Christian Purslow’s recent remarks are indicative of the divide between the top-flight clubs like Aston Villa and the Football League.
So says finance expert and new Football Insider columnist Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively about Purslow’s apparent PR blunder.
An independent fan-led review into English football was published on 24 November with a view to addressing imbalances in the pyramid.
The Premier League came under pressure during the pandemic to financially support the lower leagues.
As quoted by the Express and Star on 26 November, Purslow said: “We [Premier League clubs] put down a £250million interest-free loan facility.”
But the Daily Mail reported on 26 November that there has been a backlash from EFL clubs, who insist the real figure is closer to £75m.
Plumley explained the rift between the top-flight and the Premier League and insisted that Purslow’s remarks will not have eased tensions.
“He knows his stuff but it’s not ideal for PR,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams,
“The Premier League have come out and said ‘look at all the good stuff we do’.
“But when you read between the lines, that £250m is not a gift and it isn’t exactly cash in the bank accounts of EFL clubs.
“I think some of the comments in that interview testify to the fact that the Premier League is a bit of a bubble.
“They don’t need to be concerned with the wider pyramid because they are in their echo chamber.
“The broadcast money in the Premier League is so good. That’s the disconnect with the wider pyramid and is the main purpose of the review.
“The Premier League and Aston Villa are on another planet financially and that’s great for them, but not for the rest of the pyramid.”
Villa posted a £99.2m loss in their most recent set of accounts.
They are currently 13th in the league table after two wins from two under new manager Steven Gerrard.
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By: Dr Dan Plumley
Title: ‘Aston Villa Are On Another Planet’ – Dr Dan reacts to £250m Purslow claim
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/aston-villa-chief-250m-claim-was-pr-misstep-dr-dan/
Published Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:37:01 +0000