DSA, officially launched in February 2024 has been working tirelessly to improve accessibility and provide a voice for disabled fans. Led by Chair David Batte, the DSA has made remarkable strides in advocating for better facilities and matchday experiences. As David stated at the DSA’s launch event, “This tells everybody who is a Hull City fan that the club and the DSA are working together for the benefit of fans with disability. Let’s talk about how we can improve the facilities, how we can improve the experience.” His leadership has sparked meaningful conversations and tangible improvements, such as adjustable payment terminals and initiatives inspired by other clubs, like sensory rooms and refreshment delivery services for wheelchair users.
This partnership aligns with HCST’s long-standing tradition of community engagement and advocacy, from supporting Hull City Ladies to preserving the club’s heritage through projects like the Spion Kop 1906 Club. By joining forces with the DSA, we aim to amplify their efforts, promote greater accessibility at the MKM Stadium, and ensure that all fans feel part of the Tigers family. Together, we will work to address challenges such as improving away match experiences and educating supporters to create a more inclusive environment.
We invite all Hull City fans to support this partnership and get involved. For more information about the Hull City Disabled Supporters Association, visit hullcitydsa.com. Let’s continue to build a stronger, more inclusive Tigers community—because we are truly “One family, one dream.”
Hull City Supporters Trust, are deeply concerned by the recent news of a transfer embargo imposed on Hull City AFC by the EFL, as reported by The Telegraph on July 3, 2025. The reported financial issues, including alleged non-payments to other clubs and local suppliers, raise serious questions about the club’s financial management under owner Acun Ilicali.
While we acknowledge Mr. Ilicali’s significant investment since his 2022 takeover, the reported cash-flow problems and potential for further sanctions, such as a three-window transfer restriction, are alarming. The collapse of the deal to sign Louie Barry and the constraints on registering new players only heighten our concerns about the club’s ability to compete in the Championship.
We urge the club’s leadership to provide transparency and clarity to supporters regarding the financial situation and the steps being taken to resolve these issues. The Trust calls on Hull City AFC to engage constructively with the EFL to ensure compliance and avoid further penalties that could jeopardise the club’s future.
Hull City fans deserve a stable and competitive club. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for the best interests of our supporters and the long-term sustainability of our beloved club.
Hull City Supporters’ Trust welcome the update from Hull City Ladies and their commitment to a new era at Tier 3 alongside the redevelopment of the Pathway program.
We note the ongoing investigations mentioned in the statement, which align with BBC News reports this week about financial and operational challenges faced by women’s football clubs in the region.
The Trust has long supported Hull City Ladies, including sponsoring a Hull City Ladies player for seven years, as part of our mission to represent all Tigers fans and promote the club’s community impact.
We echo fan sentiments from replies to the post, urging a potential merger with Hull City to provide the Ladies with greater resources and stability for future success.
We look forward to collaborating with Rachel Gay, and the Hull City Ladies board, to ensure the team thrives and we’ll continue engaging fans through initiatives like the Spion Kop 1906 Club to support related heritage and community projects.
Over the past seven years, since former Chairman Geoff Bielby was invited to a round table meeting at Westminster, Hull City Supporters Trust has been promoting safe standing.
Emma Hardy, MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, was particularly supportive in the a debate held in June 2018 and was in favour of safe standing being introduced to what’s now the MKM Stadium. The aim is to give fans a safe way to stand and add to the matchday atmosphere whilst not inconveniencing fans who can’t or don’t wish to stand. Emma Hardy has supported this by discussing it with the club and relevant groups, helping to keep the idea moving forward. Geoff Bielby from the Trust has been key in these efforts. “It’s about giving fans a choice while keeping safety first,” he said, drawing on his work to involve supporters.
Barbara Wilkinson of the Senior Tigers accompanied Geoff to Westminster in 2018 ensuring the needs of all fans are considered. “Standing safely could bring back some of the old spirit for everyone,” she noted. Chris Smith, through the Hull City Official Supporters Club, has helped push this forward too, connecting fans and the club. “It’s steady progress for something we all want,” he said.
Finally we welcome that Hull City AFC and safety officials are planning the next steps. It’s a slow process, but we’re sure everyone is committed to getting it right for supporters. Thanks to all involved for their efforts. We’ll keep you posted.
Hull City Supporters Trust (HCST) has always been a firm supporter of the Football Governance Bill, and in 2024, we called on our local MPs across all parties to back this crucial legislation in Parliament.
It is deeply concerning to hear the comments from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who has dismissed the proposed independent football regulator as a “waste of money” and stated that she has “always said” she does not support the bill. We stand with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) in criticising this U-turn and urge Ms Badenoch to engage with the FSA, supporter groups like HCST, and the 72 EFL clubs that have publicly supported the regulator.
In recent years, the Premier League has been embroiled in costly legal disputes, with millions spent on litigation—money that could have been invested in improving the game for fans and local communities. A properly implemented independent regulator would help provide oversight, ensure financial stability, and create a fairer, more transparent football system for all.
Cross-party support for football reform has been rare, so the introduction of the Football Governance Bill—originally proposed by the Conservative government and now backed by Labour—was a significant step towards protecting the future of our game. It is incredibly disappointing to see the current Conservative Party leader turning her back on football fans, clubs, and communities to seemingly appease a few of the so-called ‘big clubs’ for political gain.
Football supporters deserve a system that prioritises the long-term sustainability of the game over political manoeuvring. We urge Ms Badenoch to reconsider her stance and commit to delivering the independent regulator that football so desperately needs.
The Hull City Supporters’ Trust (HCST) is delighted to announce Leonardo (Leo), a lifelong Tigers fan from Bari, Italy, as our new International Director.
Leonardo’s passion for Hull City began at the age of 10, a connection that has only deepened over the years. Remarkably, he doesn’t support any Italian team—his dedication to Hull City leaves no room for divided loyalties. In 2013, Leonardo established Hull City Italia, uniting Italian fans under a shared love for the Tigers. Twitter / X users will know Leo under the handle of @HullCityItalian.
In 2019, Leonardo fulfilled a lifelong dream by attending his first match at the MKM Stadium, witnessing Hull City take on Blackburn. His first live victory, however, came four years later against Huddersfield at home—a moment he will cherish forever.
Beyond his love for football, Leonardo holds a degree in Italian Literature, bringing both creativity and dedication to his role as International Director. His unique perspective and unwavering commitment will help expand HCST’s global reach, strengthening the connection between Hull City fans worldwide.
Leonardo shared his excitement for the new role: “Hull City has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s an honor to serve as International Director for the Supporters’ Trust, and I can’t wait to work with fans around the world to support the Tigers.”
We warmly welcome Leonardo to the HCST team and look forward to the energy and vision he will bring to this role.
Hull City Supporters’ Trust is proud to announce the formal launch of its heritage project to unearth and preserve the UK’s only surviving unchanged football supporters’ open terrace of its era, actually constructed a short period ahead of its famous namesake on the other side of the Pennines!
Investigative work has already commenced to establish the viability of the Spion Kop’s rear concrete wall prior to the ground clearance to remove sixty years of mother nature hiding what structurally remains of Hull City’s original Anlaby Road ground dating back to 1906.
Lead Project Director, Chris Smith said, “The Trust is set to apply to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a significant grant towards what might well be a million pound project, including access walkways, signage, lighting, seating and landscaping.”
Nick Thompson, Chairman of the Trust added, “We are now appealing to Hull City supporters to back this passion project by becoming members of the Spion Kop 1906 Club to raise the necessary target to match the Heritage Fund’s support. The Trust has received generous support, in kind, from the football club but it’s the individual supporters and the local business community that we are relying on to kick the project towards the final whistle.”
All Spion Kop 1906 Club members will have their name and/or that of their ancestors’ cut out of the metal non-slip treadplate “Walk of Legends” to be a permanent recognition of their support in perpetuity.
The Supporters’ Trust is honoured to acknowledge Councillor Mike Ross as the inaugural member of the Spion Kop 1906 Club. Not only has Hull City Council facilitated a lease for the land containing the project but the Leader’s Contingency Fund has made the first significant contribution towards the Trust’s eventual target.
Councillor Ross will be presented with a life membership of the Trust plus a memento plaque of his name that will feature on the laser cut “Walk of Legends” that will eventually lead to the preserved Spion Kop.
The Hull City Supporters’ Trust (HCST) invites you to join us in celebrating Hull City’s rich football heritage. We are excited to announce the Spion Kop 1906 Club, a fundraising initiative to honour the iconic Spion Kop End at Hull City’s original Anlaby Road ground.
As the UK’s last remaining example of an original football supporters’ open terrace of its era, the Spion Kop is significant to fans and our sporting history.
After being forgotten for decades, this historic site is set for revival during Hull City’s 120th Anniversary year.
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we aim to secure a grant of up to £1,000,000. To qualify, we must raise 10% of the matched funding—an ambitious target of £100,000.
By joining the Spion Kop 1906 Club, you can help preserve this vital piece of football history. Your name will be etched onto the path leading to this site, ensuring your contribution is remembered for generations.
Support our mission to conserve the Spion Kop and create a memorial celebrating the camaraderie of football fans. Together, we can honor our shared legacy.
Join us today and leave your mark on the Walk of Legends!
Usually when football and rugby grounds are demolished, little or no physical traces survive, so the rediscovery of remnants of Anlaby Road’s Spion Kop is of genuine interest and importance in terms of our wider national sporting heritage. This is especially so given that the ‘football terrace’ – that is, the mound or slope upon which millions of fans stood upon for their thrills, spills and companionship – represents, arguably, one of the great cultural icons of 20th Century life in Britain… “
Simon Inglis
The UK’s renowned expert, author and lecturer on sports architecture.
We are at a pivotal point in the women’s game, and the launch of the FSA’s Women’s Game Strategy aims to cement supporters at the heart of the positive changes that are happening throughout women’s football.
To read more about the new FSA Women’s Game Strategy 2024-2027 please follow this link.
