BURNLEY are hoping that the Football League’s opposition to the restructuring of the Premier League parachute payments will not leave them with a £4.8m hole in their budget for next season.

The Clarets expect to receive £16m in their first season after relegation as part of the Premier League’s plan to increase the parachute payments and spread them over four years.

But the Football League this week opted not to approve the changes until they have received further details, with many clubs worried the increased payments will give relegated teams too much of a financial advantage – even though the rest of the Championship will each receive an extra £1.4m.

Relegated clubs have previously only received £11.2m in their first season after relegation, with another £11.2m in their second season.

The new plan would hand them £16m in each of the first two seasons, then £8m in each of the two seasons after that.

“Obviously it means a lot to us and our planning goes ahead,” said boss Brian Laws.

“If it changed for some unknown reason, it might change our thought process. But I’d be very surprised if it changed.

“The Premier League means a lot of money that can secure the club’s future for a long time to come.

“The parachute payments are part and parcel of that and the restructuring of it is welcome to us and the timing is perfect.

“But I know the other clubs are going to be dished out with a small amount of money in the Championship. There’s a spread between them.

“Everyone is going to gain, but the important thing is the future of this football club.”

The Premier League and the Football League have until June to reach an agreement.