New research from corporate recovery firm Begbies Traynor has found that nearly one-fifth of all English Football League clubs are currently showing signs of "financial ill-health".

According to the group's Red Flag Alert survey, three clubs in the npower Championship; six in npower League One; and four in npower League Two are facing financial trouble.

Begbies Traynor partner Gerald Krasner said: "Football as an industry suffers from an enormous financial gap between the Premier League and the Football League.

"One effect of this disparity is that Football League clubs are often tempted to overspend on players to try to gain promotion, and the promised riches and prestige that come with it."

The research comes amid ongoing financial problems affecting Portsmouth and Port Vale football clubs, as well as Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers.

Administrators from Duff and Phelps acting on behalf of Glasgow Rangers have revealed that four bids for the club have been received and will now be considered.

Meanwhile, joint administrators at Port Vale have announced that five bids for the club were received and that one, from Keith Ryder, had been identified as the preferred offer.

For more information on Begbies Traynor, visit: www.begbies-traynorgroup.com

Image: Portsmouth FC are currently experiencing financial issues – Ben Sutherland