Chronicle Article 18 August 2000

Attention on this week's Deloitte and Touche report on "the football industry" was focussed on the £1.3bn turn over of the Premier League resulting from the new TV deal. However, in the real world, the extra funding for third division clubs (reported as rising to £900K) is seen as an opportunity for debts to be wiped out and foundations laid for the future. So promotion becomes even more important this season.

Several years ago, Max Griggs, the owner of Doc Martens, seeing an opportunity (money inspired?) to build a new factory and a new football team simultaneously, persuaded Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds to amalgamate. Despite the millions invested, promotion still eludes them but with Griggs' financial backing they must be favourites once again. City fans will be at Nene Park in force in what is clearly the Match of the Day.

With a rejuvenated Doncaster at the Deva on Tuesday, we couldn't have a much more testing start. On "Donny's" last visit, we consigned what was virtually a youth team to the Conference, in a match played out almost in silence and commiserated with their fans. They were bankrupt, with their chairman eventually imprisoned for an attempt to burn down the stand to collect insurance money. But with new owners and a highly successful "kids for a penny" scheme to bolster attendances, Doncaster are also spending money and likely promotion contenders.

Graham Barrow said at the recent Fans' Forum that he would learn how good we really are when the studs start flying, and he should know. Saturday may be a bit early to judge but it seems that he is unlikely to have much money available given the Chairman's financial appraisal. To summarise, net income last season, we were told, was about £800K against an expenditure of £1.3 to £1.4M, which included payment of old debts. So perhaps that is one reason why turnstile prices are the highest in the Conference by £1.50 (seated) and £2.00 (standing) respectively.

The next ISA meeting will be at the Royal Mail Club Tuesday, 29th Aug at 7.30. Speaker to be announced next week.

Les Smith ISA committee

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