FC UNITED of Manchester said the time for talking is over as the government revealed plans yesterday to force clubs to meet supporters twice a year to discuss the running of the organisation.

Fans’ trusts group Supporters Direct called the report put together by the Government Expert Working Group on Supporter Ownership and Engagement — which includes members from the Football Supporters Federation, the Football Association and the Premier League — a “step forward” and while FC United also welcomed the potential reforms, there remained an air of scepticism about the proposal, saying it has potential but not if it “sits on the shelves of ministers.

FC United told the Star: “There have been good reports and proposals about reforming football in the past.