Gordon Taylor: PFA chief executive to step down after 38 years

Gordon Taylor has announced he will step down as chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) after a review into the running of the organisation is completed.

The 74-year-old, who is the highest paid union executive in the world, has been in the role for 38 years but had recently come under increasing pressure to resign his role.

It follows public criticism from Ben Purkiss, the PFA chairman, who had pushed for an independent review of the union, led by Thomas Linden QC, which is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

Mr Taylor, a divisive figure who is lauded by some and criticised by others, announced his decision to leave at the PFA’s annual general meeting in Manchester on Wednesday.

Campaigner Dawn Astle, whose father, former England footballer Jeff Astle died in 2002 of a degenerative brain disease, has repeatedly clashed with Mr Taylor over the union’s response to growing evidence which suggests the illness is linked to heading the ball.

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp and David Seaman have described him as “top class” in his dealings with players.

Mr Taylor has been closely scrutinised for what some judge to be an overgenerous pay packet.

The ex-footballer, whose playing career in the 1960s and 70s included spells with Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers, reportedly earned almost £20m over the past 12 years.

He was said to have been paid an annual salary of £2.2m in 2017.

Mr Taylor was also engaged in a bitter internal battle with Mr Purkiss, whose call for him to step down in November was endorsed by more than 200 current and former players.

In a statement, Mr Taylor said: “The end of 2018 was an extremely difficult period for the hardworking, excellent staff of the PFA. Many of the attacks levelled at our organisation and its leadership through the media were both unfounded and unfair.

“It is true that, at times last year, members of the managemen committee did not see eye-to-eye on a number of issues but, following a series of meetings over the last few months, we are now united on the best way forward for the organisation.

“It goes without saying that I am extremely proud of the work and input that the PFA has had on the development of the greatest game in the world, and I will continue to fight for the organisation, its members and our role in the game – both in this country and worldwide.”

Mr Purkiss said: “Last year I stated that the PFA needs to evolve otherwise there is a risk we get left behind. As chairman of the PFA, I said publicly that we needed to review the governance of the organisation, and I welcome the fact that an independent review will now take place.

“While I am an advocate for change, it was never my intention to be critical of the organisation. There is so much about the PFA of which we can rightly be proud, and I want to acknowledge the staff at the PFA who work tirelessly to support members across so many different areas.”

(c) Sky News 2019: Gordon Taylor: PFA chief executive to step down after 38 years