Crawley Town chief issues plea over football finances

Konyar has been giving his views on Project Big Picture and what needs to be done to support teams down the football structure.

After news that Premier League clubs will not back ‘Project Big Picture’ Konyar believes the top division can still revaluate.

“At the end of the day, this shows that it has to be restructured and reconsidered, and I don’t think it’s been entirely shelved – but we have to see what the months ahead bring,” he told the Observer.

The pandemic has caused serious economic disruption to football, and with clubs across the EFL feeling the impact, Konyar outlined how he wanted the FA and Premier League to help the likes of Crawley Town.

“I would like to see them put in measures that would help us get closer to self-sustainability, and further financial streams into Leagues One and Two. We all need financial support, it’s a given, especially without the fans, because that’s a very important variable for all clubs to operate so it’s definitely a necessity.”

Many EFL clubs have voiced support for allowing fans to return to stadiums in reduced numbers, using the same procedures in place at cinemas and theatres.

Last month saw a few test events, with 1,000 fans being allowed into grounds for certain EFL fixtures, but following a surge of Covid-19 cases in the UK, those efforts were halted.

Konyar said: “It’s very important because when you look at it it’s probably worth around 45-40% of our revenue stream coming in.”

On the pitch, Konyar has been pleased with the start Crawley have made to the League Two season given the unusual circumstances.

Konyar said: “I think it’s a positive start to the season, considering we’ve lost players who have been ever-present in the past two years, like Bez [Lubala], [Ollie] Palmer and Panutche [Camara].

“To lose them and replace them immediately and still get points on the board, ’m delighted with the quick transition we are witnessing.”