The long-awaited bailout for League One and League Two clubs arrived today, with £375,000 being paid immediately into ailing clubs.
After a long autumn of uncertainty clubs will be delighted at seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, albeit a little late in the day. The move was ratified by the Premier League this morning, and makes it a more comfortable Christmas for the 48 League One and Two clubs whose future looked bleak.
“Our over-arching aim throughout this process has been to ensure that all EFL Clubs survive the financial impact of the pandemic, said Rick Parry. “I am pleased that we have now reached a resolution on behalf of our Clubs and as we have maintained throughout this will provide much-needed support and clarity following months of uncertainty.
“I would like to thank Richard Masters and Gary Hoffman for their efforts on behalf of the Premier League, and of course their shareholders, for making this welcome, tangible commitment to the professional game at a time when it has needed it most.”
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “The Premier League is a huge a supporter of the football pyramid and is well aware of the important role clubs play in their communities. Our commitment is that no EFL club need go out of business due to COVID-19.
“All football clubs continue to suffer significant financial losses as a result of the pandemic, but Premier League Shareholders today unanimously agreed to provide additional funding and support for EFL clubs in real financial distress.
“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement and we stand together with the EFL in our commitment to protect all clubs in these unprecedented times.”
Many clubs will be rejoicing at the news, but for Ipswich Town fans, the focus remains on their current form. The Blues had been leaders last season, but fell away, out of the top six by the time the season ended. They led at one stage this season also, but have already dropped to fifth with just one win in five league matches.
That has prompted their supporters to suggest putting their rescue money to good use, if they see it at all. Here’s the best of their acerbic comments.
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Just over a million pound to each club in L1 and L2. Surely that covers the cost to sack Lambert and staff????? #itfc #LambertOut
— LAMBERT OUT (@SackPaulLambert) December 3, 2020
Couple of bad results? Where have you been for the last two years ???
— Tom Rumsey (@thomas_rumsey) December 3, 2020
Big news for the club. But I don't need help rescuing town. I am the biggest and the best.
— Trump Lambert (@realTrumpLambo) December 3, 2020
Can we use the money to sack Lambert?
— Martyn (@moc_moc_a_moc) December 3, 2020
And straight into someone's pocket, naming no names!!
— Muzzy (@whereismuzzyman) December 3, 2020
Right so this means Lambert out?
— Despicable ME (@reuserisgod) December 3, 2020
Stop putting out all these official statements that don’t relate to #lambertout ?
— Mouth11 (@Mouth1112) December 3, 2020
LAMBERT OUT
— LAMBERT OUT (@SackPaulLambert) December 3, 2020
Not the statement we want #lambertout
— Ipswich Culture (@IpswichCulture) December 3, 2020
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