Each of the 68 clubs currently competing in the Blue Square Premier, North and South leagues of English football are set to share a £1m windfall from the Premier League.

A one-off payment has been made to members of the Football Conference - the authority which governs the Blue Square leagues - to help relieve the impact of the recession and the demise of Irish broadcaster, Setanta. Football Conference chair Brian Lee said: "We are extremely grateful to the Premier League in demonstrating their support to our members at a time when our clubs are feeling the pinch not only at the loss of our TV contract but the decline of anticipated income due to the financial position generally."

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore added: "The Premier League clubs discussed the current financial difficulties facing their counterparts in the Conference and were happy to be in the position to help them out with some financial support."