Leith them kids alone as they could be the saviours of our game
The bean counters at clubs all that is the exact opposite of
over the land will be spending what they should be doing.
hours staring at balance sheets Getting rid of the production
and peering at projections and line would be like setting fire
it will leave them looking like to the crops because you’re
they’ve seen a ghost. worried about the cost of
It’s not some phantom that’s diesel for the tractor.
got them spooked. SPFL clubs might need their
They are absolutely haunted youngsters more than ever in
by what this coronavirus crisis the coming years.
has done, is doing and will do to It’s about holding your nerve
the game in this country. for the long-term.
The only spirits this lot are The first team might be the
reaching for are in the drinks be all and end all for clubs but
cabinet. if they can keep the funds
The fear is only starting to pumping into their youth
kick in but the warnings from all structures, it can be the long
over the place are stark – term lifeline that actually helps
Aberdeen talking about losing them survive.
£1million a month, Hibs slashing Hibs should know that
wages, Dundee hoping a few of more than anyone. They have
their bills get stuck in the odd banked fortunes over the years
spam folder. for players produced in Leith.
Even Celtic have The dream
felt an icy chill and scenario is
sst ta
quietly tried to get talented kids
the message out to c come through
wwb
fans that things ain’t who can do the
going to be like they business for the
used to be. te team, play 100
There’s a reason games and then
ggh h
fans need to take a head down to
Krypton Factor England for a right
EEf fe
challenge to work few quid.
out how to claim Lobbing that
mmt
season-ticket model out of
refunds at Parkhead the window and
and likewise across throwing t the few
the city at Ibrox, a pennies they have
ppa a voucher for the club at third-rate shop can be dressed players from the
ppb b up a million different back of beyond ways but everyone might see them knows it’s because through t the every penny counts. immediate im future Clubs are relying on the good- but it will end up costing clubs will of fans to suspend disbelief down the line. for a while and keep buying One good youngster can season tickets in the hope some fund the operation for a of them will get used by August season – sometimes for years. and September and the rest of The Kieran Tierney dosh from the backsides will be on seats Arsenal could fuel Celtic’s not long after. youth system for a decade. We can certainly only hope This is no time to be pulling that’s the case. the ladder up. This is a time to But it still doesn’t help the be building a bridge and short-term cash flow problems making sure as many young clubs are facing – and it’s where players cross it as possible. the savings are to be made that Scottish football is murder is the problem. when it comes to fighting the The Hibs plan to take a bolt foe right in front of their face gun to the youth set-up is a while failing to spot the enemy major concern. They’d be army over the hill. shooting themselves in the foot. Don’t make kids the first
No doubt boardrooms across casualties in the financial
Scotland will be considering war – because these guys
similar drastic measures – but could end up being the cavalry.