POUND £1 A WEEK LAND
Nowakowski signs a new deal for just
ADAM NOWAKOWSKI’S offer to play for non-league Bradford Park Avenue for just £1 a week has gone viral.
The 32- year- old midfielder’s unique generosity has struck a chord with all those clubs a million miles away from the riches of the Premier League, struggling to exist during the pandemic.
When journeyman non-league player Nowakowski told manager Mark Bower of his plan, he never envisaged the reaction which has followed.
“Hopefully, it’s put Bradford PA on the map and made people realise there is a world beyond the Premier League,” he said.
“It would be lovely to think something like this could catch on further up the football scale.”
In Nowakowski’s world, most players have other jobs to supplement their modest football income.
He said: “The Premier League, with its vast income, is stuck in its own bubble.
“Lower down, we’re stuck in a more realistic bubble where players can’t afford their mortgages.
“It’s surprising how many people know so little about the harsh realities of the non-league.
I’ve seen at close quarters what is happening now.
“Some players have had to move back in with their parents because they haven’t had enough money to pay the bills.”
Which is why it’s even more surprising that Nowakowski, who works as a sales executive for a food company, agreed his huge pay cut with the National League North side.
“When our season came to a close, you didn’t know what was going to happen,” he said.
“One thing was certain – there wouldn’t be much money knocking around.
“I thought to myself, ‘ You know what, I’ve been pretty fortunate for the past 12 years. I’ve played for a few decent non-league sides like Harrogate Town, Darlington’. It was time to give something back.
“So I told the manager I’d sign my new contract for £1 a week.
“I think at first he thought I was taken the Mickey because I’m known to bring a bit of life to the changing room.
“So his first instinct was that I was just having him on.
“When he realised I was being serious, I’ve never seen him move so quickly.
“He immediately got some forms sent over by the secretary for me sign in case I changed my mind. I wasn’t expecting any of my team-mates to follow suit.
“For me, it’s just getting a message out there that life in the lower leagues is hard at the best of times – never mind in the midst of a pandemic.
“You never know, if I’m offered another contract in 12 months’ time, I might ask for £2 a week!”
Nowakowski has worries about how the cessation of football at non-league level is affecting some players.
“It’s been a hand- to- mouth process financially for some,” he added. “For others, it’s also been mentally challenging because often it’s been a lonely existence.
“At Bradford, we had our first training session in months last week and it was a real relief.
“Football and sport in general is like an extended family. You share all sorts. You’re in the changing room, exchanging banter. You travel to away games together.
“When this is all taken away, then it’s very hard to adapt and, in non-league circles, you’ve got the extra worries of where is the money going to come from.
“I couldn’t wait to get back to see some close colleagues and friends again.”
But don’t expect Bradford PA’s dressing room benefactor to buy the first round – these days £1 doesn’t stretch that far.