January 28, 2009

FOOTBALL industry finance expert James Dow expects the sector to face some difficulties, but will be assisted by the long-term television deals in place.Mr Dow, the owner of Warrington corporate finance firm Dow Schofield Watts, was involved in takeovers at Manchester City and Everton in the 1990s and has also advised Ajax, Celtic and Barcelona.

“Most of the income is propped up by television deals which will stand up, they are longer-term deals,” he said. “The principle income will be OK.“Matchday income will not see a lot of impact for this season as a good proportion is season tickets, especially on corporate hospitality. There’s still a bit of discretionary spend; I expect a lot of weakening, but that won’t have much of an impact on football clubs.”