This interesting blog post discusses whether part-time football might be the way ahead for the lower levels of the Scottish league system, given low attendances and the costs involved in travelling to away matches.
This interesting blog post discusses whether part-time football might be the way ahead for the lower levels of the Scottish league system, given low attendances and the costs involved in travelling to away matches.
However, the theme has a wider application. Many Conference clubs have siwtched to full-time squads and found themselves in financial difficulties as a result. One interesting comment on the blog that discusses Raith Rovers points out that there is a third alternative: a core of full-time players, supplemented by part-time players. Players could also supplement their wages by helping on a club’s commercial side.
One interesting question that the blog raises is what constitutes part-time? I know of one former player at Leamington (third tier of the non-league system) who got a part-time position with a Conference side but found he could live off the wages. Lower down the non-league system players often get ‘expenses’ such as a mileage allowance for travelling to training and games that does not attract tax. This is a hang over from the days of the ‘shamateur’ system when at the better clubs players would find some used notes in their boots before a match.