Rotherham chief calls for wage review

ROTHERHAM’S chief operating officer Paul Douglas has blamed inflated wages in the lower leagues for the number of clubs entering administration. The Coca-Cola League Two club went into administration for the second time last week – becoming the fourth club in less than 12 months to do so after Leeds, Bournemouth and Luton.

Douglas said: “One reason why there are more clubs struggling in recent times is, I think, wages. Clubs really need to act. I don’t blame the players for getting the best possible deal they can, but clubs can be more realistic in setting wage limits within their own particular club.”

Douglas believes many clubs are not being run on the tried-and-trusted basis favoured throughout most businesses.

“I think a problem is that a lot of clubs are owned by self-made men who aren’t naturally inclined towards collective solutions to problems,” he said. “So instead of working out a proper wage structure that can be afforded, I think they tend to get this or that player in because they think they’ll climb the league. It is a gamble.”