There is one football table that is far more important than worries over promotion and relegation with the sport facing a prolonged suspension
Very few Scottish clubs are equipped to cope with an unscheduled break in business lasting more than two months.
With the UK Government expected to announce that the current season won’t resume the SPFL will be able to pay out prize money based on existing positions. Any ‘mystery club’ wanting to debate the issue can fund their own legal costs or find an alternative set up to play in when football resumes.
A basic guide to cash reserves, based on last published data from @Barcabhoy1 (other variables include Euro ? and fans renewing season tickets though that seems unlikely in present crisis) pic.twitter.com/jcdd58q4Ym
— Bella Caledonia (@bellacaledonia) March 16, 2020
Since club’s last published audited accounts there will be a number of changes. Motherwell have more than £1m coming in from the sale of James Scott, Aberdeen now have backing from Dave Cormack and two Europa League ties post Christmas have brough in much needed cash at Ibrox.
The biggest monthly outgoing that clubs face is their wage bill, that is fixed for March, April and May with players out of contract highly unlikely to be offered new deals.
Celtic, Hibs and St Johnstone are in a position to withstand the impact of the Coronavirus, all three have strong relationships with their banks.
According to the table five clubs have the cash to survive a month but the Foundation of Hearts transfer monthly subscriptions to the club.
Whenever football re-emerges the landscape of the Scottish game will have changed drastically. Celtic will take a hit with their high wage bill and uncertainty over next season’s UEFA competitions.
The table above highlights how urgently clubs need their SPFL pay-out, any delay could be catastrophic.
If there is any delay or threat to broadcasting money in England a number of EPL clubs will be seriously exposed with players tied up to long term contracts.
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