NTFC Finances
Supporters have commented a great deal about NTFC’s finances recently with the onset of Transfer fee income, TV Income, cup income.
NTFC Supporters Limited has discussed all of the above with NTFC in light of our own queries and those expressed to us by supporters.
NTFC has done well with Transfer and Cup income in recent months, with supporters querying what will happen to these monies. We have been made aware of the following facts though from our representative on the board.
Although NTFC has reduced its operating costs, over the last few years it continues to run at a loss and that was the budgeted situation at the start of the season.
Not all the transfer fees received come in up front.
NTFC is also concerned with the current economic climate which may curtail supporter / commercial spending; monies received will help guard against potential tough financial times.
All monies that come in help NTFC improve the football club’s financial viability.
Prudent use of income is to be applauded, as we do not wish to end up like other Football clubs in recent seasons that have struggled financially and had points' deducted.
NTFC have stated they will invest in the team where appropriate, however quite rightly they will not be held to ransom by what it considers to be over inflated transfer fees or wages.
Leeds Cup game
NTFC Supporters Ltd fed back to the Club's Chairman our thoughts at the confusion over, and the price of the Leeds Cup replay game. The Chairman also expressed his dissatisfaction. We have asked the club to review internal controls over the pricing process to ensure this is not repeated.
It is unfortunate for both supporters and NTFC that the timing of the Leeds F.A.Cup game came so close to the league game, already priced at “Gold” prices.
Unfortunate for supporters at a time when there is a credit crunch on and we have to find monies for several games in a short space of time, two of which are at gold game prices.
For NTFC it came at a time where a reduction in FA Cup price (where half the monies are lost to NTFC), could have led to a drop in income for the league game (where all monies come to NTFC).
However, NTFC Supporters Limited would have liked to have seen a cheaper price charged to reward supporters for their loyal support. Filling the stadium whilst the game was on TV would have sent a positive message, particularly relating to ongoing discussions with the council over stadium expansion plans. We have asked NTFC to continue to look at reducing prices for certain cup games, which they have agreed to do.
