Friday, December 09, 2022

Our Game Is Collapsing

This from Fair Game:

There is no hiding, our national game is on the brink. Before the pandemic, 52% of clubs were technically insolvent. Covid pushed football on to its knees and now the cost-of-living crisis threatens to be the knock-out blow for clubs up and down the country.

Crisis club #1: Scunthorpe United
The Iron were late paying their players - a common first sign of financial woes.

Crisis club #2: Birmingham City
The club have been chasing new owners for around a year and this week the latest takeover bid collapsed leaving the very future of the Blues in serious doubt.

Crisis club #3: Reading
The Royals failed to pay their staff and players in full last month and their are concerns what the future holds.

Crisis club #4: Coventry City
Mike Ashley - remember him - is the new owner of the Coventry Building Society Arena and he has issued Coventry City with an eviction notice.

Crisis club #5: Southend United
The Shrimpers very existence is in doubt. On 18 January the Essex Side are facing a winding-up order. Is this the end for Roots Hall?

Update 1pm: BN has been told that whilst

'Coventry City have an issue with the ground, they’re definitely not among those technically insolvent. They’re pretty much breaking even.'