FOOTBALLERS’ union chief Gordon Taylor has been slammed after his pay rocketed by £1million in a year.
Campaigners struggling to get help for former players with dementia said the increase was “like a kick in the teeth”.
Accounts reveal PFA boss Taylor, who was already the highest-paid union chief, received £2.3million in 2016/17 — up from £1.3million the year before.
In the last 12 years his total pay has topped £16million and he now gets £44,000 a week — on a par with some of the top players he represents.
FA chairman Greg Clarke said last year the PFA “spends millions” on Taylor’s salary but “are walking away from alcoholics, addicted gamblers”.
The Jeff Astle Foundation accused it of failing to tackle dementia among former pros.
Dawn Astle, daughter of ex-West Brom star Jeff, said: “It’s like a kick in the teeth. He is accountable to no one and should go and give the job to someone more in touch.”
Accounts show that the PFA has put £100,000 into concussion and head injury research in more than five years.
Dawn added: “That is a drop in the ocean. I doubt it would have even been that if we had not spoken out. They’re only doing it because they are backed into a corner.”
Taylor, 73, has been in charge of the PFA since 1981 and lives in a mortgage- free home in Lancashire with wife Catherine.
His pay includes a basic wage of £1.2million, a bonus of £780,000 and £271,300 in employers’ National Insurance contributions.
He also gets a £41,250 car allowance, private medical cover worth £9,000, and utilities’ benefits worth £2,800.
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Five years ago it emerged he gambled £4million in 30 months.
Taylor said in 2010 his pay “pales into insignificance compared to bankers”.
He was approached for comment.
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