The Rovers chief executive has been asked about a recent article which suggested Tomasson was on the verge of quitting Ewood Park
Blackburn Rovers chief executive Steve Waggott admits there is an ‘element of truth’ in reports that the club’s budgets have been impacted by new laws in India.
An article in The Mirror claimed the Jon Dahl Tomasson is on the verge of quitting at Ewood Park as a result of frustrations over the Venky’s slashing their budgets. There were more worrying claims about problems behind the scenes and suggestions the goalposts being moved.
Lancs Live reported earlier this week that Tomasson remains under contract at Rovers until 2025 and he has taken training as normal ahead of Friday’s pre-season friendly against Fleetwood Town.
The reason behind this story has been pinpointed as Rovers’ Indian owners, The Venkys, have been ‘advised by their government back home to slash overseas investment’. It follows tax rates on money from India being set to rise from five to 20 per cent at the beginning of October and, as a result, suggested that the club’s budget has been cut by 20 per cent.
Rovers have been tight-lipped on the reports but the club’s chief executive, Waggott, has addressed the issue at the club’s latest fans’ forum. The meeting took place on Tuesday, July 18 and the minutes have now been released.
Waggott told those who attended there was an ‘element in truth’ in the story regarding an ‘adjustment to our normal budgetary situation’. However, he did comment on the speculation that Tomasson wanted to leave as it would be a ‘never-ending task’.
The Rovers chief executive pointed to the club bringing in three players so far this summer to replace departures within the squad. Further additions will need to be ‘carefully managed’ to ensure Rovers remain compliant with FFP and profit and sustainability rules.
Tomasson is aware of the budgetary situation and understands it, despite his desire to improve the Rovers squad further. Though the financial situation was described by Waggott as ‘not ideal’, the club is working to maintain it meets its obligations.
The minutes read: “MG [Mike Graham] asked for a comment from the club on the recent article in the Daily Mirror which suggested financial issues for the club’s owners and a concern that Jon Dahl Thomasson wanted to leave the club.
“SW [Steve Waggott] responded that the club did not comment on media speculation as it would be a never-ending task. The article did contain an element of truth in respect to an adjustment to our normal budgetary situation.
“The VHPL Group had been put under some Government restrictions with regards to their overseas investments which they are obviously endeavouring to resolve as soon as possible. This has, in turn, put pressure on the club’s budget since the end of last season but the Owners had still allowed the club to bring in three new players at the start of this transfer window to replace key players who had recently left the club.
“Going forward the club will be looking at cost savings wherever possible across the club with any further signings being carefully managed as cost control is required on all expenditure levels to ensure that the club remains compliant with FFP/Profit and Sustainability rules.
“Jon Dahl Thomasson had been kept informed of the situation and whilst he wanted to keep progressing the quality of the squad he understood the current situation. He obviously had two years remaining on his contract with us.
“In response to a question from MH [Mark Hitchen], SW stated that whilst the situation was not ideal for the Owners and the Club the executive and senior management staff are continuing to work diligently to ensure the club meets all its obligations as they always had done.”
