Discontent among players over the support offered by the Professional Footballers’ Association when they finish their careers is a key reason why the union’s chairman, Ben Purkiss, wants an independent review, the Guardian understands.
Purkiss’s call for a review has left Gordon Taylor facing potentially the most serious challenge in his 37 years as the PFA’s chief executive. The issue has caused a schism between the pair and Taylor is understood to be resistant to such a proposal.
Unhappiness among some players at the assistance they have received when making the transition into retirement is one of two issues identified by Purkiss as highlighting a need for change. He also believes the PFA should be putting more than £100,000 a year into research into dementia. The Walsall defender says the union has £50m in the bank. Last year’s PFA accounts showed Taylor was paid £2.29m.
Purkiss wants the organisation to “set the gold standard” and feels this can be achieved only by a modernisation that would act on the recommendations of an independent review.
Taylor has written to the 92 PFA club delegates to inform them that next week’s AGM has been adjourned because it is necessary to clarify whether Purkiss is eligible to continue as chairman on the grounds that he is a non-contract player at Walsall. Purkiss argues that non-contract players have always been PFA members.
The PFA said in a statement on Friday: “We instructed two QCs who provided advice that his status meant he was ineligible to be a member of the PFA and therefore ineligible to remain as the chairman. Those opinions were provided to Mr Purkiss but he was not prepared to accept the advice.” They said Purkiss had been invited to “engage in the agreed process in place to deal with disputes”.
Purkiss and Taylor report to the 18-strong management committee, which consists of current players, including Burnley’s Tom Heaton and Manchester City’s Steph Houghton.
Purkiss has no wish to dislodge Taylor as chief executive but believes the 73-year-old enjoys too much top-down power. The Guardian tried to reach Taylor for comment.
Gareth Southgate’s success at the Russia 2018 World Cup is cited as an example of how when players are consulted more and allowed greater input material benefit occurs.
Purkiss wants the PFA to offer greater help and education for members as they adjust to life after playing. Speaking more broadly, he warned on Friday that the union has to change.
“The PFA needs to evolve otherwise you get left behind,” the 34-year-old told BBC Sport. “We have discussed the need for evolution and the rapid pace the world is changing, and the pace at which football and footballers are changing.
“If you do not continue on that path, eventually other organisations will fill your space. From there, where do you go? You kind of become obsolete. We had a meeting a few weeks ago. We had a full and frank discussion. I left the room, enabled them to talk about the direction they wanted to take the organisation, came back into the room and received unanimous approval from the management committee.”
“Modern footballers are markedly different from the footballer of five, 10, 15 years ago. The game is changing at a rapid pace. Look at the Manchester City team at the top of the table – their style of play and calibre of player is so much different to five or 10 years ago. With that brings different challenges for the players.
“I would like to see us having a better relationship with the players. I would like to see a situation where they truly understand what we can do for them, not just in times of need but taking the proactive approach. Going into dressing rooms, talking to the younger players, helping them financially, so – for all the players who do fall by the wayside and have their dreams shattered – we are there, they know exactly who to come to and they can come to us straight away.”
