Over half of Championship clubs are “insolvent”

A leading credit information provider has claimed that over half of Coca-Cola Championship clubs are technically insolvent.

In a review of credit ratings, Equifax declared that 15 clubs in England’s second-tier would struggle to repay their debts if they were asked.

Despite the lack of multi-million pound television and sponsorship deals, many Championship clubs appear to be ”seriously overspending” as they chase promotion to the Premier League.

Equifax’s external affairs director, Neil Munroe said: “There’s no denying that it’s a challenging season for the Championship League.

“Not only is it seeking a new title sponsor after rejecting an offer from Coca-Cola to extend it’s deal.

“But sponsors at Championship level are often more local than the blue-chip companies who associate with Premier League names.

“And with many of these types of sponsors probably having to juggle finances in their own businesses, money is certainly tight for spending on supporting football, which is likely to have an impact on the clubs’ financial status.”

Equifax’s ScoreCheck delivers a score out of 100 based on available information such as company accounts, profitability and working capital to build a full financial picture. The lower the score, the more likely a business will default on payments.

Surprisingly, top of the ScoreCheck table are Plymouth Argyle with a credit rating of 85 points. Second placed West Brom are close behind with 83 points.

At the bottom, Middlesbrough and Blackpool both score a zero credit rating, while Championship leaders Newcastle United sit in mid-table with a score of 11 points out of 100.

“Every business is facing tough times and our latest analysis shows that the business of football isn’t immune,” says Munroe.

“A consumer-spending driven business, like retailers the football clubs are likely to continue to struggle in 2010 as consumers keep a close eye on their non-essential spending.

“That means more fans could decide splashing out on a season ticket is too much of a luxury.

“And, of course, if they’re not at the football ground there’s less chance of them spending on other club items.”

EQUIFAX SCORE CHECK TABLE

Insolvent teams in bold:

85 Plymouth Argyle
83 West Bromwich Albion
61 Derby
54 Reading
52 Scunthorpe
42 Watford
39 Barnsley
30 Sheffield United
26 Ipswich Town
16 QPR
13 Nottingham Forest
11 Newcastle United
10 Bristol City
9 Leicester City
8 Preston North End
8 Doncaster Rovers
4 Cardiff City
4 Peterborough United
2 Sheffield Wednesday
2 Swansea City
2 Crystal Palace*
2 Coventry City
0 Middlesbrough
0 Blackpool

*In administration

Nottingham Forest - Middlesbrough Preview

Gordon Strachan’s Middlesbrough are looking to bounce back after their midweek defeat away to Blackpool with a tough fixture at the City Ground, home of high-flying Nottingham Forest.

Gordon Strachan locks horns with fellow countryman Billy Davies

Strachan admitted after the Blackpool game that his side’s performance had disappointed him.

He said: “I’m a bit angry, I’m angry every time I get beat unless they put in a really, really good performance.”

Forest have the chance to leapfrog West Brom, who play on Sunday, into second place in the Championship and despite their recent dip in form they are well positioned to keep their promotion aspirations alive.

Differing Fortunes

Forest have performed beyond expectations so far this season and Billy Davies’ men find themselves third in the table, while the season has been a frustrating one for Middlesbrough who lie in ninth.

Gordon Strachan will be hoping his Scottish contingent of January transfer arrivals will settle in quickly as his side push for the play-offs.

It finished 1-1 last time the two sides met in the league, earlier in the season at The Riverside. Robert Earnshaw’s free-kick cancelled Leroy Lita’s opener.

Team News

Forward Gareth McCleary is suspended for Forest whilst Joel Lynch remains out with a thigh injury.

Boro boss Gordon Strachan is expected to make changes after defeat with Justin Hoyte and Jonathan Grounds set to make way for Kyle Naughton and Joe Bennett, Emauel Pogatetz has a late fitness test but is likely to make the bench at best as he returns from injury.

Captain Gary O’Neil has been playing despite a groin problem in recent weeks and is 50/50 to start the game alongside Barry Robson in the centre of midfield.

Form Guide:

Forest L L W

M’boro W W L

Possible line-ups:

N Forest - Camp, Perch, Wilson, Morgan, Gunter, Anderson, Cohen, McKenna, Majewski, Blackstock, Earnshaw

Middlesbrough - Coyne, Naughton, McManus, Wheater, Bennett, Flood, O’Neil, Robson, Franks, McDonald, Miller

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Preview: Newcastle United v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough and Newcastle United go into Monday night’s Barclays Premier League game knowing it could be the biggest Tyne Tees derby in history.

With both teams in the drop zone, Toon boss Alan Shearer feels whoever loses will be relegated.

He said “It will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the relegation fight for both teams.”

The Magpies will be without suspended Joey Barton after his outburst last week.

But Shearer has brushed the saga aside, saying: “We have far more important things to talk about than what has gone on this week.”

Boro are assessing injuries to defensive duo Emanuel Pogatetz and Chris Riggott. Apart from this the Teessiders are heading into the game with a full squad.

The Reds will also be showing the match live at The Riverside Stadium for the supporters who could not get tickets for the match.

Middlesbrough midfielder Matthew Bates believes the match will be won by the team who shows the most desire.

He said “It’s a case of who wants it more and can produce the quality on the night.”

The importance of the match could have even more significance if Hull City and Sunderland don’t pick up the points against Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

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Portsmouth visit the Riverside Stadium this Saturday in a huge game against Middlesbrough.

The teams are separated by only two points at the bottom of the table, with Boro in 19th place and Pompey 18th.

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Middlesbrough recover to draw with Arsenal.

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Middlesbrough came back from 1-0 down to earn a well deserved draw with Arsenal and leave Gareth Southgate praising his players.

Arsenal went ahead after 17 minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor headed in a corner from Cesc Fabregas, but Boro responded and Jeremie Aliadiere equalised in the 29th minute.

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