Quote Cruncher="Cruncher"It's highly possible, with all these benefits, that he has been prepared to take a hit in terms of his salary for one year - especially as when he takes up his full-time coaching reins, a year after that, Wigan can afford to be generous to him.'"
That really doesn't matter as I have been trying to explain. He will most likely be one of the top 25 earners at the club even if he is on a low wage and a club can only divide its salary cap up (the £1.6m part) between 25 players.
If he isn't then his salary would eat into the £50K outside the £1.6m that is intended to be used when a young low wage player gets the odd game.
Quote CruncherIt's also a matter of opinion whether or not that cap space is 'being wasted'. Like it or not, we need cover in the halves. An alternative might have been to promote Joe Mellor into the first team squad, but personally I think he's too young. Give Mellor another year, and he'll be fine - until then Deacs will provide more-than-adequate cover. And if it does put pressure on the likes of Riddell to get his act together, then you won't hear any complaints from me.'"
Nor me but we need to get over this idea that paying a player a low wage makes the cap go further. Pay 25 players averaging £50K a year (total £1.25m) does not mean the club could spend the remaining £350K on a couple of players.
Dave
Personally I think its a great bit of business getting him on a 1 year playing deal. Local lad, has a lot to offer as far as experience goes and he has the time to learn the coaching ropes at our great club. 
