by Martin Spinks

FOR many, Monica Hartland has long been the unofficial First Lady of football fans nationwide.

And now the exiled Stokie has been promoted to the post of president, albeit with the Football Supporters' Federation.

A woman of relentless energy and enthusiasm, even in her 72nd year, her three-year term will doubtless feature the kind of passion with which she has so frequently and tirelessly fought the corner of downtrodden supporters anywhere and everywhere.

Speaking from her home just around the corner from Chelsea's training ground in Chobham, deepest Surrey, she says: "In the old days we supporters were just financial fodder, but now we have a voice and I'm proud to be able to do my bit for the FSF."

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