Message #359423

[DrillingCobbler]

That puts us 8th highest in the division. Factor in we had a massive squad compared with most of our rivals and the wage bill would have been top6 over all. What I've assumed since the start of the season. Many of our fans were saying mid table budget wise, although the source is not entirely reliable (!!) Its certainly where I thought we were budget wise.

I suspect Van Veen is earning 4 or 5 grand a week minimum. Again, totally guessing. But using logic at the same time. Logic that includes him coming here in the first place, his previous managers comments when he signed for us, that he's a striker of a good age, that wed have no doubt had competition. Also, geography…its a big ask to get someone to move 2 hours away (or travel every day) unless your going to encourage them to do so!

Id also hazard a guess that Crookes is on a very hefty wage.

Then you've got the likes of Pierre who would have been shopping around, ditto Ash Taylor.

And cord knows how much our keeper is earning, ex championship player and all that!

I put down our crap season in the main to a huge disparity in wages, from those signed pre-Chinese v those signed afterwards. The best way to create a hostile negative working environment is to pay your staff grossly different salaries for doing the same job. That was our biggest mistake by far.

This needs to be addressed and quickly, before the start of next season. Id be looking to cash in on Crookes if only to balance the books, get shot of VV at whatever cost (cut your losses being the term I think!) and move on anyone else who is earning an unjustifiable amount of money. You can get away with paying a star player a lot IF he performs well and justifies the wage, e.g. JJOT. Or even Ash Taylor or our keeper. But we've a few that are earning big wages that will annoy their teammates.