Town in line for another cash windfall

Derek Davis

MONEYBAGS Ipswich Town are in line for another cash windfall after the Football League announced a new £24million broadcasting deal which will see league and Carling Cup matches shown worldwide from the 2009/10 season.

The deal represents a 300% increase on the league's current overseas deal and will help clubs in the Championship and Leagues One and Two keep afloat.

The League confirmed that the money will be split in line with existing arrangements and will see matches televised by six overseas partners.

The Football League signed a record £264million deal with Sky Sports and BBC Sport for domestic broadcasting rights earlier this season and chairman Lord Mawhinney believes that the new deals prove that the standard of football has improved.

He said: "The Football League prides itself on producing some of the most competitive and exciting league and cup football in the world game.

"These arrangements, which reflect a huge increase in resources for our clubs, demonstrate that the global football audience is increasingly recognising this too.

"I would like to welcome all our new broadcasting partners to working with the League and its clubs."

The Blues have the backing of multi-millionaire owner Marcus Evans who has also sponsored the club.

It could be that this deal won't affect Town as they are confident of winning promotion to the premiership and around £60m.

Ipswich have reported season ticket sales are going well and they are on target to slightly beat last year's figures with around 15,000 expected to be sold.

Colchester United, who were relegated from the Championship last year will welcome the cash as they move into a new stadium with their owner Robbie Cowling underwriting the rent and changing his mind on season ticket prices to help the burden for U's fans next season.