Have we finally sorted a long-standing problem?

I've read a fair bit this morning about some form of resolution regarding bonuses to players having been sorted at NUFC.

The good thing to come from this is that it was apparently a cause of some unrest in the dressing room last season so now it's been resolved it will hopefully act as an incentive and not a bone of contention.

Quite what the bonus is will, quite obviously, remain confidential, but to me it's important that the players have some financial incentive to aim for as they try and push up the league. I'll have a stab at the bonus being paid for achieving a top ten finish although obviously I'm just speculating. Sounds about right though doesn't it?

Needless to say that Alan Pardew is delighted and feels that this agreement will help ensure that the club as a whole are pulling in the same direction:

“I made it a big priority of mine to make sure that go over the line," said Pardew in quotes attributed to The Journal “It is important the board and the players are going to go together. I think at any football club that is what you need. There has to be a respect between one to the other."

He continued: “Of course, as the manager it is difficult sometimes because you are in the middle. I am employed by Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias, but my loyalties are just as strong to the players, who I represent and care about and want to try and enhance their careers and make them better players and make the team better."

“It is sometimes a delicate position, but I am pleased it has got over the line. I think it is important - and I don't think it should be underestimated either.”

“It seems to me this job comes with tough somewhere in the middle. Some of the problems I have inherited that I have gone on about before have not made things easy and I have picked up history that has gone on in contract negotiations."

"I think it is very, very important we try and build a new understanding of the club going forward together. The bonus sheet going over the line yesterday is quite significant because it did not go over the line last year."

“It might seem a small thing, but I think it is important the club and players agree there is something in place for a reward for what you do.”

I think the last line just about sums up how I feel. Of course to real people such ourselves, the fact that footballers are paid tens of thousands of pounds a week would be reward enough for what you do, but footballers don't live in the real world so I guess it's all kind of relevant. Would you turn down a bonus in your job for achieving a pre-agreed goal? I wouldn't.

The evidence is there to suggest that the money is there to be paid, but the players must earn it through performances on the pitch. Performance related bonuses are a good incentive for players to get that bit of extra cash and will hopefully drive them on this season.

It won't be long before we see if it works or not.