Elite may pay clubs more

A NUMBER of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, are considering increasing solidarity payments to their lower league counterparts in the wake of Bury’s expulsion. Currently, top-flight sides pay those in the Championship £4.5million, League One £675,000 and League Two £460,000 a season. Given Bury’s plight, which came in the same year those payments were cut for the first time, officials are giving serious consideration to suggesting an increase. Senior figures at some clubs have been saddened by the demise of the two-time FA Cup winners, who on Tuesday night became the first side to be kicked out of the League since 1992. Many feel there is enough money in the Premier League to ensure the safety of those at the other end of the spectrum. Bury’s proximity to United and links with their illustrious neighbour mean their plight has been keenly felt at Old Trafford, with United open to reviewing the payments.