Taylor is facing the biggest threat to his 37-year reign at the helm of the players’ union as a host of former stars have called for his head.
The 73-year-old Taylor is locked in a power battle with PFA chairman Ben Purkiss.
Taylor is attempting to get Purkiss removed from his post after the chairman agreed non-contract terms with Walsall following a neck injury.
But Purkiss is refusing to budge and called for a full inquiry into the way the PFA is run.
And now Taylor – who earned £2.2million in 2017 – and the union heads appear to have been forced into a U-turn, confirming a “full and open” review which will be led by an outside QC.
In an open letter to PFA members, Taylor said: “Over the last few days you may have seen some criticism levelled at the leadership of the PFA in the media.
“We have listened to what has been said about us and taken the time to think carefully about what is in the best interests of our organisation and our members.”
Taylor, in defensive mode, added: “I have dedicated the last forty years of my life to professional football.
“I am extremely proud of the work we do, supporting our members, whether that’s through training and coaching programmes, or promoting diversity and equality in the sport.
“ I am happy to defend our record – including on issues such as mental health, diversity and player welfare – but I am the first to admit that there are always areas we can improve.
“We owe it to you, our members, to hold ourselves to the highest possible standards. We believe we do.
“However, I am adamant that criticism must not be swept under the carpet and instead addressed head on.
“It is important that we are transparent, committed to constantly improving and restless in our mission to support you.
“We will, therefore, be recommending to the PFA’s Board of Trustees and Management Committee that an independent QC conducts a full and open review into the structure and operation of the PFA as the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales.
“We will work closely with both the Board of Trustees and Management Committee to finalise the parameters and timeline of the review, at which point we will update you.
“We are proud of the work that we do with professional players across all leagues. As you know, we are focused on working with you on some of the most pressing issues in our sport.”
The response from Taylor is the most significant move yet in the battle that is raging inside the PFA.
Former stars such as Danny Murphy and Chris Sutton, as well as the family of ex-England striker Jeff Astle, are calling for change at the PFA.
Clarke Carlisle, chairman from 2010 to 2013, also suggested: “There is a difference between Gordon as a human being and an organisation like the PFA having the same chief executive for 37 years.
“One of the most important things with any organisation is that the hierarchy resonates with those underneath them and which feels relevant to them.
“Gordon has done a magnificent job and transformed the PFA from six employees to the behemoth it has become.
“But that’s not to say that having a change of structure or personnel won’t do something positive for what the union is trying to do in the future.”
And Taylor’s unexpected move appears a clear signal that the chief executive recognises the threat to his position.
Whether it will be enough for Taylor’s critics, or merely be viewed as an attempt to buy time, is less clear.
Source: Read Full Article