Financial What?

Howard Wells has broken his silence at last and what is his big 'scoop', the I.F.A. had no financial plans, no 'budget' to work within. Howard seems to have been surprised at this turn of events, but if he had any knowledge of Irish football, he'd soon realise that this is commonplace in the running of local clubs. That is why Coleraine went into administration, they foolishly believed that success would bring the fans flocking in and so they spent money like it was going out of fashion. Coleraine of course are not alone, most other clubs are in the same 'boat', but they just haven't let it get out of hand,yet, but I'd lay odds that they're all well over their limits. In the times of plenty, although not good 'accounting practice', this method is okay, but in times like the present where the economy is going into (or as some would say is already in), recession, then quite a few clubs may be 'found out'. Before any Sky Blue fans get to feeling smug I'd also lay odds that our finances are not good either and I wouldn't be surprised if our panel will have to be trimmed drastically during the January transfer window. Glentoran for instance are a case in point, they have their ground mortgaged up to the hilt, this was of course okay when the building boom was in full swing, but I'd warrant that the developer will be in no hurry to start levelling the Oval in order to build houses in the present economic climate. The belt 'tightening has begun and don't be surprised if a few clubs go to the wall, maybe it's time they trimmed their spending, especially as they haven't got the money to spend in the first place1