Southend

Quoted from TownSNAFU5

ITV Digital collapse discussed.  HMRC wanted their dues.  Refused to wait.  We suffered badly.

That’s simply not accurate and it’s very poor from talksport if they have said that. When did Fenty get out the begging bowl with his “Keep the Mariners Afloat” Campaign? About 2005 wasn’t it?

That was for a tax bill from the ITV digital season.

For those clubs unable to pay promptly the HMRC were extremely patient and flexible back then.

If it was Simon Jordan bitching about it, remember Crystal Palace were promoted to the PL in 2003. Why would HMRC offer them a longer repayment option when the riches of the PL were opened to them and they could afford to pay in full immediately.

Quoted from blundellpork

It was complete madness for our then board to spend money we hadn’t yet received. Read McDermott’s book where Lennie trebled his wages, Macca told the rest of the squad that the manager had gone mad and to all get in there quick and sign the new contracts.

Cue the fire sale of players and the collapse through the divisions. All so unnecessary and self inflicted.

I guess it's easy saying that in hindsight, but we fully expected to get that money for each season of the ITV Digital contract, there was nothing to suggest it wouldn't come to light.  Contracts were issued to reflect the amount and length of the TV deal.  

Don't get me wrong, we spaffed some of that money stupidly and the amount Lennie Lawrence was allowed to spend (I blame the board for that, not him) was in some respects needless.  But I think giving 3-year deals on decent money to the likes of Phil Jevons, Danny Coyne et al. wasn't reckless, it was a reflection of the market at the time.

Didn't we pay our Chinaman £13,000 a week which is a ridiculess amount for us to pay even now never mind 20 years ago.

I did say chinaman not chairman  

Quoted from moosey_club

The ITV digital excuse has worn very thin now, yes alot happened but clubs still overspent upfront on the expected monies...unsustainable.
Bear in mind it was ...how long ago ? 15-20yrs ? Clubs really shouldnt still be claiming that is the cause of any current hardships. I count ourselves in that as well.

They themselves have been in and out of the court more than enough times so it's about time they paid up.

Although it is a fair point about the length of time since the collapse of ITV Digital, some decisions can have long term affects and ramifications much further down the road. Many decisions taken by our Governments over the years have led to unforeseen problems further down the line. Gordon Brown's decision to tax certain aspects of the Private Pension industry resulted in the virtual collapse of the Final Salary Pensions that were the bedrock of so many people's retirement plans.