I am becoming increasingly concerned at the divisive comments which are appearing on the message boards of the football and rugby league communities who are associated with The Shay. I am aware that neither is the official forum of either Halifax Town or Halifax RLFC however neither club can ignore the vitriol that is being expressed by people representing both sides of the ‘divide’.

As far as I am concerned both the clubs and the supporters should realise that they are in the fortunate position of having clubs with potential (and it is not everyone who can say that) and that the rightful place for the clubs is either Super League or the Football league. I am encouraged that those responsible for the governance of both clubs are moving in the right direction.

The fact that there are the differences between elements of both sets of supporters places a responsibility on the supporters organisations of both clubs (Fax Trust, HT Supporters Club, HTST) to show leadership and to ensure that the supporters of both clubs work together. There will always be differences of opinion between the supporters of the various codes, but there is no need for people to speak disparagingly of other supporters interests. At these times of economic and financial pressures, for many people, an involvement in sport as either a player or spectator is an outlet which enables people to take their minds of the problems of today and, with their club, to aspire to the success which I believe is within their grasp.

I believe that the clubs have a responsibility too, and they cannot ignore the responsibilities which are placed on them. Above all they should ensure that there is regular contact between them and their supporters, and then ensure that there are meetings with the other club and the Council to ensure that every parties issues are recognised. This forum should also ensure that the requirements of all three parties are considered in an open and transparent forum of the three working together.

The Council also have a joint and separate responsibility in their management of the facility that is consistent and decisive; I can tell you from bitter experience that you cannot win at certain times, but you must make your decisions based on the facts as you see them.

I am aware that in my time working for The Shay Stadium Trust I received criticism from both clubs and on both Message Boards, (but nobody is perfect). What can’t be denied however is with the Independents, Supporters and Clubs working together on the Board of SST, we achieved our aim of securing completion of the East Stand.

The clubs and supporters achieve more when working together and surely now is the time to ignore issues which get blown up out of all proportion and work for success for clubs and community which is long overdue.

agree.

Most fans just get on with it and accept that both clubs are about and both use the same ground.

but there are football and rugby fans who just despise each other with a passion.

Can't please everyone so there isnt much that could be done

I will be the first to say it but I always say what I see........

Your son and his "Forum" regarding the football club do contribute greatly to the ill feeling between the two clubs. Sometimes you need to look closer to home than you would like.

Sentiment wise I agree with your thoughts as I am sometimes a little ashamed at the war of words that rears its ugly head during every season in one way or another. I understand passion can sometimes be misconstrued as I am guilty of it myself and would love nothing more than the 2 sets of fans supporting one another.

However to re visit a previous comment your sons forum (and it's views) can sometimes aggravate the subject and he seems unable to sit on the fence allowing situations to sometimes get out of hand.

I don't blame Gavin entirely for the flak the rugby club receives but I do believe his forum allows some libelous statements to be made. I hope you intend on picking him up on this.

I am not saying members on this forum are whiter than white but the moderators do tend to air on the side of caution and nip things in the bud far quicker. Whereas on the football forum it does appear posters are ‘allowed’ to make judgment and air untruths without consequence.

I prey for the day we work together for the greater good of both clubs.

The other board also has Issues with using the Queens English . Perhaps filters would be appropriate.

Don't pretend that was a joke

Like Faxtastic said, you can't please everyone. Its actually much worse at Huddersfield, I've got friends who support the clubs and I find it amazing just how much they despise each other.

I just can't understand it myself, I mean surely it would be an advantage for us if Town were succeeding, and vice versa?

We need a Sports Tzar.

Calderdale Council to fund a new role in the community - a Sports Tzar to foster closer ties with all the local sports and fans of those sports. We could have a sports day. A cross code challenge - Footy, RL, Cricket and darts to name but a few. We'll have to have a couple of hours separating the events though - elf 'n safety an' all that.

A sports bra?

My dislike of FC Halifax Town is due to my dislike of Wendy Ball - simples!