Express & Star

Walsall part of 'ongoing discussions' over League Two wage caps

Walsall are not one of 37 clubs that have signed a letter to the English Football League asking for salary caps to be introduced next season.

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The letter was sent this week on behalf of 37 of the 47 League One and League Two clubs by Mansfield Town chairman John Radford, following conference calls between senior club officials in the third and fourth tiers discussing wage caps.

Although Walsall are one of 10 clubs that are not signatories to the letter, they are part of the 'ongoing discussions' that could see salary caps introduced for the 2020/21 season – which would 'guarantee the long-term future for all EFL clubs.'

The Saddlers have not played since March 7 after all games were suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus – and doubts have been raised whether the current campaign can be finished due to a number of players being out of contract on June 30.

The EFL's position is still to finish the season when it is safe to do so and in an EFL board meeting this week, the majority of clubs in League One and League Two supported finishing the season.

Despite that, it's believed that most clubs want the season to end no later than July 31 as players will still be available to play to that stage due to an 'additional severance payment' written into their contracts and paid if they have not been able to find another club.

There is still concerns, however, over the financial impact clubs will feel if games are played behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.

The letter sent to the EFL said: "The clubs are committed to wage caps for the 2020-21 season and beyond.

"This recognises that revenue in 2020-21 is likely to be reduced by as much as 50 per cent.

"The clubs want to urgently look with the EFL into creative ways of setting the wage cap, which guarantees the long-term future for all EFL clubs.

"This is not a list of demands but is the desired direction of travel from the clubs."

Clubs from across all leagues have had a financial hit due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Walsall no exception.

The players, alongside the majority of other staff, have been furloughed – meaning only a 'skeleton staff' remain.

The club are in a better position than most, however, due to the tight control of finances.

Similarly, the supporters have also done their bit to stand by the club. Early bird season ticket sales increased by 10 per cent on the same point last year, despite a lack of action on the pitch.