A dedicated Bradford City supporter has joined a prestigious panel of football fans to debate the beautiful game's latest topical issues.

Jan Smithies, 41, a freelance training and community development consultant, from Haworth, was chosen to represent the Bantams after winning a T&A competition to find a super City fan in January.

Jan, who also writes for the T&A's new fanzine page Are You Watching Rodney Marsh - which starts tomorrow - was picked for her devotion to the Bantams and her strong views on the state of soccer.

She has now joined 19 other Premier League supporters on the Voice of the Fans panel which is hosted by Football Focus's Ray Stubbs and is due to meet twice a season to talk football.

Jan said: "I was so excited and proud to be chosen to be a member of the panel.

"I've been an avid Bantams supporter since moving to the area eight years ago and I feel this is a great opportunity to voice the views of supporters on some of the game's top issues.

"Football is always a very popular subject, but it's not often that fans from around the Premier League get the chance to sit down and talk about the game with each other in any real depth.

"Although our loyalties may be at odds, many of our views on the game's key issues are the same."

BBC football pundit Ray Stubbs, said: "British football fans are among the most loyal and knowledgeable supporters in the world.

"At a time when the game has developed such a huge presence and influence, it is vital that the views and opinions of the fans are taken into account and listened to."

The panel held its first meeting at Vicarage Road, the home of Watford Football Club, where it discussed the shock announcement by England captain Alan Shearer to retire from international football.

The panel also discussed the Premier League's proposal to introduce cameras to aid referees and the influx of foreign players into the English game.

Another meeting will be held later this season at a northern Premier League club.

Its findings will be posted on the Internet to promote a debate among football fans nationwide.

l You can join in the panel's discussions at www.thegame.co.uk/yorkie.

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