Wycombe Wanderers owner makes stark financial admission ahead of crucial League One vote

He also says that this figure will rise if the club has to play behind closed doors, whether in fulfilling the fixture list or by taking part in a play-off campaign should the season be curtailed.

League One clubs are set to vote on the fate of the League One season next week, with a deadline of 2pm today set for any alternative proposals to the EFL’s recommended framework to be submitted.

Wycombe Wanderers currently sit eighth but if the table was to be settled on a points-per-game formula, they wil finish third.

In a detailed update, Couhig said that non-playing staff currently furloughed will no longer have their wages topped up for the club.

He has also recommended that ‘they begin the search for alternative employment once furlough ends’.

“The club has essentially been without revenue since the beginning of March,” Couhig said.

“Our loss of revenue even with the utilization of the furlough plan has exceeded £1,000,000 through the end of May. On a going forward basis, we anticipate our loss of revenue will continue at the rate of £350,000 a month.

“While no one really knows for sure when we will be able to return to playing in front of crowds, it seems reasonably certain that it will not happen until at least September and many speculate not until at least December.

“It is apparent that the Club’s losses as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak may exceed £2,500,000. If we are required to play games behind closed doors, whether to try to complete the season or in playoffs, these costs will go up.”

Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth has previously said that it is his desire to fulfill the fixture list, but that he understood the financial concerns of his owner and stressed that a resumption could not come at the cost of other club’s financial viability.

Ainsworth says that Wycombe’s decision in the vote would take this into consideration, as well as an assessment of the costs associated with finishing the season against curtailment and a play-off campaign.

Either way, he will be without the services of goalkeeper Jason McCarthy, who has made nine appearances since joining on loan from Millwall in January.

The Championship club were happy to agree to an extension, but Couhig says his club simply cannot afford it.

“I have also informed our manager that the club will be without the services of Jason McCarthy,” he said.

“Jason is a wonderful player and a terrific guy. He was on loan to us from Millwall. While they and he were willing to extend the agreement through the remainder of this season, and he would unquestionably be helpful if play resumes in any circumstances, we simply can’t afford him.

“I am confident that the remainder of the team can achieve success when we are allowed to return.”