13 Football League Clubs In Poor Financial Health

In a survey carried out by administrators Begbies Traynor there is a suggestion that one in five Football League clubs are in 'poor financial health'.

Out of the 68 clubs surveyed, 13 have signs of distress such as serious court actions against them, including winding-up petitions, late filing of accounts and "serious" negative balances on their balance sheets.

That 19% compares to just 1% in the wider economy, the firm said.

The distressed clubs include three in the Championship, six in League One and four in League Two. They were not named.

"Many clubs are continuing to spend too much, principally on players' wages, as they always have done," said Gerald Krasner of Begbies Taylor.

"While Premier League clubs are guaranteed huge television money every year and some have extremely wealthy backers, there are signs of genuine financial distress among a significant number of football league clubs.

"The sales of season tickets for next season, many of which are paid for during April and May, could provide some short-term relief for struggling clubs, but it won't solve the underlying problems."

Whilst Hereford United is expected to have negative balance on their balance sheet when the current year's accounts are released it isn't thought that it will be classed as 'serious'.

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