Yer Blues
Not Always Sarcastic ⭐🦐
As part of the Club’s policy of supporter communication I thought it may be helpful to advise of a couple of changes affecting football finances which were discussed last week between the whole of the Football League Clubs.
Four times a year Football League Clubs meet to discuss matters pertaining to the sport both on and off the field. Clubs, of course, compete on the field but off field activities are discussed openly and best practice is shared and, generally, in good spirit. This year, at the invitation and cost of the League (but sponsored by Thomas Cook), three delegates from SUFC attended the conference. Interestingly, although it is called Chairmen’s Conference, Ron was unable to attend and the meetings were attended by myself, Garry Adamson and the Club Secretary, Helen Norbury.
Items on this year’s agenda included:
Discussions then took place generally on what proposals might be considered to bring costs more under control. There is no easy answer to this and I am sure that the debate will continue for many months ahead.
These losses bring cash flow pressures on all of the loss making clubs which can result in poor payment records with creditors. HMRC is, in most cases, a large if not the largest creditor of clubs resulting in many clubs being forced towards and into administration. To help remedy this position the League has, over the last six months, agreed with HMRC a standstill arrangement whereby in return for clubs agreeing to pay the correct monthly amount when required going forward HMRC will agree to allow clubs to pay off any arrears as at 1 July 2009 over an extended period.
This is clearly a helpful arrangement and one which clubs including Southend United will take advantage of as it too has been carrying a fluctuating HMRC debt in its accounts since before my time. Last July the Club’s parent company injected some £650,000 to overcome the HMRC position.
In view of our other areas of communication I thought supporters might like to hear about other, broader areas of debate affecting the football industry.
As with all Club matters we try to pre-plan and these are two important areas to address.
I will, if supporters consider it useful, provide a quarterly bulletin following each FL meeting.
Geoffrey King
Four times a year Football League Clubs meet to discuss matters pertaining to the sport both on and off the field. Clubs, of course, compete on the field but off field activities are discussed openly and best practice is shared and, generally, in good spirit. This year, at the invitation and cost of the League (but sponsored by Thomas Cook), three delegates from SUFC attended the conference. Interestingly, although it is called Chairmen’s Conference, Ron was unable to attend and the meetings were attended by myself, Garry Adamson and the Club Secretary, Helen Norbury.
Items on this year’s agenda included:
- A presentation on the new and improved internet subscription service provide by FLi – more details to follow.
- An update of the Football League Trust and its work with youth and in the community.
- A discussion on the Leagues Insolvency policy.
- A report on League Football education policy.
- A presentation and discussion as to how clubs can become involved in the World Cup bid and be a part of the event
- Third party ownership of players.
Discussions then took place generally on what proposals might be considered to bring costs more under control. There is no easy answer to this and I am sure that the debate will continue for many months ahead.
These losses bring cash flow pressures on all of the loss making clubs which can result in poor payment records with creditors. HMRC is, in most cases, a large if not the largest creditor of clubs resulting in many clubs being forced towards and into administration. To help remedy this position the League has, over the last six months, agreed with HMRC a standstill arrangement whereby in return for clubs agreeing to pay the correct monthly amount when required going forward HMRC will agree to allow clubs to pay off any arrears as at 1 July 2009 over an extended period.
This is clearly a helpful arrangement and one which clubs including Southend United will take advantage of as it too has been carrying a fluctuating HMRC debt in its accounts since before my time. Last July the Club’s parent company injected some £650,000 to overcome the HMRC position.
In view of our other areas of communication I thought supporters might like to hear about other, broader areas of debate affecting the football industry.
As with all Club matters we try to pre-plan and these are two important areas to address.
I will, if supporters consider it useful, provide a quarterly bulletin following each FL meeting.
Geoffrey King
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