AHEAD OF THE GAME: PFA ready to drop opposition to salary caps in League One and League Two… as Gareth Southgate abandons Qatar trip in December
- The PFA are prepared to reconsider their opposition to EFL salary caps this year
- The restrictions in League One and League Two were prevented earlier this year
- The rules would have forced the vast array of quality in League One to be equal
- PFA CEO Maheta Molango has hinted at a more sophisticated way of cost control
The PFA are ready to reconsider their opposition to salary caps, despite winning a landmark legal ruling that prevented their introduction in League One and League Two earlier this year.
The players’ union successfully argued in front of an independent arbitration panel that the EFL had breached rules by seeking to introduce salary caps this season without proper consultation, leading the planned wage-bill ceilings of £2.5millon and £1.5m in League One and Two respectively to be scrapped.
In addition to unhappiness at the changes being rushed through during the pandemic, the PFA’s initial hostility was based on their opposition to a fixed cap, which would have forced Sunderland into having the same wage bill as Fleetwood in League One for example.
The PFA, led by CEO Maheta Molango (above), could reconsider their opposition to salary cap
The introduction of salary caps in League One and League Two was prevented earlier this year
New chief executive Maheta Molango has visited all 72 EFL clubs since his appointment this summer and has indicated the union may support a more sophisticated form of cost control, such as a flexible cap based on a percentage of each club’s turnover.
Sol still aiming for the dugout
Sol Campbell has not given up on his managerial aspirations, despite being out of work for 15 months.
The former England defender is planning to visit Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AS Roma for bespoke coaching clinics over the next few months as he seeks to increase his experience ahead of returning to the dugout, a glamourous itinerary that is a far cry from his previous jobs at Southend and Macclesfield.
Sol Campbell is heading on coaching clinics at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AS Roma
The Reuben rollover
Newcastle are the third club to have attracted the support of new director Jamie Reuben, who has taken a seat on the board following the completion of the Saudi Arabia-funded £305million takeover.
The 34-year-old son of billionaire property investor David Reuben was a regular in the East Stand Executive Club at Chelsea before becoming a director at Queens Park Rangers, where he sat on the board for two years before standing down as Newcastle takeover talks intensified last year.
Reuben Brothers now own 10 per cent of Newcastle, with Saudi’s Public Investment Fund controlling 80 per cent and broker Amanda Staveley the other 10 per cent, and Jamie will represent the family’s interests in the North East, being quick to tweet ‘Howay the Lads!’ after the takeover was completed.
A Webb of demand
Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber is attracting interest from a host of leading clubs as he has yet to commit to staying at Carrow Road beyond the end of the season.
Webber opted not to sign an extension when head coach Daniel Farke signed a new four-year deal in the close season, and he plans to make a decision on his future towards the end of the campaign.
Webber recruited Farke from Borussia Dortmund’s reserve team shortly after arriving at Norwich four years ago and has impressed by assembling two promotion-winning squads from the Championship on a limited budget.
Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber is attracting interest from other clubs this year
Qatar plans axed
Gareth Southgate has abandoned plans to attend the Arab Cup in Qatar in December as part of a scouting mission ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
The England manager has not visited Qatar since attending Liverpool’s Club World Cup victory over Flamengo two years ago, but has opted to delegate the World Cup reconnaissance mission to backroom staff, who will advise on potential venues for training camps and hotels.
Southgate will instead spend the start of December scouting at games and attending the draw for next year’s Nations League, which clashes with the later stages of the Arab Cup.
Gareth Southgate has abandoned plans to attend December’s Arab Cup in Qatar
Textor’s dream…
New Crystal Palace shareholder John Textor has quickly become an influential figure behind the scenes at Selhurst Park, with his innovative business practices set to play a decisive role in shaping the future of the club.
The American businessman’s £90million investment in Palace last summer helped facilitate a £65m spending spree that saw seven new players join the club during the close-season, with Textor taking a close interest in Patrick Vieira’s recruitment plans.