Report’s sobering picture

ATHLETIC have expressed their concern over the game’s finances, following the publication of a report which revealed only 14-per-cent of Sky Bet League One clubs describe their position as “very healthy”.

The report, “A New Dawn for Fair Play?”, surveyed 66 finance directors across the divisions.

It showed 65 per cent of clubs depend on a principal shareholder to plug losses — up from 58-per-cent last year; with over a third of League One owners considering a full or partial exit within the next 18 months.

“The report highlights the ever-increasing disparity in finances between the Premier League and clubs at our level,” said Athletic chief executive Neil Joy. “Clubs at our level do everything to ensure compliance with salary cost management, which means they can establish solid foundations for success without jeopardising their future.”