VIDEO: WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has welcomed the fact the Government will seek to implement the 10 key findings of the fan-led review of Football Governance and hopes it will help the town’s two clubs achieve their ambitions.
Ms. Nichols, a keen supporter of non-league football said: “With the collapse of Bury Football Club two years ago, and a number of clubs at the brink financially, these reforms are long overdue.
Calling for a speedier redistribution of wealth from the Premier Legaue, Ms. Nichols said: “I welcome the fact that the government will seek to implement all 10 of the key recommendations of the review, but it’s clear that some of the actions required cannot wait for a potential timescale of two years or more to pass through the House.
“As the Premier League and EFL dragging their heels on the redistributive funding of the football pyramid, I asked the Minister if he would seek to intervene now rather than wait for a regulator that won’t be in place until at least 2024.
“It was also an opportunity to put on record my congratulations to Rylands FC on their promotion, and to wish Warrington Town FC all the very best as they seek promotion in the play-offs this week.
“I hope that these reforms can help both clubs achieve their ambitions, and ensure Warrington is a town on the map for our football successes just as much as our successes in Rugby League!”
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “The long-term health of professional football in this country is dependent on fairer distributions throughout the football pyramid.
“That is why we agree that the Premier League should strengthen its support across the football pyramid.
“We expect further action from the football authorities on this important recommendation – and if they don’t come to an agreement on financial flows through the pyramid, we reserve the right for the regulator to have powers in this area.
“Football also needs to ensure there is a clear and supportive pathway for players. That is why we agree with the recommendation that the welfare of players exiting the game needs to be better protected. I have asked the football authorities to act with urgency on this matter.
“Taking forward these recommendations and securing the future of football is a key priority of this Government.
“But this is a priority that stretches beyond Government.
“The Review contains actions specifically for the Football Association, the Premier League, the English Football League, and the Professional Footballers’ Association, on which we expect to see action – without waiting for government legislation.”
I welcome the Govt's plan to implement the fan-led review into football key recommendations, but we need intervention on the fairer funding model the Premier League & EFL are dragging their heels on if clubs like @theyellows & @RylandsFC are going to reach their full potential pic.twitter.com/nwZzM4fqKN
— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) April 25, 2022
Absolute scenes as @RylandsFC take it right down to the wire to become Northern Premier League West champions! Great to be at the game with good luck charms @DomBres & @NathanLabour to see history made, yet again- we're going up lads! 🏆⚽ pic.twitter.com/LOw5Jsj3cW
— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) April 23, 2022
