WHETHER fans like it or not, football is more than just a sport, but is there a danger our big two clubs could be left behind in the money stakes?

Everton and Liverpool have to compete in the Premier League against teams funded by some of the wealthiest people in the world, and that means matching them in multi-million pound transfer deals and eye-watering salaries for players.

Our local clubs have great traditions on the football field, but in the future their skills in the world of high finance are going to be tested just as strenuously if they are to stay at the pinnacle of the game.

Join us on Wednesday as we place football finances under the spotlight in our Business of Football online TV programme.

Everton’s top money man, chief executive Robert Elstone, will be joining us in the studio to answer your questions, alongside football finance expert Professor Tom Cannon, and Daily Post head of sport John Thompson.

Business editor Bill Gleeson will be chairing the discussion and putting your questions to our panel. There will also be a live blog running alongside the programme allowing viewers to take part in the discussions.

Issues sure to be debated include Everton’s proposed new stadium in Kirkby and whether Merseyside’s clubs can continue to compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and big spenders such as Manchester City.

Corporate financier James Dow, of Dow Schofield Watts in Daresbury, says very few investors ever make money from owning football clubs.