Oxford United's plight as a result of ITV Digital being put into administration is not as acute as some clubs - because wages no longer represents such a high percentage of their turnover, writes JON MURRAY.

United's turnover for the last 12 months was £2.5m, while their wage bill, although one of the highest in the third division, is almost £1.8m.

"Compare that to Luton Town," said United's associate director Bill Smith. "They have a wage bill of £2.5m and the club's turnover is £1.5m.

"But a lot of people are missing the point with this ITV Digital problem," Smith added. "It's really not so much the third division clubs who are affected, more those in the first division with small gates."

Oxford United's share of the Football League's agreement with ITV Digital was £119,000 per year for three seasons.

They received this season's slice last August, and next season's was due to be paid next August.

For clubs like Grimsby and Crewe, though, it is a nightmare scenario, because they have no idea where they can make savings when the money from ITV Digital dries up.

Grimsby receive £2.1m per year, and Crewe £2m per year as part of their share. First division gates average 15,500 this season, but Grimsby's average is 6,100 and Crewe's is even less.

Similarly, first division Norwich City are at great risk. Nearly 90 per cent of their turnover is spent on players' wages and without the £2m they were due from ITV next season, the club's position "is not sustainable", according to the Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster.