When Setanta rode into SPL town waving a cheque book clubs were glad to see big money being offered for their product. However, an offer is only that until the cash hits the balance books. You cannot spend what you don't get.

The SPL are scanning the financial pages on the net and the printed media every closely now for any hints as to whether they will get the money owed to them from Setanta for the season just ended and can still dream about the promised deal due to start in 2010-11. The clubs were due a share of £3million as the final payment of the deal to show live games in the 2008-09 season on Monday but nothing arrived in the account. The SPL board met on Tuesday morning to discuss the matter before reporting back to their clubs. A spokesman refused to comment on the precise details of the meeting, saying: "All I can say is discussions with Setanta are ongoing but there's nothing to really add at this moment in time. The clubs will be kept up to date as things progress."

At this difficult cash-flow time for clubs this news must have grabbed finance directors hearts with the cold hand of reality. No income from games and many fans waiting till they have had their holidays before parting with season ticket cash means the coffers will be running dry around the country. Salaries still have to be paid and grounds maintained from dwindling club resources. The SPL board admitted that a number of decisions were being made behind the scenes to ensure the future of their relationship with Setanta. The Irish broadcaster had already been in touch with the SPL seeking to renegotiate the four-year deal with the 12 clubs after losing one of their contracts with the English Premier League. The SPL clubs came to what they thought was a final agreement in April following Setanta's request to change the terms of the £125million contract due to begin at the start of the 2010-11 season. Some put the new agreement to be worth only £105million but the company's apparent inability to meet one of the demands of their £13.5million annual contract raises further fears. No TV coverage impacts on the level of sponsorship and, merchandise and will not be met by increased season-ticket or walk up ticket sales. The financial problems of the world are hitting home and may yet see a club or possibly two to seek out the number of a friendly company of administrators.

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Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net)

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