BRITISH SOCCER

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29388, 15 December 1960, Page 4

BRITISH SOCCER

Southern Players To Strike (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 13. Southern English professional footbalers decided in London today to strike in support of their demands for better wages and conditions. The decision was taken at a meeting attended by more than 200 players from southern clubs. Players in the north and the Midlands are to decide whether to support the strike (which is planned to start on January 14) at meetings in Manchester tomorrow and in Birmingham on Thursday. Today’s meeting had before it proposals drawn up in London last Friday by the chairman of football clubs in the English League. The chairmen were faced with players’ demands for: A new contract of service. The right to negotiate minimum and not maximum wages. The right to a percentage of transfer fees. The setting up of a committee from football League players and Football Association representatives to deal with transfers and other controversial matters. With the threat of a strike occurring in mid-season, the chairmen in turn made concessions. They proposed a new wage-scale, with a higher maximum of £3O a week, and a new contract of service up to three years instead of the present annual contract. They proposed that wages should increase annually by £2 a week up to the new maximum, with additional “extras” such as increased talent money, and the setting-up of a negotiating committee to deal with disputes.

League Cup Results (N.Z. Press Association-Copyright) LONDON, December 13. Results of tonight’s English League Cup soccer matches were:— Fourth Round.—Aston Villa 3, Plymouth Argyle 3; Burnley v. Nottingham Forest postponed.