Coining It In
Martin Keown’s testimonial made the news last night mostly because of David Beckham’s appearance, but it struck me as all a wee bit unnecessary.
When players have testimonials they traditionally receive a large slice of the gate receipts, as a thank you for 10 years service. Since last night’s game at Highbury was a sell-out, Keown would have pocketed close to £1million. This is the bit that bothers me.
In this day, where between £80,000 and £100,000 is an average monthly salary for a top-flight footballer — why do they need another huge windfall? I don’t think testimonials should be stopped, but it’d be great to see more take the stance of Niall Quinn, who, a few years ago, donated all the money from gate receipts to charity — good on yer Niall!
Posted 6 years, 3 months ago
But as a footballer, your career generally ends at 30, unless you have any sort of charisma, and then you can head into TV. Oh, and cocaine is really expensive at the moment ;)
Andrew · www · 6 years, 3 months ago
True, but I reckon they earn enough in 10 or 12 years of professional football to see them through for life. Certainly the top players anyway. If you worked at a company for 10 years, they wouldn’t suddenly give you a whole years salary as a ‘gift’. Maybe it’s just envy, but I think the whole testimonial thing is badly flawed.
Phil · www · 6 years, 3 months ago
I read somewhere Keown is gonna give half the money to charity.
mars · 6 years, 3 months ago
Ah - fair dues if that is the case. I was just getting something of my chest ;-)
Phil · www · 6 years, 3 months ago
How much do average footballers in europe really deserve?
EMY · 5 years, 10 months ago