'More than ever' - Blackpool CEO outlines what new EFL rules means for clubs

Blackpool CEO David Downes admits the club will need to adapt how it invests money on the pitch following recent EFL rule changes in League One.

It was announced last month, the Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) would see the percentage of turnover third tier clubs are able to spend on wages reduced to 50 percent from the previous 60, while manager costs would also become part of this calculation.

Teams relegated from the Championship will still be permitted to spend a higher amount, but there’s also been a reduction in this area too, going down to 65 percent from 75.

In addition to this, League One clubs also approved a change to remove the staggered approach to equity injections in the division, meaning that all equity injections will be included within the calculation at 50%.

Explaining this, the EFL wrote: “This means that if an owner invests £500k into the club, a maximum of £250k (in addition to that already permitted as a percentage of turnover) can be spent on wages.

“This approach is intended to encourage investment into other areas of club operations, such as infrastructure and youth development.

“The new rules further strengthen financial control and are another important step towards helping clubs to operate on a more sustainable basis.”

Blackpool CEO shares thoughts on changes

Downes, who took on the position of Blackpool CEO last month after serving as Sporting Director for three years, has emphasised the importance of everyone pulling the right direction.

“There’s new rules that have come into League One that align itself more with League Two,” he said during an in-house interview with the club.

“Obviously the way Simon (Sadler) puts his money in and the way we can spend it on the pitch has changed dramatically.

“This isn’t a Blackpool problem, it’s a League One problem. More than ever, clubs need their fan base. They need to be selling season tickets. They need the businesses around their area to be together as one.

“It’s going to change the way we can deliver financially on the pitch, so we need to adapt slightly where the money goes really.”

Work continues at Bloomfield Road

While the Seasiders hierarchy will be looking to bolster Ian Evatt’s squad throughout the summer, they are also continuing to make improvements off the pitch - with a range of work taking place at Bloomfield Road.

“The off-season is as busy as the season really,” explained Chief Operating Officer Nick Horne.

“People see the visible things around the stadium. We did our fair share of work last summer, and we’re continuing with projects now.

“The facilities team are managing the further parts of Tangerine around the West Stand and the North Stand so it matches up with the roof on the South Stand.

“There’s also the ongoing project on the East Stand, with the changes to the roof and the floodlights. There’s a new sound system that people will be delighted to hear come the new season.

“The ground staff will be busy renovating what is already a fantastic pitch to make it even better next season.”