Wages a worry for Hereford United

The soaring cost of players wages must be a worry for Hereford United and several other League Two clubs as they look for new signings.

It appears that Tamika Mkandawire, who has moved to Leyton Orient, is to be paid twice that offered by Hereford United. At the time of the offer manager Graham Turner admitted that had Mkandawire accepted he would have become the Bulls highest paid player.

And Andy Williams, whose move to Bristol Rovers will be confirmed this coming week, is expected be paid substantially more than at Edgar Street. Sources say his wages will have doubled in twelve months.

Even in the Welsh Premier League a few choice players are set to earn close to £1,000 a week as the recent revelation about Jacob Mingorance of Llanelli makes clear. He asked for a weekly pay packet of £1,500 plus bonuses. The club didn't agree to his demands but made him a good offer to stay believed to be close to £1,000 per week. How they could afford to pay him close to that level is not known.

The latest (late season) average League Two wages for players aged 21 and over is around £50,000 per week according to the Independent.

Goalkeeper £45,900
Defender £44,400
Midfielder £46,800
Forward £67,900
Overall £49,600

Recently Graham Turner stressed the need to increase earnings to be able to afford the higher wages required. He also said that the size of the squad at Edgar Street will be a few less this coming season.

Last season the average size of the squad was 24 of which 6 or so would be younger players with lower earnings. Had Hereford paid average wages as defined by the Independent then the wage bill would have come around £1 million. To keep inside the 65% rule, turnover would have needed to rise to £1.5 million. At present that level of turnover hasn't been reached.

Turner is a shrewd operator but he will need all his wits about him this coming season if the Bulls are to have a successsful campaign. The club has to increase its income one way or another or face the consequences. And there are only a few ways to increase that income - from increased gates, from increased sponsorship and from transfer money received.

As the wage bill rises, the need to play attractive football and improve players for eventual sale will be as important as ever. It won't be easy.

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