Al Fayed`s Gesture!

They say the drop into the Championship is something many clubs never recover from!

The last time we dropped out of the top flight I believe it took us nigh on thirty-three years to return, a lifetime!

Therefore, if the worse comes to the worse and we do drop out of the Premier League this season, it is essential that we try to bounce back as soon as possible.

These days something called 'parachute payments` soften the financial blow but it is the decimation of the squad that usually blows away any thoughts of an immediate return for many.

Thankfully, according to one report lurking in the Sunday tabloids today, it appears that Mr Al Fayed is determined any absence will only be temporary and that the squad will, to his best endeavours, be kept in its current shape.

Most clubs, fearing relegation, have clauses inserted in player`s contracts that dictate that their salaries can be cut if the club are relegated. This cut can, in some cases, be as much as 50%, hence the usual mass exodus.

However, if the report I`ve read is correct, Al Fayed, in order to keep the squad together, has agreed not to invoke such clauses thereby halting any mass exodus.

Raise a glass to the man - he deserves it!