The impact of relegation

27 April 2011 14:34
We take a look at some of the consequences of the Iron's relegation to League One. FINANCES The Iron will receive much less central funds from the Football League's television rights deal, as Championship clubs keep 80 per cent of the revenue. In comparison, 12 per cent is split among the League One clubs.  There will also be a drop in crowds following relegation, with the number of away fans in particular likely to drop. The Iron's published accounts show clear correlation between higher revenues from matchday catering, the Iron Bar and club shop from being in the Championship compared to League One. George Moss, the former financial controller of Preston North End, expects his former club – also relegated – to lose 2,000 from their attendances. "We were promoted with crowds averaging close to 13,000 in 2000 but traditionally at that level the club averages 9,500," he said. "That reduction in numbers has a knock-on effect in terms hospitality, sponsorship and commercial deals - without the right infrastructure it can be a real struggle at that level. “On the field and off it, the philosophy has to be very much about quality not quantity. The revenues have been downsized and the business model must reflect that.” The budget for next season has yet to be decided by the board, but the last time the Iron were relegated a loss was accounted for in a bid to secure promotion. PLAYERS Alan Knill, the Iron manager, has said he does not believe the current crop of players showed enough fight this season or work hard enough in training. He feels there is not enough pace in the squad and wants to refresh his options to add more balance over the close season. That may be easier said than done, with 17 players under contract for next year. Joe Garner, Ben Gordon, Ramon Nunez and Marcus Williams are all on loan and likely to return to their parent clubs.  Nunez in particular has won favour with Iron fans during his loan spell from Leeds, but any move is likely to be out of the Iron's price range. Of the out-of contract players, the club will struggle to keep hold of Joe Murphy. He has been consistently linked with Doncaster but insists he does not yet know whether he is staying or not.  The club will put together a contract offer to tempt him to stay. Should he remain, then either Josh Lillis or Sam Slocombe (whose contract finishes this summer) are likely to depart either on permanent or loan moves. If Murphy goes, Lillis will step up to first choice keeper. Josh Wright has already made it clear he wants to leave, as he is homesick for southern England. Eddie Nolan, signed from Preston in January, is out-of contract but the Iron are entitled to a transfer fee if he leaves. David Mirfin is the only other first-team regular out of contract. Squad players Rory Coleman, Johnathan Williams, Ian Morris and Paris Cowan-Hall are all out of contract. STADIUM The proposed extension to the Doncaster Road End is "on hold", and only likely to be revived if the Iron are pushing for promotion back to the Championship.  Under current rules, the club would have to close the terrace for any league games in the second tier after this season but not in League One.  Plans for a statue of Jack Brownsword, the club's record appearance holder, also appear to be on a hiatus which the club say is because a lack of interest from supporters for fundraising

Source: FOOTYMAD