Savage Justification?

By Matt Scott 
The on-going debate, which surrounds footballers and their huge pay packets has managed to find its way back into the media spotlight after one of the UK’s most outspoken players, Robbie Savage, had his say on the matter.

The 36-year-old Welshman said, ‘We get hammered a lot, so I’m on there (twitter) giving a footballer’s viewpoint. The most common complaint is footballers earn too much. Nonsense. I defy anyone who gets offered it to say no, no matter what job you do.

"We’re lucky to earn good money and we work hard for it. It is not our fault that we were good enough to play football and get handsomely paid for it.

"I do work hard for it. The rewards are there if you do, so don’t tell me I haven’t worked hard for it. I would say every player I have played with has earned his money. Why is it always footballers who get criticised for the money they earn?

"A top darts player can earn £1m a year. A cricketer £1m for two months, a golfer £7.4m for one tournament, a rubbish boxer £3m for one fight, a sprinter £400,000 for an appearance, a tennis player £800,000 for one week. But it’s always footballers who get criticised."

The Derby County midfielder’s rant was a response to criticism from some supporters, who were venting their frustration over the news that John O’Shea had put pen to paper on a £80,000 a week contract extension at Manchester United.

Savage’s comments suggest he feels strongly that the revenue he generates for his club as well as the public scrutiny he has to face, more than entitle him and his fellow professionals to the rewards they receive.

It is often forgotten that the majority of sporting professionals have very short career spans, which can be ended in an instant if an injury occurs. It also has to be said that some bankers and online entrepreneurs earn similar amounts without working half as hard or entertaining the public.

Robbie Savage in calmer mood - Image Credit Flickr User Matlock-Photo

John O’Shea Must Think He’s Dreaming

Image Credit Wikimedia

By Matt Scott
The Sun recently revealed that Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea has signed a new £16.5million contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to tie down the remaining Manchester United players whose contracts are running out. This news comes off the back of Wayne Rooney’s new, reported, £250,000 a week contract. Patrice Evra, who has been an ever present in the United side this season, has also just recently signed a new long term £100,000 a week contract.

29-year-old O’Shea, who won’t argue against the fact that he isn’t as integral to the team as Evra or Rooney, will no doubt be delighted with his £80,000 a week deal. O’Shea, who defines the term versatile, has played all across the back four and midfield as well as a brief appearance as an emergency goalkeeper during his 12 year career at Old Trafford.

John O'Shea, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick - Image Credit Wikimedia

The new contracts that are being offered to players are a statement of intent from the club, to let that fans know that they can still compete on a financial level with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. David Gill, the Manchester United Chief executive said, ‘we have a policy that wages should be 50per cent or less of our turnover. We believe that we can do that and still retain and attract the starts that we need. This is a sensible model.’

It has also been suggested that Brazilian midfielder Anderson, who is yet to justify his hefty price tag, will be offered a new deal. This may come as a surprise to some fans that have seen much speculation linking Anderson with move away from Manchester. The likes of Portuguese Giants Porto and Greek side Panathinaikos have been mentioned as potential destinations.