A roundup of other soccer news in brief.
Players' wages up 65%
The salaries of players in the Premiership have climbed by 65 per cent since 2000 to an all-time high, a new survey reveals.
The average player in the English top flight now earns £676,000 basic pay, which represents a rise from the £410,000 which clubs paid their players six years ago.
The survey, conducted by the Independent and the Professional Footballers' Association, reveals strikers are the best-paid players in the Premiership on an average £806,000, with goalkeepers the relative paupers on an annual £533,000.
Bonuses vary and are on top of the basic salary.
The study reveals how Premiership players typically reach their earnings peak between the ages of 27 and 28.That age group sees earnings of £899,500 on average, falling to £586,000 for the 31 to 32 age group. According to the survey, 17- to 18-year-olds pocket £24,500, rising to £95,500 for 19 to 20-year-olds.
Gill glad he got his way
David Gill feels Malcolm Glazer's decision to scale down his business plan is proof Manchester United's new owner has listened to pre-takeover concerns. As United's chief executive prior to the American's £790 million buy-out last summer, Gill authorised the release of statements warning Glazer his plans for the club were too aggressive.
The warnings did not put Glazer off and he subsequently surprised many by opting to keep Gill in his post at Old Trafford. However, it now transpires Gill's cautionary words have had a major effect, with Glazer revising the business plan most financial experts agreed was impossible to attain, a view which led to fears amongst supporters about the club's owner's ability to pay off the massive debt required to complete the takeover.
"We did have concerns and we now have in place the business plan which was in place when they took over," Gill said. "They (the Glazer family) have demonstrated a willingness to listen to us. We had concerns and we articulated them publicly.
"We are going to do a new, long-term business plan. The debt is serviceable and with the stadium expansion and the sponsorship deals, we believe we are in good shape.
"The Glazers' business plan clearly allows for investment in the product - the team," added Gill. "They share the vision we have as a club and want to be the best football club in the world; on and off the field."
Money matters for Ballack
Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has claimed Michael Ballack's main motivation would be money if he chooses to join Chelsea this summer.
The 29-year-old Germany midfielder has been tipped for a move to Stamford Bridge when he becomes a free agent, and Bayern have declared they expect him to become a Chelsea player.
Hoeness said: "It was always clear that Michael did not want to learn a new language or a new culture but a new currency. It was obviously only about money."
Kenny lands in hot water
Police in Britain have confirmed they are investigating complaints against Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
It has been alleged that the Republic of Ireland international's behaviour towards the end of the Charlton's 3-2 stoppage-time win over Hull sparked trouble at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
"Complaints have been received from Hull City fans that the goalkeeper made gestures towards them as his team scored a late goal to win vital points in their race for promotion to the Premiership," read a police statement yesterday.
Crouch is more prolific
Peter Crouch has been credited with Liverpool's second goal in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on St Stephen's Day last year.
The striker's header after 43 minutes at Anfield was goal-bound and went over the line, despite Shay Given's save on to the post.
Meanwhile, Carlos Bocanegra has been credited with an own goal during Fulham's defeat to Manchester United in February - after Park Ji-Sung was initially given the goal.
Leon Osman's strike for Everton against Portsmouth was chalked off with Andy O'Brien judged to have accounted for the winner at Fratton Park on January 14th.
In brief . . .
England captain David Beckham has again stated his interest in playing in the United States when his stay at Real Madrid ends . . . Fifa yesterday revealed their annual profits rose to €136 million in 2005, which represents an increase of €36 million or 35.5 per cent on the previous year's figures . . . The World Cup final in Germany this summer will be played using a gold-coloured ball - and the winners will be allowed use the same design of ball in all their games for four years, until the next finals.
