Dave Boyle, Deputy Manager of Supporters Direct, a Government backed body, tells Stand Up Sit Down , ‘We need to have a debate on this issue and current policies simply aren't working'.

Letter received from Safety Manager at Sunderland in response to our letter asking him to explain why he believes standing in seated areas causes a significant safety risk (as stated in his letter to West Ham & Leeds supporters advising of their reduced allocations). He refers us to the report published by the FLA in 2001, and advises that Sunderland FC still support this (all seater) policy. He says that we should raise the issues with the football authorities.

A poll of over 2000 supporters by the Football Fans Census shows overwhelming support for standing areas. 91% of respondents felt fans should be given the freedom to choose whether they stand in safe-standing areas. With regard to who has the power to decide, 71% of fans said it should be decentralised and left to the clubs or local authorities with only 10% feeling that the decision should rest with the Government.

Nick Sellors of the Derby Supporters Trust tells Stand Up Sit Down , ‘Clearly, groups of fans who wish to stand, regardless of regulations, will continue to do so regardless of any measures taken to prevent them from doing so. Perhaps now is the time for supporter groups to lobby for safe standing.'

Sports correspondent from the Leicester Mercury contacts us for information and quotes for an article he is writing following a fans forum at Leicester , in which the club's Chief Executive expressed his support for Stand Up Sit Down.

Leicester City Trust confirm to us that at a supporters meeting, City's Chief Executive Tim Davies stated his support for the return of Safe Standing to the Walkers Stadium. He urged fans groups to lobby MPs and get in touch with the Stand Up Sit Down . He hoped the dual usage of the Stadium (with Leicester Tigers RFC) might lead to it being used a trial to see if this was viable.

Reply to our letter regarding seats with poor views received from the FLA , saying that they would prefer to discuss all the elements of our campaign when we meet on 20 th January.

The Football Supporters Federation (FSF) have asked to meet with us. This is arranged for the 12th December when their National Committee meets.

Stand Up Sit Down are sent the results of the independent Football Fans Census survey of supporters views on our proposals. 88% of 1502 respondents said standing areas should be set up in line with our proposals. More detailed results will be posted shortly.

Deputy Manager of Supporters Direct has already voiced his support for a debate on the whole issue of standing and feels that current policies are not working. Stand Up Sit Down will be meeting him next week to discuss if there are any ways in which we may work together

Letter sent to QPR, suggesting that if they consider that the away end seats from which it is necessary to stand to see the whole goal, cause safety or customer care problems, they simply move the pitch forward 2 metres

1500 th member joins Stand Up Sit Down

Whilst ejecting Manchester City supporters for standing during their match with Spurs, Police allegedly assault an innocent supporter causing him to fall and later suffer a nose bleed. He has made a formal complaint has been made to Greater Manchester Police. This incident would not have occurred had separate areas been provided for supporters who wish to stand.

Stand Up Sit Down addresses the National Committee of the Football Supporters Federation, who give their unanimous support to our campaign. We agree to keep each other informed on progress and to work together where appropriate.

Mike Gapes MP (Ilford South) gives his support to the aims of the Stand Up Sit Down campaign.

Minutes from Manchester City supporters' forum state ‘The club cannot condone standing in all- seater stadium, but is sympathetic for challenge to present law. There were first-hand comments on alleged heavy-handed policing to enforce sitting at the last home match.'

Southend newspaper carries results of a poll in which 78% of Southend United supporters said they would like safe standing areas in their new ground.

West Brom supporters in the Smethwick End have been threatened with having their season tickets taken away if they stand.

Stand Up Sit Down learns that the average number of reported injuries in Liverpool 's Kop, is the same regardless of whether supporters stand or sit. Injuries tend to be related to minor incidents such as spilt coffee, and there is no evidence that they increase at the major games when supporters tend to stand.

Stand Up Sit Down write to back the Safety Officer at Sunderland, asking why if West Ham's allocation was reduced on safety grounds, supporters were not spread out to reduce crowd density and alleviate the supposed safety risks.

Mike Hancock MP (Liberal Democrat for Portsmouth ) gives his support to Stand Up Sit Down and says he will do everything he can both inside and outside Parliament to support it.

Cardiff City 's Safety Officer tells Stand Up Sit Down that he is sympathetic to the idea of separate standing areas within grounds.

Bob Russell MP, the Liberal Democrat Sports Spokesman, tells us he is a strong supporter of the right for football supporters to be able to stand. He says ‘As we both share the same passion for this issue. I hope you can be reassured that within the Liberal Democrats you have strong support'.

An Early Day Motion (EDM 140) has been tabled, asking Government to re-examine the case for introducing small, limited sections of safe standing areas at football grounds. Please ask your MP to sign this.

Football Fans Census results released. These show that 88% of the 1502 respondents said separate ‘Stand Up' and ‘Sit Down' areas should be created, as proposed by our campaign. The majority said that these would have no effect on either safety or crowd trouble, but season ticket holders felt that they would have a marginally positive impact on both. The report's Executive Summary written by FFC will be posted in the campaign section of this site.

The full 53 page report is available for download free of charge until January 31st 2005 to all FFC Reward Card members. The FFC Reward Card is completely free; simply go to www.ffc.reward.tv to register and get your free copy of the report from the “Online Offers” section. The Reward Card is a loyalty scheme rewarding you for filling in FFC surveys and also giving you discounts on football and other products purchased through online and high street retailers.