Exclusive: Ryan calls for League to ease financial pain after drop

The South Yorkshire outfit have endured a difficult summer after seeing income slashed ahead of their first season back in League One since 2008.

Ryan estimates that Rovers have had in the region of £6m wiped off their revenue streams, much of it caused by the vastly reduced central payments teams in the third tier receive from the League.

The Doncaster chief, whose club yesterday signed Leeds United striker Paynter, last night told the Yorkshire Post: “The difference between being in the Championship and League One is huge.

“I would estimate we will lose in the region of £6m this year in income compared to what we could have expected last season.

“The drop in television money and sponsorship is the biggest. Championship clubs receive 80 per cent, whereas the share for those in League One stands at 12 per cent.

“That is a big difference, by any standards. We have certainly felt the pinch this summer and that is why I believe the League should look at some form of parachute payment for relegated clubs.

“Otherwise, the drop is just too big. It isn’t so much of a problem between Leagues One and Two because the share is quite similar at 12 and eight per cent.

“But to experience as large an amount as we have had wiped off makes life difficult.”

Parachute payments of £48m spread over four years are paid by the Premier League to clubs relegated to the Championship.

Ryan concedes any funds handed to teams dropping down to the third tier would represent a fraction of that figure.

However, the Rovers chairman believes any payment would be just as invaluable in terms of helping a club cope with the inevitable slump in income.

He said: “Our wage bill last season was £9m but, obviously, it will be nothing like that this time. But, even so, it does make things difficult for us.”

Asked if Rovers’ squad had relegation clauses written into their contracts, Ryan replied: “Yes, all but one player did have a clause.

“It meant a 25 per cent reduction in their wages but, again, even that only goes so far when you are looking at a drop in your central payment from the Football League that is as big as it is.

“I would like the League to look at possibly changing that so the drop is more palatable. I realise some people will look at my comments and say, ‘Well you weren’t complaining in the Championship’.

“Okay, that’s fair enough. But I do believe a more equal split is required in future if clubs are not to get into trouble.”

Meanwhile, Leeds striker Paynter has become Rovers’ seventh signing of the summer.

The 28-year-old was identified by manager Dean Saunders as a key target as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion.

Rovers president Trevor Milton has stepped down after eight years in the role, while former Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn is to join Doncaster as chief scout.