Aston Villa can only “disrupt” the established order in the Premier League if they improve on their £13million yearly matchday income.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Christian Purslow’s plans to expand Villa Park.
The chief executive, 58, announced on Thursday (14 April) that the club intends to add over 7,000 seats and take capacity beyond 50,000.
Aston Villa CEO Christian Purslow has today updated supporters on the club's vision for a world-class venue at Villa Park, which is due to be submitted for planning this summer.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 14, 2022
The North Stand will be completely rebuilt, with the club insisting that the new development “will be sympathetic to the club’s proud history”.
Purslow also revealed plans to revamp the club’s commercial and retail facilities.
Maguire explained that, under new financial fair play rules, the owners must boost matchday income to compete with the financial elite.
“They currently generate £12m to £13m from matchday,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Rightly or wrongly, the only way these developments generate a significant return is if a significant proportion is given to hospitality.
“Villa don’t have a major tourist fanbase, so they have to focus on the premium seats and corporate sector.
“There is no doubt that under Edens and Sawiris, Villa want to be disrupters and upset the cartel that qualify for Europe year in, year out.
“We’ve got the new FFP rules coming in as well, which are going to make it more challenging. The one way to combat that is to increase income.”
Plans for an expanded Villa Park are set to be submitted for planning this summer.
Purslow claimed that one of the driving forces behind the project was the chance to host matches at Euro 2028, which is set to be hosted in the UK.
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By: Kieran Maguire
Title: Kieran Maguire issues ‘£13m’ Aston Villa reveal after Purslow’s ‘disruptive’ pledge
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/aston-villa-looking-to-disrupt-the-cartel-as-maguire-issues-13m-reveal/
Published Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000
