Sheffield Hallam launch project to assess impact of Covid-19 on football clubs

Researchers will focus specifically on teams in League One and League Two, many of which are on the brink of collapse due to the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, during the 15-month £48,000 study which is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Bury FC lost their professional football club status after they were plunged into administration over a year ago, while other communities have been impacted by the demise of semi-professional clubs, such as Rhyl FC, who are some of the worst-affected during the pandemic.

Dr Dan Plumley, a senior lecturer in sport finance at Sheffield Hallam will lead the research project alongside head of department for finance, accounting and business systems, Dr Rob Wilson, Professor of human resource management and employment relations, Peter Prowse, and Professor Simon Shibli of the Sport Industry Research Centre.

Project lead Dr Plumley said: “We are delighted to have secured some funding to examine the impact of Covid-19 on the financial situation in English football.

“We know that clubs have been really struggling since the start of this pandemic and this research will enable us to see the wider impact across the clubs and their communities.

“We are hopeful that we can use the research as a springboard to drive recommendations for the industry moving forward in a post-Covid world and enable them to support each other better in times of economic hardship.”

The study aims to outline governance reforms that could be used to make the football eco-system become more resilient by analysing the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic on clubs through financial and economic analysis.

Head of department for finance, accounting and business systems Dr Rob Wilson added: “From an internal perspective, it is great to work on a project that showcases cross-collaboration between different departments, making use of the terrific expertise that the University has to promote applied research that can have an impact across the sporting landscape”.

Sheffield residents slapped with Covid fines for travelling to Derbyshire to ‘celebrate a birthday’

GPs can give out Covid vaccination records for holidays - as plans for immunity passports are scrapped

Matt Hancock to hold Covid press conference: What time will the Health Secretary address the nation?

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.