League to discuss salary cap

Pearson: Calling for change

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The Football League has confirmed it is prepared to discuss the issue of a salary cap with its members.

Derby County chairman Adam Pearson has suggested the time may be right to introduce a salary cap due to the current economic climate.

League clubs are due to meet on 18th December at Derby's Pride Park and it appears likely that the matter will be discussed.

A League spokesman said: "Given the prevailing economic climate, this is an issue that will be discussed with clubs once again."

Difficult to control

However, Preston chairman Derek Shaw believes it would be 'very difficult' for a salary cap to be implemented successfully in the Championship.

Shaw said: "A salary cap would be very difficult to control because there are lots of ways round it so that players can still increase their earning power.

"At Preston our wage bill has increased by £1million per year for the past four or five years.

"If you don't pay the wages, you will get relegated from the Championship and it's very difficult to get back up - just ask Leeds and Nottingham Forest."

Shaw conceded that Preston, one of the more prudent clubs in the Championship, have been affected by the economic downturn.

He added: "Our gates are down on average by about 1,000 on last year.

"But if we reduce ticket prices then we can't afford to pay the players' wages."