Birch: Admin Process Uncertain

Last updated : 11 December 2003 By Kevin Markey
"There is great fundamental uncertainty whether the club could go into administration and reappear because Premier League rules are different to Football League rules," he said.

"The Premier League is a limited company, there are 20 shareholders and the fate of the club is likely to be decided by the 20 representatives at a shareholders' meeting.

"You couldn't, hand on heart, take the club into an administration process when you are not sure about what the outcome would be.

"For example, take a club trying to make ends meet and they've had mediocrity for the last five years. They may have looked at what Leeds have done with jealousy, but then see Leeds wiping out their debts. They could say, 'Tough, you've broken the rules and out you go'. That's not inconceivable, so it's a brave man who puts the club into administration because it could happen."

Birch also feels the players can help by continuing with the form they have shown in the last two games.

"Performances on the pitch are critical," he said. "It is vital to show potential investors that they will not be taking over a team at the bottom of the League. I've had a couple of chats with the players recently because I don't want them kept in the dark about anything. In fairness, they are responding well."