Fan Letters: Could Sunderland become pioneers for creating a bonus-based player pay structure?

Dear Roker Report,

Thank God we have owners who are talking to the fans and not pulling wool over our eyes.

Nail Quinn got the club on an even par when he sold Sunderland to Ellis Short, but thinking back I think Ellis probably saw how much money other clubs were making and thought “I want some of that - at a cheap price!”

Thank you to the new owners who are keeping in touch with the supporters - it has bee a good start to the new beginning of a great club.

Ian Headings

Ed’s Note [Gav]: Well said Ian - the new lads are doing a great job of staying connected to supporters so far, and long may it continue. They’ve clearly identified the complete lack of understanding and communication from Ellis Short and have decided that in order for them to connect immediately with supporters, they need to remain transparent.

That may become harder with time, but for now I’m content.

PA Images via Getty Images

Dear Roker Report,

Finally we have something to look forward to. I’m excited about seeing what our club will evolve into.

With Jack Rodwell in mind I was thinking - is it possible for Sunderland to reinvent it’s wage structure?

To help unite the team and coaches, is it possible to have all first team players on the same basic weekly wage? Something that is attractive/competitive to other teams in the same league. Then have a bonus scheme to reward them and coaches for appearances, wins, title wins, cup wins etc. It’ll help motivate players and help that they are doing it together as a team.

It’s harder to budget for but it is possible. If the players are cashing in on the max number of the budget then it means we are winning titles and cups.

We will not be able to attract the top prima donna players that want double-plus money than the rest of the team, but is this what the new look Sunderland want or need?

When signing players it can simplify things. We are Sunderland, we pay X amount and this is what we expect from our players. Do you want to be part of it or not?

I may live in a fantasy land, but can Sunderland be pioneers?

I’m interested in hearing what your thoughts are.

Ian Hindmarch

Ed’s Note [Gav]: It’s an interesting concept Ian. It’s not something that I’m certain can work, but somewhere a re-think of our wage structure is needed.

We’re still suffering from mistakes made four years ago (Jack Rodwell, I’m looking at you) and that has to be a lesson to us - we can’t go throwing silly money at players in order to effectively bribe them to come here. Charlie Methven said it himself on our Podcast - the p*ss-taking party stops now, and I firmly believe that will be the case under these new guys.

Here’s an article that may be of interest to you - our very own Tom Atkinson gave a proposal for a revised wage structure last week at Sunderland. Click here to read it.