The City Till We Die campaign group is disappointed to learn that Hull City AFC has formally written to the Football Association requesting to change the name of our club to Hull Tigers, as of the 2014-2015 season. When City Till We Die met with Hull City AFC owner Dr Assem Allam on 1 November, he assured us that any name change would not occur for two to three years, and that it would not go ahead without supporter consultation, or without the benefits being proven by research. No such research or consultation has taken place.

Commentators on the sport and experts in marketing alike have reacted to Dr Allam’s name-change plans with widespread derision, while his intemperate remarks about Hull City supporters have been roundly condemned. Single-mindedness is not the only way to win respect; listening to the counsel of others and being prepared to concede that you may have made a mistake can also be a sign of strength. Sadly, the events of recent weeks suggest that our owner may not appreciate this.  

This matter is now in the hands of the only people who have the right to make such a decision: the football authorities. On 2 December, City Till We Die supplied the FA with a timeline dossier on the name-change proposals, for their consideration. On 4 December we met with officials of the Premier League, who told us that any such material changes to the heritage of British football should be carried out in consultation with supporters and wider stakeholders in the game. They also assured us that they would approach the FA to discuss how these important matters can be protected within the framework of their respective rules.

The FA is an organisation with a rich and proud history; this year, it is celebrating its 150th anniversary. This Saturday, as part of those celebrations, numerous FA dignitaries will be at the KC Stadium to honour Hull-born Ebenezer Cobb Morley, one of the founding fathers of Association Football. We remain confident that, with the eyes of the whole footballing world upon them, the FA will make the right decision, and act to protect not only the heritage and traditions of Hull City AFC, but also those of other clubs whose identities may come under threat in the future. This issue matters for all football supporters, not just the people of Hull, and the decision the FA makes will set a very important precedent. 

We urge Hull City AFC supporters who wish to keep our historic name to continue the peaceful and dignified campaigning which has brought us messages of support from all around the world, to make their voices heard by the FA both this Saturday and over the coming weeks, and to sign our petition at citytillwedie.com/petition.

CITY TILL WE DIE