Latics’ delight at salary breakthrough

ATHLETIC chief executive Alan Hardy hailed a breakthrough in the push for salary restrictions in npower League One.

Hardy attended a meeting of the 72 Football League outfits at Walsall, where for the first time, there was unanimous backing for the idea.

The vote supported plans to mirror the way League Two outfits adopt salary cost management. They are limited to paying 60-per-cent of their income on wages.

There will be a binding vote at the next meeting in February, at Leicester City.

“I am happy with the outcome, especially as it is an issue we have been discussing for three years,” said Hardy.

“It has gained support from some quarters in the past, but this is the first unanimous backing to have a proper look at the details.

“It has been a long time in the making so it was good to see such a positive reaction.”

With many clubs in the division suffering the same financial problems as Athletic, it seems the opportunity to reduce outgoings was too good to dismiss.

“We will now get an idea of how League Two clubs operate this system,” Hardy added.

“Before the meeting in February we can study documentation and put together some figures of our own.

“If points or questions need to be raised they will be, and then it goes to a binding vote. Hopefully we can come up with another unanimous decision.”