Will clubs survive the pandemic?

[PSumbler]

The latest in our short series looking at the impact of Covid on football

After spending some time yesterday looking at the state of the transfer market post pandemic, today we move onto the overall financial position of football, particularly in the lower leagues which is a level of football that is close to all our hearts.

Read more here...

 

[Itchysphincter]

Good read.

It's going to be brutal. I'm almost at peace with it as we've already got the t-shirt. The rollercoaster of emotions that comes with being a Swans fan is cranking up again.

 

[Dr. Winston]

Football has lived in a fantasy world for a long time, and that's all of it. Clubs, fans, media, the lot. FFP rules are only vaguely adhered to or enforced, fans don't care as all they want is the newest and most expensive signings, and the media lap it all up for the sake of the hype.

The thing is though, up until now. it's mostly been alright. Sure, we've lost the odd Maidstone or Bury along the way, but clubs continue overspending and invariably dig themselves out of it one way or another, either by administration of finding the next rich sucker thinking they can buck the trend and make money out of football. It's going to take a seismic shock, maybe 10-15 clubs going bust all the way before it starts to sink in IMO.

There has to be proper rules and enforcement. Clubs should only be allowed to spend what they can afford. If someone does want to take over a club and flash the cash they should have to guarantee money up front to cover that expenditure. Put it into an FA monitored bank account if needs be. Fans have to play their part. No more demands for "investment" or "ambition" when it's clear that a club can't afford it. Sometimes it's OK for a club to spend less, not more. The media have to stop jerking themselves off every transfer deadline day (get rid of them too) and start asking questions instead of whipping up hype.

Oh, and agents fees should be outlawed. The only money they should get is a percentage from the players that they represent.

 

[Darran]

Football has lived in a fantasy world for a long time, and that's all of it. Clubs, fans, media, the lot. FFP rules are only vaguely adhered to or enforced, fans don't care as all they want is the newest and most expensive signings, and the media lap it all up for the sake of the hype.

The thing is though, up until now. it's mostly been alright. Sure, we've lost the odd Maidstone or Bury along the way, but clubs continue overspending and invariably dig themselves out of it one way or another, either by administration of finding the next rich sucker thinking they can buck the trend and make money out of football. It's going to take a seismic shock, maybe 10-15 clubs going bust all the way before it starts to sink in IMO.

There has to be proper rules and enforcement. Clubs should only be allowed to spend what they can afford. If someone does want to take over a club and flash the cash they should have to guarantee money up front to cover that expenditure. Put it into an FA monitored bank account if needs be. Fans have to play their part. No more demands for "investment" or "ambition" when it's clear that a club can't afford it. Sometimes it's OK for a club to spend less, not more. The media have to stop jerking themselves off every transfer deadline day (get rid of them too) and start asking questions instead of whipping up hype.

Oh, and agents fees should be outlawed. The only money they should get is a percentage from the players that they represent.

Superb post.