Wheelchair user Josh Gardner toured Yorkshire and Lincolnshire visiting a variety of football clubs for the BBC programme Inside Out.

He demonstrated that, despite the 2004 ‘Accessible Stadia Guide’, many grounds still have insufficient provision for disabled supporters.

Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United emerged as the only clubs in the region whose provision now meets the guideline’s minimum standards.

However, Josh also pointed out that the John Smith’s Stadium still has some drawbacks, such as possible exposure to the elements during inclement weather.

He highlighted the daunting topography and approaches to the ground. This has necessitated the construction of steep ‘disabled access’ ramps and hair-pin bends, more ‘Alpine’ than ‘McAlpine’.

In a final twist the precipice proved to be an opportunity for one Town fan to show his true colours. Unprompted, the Good Samaritan stepped forward and steered Josh to the summit of the steep St Andrew’s incline.

Only then was it revealed that his commendable, ‘love-thy-neighbour’ deed, had been caught on camera.

Then on International Women’s Day, minority groups in football were once again making the headlines.

The Victoria Derbyshire programme covered the disappointing story of Wellingborough Town chair, Martin Potton.

A Football Association disciplinary commission has banned Mr Potton for five matches and fined him £75 for aiming derogatory and insulting language towards match official Mary Harmer.

The FA also ordered Mr Potton to attend a mandatory education course.

Presenter Joanna Gosling then introduced Annie Zaidi, a female football coach of South Asian heritage. Having passed her FA Level 2 badge Annie is now coaching at both Leicester City and the QPR academy.

Annie spoke of the obstacles that she has had to overcome; including sexism, racism and even Islamophobia. She is just one of many inspirational women who are challenging the sexism and gender issues within football.

The future success of any football club will be determined by its willingness to eradicate the prejudices and discriminations of yesterday. As Mary Harmer explained the football ‘dinosaurs’ are not extinct, but they are getting left behind in an increasingly changing world.

So where do HTSA fit into this?

This column recently raised the issue of changing demographics and how this had created a demand for regional supporters groups.

The Town family continues to disperse around the globe. At the same time the Heavy Woollen District is drawing a fantastic mix of cultures who are making the reverse journey, some arriving quite recently and some who are already well-established.

The record attendances of flat-capped, textile-workers crammed into Leeds Rd during the 1930s is now a very distant memory.

So what is being done to attract newcomers into the John Smith’s Stadium?

Through initiatives, like the £179 season card, Dean Hoyle is determined to do all he can to fill the stadium, but supporters also have a responsibility.

Town chairman Dean Hoyle confirms the £179 deal for fans

Is this where more neighbourly love from Town’s Good Samaritans can help Dean to realise his ambitions?

Why not spread the word and make the John Smith’s Stadium the welcoming and all-encompassing broad church that we would love to see?

One Town fan who recently performed a miracle, arguably of biblical proportion, is Kevin Nicholas.

As chairman, and life-long supporter, of Batley RLFC, his years of dedication, devotion and hard-work have finally paid off.

The Gallant Youths sit at the top of the Kingstone Press Championship. This Sunday the Bulldogs take on the Bulls in a game dedicated to the memory of Steve Jordan, Batley fan and a friend to all. For once the ‘dogs’ will not be the obvious underdogs.

There is clearly a lot to be said for having a supporter as your chairman.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of HTSA will be reconvened at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 23, at Millbridge WMC, Liversedge.

The meeting will bring supporters up to date with the progress made on the Blackpool campaign.

Now, £250 awaits the HTSA member who holds the following numbers, (1)6625. If your HTSA membership card is up to date and shows this, or (135)6625, £250 is yours.

Please send details of your full name and postal address by text to 07725 036109 or by email to trevwhitehead@virginmedia.com before 19.08 on Friday, March 11, 2016.

You will receive your cheque by return of post. The last winning number was (5)3662, or (135)3662: the winner was D Holt.

Finally, don’t forget to book your seats on the HTSA coach to Leeds United. The fares to Elland Rd are; HTSA members £9 and non-members £11.

The coach will be leaving from the John Smiths Stadium at 12.45am. Dial 07905 580784 for a direct line to Rachael. HTSA members travelling on the coach will be in with a chance winning £250 in the Travel Draw prize. The winners on the coach to Derby County were A Lister (£250), S Bousfield (£125) and G Somerville (£62.50).