SM
Inter Milan vs. Como: 6 hrs 3 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Key issues for new PFA chief to address after Gordon Taylor exit

:Headline: Key issues for new PFA chief to address after Gordon Taylor exit: ID:354516: from db_amp
Taylor has been in charge of the trade union since 1981.

The Professional Footballers' Association is set for new leadership after it was confirmed Gordon Taylor is to step down as chief executive at the next AGM once an independent review has been completed.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the key issues awaiting his eventual successor into one of the game's most high-profile roles.

Salary cap

Taylor, 74, had been in charge of the trade union for 38 years, during which time he helped moved the organisation forwards. However, his salary continued to draw criticism, up to more than £2million as well as additional benefits for car allowance and private medical cover. At a time when many former professionals are struggling financially in their retirement, often forced by injury, finding a middle ground moving forwards while still being paid the "going rate" for a leading union official should be tackled head on before their first day in the job.

Unite the union

Gordon Taylor (left) and PFA chairman Ben Purkiss (right) have not seen eye to eye. (John Walton/PA)

An independent review was commissioned following criticism of Taylor led by PFA chairman Ben Purkiss. The on-going internal power struggle forced the organisation's annual general meeting in November to be delayed, as former players raised concerns over governance issues. While a new chief executive may go some way to appeasing the calls for change, making sure everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet again will take some diplomacy.

Dementia research

Part of the issue around Taylor's salary was offset against the £100,000 which the PFA contributed towards concussion and head injury research over a five-year spell. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia remain a powerful topic. Dawn Astle, daughter of former West Brom and England striker Jeff Astle – who died aged 59 after living with dementia – is a leading voice for the campaign. She has been a stern critic of Taylor, viewed as being out of touch, and is a person the new chief executive would do well to get onside quickly.

Player welfare

It is, of course, all aspects of a player's well-being which the PFA looks to help maintain, both during their career and for life afterwards. The hard work of those dedicated behind the scenes – such as director of player welfare Michael Bennett – should continue to be championed, along with campaigns to help tackle the stigmas over mental health and sexuality as well as the on-going battle for racial equality.

Clubs' cash crisis

While not the PFA's direct responsibility, the union stands to protect player incomes when clubs find themselves in financial difficulty. Recent events at Bolton have highlighted the importance of such support, as the fight for owner responsibility and accountability rumbles on.

amp_article__354516 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-03-27 16:07:56:
html db last update - 2019-03-27 16:07:56 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Read more about Gordon Taylor Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .