Taskforce for a better deal for fans

Mellor to Head Football Taskforce

Mr Mellor's appointment will be seen as significant, both for the future of football and as part of Labour's attempts to introduce a more consensual style of government.

The former Tory sports minister lost his seat at the election. He is an ardent football supporter who, as presenter of a phone-in on BBC radio, has become known as a champion of the ordinary fan.

Mellor: Champion of ordinary fan

The Football Supporters Association welcomed Mr Mellor's appointment, citing his genuine passion for the sport, as well as his track record as a capable Westminster insider.

"We think he is a man who has fans' interests at heart," said the FSA chairman Graham Bean. "He has some knowledge of the game and he has experience of working within Parliament. He has taken our points on board in the past, so, despite the fact that he is a Tory, we are very happy."

Although Mr Mellor sports different political colours from the Sports Minister, Tony Banks, they share a common love for Chelsea Football Club, and have often been seen chatting together at the ground.

The football taskforce will look at measures to curb spiralling ticket-prices, combat racism, improve access to grounds for the disabled and identify potential conflicts between shareholders and supporters.

Many fans complain they have been neglected as big money moves into the game. While many of the big clubs are now quoted on the stock exchange, season tickets can cost up to seven or eight hundred pounds.

"The Government is setting up a taskforce to right wrongs and to get a fair deal for fans who are the lifeblood of the game," said Mr Banks.

"When you look at the big money involved now and the alienation felt by fans because of spiralling admission charges, you have a situation that threatens to price fans out," he added.