Clubs make power play as Harvey steps down
CHAMPIONSHIP clubs will push for more control after finally ousting Shaun Harvey as the chief executive of the English Football League.
The EFL announced yesterday that Harvey would be standing down at the end of the season after a major falling- out over the new £595million Sky TV deal.
The majority of the Championship clubs complained in writing last November that their concerns about the deal had been ignored. Significant pressure was applied by those clubs before the EFL board meeting on February 7, at which it was agreed that Harvey would move on after more than five years in charge.
Now, clubs have indicated there will be a collective effort to secure a bigger say in decisions. And while yesterday there was a reluctance to admit that they want to break away from the Football League and form a Premier League 2, they do want a management model similar to that seen in the top flight.
They want more involvement in the appointment of Harvey’s replacement, in much the same way Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck is leading the search for a new Premier League chief executive.
They would also like to see more club officials attending board meetings, again in a system that mirrors the Premier League. There was some frustration among clubs yesterday that they remained in the dark about what was discussed in the February 7 board meeting.
Equally, clubs outside the Championship are upset at Harvey’s treatment and the direction things appear to be taking.
Harvey’s position had become untenable, with the clubs actively trying to remove him after the new TV deal was signed against their wishes at a time when a number are under huge financial pressure.
In an EFL statement yesterday, Harvey conceded that the past five-and-a-half years have ‘ not always been easy’. He said: ‘After discussions with the board, we decided that the time is right for the EFL to now move in a different direction.’
Interim chair Debbie Jevans said: ‘The EFL would like to thank Shaun for all he has delivered since joining as CEO in 2013.’