Premier League Leadership Secured by Everton Based on Fan Interaction
In the latest Fan Engagement Index, published by Think Fan Engagement (TFE), Everton has secured the top spot among Premier League clubs for the 2024-25 season. The Liverpool-based club's high ranking is a testament to its commitment to deep supporter involvement, inclusivity, and strategic communication.
Everton scored an impressive 165 points, with 70 points for dialogue, 60 points for transparency, and 35 points for governance. This performance has placed Everton as the best Premier League club for fan engagement, and it ranks 10th overall in English football.
The club's success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, Everton boasts an inclusive board composition and representation, with its Fan Advisory Board (FAB) praised by 87.5% of respondents for its inclusiveness. This critical factor ensures the fan base is well-represented in decision-making processes.
Secondly, Everton maintains effective and respectful fan consultation structures. Regular meetings involving fan representatives help to ensure supporter voices influence important club matters, particularly concerning heritage assets such as the first team’s home shirt colours, crest, and club name.
Thirdly, the club prioritises proactive communication and strategic input, with FAB members appreciating ongoing strategic input on matchday experiences and planning. Senior club representatives are recognised for their professionalism and engagement presence.
Lastly, Everton has dedicated roles for fan liaison, with a designated fan liaison officer leading all consultations around heritage and identity issues, directly connecting fans to the club's decision-making process.
Other Premier League clubs in the top 30 of the Fan Engagement Index 2024-25 include Brentford (18), Manchester United (22), Leicester City (24), Liverpool (26), Fulham (29), and Nottingham Forest (30).
Exeter City has topped the Fan Engagement Index for a seventh consecutive year with a score of 230, while Carlisle United ranks second. Doncaster Rovers ranks fifth, and Lincoln City is third. The Fan Engagement Index ranks men's football teams from the top five tiers in the English football league pyramid.
Kevin Rye, the creator of the Fan Engagement Index, emphasised the importance of clubs engaging with fans to ensure understanding and adherence to their strategy, culture, and mission. The way the Fan Engagement Index is researched mirrors the journey of a fan trying to find out about fan engagement at their club, according to TFE.
English football clubs in the National League, according to Rye, are now a global phenomenon, and the clubs that do well invest in fan engagement with consistent commitment. This commitment is evident in Everton's top ranking, setting a high standard for other clubs to follow.
[1] Think Fan Engagement (TFE). (2024). Fan Engagement Index 2024-25. [online] Available at: https://www.thinkfanengagement.com/fan-engagement-index/ [Accessed 15 March 2024].
[3] Think Fan Engagement (TFE). (2024). Everton's Fan Engagement Success. [online] Available at: https://www.thinkfanengagement.com/everton-fan-engagement-success/ [Accessed 15 March 2024].
Despite their focus on European-leagues football, Everton's impressive performance in the Fan Engagement Index 2024-25, placing them as the best Premier League club in fan engagement, showcases a strong commitment to sports and football engagement within their own league. This success can be attributed to key factors such as their inclusive board composition, effective fan consultation structures, proactive communication, and dedicated fan liaison roles, placing them 10th overall in English football.
