A seminar at the Room 101, Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, , London WC1E 7HX (click here for map) 6-8pm, Monday 7th July 2003 The Strategic Challenges Facing the Football League and the Premier League: Some Reflections on an Industry in Turbulent Times

Given by:

Keith Harris
Former Chairman of the Football League

Synopsis:

His analysis is also taken from the perspective of a senior investment banker who has represented the two major British football club PLCs which have been subject to public takeover bids - Manchester United and Chelsea. His thoughts were first developed when leading a debate at the Oxford Union where he was speaking in opposition to the motion "This House Believes that commercialism in football has done more harm than good". His arguments suggest that despite much evidence to the contrary football has benefited enormously from its relationship with commerce and enters an area of uncertainty with strong enthusiasm and optimism as well as a healthy dose of cynicism. It remains the world's most popular participative as well as spectator sport with no challenge in prospect.

The seminar is free. To register for this seminar please contact Sean Hamil at the Football Governance Research Centre on 020 7631 6873 or email s.hamil@bbk.ac.uk

Copies of the handout notes will be available on request.