Big boys can save the day, but will they?

The strength of any society is not measured by the power and riches of those at the top, but how that society treats the weakest.

You could apply the same measure to the state of football.

Sunderland co-owner Charlie Methven has warned of the collapse of the league system as it battles the effects of the pandemic on sports unless the government conjures up a rescue package as a matter of urgency.

He has joined a list of signatories to a stronglyworded letter pleading for an injection of cash to prevent clubs entering administration. Without a plan for EFL and National League Clubs, it could "lead not only to the failure of many historic community clubs, but the collapse of the national league structure that we have known for over 100 years."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is hoping the Premier League will do its bit

Football is awash with eye-watering piles of cash, but only at the top end.

For years, the lack of ‘trickle-down’ from the big boys at the top to the less well-heeled at the bottom has been a bone of contention. This pandemic has brought football inequalities into sharp focus.

We doubt a stronglyworded letter will shake too much more money from a government already trying to save jobs across all sectors, but it should prick the conscience of the league raking in the big bucks from beautiful game.

We will soon see the strength of character of our successful Premier League. It’s time to measure up...