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Players ready to sacrifice Smith
By Matt Dickinson
AS THE stricken club attempt to ward off financial ruin, Leeds United’s first-team squad have agreed in principle to accept a wage deferral, but the detail behind their apparently selfless offer represented grim tidings for their embattled employers. With Leeds needing to raise about £5 million to remain in business, the players made it plain that every option must be exhausted before they consented to sacrificing their salaries.
At a squad meeting yesterday, the Leeds players — led by David Batty, their Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) representative — made it plain that they would prefer the club to sanction the sale of one of their team-mates before accepting any reduction in pay. In practice, that would mean the departure of Paul Robinson, Mark Viduka or Alan Smith — and most likely the last-named.
It is understood that the stance was backed by senior professionals, including Ian Harte and Gary Kelly. And such is the parlous nature of the situation — on and off the pitch — that Smith, the England forward, is thought to have come round to the prospect of leaving. Newcastle United is his most likely destination.
Leeds are £82 million in debt. On Monday, they were given a seven-day stay of execution by their creditors as they seek to avoid administration and the board had hoped to implement a wage cut of 30 per cent before dispensing with one of their most saleable assets. Last week, Freddy Shepherd, the Newcastle chairman, intimated that he was prepared to offer £2 million for Smith.
In a terse statement, Leeds made reference to their difficult discussions with their squad. “There has been a positive meeting between the players, the club and the PFA,” a spokesman said. “The players are now fully aware of the financial position of the club and are prepared to offer support, should it be required.” The devastating small print was contained in the final four words.
The reality of the situation was spelt out by Gordon Taylor, the PFA’s chief executive. “The players have told the club they want every option to be looked at before the end of the month,” he said. “They are used to players being sold and feel that every avenue should be exhausted. It was only at the end of last week that wage deferral was even put to them and they were understandably surprised, as Premiership players. This has never happened before at this level and we want to make sure it is not the thin of the wedge.”
Sunderland, who were relegated from the Barclaycard Premiership at the end of last season, successfully implemented a deferral scheme, as well as divesting themselves of 25 players, including Kevin Phillips, Thomas Sorensen and Gavin McCann. Trevor Birch, the Leeds chief executive, is desperate not to lose any more of the club’s established stars as long as there is any chance of avoiding the relegation.
Leeds supporters have seen Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate, Robbie Keane, Harry Kewell, Robbie Fowler and Lee Bowyer leave during the past two years and would balk at Smith’s prospective departure. The 23-year-old was a boyhood fan of the club and has never shown any inclination towards leaving, but there are few vacancies for Robinson’s goalkeeping position, while Viduka’s weekly wage of £65,000 is deterring suitors.
Newcastle’s courtship of Smith is not straightforward. Sir Bobby Robson wanted to sign him last summer and retains an interest in the player, but with resources tight at St James’ Park and Craig Bellamy nearing full fitness, a defender has become the manager’s immediate priority.
According to a fevered bout of speculation on Monday afternoon, Smith had been spotted on Tyneside. However, with Alan Shearer due to retire at the end of this season, the succession has been a growing concern at Newcastle and while Smith’s personal ratio of goals is distinctly average, he possesses the character to fill the role.
Players ready to sacrifice Smith
By Matt Dickinson
AS THE stricken club attempt to ward off financial ruin, Leeds United’s first-team squad have agreed in principle to accept a wage deferral, but the detail behind their apparently selfless offer represented grim tidings for their embattled employers. With Leeds needing to raise about £5 million to remain in business, the players made it plain that every option must be exhausted before they consented to sacrificing their salaries.
At a squad meeting yesterday, the Leeds players — led by David Batty, their Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) representative — made it plain that they would prefer the club to sanction the sale of one of their team-mates before accepting any reduction in pay. In practice, that would mean the departure of Paul Robinson, Mark Viduka or Alan Smith — and most likely the last-named.
It is understood that the stance was backed by senior professionals, including Ian Harte and Gary Kelly. And such is the parlous nature of the situation — on and off the pitch — that Smith, the England forward, is thought to have come round to the prospect of leaving. Newcastle United is his most likely destination.
Leeds are £82 million in debt. On Monday, they were given a seven-day stay of execution by their creditors as they seek to avoid administration and the board had hoped to implement a wage cut of 30 per cent before dispensing with one of their most saleable assets. Last week, Freddy Shepherd, the Newcastle chairman, intimated that he was prepared to offer £2 million for Smith.
In a terse statement, Leeds made reference to their difficult discussions with their squad. “There has been a positive meeting between the players, the club and the PFA,” a spokesman said. “The players are now fully aware of the financial position of the club and are prepared to offer support, should it be required.” The devastating small print was contained in the final four words.
The reality of the situation was spelt out by Gordon Taylor, the PFA’s chief executive. “The players have told the club they want every option to be looked at before the end of the month,” he said. “They are used to players being sold and feel that every avenue should be exhausted. It was only at the end of last week that wage deferral was even put to them and they were understandably surprised, as Premiership players. This has never happened before at this level and we want to make sure it is not the thin of the wedge.”
Sunderland, who were relegated from the Barclaycard Premiership at the end of last season, successfully implemented a deferral scheme, as well as divesting themselves of 25 players, including Kevin Phillips, Thomas Sorensen and Gavin McCann. Trevor Birch, the Leeds chief executive, is desperate not to lose any more of the club’s established stars as long as there is any chance of avoiding the relegation.
Leeds supporters have seen Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate, Robbie Keane, Harry Kewell, Robbie Fowler and Lee Bowyer leave during the past two years and would balk at Smith’s prospective departure. The 23-year-old was a boyhood fan of the club and has never shown any inclination towards leaving, but there are few vacancies for Robinson’s goalkeeping position, while Viduka’s weekly wage of £65,000 is deterring suitors.
Newcastle’s courtship of Smith is not straightforward. Sir Bobby Robson wanted to sign him last summer and retains an interest in the player, but with resources tight at St James’ Park and Craig Bellamy nearing full fitness, a defender has become the manager’s immediate priority.
According to a fevered bout of speculation on Monday afternoon, Smith had been spotted on Tyneside. However, with Alan Shearer due to retire at the end of this season, the succession has been a growing concern at Newcastle and while Smith’s personal ratio of goals is distinctly average, he possesses the character to fill the role.