Tykes boss fears for financial future

FOOTBALL: Barnsley chief executive Dane Murphy has addressed supporters in an open letter and stressed that the Reds are bracing themselves for significant losses which could ‘severely impact’ upon their future as they grapple with the financial fall-out of the Covid-19 crisis which has closed down football.

Like all EFL clubs, Barnsley are bracing themselves for an extended spell of games being played without supporters when football does finally resume and a big hit to their finances in the coming months.

Murphy said: “This pandemic hit the British economy hard. Football has not been exempted. BFC can forecast and budget for specific eventualities, but this is a sight unseen.

“Even the most fiscally responsible have to adjust when all revenue streams instantly dry up.

“Ordinarily at this time, the club would be selling tickets and hospitality packages for the 2020/21 season. This makes up a significant percentage of our annual revenue.

“However, we are now faced with the reality of a return to football without supporters in stadia meaning BFC may have to operate without season ticket sales and matchday revenue for the foreseeable future.

“For our club, the losses are significant and could severely impact our future. This predicament naturally presents a huge challenge and again, raises more questions.

“As I’ve repeatedly told our staff, we’re a special club. Together, we will get through this.”