Early payments aid West Brom and Walsall

The League Two Saddlers can expect an early receipt of their next solidarity payment, while the Baggies have been assured they will receive the final instalment of this season’s parachute payment as scheduled.

There were concerns the Premier League’s own financial worries prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, chiefly over the receipt of £762m in broadcast money, might have a knock on effect further down the divisions.

But at a meeting of all 20 top-flight clubs yesterday the league voted unanimously to advance payments to help EFL and National League counterparts, many of whom are facing a cashflow crisis.

Kidderminster Harriers will also benefit after the Premier League agreed to bring forward solidarity payments to the National League by four months.

Harriers, who play in National League North, are still waiting to discover the specifics of what support they will receive.

A Premier League statement, explaining the short-term financial relief measures agreed, read: “While there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.

“Critically, the league unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.”

An EFL statement added: “These actions will have a positive impact on individual clubs across our three divisions at a difficult and uncertain time.”