Villa finances have never been better, vows CEO
CHIEF executive Keith Wyness has told Aston Villa fans: There’s no cause for concern over our finances.
Villa recorded a loss of more than £81 million for the last financial year, which sparked immediate panic among supporters.
The figures for the 2015-16 period show that, with an operating loss of £81.3 million, the deficit more than trebled from £26.6 million, before Villa were relegated from the Premier League.
But Wyness, the man responsible for the day-to-day running of the club, said: “There’s absolutely no cause for concern.
“Since we bought the club we have actually reduced the debt in overdraft facilities. And Tony (Xia) is funding the growth himself out of our own over-funds. So the club has probably never been in better financial shape than it is right now.”
Wyness stressed the situation isn’t unhealthy and that the club have plans in place if they don’t win promotion within two seasons.
The reduction of parachute payments has also been taken into consideration.
So what about Financial Fair Play (FFP)? How will that affect Villa in times ahead?
“FFP is a rule I’m not too keen on,” Wyness added. “It discourages people to invest in their own assets, which I think is wrong.
“FFP was supposed to money distorting the game.
“In the Championship, what you’re actually seeing is the clubs who go up are not the ones who have spent the most, but the ones who have created a team.
“I don’t think money has distorted the Championship in that way.
“Anyway, we’re OK this season, we’re going to be OK next season, after (then) is when we’re having to plan for. If we go up next season, no problem.
“My job is to cover every eventuali- be about ty. We’re putting plans in to make sure we don’t fall foul of FFP for the season after next.
“If the money coming in equals the money going out then you’ve got a fair shot at getting things right.
“The plan is creating those extra revenue streams for the year after next and we’ve got good plans.”
Wyness revealed Chris Samba played in a behind-closed-doors game on Wednesday as his bid to earn a Villa contract continues.
The 32-year-old centre-half, who can also play as an emergency striker, has impressed during training with the first team at Bodymoor Heath.
Samba is a free agent who could be offered a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Wyness said: “He’s impressed everyone so far but it’s the manager’s decision. I’ve yet to have any conversation with the manager about wanting him to join the squad.
“He’s fit, according to everyone I’ve spoken to, but it’s up to Steve Bruce.”
Bruce has scrutinised a number of out-of-contract players as he looks to strengthen his squad.
A new centre-half is thought to be a target and Bruce is well aware of Samba’s qualities from his previous spell with Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League. The Congo ace last played for Greek side Panathinaikos.