It was reported yesterday that Hornchurch have come badly unstuck as their sponsor has gone into liquidation. They are having to let their full-time players go and may have to field their youth team in next week's FA Cup tie.
They apparently had the largest budget outside the Football League. It does appear that other teams who are sponsored by the Carthium Group have been paid in advance (obviously much smaller sums).
what did them in was giving Darren Caskey an "all you can eat" clause at the club canteen. Really though, having a full-time squad on gates of 700 is not good business sense. What did they expect?
I thought their gates were averaging about 1200, but it's still a good point - highlights the problems you face by having all your eggs in one basket, which I have personal experience of Just where will Chelski get the money to pay their wage bill, when Abramorich fcuks off, as I'm sure he will, if they continue to win nowt?
they didn't even have a basket. Grays Athletic, who are also full time on even lower crowds, will probably be next. It was reported today that Caskey was on £2300 a week. The manager was on even more. Not even Chelsea compare. Hornchurch's income probably only covered 1/20th of their expenditure.
Hornchurch (who won away from home today) may have had the large wage bill - but I wasn't aware of Grays being in a similar situation. From what I remember their full-time players are ones on relatively small wages, such as younger players who aren't intent on staying around too long.
I find it hard to believe that Grays have any full time players, I used to live right next to the ground and if they average 300 supporters, then that's being generous! I would have thought Canvey Island would be next, they are supported by the Kings (Jeff is manager) and their step up to the conference has seen a halt to their remarkable progression!
There are several clubs in and out of the league who are in grave danger. Stockport will be likely the next CCL club in administration. They are reportedly losing 30k a week and Luke Beckett has just gone to Hull, another club who are trying to spend their way out of the division. Bristol City must be one of the favourites now to go up, but if they didn't they would be financially embarrassed, I would guess. The only way forward is financial prudence.