New blow for League clubs

The full extent of the crisis facing the Football League was revealed today by a new report which shows nearly 75 per cent of fans expect to watch its matches on television for free.

The survey, carried out by marketing agency Carat, said the lack of interest in the game outside the Premiership means lower division clubs can expect a massive drop in TV income following the collapse of ITV Digital.

Researchers asked 975 men how much they were prepared to pay each month for Nationwide League matches on TV.

Seventy-three per cent said nothing, seven per cent said less than £3 a month, 10 per cent between £3 and £6 a month, six per cent said between £6-£10, and only three per cent said more than £10 a month.

The report concludes: "It seems strange considering this lack of financial commitment to Nationwide that ITV Digital proceeded with such a deal."

The ITV Sport channel, which ceased broadcasting yesterday, cost £6.99 a month.