Club chairman warns fans could feel financial backlash

Jun 12 2009 by Kieran Westbrook, Dumfries Standard Friday

CHAIRMAN Davie Rae has warned that Queens could feel the financial backlash of Setanta’s feared demise.

Rae attended meetings in Glasgow over TV giant Setanta Sport amid fears it could call in the administrators.

And while the pay-per-view sports channel’s demise would hit SPL pockets hardest, Rae has told the Standard that his beloved Queens will also lose out.

Rae said: “If Setanta folds like they might, we’d definitely lose money.

“We’ve a payment to get in August and a few more throughout the season, so there is no doubt that we will be affected by this.

“It will hit the SPL teams harder, there’s no question of that, but first division clubs like ourselves are also going to feel it too.”

In January, Queens recorded their best ever year financially – raking in 535,000 of profit.

But despite that bumper profit margin, Rae is concerned the TV crisis will hit Queens hard.

“It won’t be long before it starts hurting clubs. We had an excellent year financially, but we don’t want to see funds getting drained away.

“We had a very poor CIS and Scottish Cup run after last year. It’s important we stay on a strong footing, and it’s important that the league stays as strong as it can.”

And, while Queens books have been looking healthy, he believes it will be serve as a warning to some clubs gambling on their finances.

“I think we could see a reality check for some clubs, and some people will have to think about the realities of football.

“It’s good to have sponsorship – it’s good for the game.

“But I think some sides budget for what they expect to receive, so when something like this happens they get in trouble.”

l Queens look set to bring another player to Palmerston this weekend.

Davie Rae and Queens boss Gordon Chisholm have been working behind the scenes to strike a deal to bring a versatile attacking midfielder to the club.

And while Rae would not offer up any names, he was excited by the player’s ability.

Rae said: “We’re hoping to have a player signed by the start of next week. He’s an attacking sort of player, very pacy and a good controller of the ball. But although we’ve spoken to him, we’ll have to wait and see.”

See next week’s Standard for more.