EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League
The EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League could be set to hold a landmark vote in the coming months on whether to ban clubs from paying players.
The battle lines have been drawn following the overwhelming approval of Wombwell Main manager Terry Simon’s comments last week regarding clubs paying at Step 7.
Mr Simon said he did not feel it was right players earning sums of money for playing in an amateur league.
He also questioned the long-term sustainability of paying players at Step 7.
A league spokesman said feedback on the issue from clubs is to be asked for.
It could then lead to a potential ground-breaking vote.
Leading officials are deeply worried about the long-term survival of the league.
Established clubs Millmoor Juniors, Sheffield Lane Top, New Bohemians and Worsbrough Common folded last season due to a lack of players.
Several clubs have raised warning flags this summer even before a ball has been kicked.
Officials fear the influx of large sums of money into Step 7 and the CSL will have a negative effect on the number of member clubs in the coming years.
One argument is younger players will believe the norm is get paid in the CSL – whether small or big amounts – and then drop out of the game when they realise they cannot receive monetary gain at the majority of the clubs in the CSL.
The second is players who truly regard themselves as an amateur and play for enjoyment without the intention of going higher could become fed up at playing against players who are far superior and are playing at a lower level because of money. They could then pack in playing.
Both arguments only reinforce the view clubs’ ability to raise sides will become harder and harder and will lead to more folding.
I watched Wombwell Main yesterday and they drafted in 2 or 3 “semi pro “ players who don’t play regularly for them,stopping lads who play for the love of the game from playing. Double standard from Terry. You’ve got to feel sorry for Oughterbridge
I am not quite sure who the two or three players drafted in were but I can assure you of one thing no-one was paid to play yesterday.
You seem to have totally missed the point of the original post, I was asked the question do I think paying players at step 7 will have a long term negative impact on the CSL. I have no issues who plays for which club the conversation was around payment to players.
On a positive note thank you for taking time to come and watch the game, if you are ever at a loose end you will receive a warm welcome at Wombwell Main FC and enjoy grassroots football in its purest form.
My point is you played players who play for Armthorpe, Dearne, Athersley Rec as there first clubs,stopping players who play for nothing playing. Total double standards. Barnsley sides are having too much influence on this league and the next time I’m over Wombwell way I’ll pop in to discuss it further if you wish Terry. Good luck for the season
I agree T Smith double standards from Terry, talking about amateur status then regularly playing lads from higher up the pyramid. But as we already know in wider terms of the CSL it’s one rule for Wombwell Main one rule for everyone else.
Correct mate. Terry says something his assistant manager turns out to be secretary of league what do you know now there’s a vote. Puppet master Terry
Don’t agree with paying players but it’ll be impossible to police. I do think playing players from higher up in the pyramid is a bigger problem gives bigger clubs who have these players signed on an even bigger advantage. The step 7 league that my team plays in have brought a rule in this season. Any player who’s played in any league above step 7 can’t play play for his step 7 team for 2 weeks. I think this makes things fairer. Maybe something this league needs to look at if one team is getting a unfair advantage from having these players signed on
Decent idea harry, but Mr Simon won’t go for that due the 3 NCEL players regularly turning out for him. Glass houses and all that