Pubs can survive Rooney foot disaster
Wayne Rooney's broken metatarsal won't shatter pub takings over the summer says the trade.
Licensees, city analysts and top execs all agree that while Rooney's broken bone in his foot will harm England's chances of winning the World Cup, it will not stop fans turning out in force.
Possibly we may go out earlier because he is the English Ronaldinho, but I am still expecting a semi-final at leastJim Wykes, Northants licensee.
"England fans are England fans and one man being out will not stop them coming to watch," said Jim Wykes, host at the Bees-wing in Kettering, Northants. "But it will be so tense without him. Possibly we may go out earlier because he is the English Ronaldinho, but I am still expecting a semi-final at least. All the other players will pull together."
Bolton licensee Douglas Stoneley-Hulme said his Antelope pub in Kearsley will be packed to the rafters for all of England's games.
"Fans come to watch the team not just one player so I don't think it will make too much difference. I hope they go all the way and although Rooney is injured, I think Michael Owen will be fit."
One city analyst said Rooney's probable absence would only have a "small effect" on trade. But he added: "I don't think we can win it now, so there will be less England games for pubs."
Massive pubco's Peter Linacre said the star's injury would have a negligible effect. "Most people have only budgeted for three England games anyway. A quarter final would be delicious, a semi wonderful and a final absolutely unbelievable."
