PFA helps Derby beat cash crisis

The Professional Footballers’ Association will continue to monitor the financial situation at cash-strapped Derby even though their players have now been paid.

After bailing out Bradford during the summer, the PFA have now stepped in as another leading club faces financial difficulties.

Ironically, Derby were one of the most vociferous opponents to the PFA receiving 10% of the latest Premier League contract.

Now, having crashed out of the top flight last term, the Rams are receiving the benefit of PFA wisdom.

“We will work hand in hand with the club to try to ensure the players are not affected,” said PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire.

“Our expertise is increasing all the time because sadly this kind of situation is occurring more often.

“We will look at the present financial situation at Derby and see what we can do to help, we have given the players that assurance.”

A combination of huge salaries, the collapse of the ITV Digital contract and relegation from the Premier League have left some clubs in a perilous state.

Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday have been struggling on for some time, Bradford almost went under during the summer and now Derby and Leicester are facing up to their own financial traumas.

“The clubs who have recently been in the Premier League are experiencing major problems,” admitted McGuire.

“They have overheads based on Premier League income and for them it’s not just about filling a few holes, the have huge financial concerns.

“Money worries are not something new – two years ago we had three First Division clubs in administration – but it is indicative of the situation football now finds itself in.”