Gordon Taylor steps down as PFA chief executive after 38 years

Gordon Taylor stepped down as chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association on Wednesday. The 74-year-old held the position for 38 years before announcing his resignation at the organization's annual general meeting in Manchester. His decision comes after criticism from PFA chairman and Walsall defender Ben Purkiss that's been backed up by former players.
"It is true that, at times last year, members of the management committee did not see eye-to-eye on a number of issues but, following a series of meetings over the last few months, we are now united on the best way forward for the organization," Taylor said in a statement.
"Today, members of the PFA have agreed that I should remain as chief executive throughout the period of the review to provide the necessary stability for our organization and members.
"Following the review and the appointment of a new CEO, the current chairman and management committee have agreed it is right for them to step down as well."
The mutiny at the PFA is due to alleged governance issues and Taylor's £2.2-million salary, which appears lucrative given the amounts allocated to player welfare services, according to BBC Sport's Dan Roan.
Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph believes a lack of meaningful research into the link between football and dementia, and the general dearth of post-career care for players, caused anger behind the scenes at the PFA. Wilson adds that the PFA's annual general meeting was originally scheduled for an earlier date, but a "bitter disagreement about Purkiss' eligibility to continue as chairman" led to it being moved to Wednesday. Now Taylor, Purkiss, and the entire management committee will step down following the PFA's upcoming independent review process.
Taylor was a winger for Birmingham City when he was appointed to the PFA's management committee in 1972. He took the role of chairman in 1978 before becoming chief executive in 1981.
Purkiss, 34, was elected PFA chairman in November 2017, succeeding former Hartlepool United player Ritchie Humphreys.