Scally: I’d be petrified of promotion
GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has warned that some professional footballers are simply “not getting it” when it comes to saving their Football League clubs – in a claim that may worry Coventry City.
The Sky Blues are chasing promotion, but cash flow issues are cropping up for clubs that are unable to play matches to reap in TV income and gate revenue – a big problem for some. Scally noted that this would worry, and should worry, clubs who could be promoted to the Championship.
He has now admitted that he would be “petrified” if his club were promoted to that division now, a league he believes is set to be hit the hardest by the coronavirus crisis.
Clubs like the Sky Blues. “So we will not get any sponsorship money and the TV money is, understandably, under threat,” said Scally.
“Where are we going to find the money to pay wages later on? We probably have another month or two [until we run out of money], without anything else happening internally,” he admitted.
“It all depends on the players and we are in heavy discussions with those. But there are a number of players, not at Gillingham but throughout the country, that are not seemingly getting it.
“I don’t think they realise the problems with their clubs.
“I would be petrified if my side were promoted to the Championship at the moment.”
NUNEATON Borough is partnering up with West Bromwich Albion and Etone College to introduce a new football education academy.
The Liberty Way-based club currently has five youth teams ranging from Under-8s to Under-16s as well as the midweek Under-18s.
With the new steps they hope to increase that to eight teams with current Under-18s manager Lee Petch, who is also the director of sport at Etone College, leading the academy set up.
He said: “A club the size and stature of Nuneaton Borough in nonleague football is a massive draw to players wanting to progress in the game, partner them with WBA and Etone College and this makes the new venture an attractive proposition to all players.
“The academy programme will offer an extension to traditional youth football, by offering players age 16-plus with the opportunity to continue on their footballing journey in supporting their dreams and aspirations of building a career within the game.
“Our academy is designed to aid and support those players wishing to continue pursuing a career within the game, with a programme designed to offer support and guidance in helping to achieve those aspirations through structured training and developmental sessions to help understand the demands and requirements as they progress into adult football.”
He added: “An important addition to the new academy will be working in partnership with West Bromwich Albion. Both clubs will implement an elite level experience for our players, coached by fully qualified and experienced UEFA coaches from both clubs with a vast array of experience having worked across all levels of the game. This will give players the opportunity to see the game across the spectrum.”
Those who sign up to Boro’s academy will join a specificallydesigned programme to incorporate both a football and educational element. The education side will be implemented at Etone College; one of the area’s top performing sixth forms. Those interested in joining the Football Education Academy from September 2020 must complete an online expression of interest form at www.etonecollege.co. uk/football. For further details please contact Lee Petch on 07821 045841 or at lpetch@etonecollege. co.uk
Petch said: “We are aware the trial dates will have to be rearranged, and we will announce as soon as we can safely do so, but please register so we have your details ready and can be in contact.”