Quinn: players will take the hit

SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn has been praised for his decision to protect the club’s lower-paid employees at the expense of millionaire players in the event of relegation.

Had the Black Cats followed Newcastle and Middlesbrough into the Championship at the end of last season, Quinn had a contingency plan which would have seen the wage bill automatically trimmed without the need to lay off staff.

Indeed, Quinn will insist on relegation clauses being included in all new player contracts. His approach is one management experts believe could benefit other clubs.