Sky Sports News' Geraint Hughes looks at how the economic downturn is impacting on football.
Tackling the Recession on Sky Sports News
This week
Sky Sports News will ask whether or not the recession is having an effect on sport, and if so, what is being done to fight it?
Our reporter, Geraint Hughes, has been looking at the impact of the economic downturn on various sports in the UK and you can see his reports every day throughout the week on
Sky Sports News.
You can also read his blogs on
skysports.com each day this week - and don't forget to leave your comments using the feedback form at the bottom of the page to let us know how the recession is having an impact on your enjoyment of sport.
This Thursday, March 26, is the final day football clubs can go into administration where the penalty, normally a points deduction, will be felt this season. .
Several clubs, mainly from outside the Premier League, have on occasion this season expressed concern over the parlous state of their finances, but will any make the difficult decision to go into administration?
Just under 18 months ago, Luton Town went into administration. Since then the club, in conjunction with creditors and the new management team, has worked hard to ensure its survival, no easy task during these turbulent economic times. Managing Director of Luton Town FC Gary Sweet confirmed to Sky Sports that the club is now "debt free."
However, while many clubs are struggling and the disposable income of supporters is less, there are some better deals or even possibly bargains to be found! Most football clubs are working hard to retain their fan base.
One example is Bradford City, where one of their loyal fans was worried about how much he'd have to pay for a season ticket for himself and his two sons. Bradford have dropped their prices and he's paying £138 and £68.50 each for his kids, if he had any children under 11, they'd go free.
It's not to say attendances are rocketing because all clubs have fabulous offers, but there are deals to be found IF you ask for them.
Overall, attendances across the Premier League, Championship, Leagues One and Two are down just 0.6% on last year, and according to football finance specialists Deloitte, sport is well placed to ride out the effects of the recession.
It's essentially entertainment and loyal fans are reluctant to give up going to the match, even in challenging economic times.
What is your experience of the recession and sport? Can YOU afford to keep going to watch YOUR club? Has your club come up with any schemes to keep you going to matches? Let us know by filling in the feedback form below...
