Bournemouth Chairman Peter
Phillips has called for the bottom two divisions to again become regionalised,
during an interview with BBC Radio Solent.
This age old debate is always guaranteed
to cause a storm in footballing circles. Although any changes would not
affect the Saddlers at the moment, any changes could affect us in the
future.
The current state of British
football means that regionalisation is an option that the authorities
may well consider to help out those experiencing financial problems.
Philips went on to speak about how
Midlands clubs may not see this the same way that the Cherries do,
but Mr Phillips says this for the wrong reasons. The reason that many
Midlands clubs will be opposed to it is because we do not want to change
the structure of football just to suit those who cannot manage their
finances.
This is the same reason that Roy
Whalley gave when criticizing the Wage Capping scheme proposed by
some First Division Clubs earlier in the season. Whalley claimed that
the Saddlers would be opposed to the wage capping scheme because the
Saddlers already managed their own finances sensibly.
The motivation behind
reorganisation is debt.
- The Saddlers have fought hard
to keep out of debt.
- Why should we weaken our
position to suit those who have mismanaged their finances.
- The views of Peter Phillips do
not recognise the hard work that clubs like Walsall and Rotherham
have put in to stay in the Black.
- We are not in the divisions
that are involved in regionalisation at the moment, but if (or when)
we do return to these divisions, we do not want to see the level of
competition weakened because those who are unable to manage their
finances are struggling.
Walsall have only spent more than
£100k once in 13 Years. This is what has to be done to stay in the
Black. It has just so happened that this has also resulted in First
Division Football. We are sure that many Saddlers fans will agree with
this point of view...
Phillips has said he is going to
raise the issue at the next meeting between the clubs...we will have to
watch and see how this one develops.
let us know your views on the forum...
