The Aston Villa Fan Advisory Board (FAB) met on 3 November 2025 for our second internal meeting, held online. The meeting focused on reviewing outcomes from our recent session with the Club, discussing updates from the Premier League FAB Network, progressing our website and communications plans, and coordinating the work of our five Working Groups.
As always, our aim is to ensure supporters’ voices are championed clearly, independently, and constructively.
Reflecting on the Recent Villa Park Meeting
FAB members reviewed the outcomes of the recent meeting with the Club at Villa Park. There was positive feedback on how the Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture was handled, as well as appreciation for the involvement of the Club’s Financial Director in discussions.
However, the FAB also noted several areas for improvement:
- A number of items were missing from the Club’s official minutes, including updates on Membership and the Women’s Game.
- The physical meeting setup created an unhelpful “FAB vs Club” feel, with both groups seated separately.
- Some agenda items required follow-up outside the meeting, including Matchday Clinics, the Ambassador Programme, and the European away form process.
To improve accuracy and accountability, the FAB will now maintain its own minutes for all future meetings. We will also raise the issue of seating arrangements with the Club ahead of the next session.
The FAB also confirmed its support for the FSA’s Fair Ticket Price Freeze campaign, which will be discussed formally with the Club.
Updates from the Premier League FAB Network
FAB Chair Karl Bowater provided an overview of the latest Premier League FAB Network meeting, highlighting several areas relevant to our Working Groups. Members were asked to review the circulated slides to understand implications for their respective groups.
There was also discussion about the wider governance landscape — including the roles of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR), Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), and Football Supporters Europe (FSE). To help supporters understand how these organisations connect, the FAB website will include a clear graphic outlining the broader network.
Website & Communications Progress
Significant progress has been made in developing the FAB’s communication channels:
- The domain and email system are in progress.
- The website is being built, with a target launch date of 1 January 2026 (or earlier if possible).
- The FAB will use generic email addresses for Working Groups (e.g., culture@, women@) to maintain continuity and professionalism.
- A dedicated media@ inbox will be added for press enquiries.
- A new Vision Statement has been drafted and is being refined for inclusion on the website.
- The FAB hopes to run a supporter Ticketing Survey alongside the website launch and will request the Club’s support in promoting it.
To populate the site, members will supply headshots, 200-word biographies, and Working Group summaries so that supporters can clearly see who represents them and what each group is responsible for.
Key Decisions & Areas for Resolution
The FAB confirmed several new steps:
- Support for establishing a FAB Ambassador, ideally with both male and female ex-players.
- Agreement to proceed with Matchday Clinics, led by the Fan Engagement Group.
- Concerns were raised about Membership Pack fulfilment, particularly issues around supporters paying for postage but not receiving items. This will be raised with the Club at the next meeting.
- Working Group leads were confirmed as:
- Culture: Craig Hamilton
- Women’s Football: Sarah Breslin
- Accessibility: Joanne McKibbens
- Fan Engagement and Communications: Andy Carlill
- Ticketing: Sue O’Brien
The FAB also discussed the process for inviting co-opted members with specialist expertise. Any such additions will be approached cautiously, ensuring they bring meaningful value.
Working Group Updates
Each Working Group provided progress reports:
Women’s Football (SB)
Two strands of work are progressing:
- Women’s Team: Following strong supporter interest, a group will meet shortly to begin shaping plans.
- Women in Football: Aimed at building a stronger community of female supporters. Awaiting a meeting with the Club’s Head of Safeguarding.
Culture (CH)
The Vision, aims, and detailed 2025/26 Culture Plan were circulated in October, including proposals for a Heritage Charter and support for the North Stand Development.
Accessibility (JM)
JM was unable to attend; an update will be provided separately.
Fan Engagement & Communications (AC)
A full plan is near completion, following the same format as the Culture document, and will form part of the new website content.
Ticketing (NH/KB)
The group is preparing the January Ticketing Survey and developing agenda items for the next meeting with the Club, including issues relating to pricing, allocations and membership processes.
All Working Groups will upload their statements and plans to the FAB website ahead of the launch.
Decisions Taken
- The FAB will maintain independent minutes for all future meetings.
- The Board will support the FSA’s Fair Ticket Price Freeze campaign.
- Website launch target: 1 January 2026.
- Matchday Clinics and an Ambassador Programme approved in principle.
- Working Group leads confirmed.
- Process for co-opting specialists to be clarified with the Club.
Next Steps
The next internal meeting of the FAB will take place in person on:
- Monday 1 December 2025
- 6:30pm – 8pm
- Venue: To be confirmed (SO/JK to advise)
- Members also plan to meet informally for drinks and curry before or after the session.
The next formal meeting with Aston Villa is scheduled for:
- Tuesday 2 December 2025 at Villa Park
A Continued Commitment to Openness & Progress
The FAB remains committed to transparency, independent oversight, and constructive dialogue with Aston Villa. This meeting marked another step forward as we continue to build long-term structures, strengthen supporter engagement, and deliver meaningful progress across all Working Groups.
Further updates will follow following the December internal meeting and the next Club session.
UTV — Prepared, one voice.