Liverpool warned of finance setback over stalled stadium plan - March 16, 2006
Liverpool risk being left behind in the finance league if they fail to push through new stadium plans.
Manchester United and Arsenal's stadium developments will provide the impetus for a new battle with Chelsea for Barclays Premiership supremacy, according to financial experts.
Arsenal's annual income is expected to increase by up to 50% when they move to their new stadium next season, while United's 7,500 new seats in Old Trafford's quadrants should provide the club with an extra £16million a year.
But Dan Jones, a partner in Deloitte sports business, warned that Liverpool need to get back on the stadium bandwagon quickly or risk being left behind.
Jones said: "New and redeveloped stadia are the key reason why English clubs have generally pulled ahead of their European competitors.
"Stadium developments are absolutely fundamental to any club wanting to compete at the top and the extra income going to Arsenal and Manchester United should help them compete with Chelsea."
Jones added: "Liverpool's turnover was £122million last year when they won the Champions League so they cannot really do much better than that.
"Whether they move to a new stadium or redevelop Anfield, it is essential they do something. Every season they are £35million behind Manchester United on matchday takings.
"One can see with Newcastle the benefits that can be gained by getting your stadium right.
"They have done very well and finished just outside the top 10 in Europe in terms of earnings despite not having a very good time on the pitch."
Manchester United and Arsenal's stadium developments will provide the impetus for a new battle with Chelsea for Barclays Premiership supremacy, according to financial experts.
Arsenal's annual income is expected to increase by up to 50% when they move to their new stadium next season, while United's 7,500 new seats in Old Trafford's quadrants should provide the club with an extra £16million a year.
But Dan Jones, a partner in Deloitte sports business, warned that Liverpool need to get back on the stadium bandwagon quickly or risk being left behind.
Jones said: "New and redeveloped stadia are the key reason why English clubs have generally pulled ahead of their European competitors.
"Stadium developments are absolutely fundamental to any club wanting to compete at the top and the extra income going to Arsenal and Manchester United should help them compete with Chelsea."
Jones added: "Liverpool's turnover was £122million last year when they won the Champions League so they cannot really do much better than that.
"Whether they move to a new stadium or redevelop Anfield, it is essential they do something. Every season they are £35million behind Manchester United on matchday takings.
"One can see with Newcastle the benefits that can be gained by getting your stadium right.
"They have done very well and finished just outside the top 10 in Europe in terms of earnings despite not having a very good time on the pitch."
