EFL clubs embrace Project Big Picture proposals

League chairman Rick Parry led three separate meetings with representatives of the Championship, League One and League on Tuesday to discuss the new proposals, which would see the divisions receive a £250m financial bailout from Premier League clubs as well as an increased share of future broadcast deals in a wider restructure of the English game.

The mooted measures have divided opinion, with many seeing merit in the rescue package while raising fears of a ‘big six’ power grab relating to associated changes in the voting rights of the top flight.

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A conference call involving five EFL representatives suggested support among the 72 was close to consensus, though, with support from the meetings involving Leagues One and Two said to be ‘complete’ and ‘overwhelming’ respectively.

Peter Ridsdale, in his role as advisor to Preston North End owner Trevor Hemmings, reported ‘no dissenting voices’ on the Championship call.

But while he believes the redistribution of money is essential, he is not persuaded that pure benevolence is driving the move.

The former Leeds chairman said: ‘If I’m absolutely frank, do I trust the top six today irrespective of these proposals? No I don’t. I don’t think some of them believe in the pyramid.

‘I think some of them believe in a franchise system like you see in the (United) States.

‘However, the proposals as put on the table at the moment are more likely to support the pyramid than if we don’t have these proposals.

‘Is it a concern? 100 per cent it is. Do I trust them? No I don’t.

‘However, today the Football League has got a unique opportunity if this remains on the table to perhaps protect the Football League in the long term, where as at the moment in the short term there is real danger.’

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Gillingham chairman Paul Scally said of League One: ‘I don’t think anybody spoke badly about it (PBP). There were concerns over certain aspects of it but the principle is very sound.

‘Clubs aren’t looking at selling their souls for £250m, this is not about taking the money whatever the cost, this is about the future sustainability of the English football league and the pyramid of football.’

Jez Moxey, chief executive of Burton, put a short clock on the discussions, sounding a clear warning about the viability of some sides.

‘We literally have clubs right now that are worried about paying October’s payroll and we have got concerns over Championship clubs having to pay PAYE payments,’ he said.

‘Be under no illusion, we are talking about now. Right this second.’