Expert: SPL clubs fighting to survive

Tue, 23 Jun 16:06:41 2009

Some Clydesdale Bank Premier League clubs face a fight for survival next season - even if they secure a new television deal.

That warning came from PricewaterhouseCoopers partner David Glen, whose annual report on SPL finances was released, less than 24 hours after the league was forced to put their TV rights back on the market.

"I think it's crucial that the SPL get another broadcaster on board as quickly as possible and at the best price possible," Glen said. "For some clubs, their total income is only about three or four million pounds. St Mirren are only £3million. That contract is worth about £1million to each club, so for them that's a third of their income."

He added: "Without that money, for some clubs life becomes very difficult. Administration would be a word that might be not far away."

However, Glen believes there will be enough interest in replacing Setanta as the league's main broadcaster.

The SPL will be hoping for concrete interest from Sky, who initially failed in a bid for the contract from 2010, and ESPN, who have bought the Barclays Premier League rights vacated by Setanta.

But there is little prospect of striking a deal worth more than £30million a season.

"I don't think we are going to see that Setanta level," Glen said. "The question is can they get as close as possible to the existing Setanta level?

"I think someone has got to pick that up. The season just finished was exciting at both ends right to the end.

"Okay, some may not be so attractive fixtures to broadcasters but you still have the big draw of Rangers and Celtic. I think because of that there will always be interest."

 

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  1. Pt9...PG1965...thanks m8...a compliment is always more­ welcome than a kick in the nuts

    From Stuart, on Wed 24 Jun 10:37AM

  2. More Financial worries for the Orkies...
    Revans, is the­ EPL not a two horse race? This year Chelsea only had a­ glimmer because Guus Hiddink is a good manager - And he­ didn't want it full time! Arsenal have been nowhere­ really in 4 seasons... So just Liverpool and Man Utd...­ And although the wife will be angry with me, both have­ spent well over the odds. Oh and Arsenal TV is off the­ air too, so are some English clubs going to be in the­ plabber?

    From NokturnalKelt, on Wed 24 Jun 9:32AM

  3. The first time i have agreed with paulgardner1965,­ whats the world coming to.

    From Paul G CHAMPIONS, on Wed 24 Jun 8:43AM

  4. 7 5 3 good comments comming from some pr*** with a coco­ pop logo says it all

    From paul, on Wed 24 Jun 1:56AM

  5. 7 - they renamed that channel. It's now called­ PAUL! LOL!!

    From Singin' Ginger!!, on Tue 23 Jun 7:36PM

  6. The Windae Licking Channel

    From Stuart, on Tue 23 Jun 5:53PM

  7. 5 - I think that's the RIDING CHANNEL!! LOL!!

    From Singin' Ginger!!, on Tue 23 Jun 5:51PM

  8. Ginger would be better doing the porn channel

    From Stuart, on Tue 23 Jun 5:16PM

  9. 2 - does SETANTA dae the Racing Channel then? Ah thocht­ it wiz only fitba and golf!! LOL!!

    From Singin' Ginger!!, on Tue 23 Jun 5:08PM

  10. BTW...St Mirren have a few bob....its Rangers that are­ skint

    From Stuart, on Tue 23 Jun 4:55PM

  11. who wants to pay good money to watch a two horse­ league, nobody cares about any of the other teams­ unless your from that particular area!! so why would­ any broadcaster want to pay £30 million and get about­ 10 subscribers!!

    From R, on Tue 23 Jun 4:48PM

  12. Gold and Smith should walk for this

    From Stuart, on Tue 23 Jun 4:33PM
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