Frank
Lampard says it is important for the Premier League to support EFL clubs
financially as some continue to struggle during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Premier League and EFL are in talks regarding a support package after
Rick Parry, chairman of the EFL, warned that Championship, League One and
League Two clubs will lose a combined £200m if the 2020/21 season takes
place entirely behind closed doors.
Geraint Hughes provides an update on the government's plans to help sports
after fans were prevented from starting to return to events
Leyton Orient owner Nigel Travis told Sky Sports News that scenario would
lead to some clubs going bankrupt and added to the calls for EFL clubs to
receive help.
EFL sides suffered a further blow on Tuesday due to the government's latest
measures aimed at tackling the spread of coronavirus, which prevent
supporters from attending matches. Clubs had planned to admit some fans from
October 1.
In light of the circumstances, Chelsea head coach Lampard - whose side paid
for Championship club Barnsley to be tested for coronavirus ahead of their
Carabao Cup game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday - said: "I think it's
important that the Premier League as a collective looks at supporting the
EFL, the leagues below and grassroots football, absolutely.
"That's the base of why we're all here. I started and [a lot] of the young
players started in Sunday league football. I've managed in the Championship.
I understand a lot of the difficulties clubs are having, so I think there
certainly can be a conversation.
"I can't go too political because I don't know enough about the numbers, but
I do think clubs in the Premier League and the Premier League themselves
have a heart. They understand and I'm sure as we move forward they will be
making positive moves on that front."
However, Burnley manager Sean Dyche - speaking before his side take on
Championship club Millwall in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday - was less
enthusiastic about the prospect of Premier League clubs offering financial
support lower down the leagues.
He said: "If the Premier League can do their bit to enhance the chances of
other teams surviving, and when that is needed, possibly they'll step in.
"But if you are going to apply that rule of thumb, does that mean every
hedge fund manager that is incredibly successful, are they going to filter
that down to the hedge fund managers that are not so successful?
"There's lots of different businesses out there making huge sums of money
that could therefore protect similar lines of business, but lower down. If
you are going to apply it to football, I think you have to apply it across
the country to everyone and every business."
'Government must write football a cheque'
Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony says the government's decision to halt
plans for supporters to return to stadiums is "devastating" and has urged it
to offer immediate financial support to EFL clubs.
He told Sky Sports News: "We're talking millions for every club out there.
It's devastating news, particularly with them talking about possibly six
months. No business can operate under that.
"When you're putting one foot forward, suddenly you're going five steps
back. For me, that's no way to operate.
"We've spent six, seven months going through this. We've all done our bit.
We've been patient and now it's all been taken away, just when we think fans
are around the corner.
"If the UK government want to do this again, it's time for them to write us
a cheque. They've got to do it right now. Clubs have got to look after
themselves, and their fans who have bought tickets."
top