‘Impossible…it can’t go on’ – Exclusive: Hutton reacts to major Leeds chief reveal
Alan Hutton has warned football may “change for good” after Leeds United chief Angus Kinnear revealed the impact the Coronavirus pandemic could have at Elland Road.
The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the strain on clubs could result in a major financial revamp across the Premier League and EFL.
Leeds’ managing director Kinnear has revealed that the club could survive for “eight or nine months” playing behind closed doors but that they would have to adapt their business model accordingly.
EFL chairman Rick Parry, speaking to the Digital, Culture, Sports and Media committee, has warned that Football League clubs are facing a £200million “cash hole” by the end of September.
He went on to say that a “complete reset” is needed over the distribution of revenue in the EFL and that a “rescue package” is now needed for clubs.
Hutton has echoed the senior chief’s warning, suggesting that football in England is facing a major shakeup in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Asked about Kinnear’s update on Leeds’ financial situation, Hutton told Football Insider: “Look, they aren’t the only team.
“I guarantee you that nearly every team – you’ve got the massive teams at the top that will be alright – but if you look down, and I’m not even talking about the Championship, even in the Premier League, all teams will be worried about this.
“If that (Kinnear’s update) is the case, football’s going to change. It can’t go on the way it’s going on at the moment with such high wages and transfers and things, it’s impossible, it’s impossible to maintain.
“The fans and the revenue that comes in brings in so much but it’s not until this happens until you realise how much. It’s not just going to be Leeds, I think it’s going to put a strain on everyone and I think it could possibly change football for good.”
In other Leeds United news, Michael Brown has revealed talks with a manager over a potential signing for the Whites.