The adage goes something along the lines of ‘a fair day’s wages for a fair day’s work’, hinting at some sense of fairness and equality.
In news emerging yesterday via Twitter user Simon Austin (@sport_simon) (see Tweet – below) that isn’t seemingly the case at Leeds United.
I was told on good authority that Paul Hart is only being paid £20k per year at lufc, so not a hugely enticing package.
— Simon Austin (@sport_simon) March 30, 2016
Austin, whose Twitter bio describe him as “Freelance journalist published in the New York Times, The Sun, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail. Former BBC,” is obviously a man with credentials so to put forth such a declaration (above) into such a public sphere as is Twitter is hardly an act of recklessness.
Paul Hart, once a former head of the Leeds United Academy based at Thorp Arch, Wetherby, returned to his old job in mid-December 2015 and is charged with overseeing an Academy set-up that has produced the likes of current first-team stars Lewis Cook, Charlie Taylor and Alex Mowatt.
The Leeds United Academy also has players such as Malik Wilks, Frank Mulhern, Eoghan Stokes and many others striving to be the next star to emerge from the ranks and sparkle in the first team. As such, the role that coaches like Hart contribute towards clubs like Leeds United is priceless; yet Austin says that the Whites have placed a price of £20,000 p/a on his [Hart’s] services.
Understandably, with the public volatility that is Twitter, there has been some reaction from those reading news of Paul Hart’s ‘alleged’ pay package at Elland Road.
Hart on £20,000 per annum – Twitter reacts
The news coming through was simply to unbelievable to be believed by some – well most really.
https://twitter.com/chatleedsunited/status/715243112969474048
The news didn’t surprise every Leeds fan though.
Paul Hart allegedly on £20k-a-year to be in charge of the academy. I'd say I'm surprised, but well, I'm not (if true). #lufc
— I'd Radebe Leeds (@Radebe_Leeds) March 30, 2016
This Leeds fan can’t believe that his and Hart’s wage are almost equal.
@DoctorT1992 @pistol1603 i just cant see Paul Hart being on a similar basic to me
— Matt (@MWJS82) March 30, 2016
This Leeds fan is incredulous in his disbelief at the situation, but still sees ways the club could save money.
https://twitter.com/kandol20/status/715260458794684416
Short, simple but cutting is this Tweet on the topic.
Paul Hart on 20K!!! We're on Prozac! #lufc
— Dr.T (@DoctorT1992) March 30, 2016
However, it seems that there may be another strand to the tale, with talk of Hart looking to move on from Elland Road.
Esteemed journalist and Radio Leeds presenter Adam Pope presents a different insight.
Btw I have been asking for weeks about Paul Hart's future at the Academy. No official confirmation but the noise is he is expected to leave.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) March 31, 2016
And that insight from Popey is backed up this Tweet from Radio Yorkshire.
We understand the academy director Paul Hart will be leaving Leeds United after the he and the club mutually agreed to end contract #lufc
— Proper Sport (@ProperSport) March 31, 2016
If it proves to be the case that Leeds United were paying Paul Hart £20,000 a year to run their famed Academy at Thorp Arch, and I use the phrase ‘proves to be the case’ as it is mere supposition at the moment, then you can understand the degree of indignation from some on the matter.