On the cost side WTF11 - regarding the longer contracts scenario at ER,these can often lower a players incentives to perform to a high standard consistently.Although a consistent performance is required it is hardly 'contractible' due to the complexity of tasks a player has to cope with match by match so the rewarding of the number of appearances,goals/assists etc can lead to distortions in how players earn a bonus reward.So paying high amounts (add on's) for getting into the team via incentives would most likely also increase the injury risk and such personal contracted incentives may diminish the team spirit over time.
At most mainland Europe clubs pay is two-thirds fixed and one-third variable based on the success of the team and a player playing at least 60% of first team matches.This model was introduced at Man City and has been accepted and is used by most PL clubs now and is also the Championship.
In the Football League the potential bonus add on's becomes more significant and it is not unusual to see 'bonus packages' that could potentially earn players an additional 25-50% of his basic salary - particularly if a club is promoted and the player hits all his personal add on's of shirt sales,appearances,goals,tackle contributions,goal assists and match contribution target - all analysis requirements that are contained in players contracts today
not to mention International call ups and off field club activities rewards as well...........
So - players £5 million/3 year contracts appear to be the requirement for success is MY consensus after viewing all PL and Championship clubs accounts for the prior two seasons and various private info given on matters via reputable source.
But with the pressure to compete among the top clubs becoming ever more intense - can every club afford to offer its best players lower wages and the opportunity to make up the difference in performance based pay ?
At the end of the day there will always be a club willing to offer more money as we know well or at least more guaranteed money if from a league above so a calculator will determine how much the Rad appears to need .........
ALAW - MOT