Lamb keen on added funds

But Boro chief executive wary of global flaw

Last updated: 13th February 2008

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Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb would welcome the finance generated by the proposed 'international round'.

The Premier League unveiled plans last week to take 10 additional top-flight fixtures overseas from the 2010/2011 season, leading to a 39th match for every club.

And while Lamb does have some concerns over the sporting implications of the scheme, he feels Boro's bank balance would certainly benefit.

Speaking at a fans' forum, he said: "It's not all about money, but it's not far off when you sit on my side of the table.

"Everything is expensive and so if we can get another £5million out of playing in a foreign country, it's a big help to us."

Odd

While the 20 Premier League clubs have agreed to consider the proposal further, it is still some way from being fully ratified.

Many supporters are strongly opposed to the idea, and Lamb admits that there are certain aspects which need to be addressed.

He said: "I can only find one flaw in it, and that is the one that has been described as the 'sporting integrity flaw'.

"I find it odd that you can play 39 games and it might mean that one of those games is against a team you have to play three times.

"That is the only reason I can find for not doing it."