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Rovers and United: a financial comparison

An old Private Eye cartoon but still relevant

Leading football finance analyst Kieran Maguire of Liverpool University, and author of a new book on the Price of £ootball has been making a fascinating series of comparisons between the finances of Tranmere Rovers and Manchester United who meet in the FA Cup today.

In terms of revenue, for every £1 generated by the Wirral club, Manchester United make £136. For every £1 in wages paid by Tranmere, Manchester United pay £83.40. For every pound in transfers paid by Tranmere, Manchester United paid £18,219.10.

Tranmere pay their board of directors nothing , Manchester United pay theirs £10.6m. Tranmere pay their shareholders nothing, Manchester United pay theirs £22 million a year. Tranmere Rovers have paid their bankers £1.2 million in interest since 2006, Manchester United have paid theirs £816 million.

In his book, published by Agenda, Maguire states: 'There are many examples of fine owners in all divisions ... such as Nicola [aka Mark] Palios at Tranmere Rovers, who are dedicated to making their club the hub of the local community whilst also ensuring the club lives within its means financially.'

Palios negotiated a sale of 15 per cent of the club to Indonesia-based investors last year but local welfare in Birkenhead and the Wirral remains the priority.

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