Soon or later every industry will be hit by the recession that is already starting to impact the world in the wake of Covid-19. But, of course, football is not every industry, it has always been entirely unique. The beautiful game attracts a constant stream of good, bad and ugly owners, who often exit broke and dejected a few years later.

The potential collapse of various industries that underpin football and the demise of current owners’ personal wealth may mean many clubs change hands in the next couple of years.

But how do you buy a club, what should you look for and who would take on this traditionally tough job?

Kieran Maguire is a lecturer in football finance at the University of Liverpool. He also co-hosts a podcast called The Price of Football, and has written a book of the same name.

He is perfectly-positioned to sort the tyre-kickers and crooks from altruists and fans-made-good who will look to leap into club ownership in the next few years.

TOPICS

Is this a good time to buy a football club?

Will there be a raft of sales? In what timescale? 

The type of due diligence needed to buy a club

Is there more value in Europe? The creation of club groups 

What about the best value in Britain? What about Scotland and Ireland?

The potential of clubs - is it just down on the historical fanbase? 

The role of private equity. Kieran calls them “vultures” 

Is becoming a community asset a potential business strategy for big clubs?  

The value of meaning and why clubs do not invest in it enough

Why the ‘benevolent dictator’ model is the best

What are the latest accounting trends in football?

How Kieran would change football finance reporting and accountability   

The value of the fit and proper person fit (now the Owner and Directors’ Test)  

Getting away from the boom and bust culture and the role fans play in that process  

Valuing a transfer deal

Why do intelligent business leaders make stupid decisions when they buy a club

LINKS

Kieran Maguire Twitter | LinkedIN | Website | Podcast

PODCAST PARTNER

The Kho Kho Federation of England Twitter | Website

Kho Kho is a tag sport that develops a players speed, agility and decision making. 

The Kho Kho Federation of England was formed in 2014 and aims to promote the sport in a variety of ways. It can train those interested in playing as part of a group, community or organisation, assist with organising tournaments and provide officials to referee the game professionally for competitions held in England.