Gordon Taylor and Walsall's Ben Purkiss to step down from PFA
Controversial chief executive Gordon Taylor and Walsall player Ben Purkiss have announced they will both be stepping down from the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Taylor has been chief executive of the PFA for the past 38 years and is Britain’s highest-paid union boss, having received almost £20million over the past 12 years.
He has been criticised by the Astle family for failing to fund enough research into dementia following the death of Baggies legend Jeff Astle in 2002.
Last year, civil war broke out inside the PFA when chairman Purkiss – who is on Walsall’s books – called for evolution.
An independent review was set up and today, at the PFA's annual general meeting, it was announced both men would be stepping down once that review was completed.
Taylor said: “The end of 2018 was an extremely difficult period for the hardworking, excellent staff of the PFA.
"Many of the attacks levelled at our organisation and its leadership through the media were both unfounded and unfair.
“It is true that, at times last year, members of the Management Committee did not see eye-to-eye on a number of issues but, following a series of meetings over the last few months, we are now united on the best way forward for the organisation.
“Today, members of the PFA have agreed that I should remain as Chief Executive throughout the period of the review to provide the necessary stability for our organisation and members.
“Following the review and the appointment of a new CEO, the current Chairman and Management Committee have agreed it is right for them to step down as well.
“I have given the majority of my life to the advancement of the PFA and I hope I have provided a platform for our continued success in the future.
“Every decision I have made has been in the interest of members and I believe the review will make the PFA – the oldest and most powerful sporting union in the world – even stronger."
Purkiss said: “Last year I stated that the PFA needs to evolve otherwise there is a risk we get left behind.
"As Chairman of the PFA, I said publicly that we needed to review the governance of the organisation, and I welcome the fact that an independent review will now take place.
“While I am an advocate for change, it was never my intention to be critical of the organisation.
"There is so much about the PFA of which we can rightly be proud, and I want to acknowledge the staff at the PFA who work tirelessly to support members across so many different areas."
