The Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust can confirm that it has writen to Aston Villa Football Club regarding ‘Project Big Picture’. Here is our open letter to Christian Purslow, CEO.
Mr Christian Purslow
Chief Executive Officer
Aston Villa Football Club
Dear Christian
PROJECT BIG PICTURE
Rarely has a football announcement created such an uproar among fans across the country as that generated by the above.
There are so many unacceptable proposals within the outlines that I do not want to cover them all.
However, as a first point, there is general agreement among fans that some funding of the football pyramid is essential if our national game is to be protected. Particularly where it is currently well-nigh impossible for clubs below the Premier League to generate sufficient income to survive for other than a short period. Any distribution would have to be on the basis that some element of expenditure control would be mandatory.
The real bone of contention is that the so-called big six plus three should be granted such control over how any revised league is structured and in particular that six votes cast in favour of any proposal would be sufficient to carry the day. The redistribution of income would favour the so-called big six and further perpetuate the dominance of those clubs whose earnings are enhanced by participation in the Champions League.
In reality that creates an uneven competition and any realistic hope of a much less well-funded club reaching their goals would be eliminated. Fans, the lifeblood of the game, would be disenfranchised and football, as it is now, would be all the poorer for it.
As the Chief Executive of our Club, we ask that you use your best endeavours to ensure that this selfish ill-thought-out restructuring proposal of the Premier League is kicked out forthwith.
Yours truly
Peter Warrilow
Chairman Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust
