Any follower of the EFL will understand the current state of things. It has been documented in the past few years that there are underlining issues at certain EFL clubs. Some have miraculously come out unscathed whereas others have felt the full brunt of it.
EFL Clubs in Precarious Situations
The Downward Spiral at Bury
It is hard to believe Bury FC were promoted from League Two last season. The League One side are yet to play a competitive game in this campaign as all of their fixtures so far have been suspended.
The club failed to provide sufficient financial evidence that they can pay off creditors. Thus, they have been prevented by the EFL from playing so far this season. Also, on top of not playing as of yet, the Shakers were forced to start the season on -12 points.
However, in a statement by the football club, they are confident that they will make it through the situation. In the statement, the club said they are confident that their embargo will be lifted.
“Once we have supplied the EFL with the recently requested additional information, we are confident that our embargo will be lifted. In anticipation of this, we would expect that the EFL will not remove us from the Football League.”
At this point, there is no certainty over the club’s future. But by contrast, it appears as if the end is close in-sight for the Shakers. Nonetheless, it is a hope of everyone that the club can pull through the situation, despite the odds stacked against them.
Coventry City Away From Home Once Again
During the 2013/14 season, Coventry City were forced to play all home games in Northampton. The club played competitive home games at Sixfields enduring a long year away from the Ricoh Arena, 60 miles away.
Once again, over six years later, the club are now playing home fixtures at St Andrew’s, the home of Birmingham City. Even after a hard-fought battle during the summer, the club could not continue playing at the Ricoh Arena.
While the club’s situation six years ago could have been considered far worse, it still remains an uncomfortable period for the Sky Blues.
However, the ongoing battle between fans and owners SISU rages on. Once again, the board at the club have alienated themselves in the eyes of supporters, as they now reside away from their home city.
Despite this, many City fans are optimistic this season and rightfully so. Manager Mark Robins has done a superb job with limited resources. Furthermore, he has also worked his magic with multiple underlining issues behind the scenes at the club.
Bolton Wanderers Down to the Bare Minimum
Over the past year, the state of Bolton Wanderers has only got worse. Relegated from the Championship last season, they have started this season with -12 points. Whilst Bury have yet to play a game this season, Bolton were given the green light to play.
After picking up a point at home to Coventry City drawing 0-0, Wanderers currently sit 23rd on -11, but there are far more concerning factors to worry about off the pitch at the Macron Stadium.
Following their 0-0 draw against Coventry, manager Phil Parkinson did not hold back his feelings. The former Bradford City boss urged owner Laurence Bassini, a prospective buyer for the club, to leave them alone.
“Mr Bassini, leave us alone, please leave us alone. Leave this great club alone to get on with building its future back together.”
Bolton may still be playing but their future is continuously a worrying doubt. Also, any chances of League One survival look buried before they were even dead.
It Shouldn’t Have Come to This
It goes without saying that there are too many EFL clubs in worrying situations. From Bury being prevented from playing to Coventry being exiled from the Ricoh Arena, and Bolton Wanderers current ownership worries.
One has to wonder when the EFL will take action and step in, as there are clubs on their knees. Other clubs such as Leyton Orient and Blackpool were victims of poor treatment, which resulted in relegation for both clubs, during their time of need.
This is a time where rivalries can be set aside, as no one wants to see a club go out of existence. Also, football fans will tell themselves that it shouldn’t have to come to this.
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