Good Morning, It's Wednesday 6th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Eight months into his reign as EFL Chairman, Rick Parry launched an onslaught of demands and expectations of the fat cats from the Premier League as the Merseysider went head to head with MP's. Finally, have the EFL found their backbone? Why should there be such a discrepancy between first and second tier clubs? Is it fair that Norwich should pocket 100m from television rights whilst Leeds receive 3m? EFL Chairman warns of 'very messy' legal proceedings The Chairman of the EFL, Rick Parry went on the warpath yesterday, telling MP's (including the Media and Sports Committee) to expect three clubs to be promoted as normal to the Premiership or expect 'very messy' legal proceedings. The former Chief Executive of Liverpool has become disillusioned at the dysfunctional relationship between the EFL and the fat cats of the Premier League. The current system of promotion and relegation must be retained and (Parry) said: ‘If it doesn’t happen, you can expect the lawyers to get wealthy.’ Bailout The 65yo went on to say that the PL will not enter discussions about an EFL bailout until they know if, when or how the season will resume. ‘The £200m shortfall is acute and we do need a rescue. But we need to address the long term otherwise we will be back in this situation in three years. We need hope. We need a plan. We need clarity. We can’t go from one bailout to another.’ Season must be concluded by 31st July Parry warned that any resumption of the EFL season must be completed by July 31 because hundreds of players are out of contract this summer. ‘If it goes beyond that it will be a complete mess,’ he said. ‘There are 1,400 EFL players coming out of contract. That is a train coming down the tunnel very quickly.’ PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor’s has proposed shortening matches - to accommodate packed schedules! How would you feel if the remainder of the matches were just 30 mins each half? Parry did not dismiss it. EFL clubs will lose money if they play behind closed doors The financial implications of having to fulfil fixtures behind closed door will financially cripple many clubs, not only in the lower divisions. For instance, Leeds gain £550,00 in revenue from every home game. ‘It’s not about finishing the season to generate revenue, it’s about sporting integrity,’ Parry said. ‘At our level, if we start behind closed doors it actually costs some clubs to play. Without spectators the clubs are hurting.’ EFL players will need to take wage cuts Parry was adamant that EFL players would have to take wage cuts once the PFA’s appointed accountants at Deloitte had been through the books. ‘The players are not aware of the seriousness, so we will show them how deep the pain is,’ ‘The overall principle of players taking a share of the responsibility is absolutely essential Parry quizzed by MP on Leeds current predicament Tory MP for Winchester Steve Brine quizzed Parry on Leeds current predicament Brine said: 'Leeds United are top of the Championship but it's a one point difference from second place. If the season didn't conclude, as has happened in other European countries, should Leeds be awarded the Championship title and should your old club Liverpool be champions? 'Because they will always be 'sort of champions', won't they? There will always be an asterisk next to them on the Wikipedia entry. Should that happen?' Parry responded: 'My view would only be a personal one, I think it's premature. 'If and when the season doesn't finish that will be one for measured debate and consideration. 'There won't be a right answer, there is no right answer but what we have to try to do is come up with a fair and balanced answer that is appropriate in all of the circumstances. 'But not one for me to speculate on today – I think. Apologies.' Parachute payments Should parachute payments be Abolished? ‘Parachute payments are an evil that need to be eradicated,’ said Parry. ‘We have six clubs in the Championship receiving parachute payments of an average of £40m per club. The other 18 clubs get £4.5m each. These payments are a symptom of the chasm that exists. You could have a much fairer distribution system.’
Wow, imagine having to play remaining games 30 minutes each half!!! It would be easier for a defending team to keep a clean sheet, surely?
Good morning. While I don't agree with parachute payments, I worry what the implications would be. Players would have to have it in their contracts that their wages will be cut dramatically if they are relegated. That sounds sensible to me, but would it make it even more difficult for anyone outside the top six to compete for players?
Morning. My god Rick Parry is a breath of fresh air after that useless chancer Harvey. I'm so glad he left Status Quo to take over. 30 minute halves. Right, so playing in neutral venues would destroy sporting integrity but let's fundamentally change how the game is played.
I think we should just finish the season with penalty shootouts. All 11 players named in the lineup take a penalty, no sudden death to allow the draw to still to be an outcome. Social distancing would be easy.
Morning pal, Harvey was the chief executive of the English Football League. Rick Parry replaced Ian Lenagan. (I had to look up Ian Lenagan, as I'd never heard of him)
Ian Lenanagary replaced Ian Lenagan??? Were they originally from the same small Irish village by any chance?
Matches could be played in Greenland where they play on artificial pitches and they are corona virus free now, after only having 11 people infected and no deaths...
Morning all. Was on shopping run yesterday, sitting outside Tesco’s waiting for Mrs Eire. Found it interesting that virtually nobody in the queues outside or walking around car park, spoke to or even acknowledged each other, so unusual for a small town we live in where many know each other. Given that and the suggested layouts for our bars and restaurants reopening with restricted table service only and no live music in bars, got me thinking what a dramatic change in lifestyles in a couple of months. Thankfully golf back in 12 days, some of us will be able to do something that feels half normal
Think their league starts Saturday so we'll have to take the Sunday slot. https://int.soccerway.com/national/faroe-islands/meistaradeildin/2020/regular-season/r56186/
I’m sure they’d be expected to put theirs on hold to accommodate the mighty sky pl just like Neville thought Australia should accommodate the travelling circus
It's a mess, no doubt about that. Not a big fan of many of the FA or EFL decisions over the years but I think they are in pretty much no win situation on this one, whatever they come up with, someone is not going to be happy. Have to agree with Parry, who was always respected when at Liverpool, there as to be relegation and promotion. Not just for us, look at Coventry for instance, they've been in the doldrums as long as us now they seem to be getting their act together and were looking well placed for promotion to the Championship, not fair if that is taken away .
Well done Rick Parry especially on his comments with regard to parachute payments please log in to view this image about time someone stood up to rewarding clubs for failure.
