The Political Economy of Football V2

Torquay United Supporters' Trust have taken a minority stake in the Devon club which has been through difficult times:  https://thefsa.org.uk/news/torquay-trust-takes-ownership-share-in-club/

The owner of King's Lynn muses on the financial challenges of competing in the National League, bearing in mind the recent collapse of Torquay Unitted and the roubles at Rochdale:  https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/24139819.kings-lynn-owner-finances-fans-sports-minister/ The problem is that it's not really the job of government, i.e., the taxpayer, to bail out failing football clubs nor will the regulator be able to do that.

Former Football League club Torquay United are to be placed into administration as their owner can no longer fund the club:  https://torquayunited.com/club-statement-12/ The statement says:  ' The financing of football in this country is precarious and can only thrive in the lower divisions where there is either a close collaborative relationship with the local authority, it is a trophy asset or is backed by substantial local individuals and businesses. I believe that it needs a fundamental overhaul of its financing structure, rights distribution in the lower leagues and recognition that many clubs represent a fundamental part of the local community and its visitor attractions. Ambitious Clubs should in my opinion be given special status in their push to bring in investment, develop facilities, bring spend and employment to the local economy.' Osborne has made several mistakes since taking charge in 2016, but he has lent the club £5m to keep them afloat. He is unlikely to get ...

Relegation threatened Torquay United lost almost £1.2 million in 21/22 and have made total losses exceeding £5 million.   Torquay are mainly funded by loan from parent company and owner. Aldershot Town lost £233k in 2021/22.   Aldershot took out £384k of loans in 21/22.

It is amazing how much you can rack up in the way of losses even as a second tier non-league club. Admittedly, Torquay United were in the EFL. Even so, it is quite stunning that, according to Kieran Maguire, 'Torquay United lost £943k last year in the National League South. Total losses over £2.2 million. Owners commit to cover losses until 2020/21.' I have always thought that Torquay had quite a challenging task. The town has a large retired population, some of whom are not interested in football and others have retained allegiances to clubs elsewhere. You can view the accounts online, but they are not very informative as they are compiled under the 'exemption rule': Torquay United

Torquay United are proposing to relocate away from Plainmoor, but the local MP has expressed doubts about the proposal, saying that the finances don't stack up. A former deputy leader of Coventry City Council, he says that the scheme reminds him of Coventry City's disastrous move to the Ricoh Arena: MP sceptical over finances The proposed £40m project on the edge of Torquay involves a state-of-the-art expandable 10,000 seater stadium and a 30,000 capacity event arena, and a hotel, as well as an enabling housing development, all of which would be at Nightingale Park, creating 350 full time jobs. Having lost their Football League status, Torquay are currently playing in the National League South.