Robin Russell, Chief Financial Officer AVFC

‘Of course, being in the premiership is about players, winning matches, satisfying the fans etc. but this requires a cost effective infrastructure of financial and administrative systems within the organisation. The playing professionalism on the field has to be matched by the business professionalism off it. Managing a multi-million pound turnover company means constantly looking for ways to enhance and improve systems. Without doubt, PlayerPro Contracts is making a major contribution to our efforts for cost effective, reliable admin systems and increased efficiency.’

Sharon Barnhurst, Club Secretary AVFC

‘Working with PSL and PlayerPro Contracts has given us the system we need. As Club Secretary, it was possible to have a ‘hands on’ involvement in producing a customised system in which all elements are useful and usable - particularly important for us, as there are so many different facets to contractual arrangements with players. In summary, PSL listened to what we wanted and have given us a system, which delivers the information we want, in the way in which we want it. It also gives it to us quickly and easily, saving a great deal of administration time.’

Significant investment in training, sports science and medical support has placed Aston Villa Football Club’s facilities among the best available in the Barclays Premier League.

According to Robin Russell, Chief Financial Officer at Villa, the consequence of moving the Club forward and improving its infrastructure with 21st Century facilities has meant that, “we have also had to up our game in the back office! Cooperation with Presence Systems Ltd (PSL) has achieved just that. PlayerPro Contracts has been successfully installed and is fully operational.”

It will be easily recognised that any Premiership club’s most important asset is its player pool, costing anywhere between 50 and 70 % of the club’s annual turnover. The need to manage all aspects of player contracts effectively using reliable data is, therefore, paramount. PlayerPro Contracts provides financial control and manages player contracts in one secure system.

At Villa, the implementation of PlayerPro Contracts has consolidated player contracts, agent agreements, player appearances, match results, final league position etc into a secure and easily accessible database. In particular and importantly, it provides ‘Alerts’ detailing the financial commitments resulting from each contract trigger.

Villa’s Club Secretary, Sharon Barnhurst comments, “PlayerPro Contracts improves the flow of information between departments. It is maintained centrally and so can be updated regularly but also viewed generally. All access is password protected but details about player contracts are easily and safely shared between Admin, HR(Payroll) and Finance departments, even though they are located on different sites - Villa Park and the training ground at Bodymoor Heath.”

Up and running for a year now at Villa, PlayerPro Contracts has proved to be easy to operate and has been installed seamlessly into existing routines.