Players can’t plan for the longer-term

I AM always amazed by the turnover in players at football clubs.

This time of year normally sees clubs publishing huge lists featuring the names of men who have failed to make their mark in their jobs over the last year or two and who have been told they’re surplus to requirements.

The Dundee clubs, particularly United, have had some of the longest lists in the country this year.

Although footballers get a lot of stick, you have to admire the ones who play at a level which doesn’t see them receive huge salaries, and where they need to spend every summer – or second summer, if they’re lucky – looking for employment.

It must be particularly difficult for those of a certain age who, even if they’re only in their early 30s, can find themselves written off as being too old – especially the ones who can’t find TV punditry work or haven’t got the relevant qualifications to coach.

For all the superstars who are made for life, there are hundreds who constantly have to find new ways or places to earn a living.

One thing that doesn’t help is clubs – particularly the top ones with bigger budgets – signing huge numbers of players to sit in their squads and never get a game, and then get handed their P45s at the end of the year.

Given how much many clubs struggle financially, you’d think they’d want to get the most out of every single person they employ, just like any other efficient business.

Yet there seems to be a huge amount of wastage every single season and they never seem to learn their lesson.

Our city’s clubs aren’t exempt from this practice – and although it perhaps offers easy money for some, it can’t do any favours to those staff who want settled employment and to plan for the longer-term.

Footy fAn.