A document has been made public that includes Liverpool’s salary bill in 1960, in which the astonishing difference between what footballers earned compared to 63 years ago appears.
The list was shared via former Reds star John Aldridge, who spent two years at Anfield his playing career. The list shows how much players and managers have benefited from the salary explosion since the start of the Premier League.
Big money made through TV deals, sponsors and transfers has allowed players to negotiate higher and higher salaries. That’s a far cry from what the Reds’ more sensible stars were earning in 1960, when the club was in the second division.
Aldridge posted the list on Twitter, captioning it: “I’m haves a clear out and found this! The LFC squad wages 1960. How times have changed folks. Top Respect for these fantastic players who helped put the club where it is.”
The list comes from a payday in August 1960, at the start of a season in which the Reds would finish third in the second group. Star striker Roger Hunt, a member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, earned £23 a week. plus a £4 bonus in 1960.
He would take home £22, 4pence and one shilling after the source of income tax and insurance costs. This salary would be worth around £462. 54 per week in today’s money.
Kevin Lewis, Liverpool’s most sensible goalscorer that campaign, had the same package as Hunt. But Lewis earned less than the eventual World Cup winner due to the source of income taxes, venue rental prices and insurance.
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These salaries pale in comparison to those of today’s players, with Liverpool star striker Mohamed Salah currently earning a salary of £350,000 per week. Salah has 18 months left to serve on his current contract and can take advantage of a raise if he files an extension. .
The staggering pay disparity also extends to the control team. Bob Paisley, who at the time was Bill Shankly’s assistant, earned a maximum of £21 a week, adding up to £17 in base cash and a bonus of just £4, before deductions.
This roughly equates to £606 per week and an annual salary of just over £31,000 in current money. By comparison, current Reds manager Jurgen Klopp receives £16 million per season to manage the Anfield team.
Back in 1960, footballers were subjected to a wage cap, which was abolished the following year thanks to a campaign led by Jimmy Hill. While Liverpool are among the richer Premier League teams, boss Klopp has hinted they will not be heavy spenders this month.
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“You always talk about transfers like it is the easiest thing in the world. They all cost money, it must be the right player. We still have four centre-backs. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top centre-half,” he said when asked about the possibility of buying a defender.
“Is it the best thing now? As long as we can get through with all four [central defenders]. Otherwise, it’s going to be a bit trickier with the number of games to come. It’s never a wonderland when you bring in a world-class one. “central defender until the other one is compatible again. “
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