Bannsiders welcome the introduction of a wage cap as attendances rise again

Last Monday night clubs voted to introduce the measure in response to the current economic climate.

Under the new legislation each club in the Carling Premiership will be permitted to use 60 per cent of their "total allowable income" on players' salaries.

The IFA is set to work with all 12 teams in the top flight next season to identify income from which players will be paid.

The Bannsiders Chief Executive, John Mairs (pictured right), told Times Sport that he felt it was a 'good thing' for clubs to work within their budgets and that Coleraine were 'well on target' to meet the new criteria.

"We're well on target to fall within the 60% threshold and we do not see this ruling having a major impact on us," he said.

"We already work to a strict budget at The Showgrounds, our manager knows every year exactly how much he has to spend on bringing new players in and we do not deviate from that.

"As a club who very nearly went out of business a few years ago we know just how important it is to stick to your budget. Hopefully this new ruling will help preserve the future of other teams, which can only be a good thing.

"Hopefully clubs will work together to make it a success and help take this league forward."

The new chairman of the IFA Premiership Management Committee and current Coleraine chairman, Hugh Wade, has described the introduction of a wage cap in the Irish League as "a vital and responsible decision".

Mr Wade believes the cap – which will be implemented in the 2011/12 season - will safeguard the future of local football for years to come. And he believes clubs have made "a vital and responsible decision" to carry this through.

"This decision has been taken following several months of consultation regarding the principle of the salary cap and the finer details of the implementation guidelines," he said.

"I would like to thank all the clubs for their support and also the IFA staff and panel of experts who have contributed.

"I trust that this act of self regulation by the clubs will ensure that the Carling Premiership continues to grow in stature in the coming years."

IFA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson described the move as a "brave and courageous step".

"It is a big move, but also an important step that I believe is vital for the long term survival of our local game," he added.

"This salary cap allows each club to budget appropriately and spend within their means, therefore allowing them a more secure financial footing.

"The Irish FA is intent on ensuring that good financial practices are present within all clubs, and this decision made by the Committee means that yesterday could turn out to have been a very important day for the future of many of our clubs."

There have been concerns raised over the introduction of a salary cap in local football.

Linfield manager David Jeffrey and former Lisburn Distillery boss Paul Kirk have both voiced their fears over the potential for "under-the-table" payments to players.

Both have questioned how the cap will be policed when it is introduced next year.

Meanwhile, attendances in the Carling Premiership have risen again during the 2009/10 season.

In what is a fantastic endorsement for the improving popularity of local football, the figures just released have revealed an increase in 6% on average attendances throughout the league compared to the 08/09 season.

The Chairman of the IFA Premiership Management Committee, Hugh Wade, is delighted with the new attendance figures. He said: "I am pleased with the support that the fans have shown this season. Attendances have risen a further 6%, which is fantastic considering the previous season's 11% increase.

"The unpredictable and freezing weather conditions around the festive season resulted in many matches being postponed, and this could have been disastrous for the clubs as many Saturday matches were moved to mid-week dates later in the season."

Mr Wade expressed his gratitude to the fans for their continued support.

He continued: "This year's winter was unbelievable, but the fans have not been deterred from watching their teams. I would like to personally thank the fans for the patience and understanding in what was at times at very tough season.

"However, overall it has been another exciting season which has produced many memorable games for all the fans, and if this trend continues it promises to be a bright future for the Carling Premiership."

Mr Mairs confirmed that there had been a slight rise in Coleraine's figures for the season, especially amongst children and parents.

And he thanked the fans for their continued support.