In yesterday’s Sunday Times Rod Liddle wrote an article, in the context of the troubles of Hereford United, about why some clubs survive and others go under. Of course, in any other sector of the economy, there would have been far more clubs disappearing by now, but fan identity and civic pride ensures that football does not follow the normal laws of economics.
In yesterday’s Sunday Times Rod Liddle wrote an article, in the context of the troubles of Hereford United, about why some clubs survive and others go under. Of course, in any other sector of the economy, there would have been far more clubs disappearing by now, but fan identity and civic pride ensures that football does not follow the normal laws of economics.
Liddle argues that it’s a paradox that so many small clubs around Manchester have managed to survive in the shadow of City and United (although he manages to confuse Cheshire with Lancashire). Of course, some of the old towns in Greater Manchester may still have a sense of identity of their own.
Liddle argues that it’s got a lot to do with remoteness, arguing that Hereford is ‘our most rural and isolated city.’ He argues that the more remote the club is, the less likely it is to remain in the league. As well as Hereford, he cites Barrow, Darlington, Torquay and Workington.
I’m not sure what the cause and effect pattern is supposed to be here. In a sense being remote should give you more of a constituency for local football because the alternatives are a long drive away. Darlington is not really remote (they may be moving back into town soon through a ground share with the local rugby club). In the cases of Barrow and Workington, these are relatively economically deprived areas.
The Torquay case is a bit like Hereford. Quite a wealthy area in some respects, but also with quite a lot of poverty. A big retired population who either don’t like football or have allegiances elsewhere and are quite happy to follow football on the television.
In the case of Hereford, who at time reached the second tier, there has been gross mismanagement of the club’s affairs. However, it’s not easy in the non-league system. My own second tier club struggles with a budget in the bottom quarter of the division. Gate money of around £67,000 a year covers less than half the wage bill.