Maison predicts tough times ahead for football (From Halesowen News)

Maison predicts tough times ahead for football

10:00am Friday 12th December 2008

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HALESOWEN Town manager Morell Maison is urging the club’s supporters to adjust their expectations as the credit crunch begins to bite at the footballing world.

Blue Square North Stafford Rangers are the latest side to be crippled by the current economic downturn and Maison believes their sorry plight will not be the last as clubs across the length and breadth of the country struggle to make ends meet.

The boss said: “I feel really sorry for Stafford and the predicament they find themselves in but this is the current climate we are working in.

“I know of 20,30,40 clubs who are really struggling due to the credit crunch so you must be sensible and live within your means and if need be tighten the purse strings.”

The manager admitted he would be willing to cut the club’s playing budget at the possible expense of promotion if times became so financially tough.

He added: “We are working hard here to try and bring in some extra income but at the moment we are just not having any joy.

“I have never known it so tough within the world of football.

“We are sensibly reviewing the situation on a weekly basis and if somewhere down the line we have to trim the squad then we will.

“It’s inevitable something will have to give if you are not getting the supporters through the gate or the local business community backing you because you still have to pay all of the bills.

“We are not immune to what is going on in the financial world so if we had to release players then we would do even if it hampered our race for the title.

“I think football supporters in general have got unrealistic expectations at times but they must remember this is the harsh reality facing football.

“We have a good side, offering a good product and we are still struggling to increase our gates so how are clubs who have seen their attendances drop going to cope in the current climate.”

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