Footballing pyramid needs financial rescue package to survive – Warne

ROTHERHAM UNITED manager Paul Warne fears that the football landscape will be drastically altered in 12 months’ time if a rescue package to prop up clubs is not forthcoming.

The EFL and National League in particular are picking up the pieces following the pausing of the phased returns of spectators to sports venues after the Government imposed new restrictions following a steep rise in coronavirus cases.

EFL chairman Rick Parry has warned that clubs could collectively lose £ 200m in matchday revenue and other benefits if stadiums stay empty for the rest of 2020- 21, with fears abound that some clubs will fold.

Meanwhile, Millers chief Tony

Stewart has stressed that those fears are not exclusive to the lower divisions either.

Stewart said: “We are in the Championship and we are going to lose probably £ 3- 4million. Is that sustainable? No it isn’t.

“I can see a lot of clubs in League One and Two, if no money is forthcoming and the close- down remains with regards to fans, there will be a lot of clubs, even in the Championship, that will go into administration.”

No specific mention of provisions for sport were made in a set of measures laid out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to support the economy and jobs.

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston did tell MPs that the Government’s focus would be on helping “those most in need” within the sporting world, as he confirmed discussions with sports governing bodies are ongoing about further assistance without giving “definitive timescales” for reopening events.

Offering his thoughts, Warne said: “How can clubs in lowerleagues survive? Staff will lose their jobs - admin and coaching staff and subsidiary staff. Unfortunately, that is the case.

“Owners cannot just keep throwing money. The owners in the lower- leagues struggle to make ends meet at the best of times.

“I just hope something is put in place to support the teams lower in the pyramid as the football landscape could look completely different in 12 months’ time, which would be sad.

“When Bury went under, for different reasons, it rips a hole in many people’s hearts who lived there and follow that team.

“You are talking about communities and football clubs are a big part of communities. It would be really sad to see any more go out of business.

“There are difficult times ahead, but hopefully there is some sort of support plan being discussed and put in place to help these clubs.”