This is interesting from the BDO website . . .

https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/insights...nt-in-football

The final part of this page reads as follows, . .

Interestingly, despite two-thirds of FL1&FL2 Clubs increasing their emphasis on academies to drive success, only 53% of Respondents were expecting to see an increase in academy to first team conversion for the 2020/21 season, compared with 73% in 2019/20. In saying this, the most common challenges these Clubs identified in bringing through talent from the academies were;
  • the medium-to-long term funding required to invest in adequate facilities;
  • the fear of failure/relegation resulting in Clubs not wanting to take a chance on young players; and
  • the perceived availability of talent in the local area to make the investment worthwhile - particularly prevalent in less densely populated areas of the country

For those who have plenty of time on their hands there are several insights into financing football clubs including a full blown Football Finance Directors Report.

https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/insights...rectors-report