It's in strife because football is lower on the list of priorities for young males these days, not because of a minority getting a bit of coin. Absolutely agree.
But, the amounts being paid makes some of those young men all of a sudden raise the priority of football in their lives.
That in turn, swings the pendulum even futher in favour paying clubs, which then in turn creates greater disharmony, despite the fact that particular model is unsustainable.
Horseshit.
It's probably because they have greater access to more flexible and individualist pursuits. How is it horseshit? Its human nature. Paying players would increase a lot of peoples propensity to play football.
Case in point:
Billy the Bricklayer - Billy is a good footballer, he enjoys it, but, he can earn a fair bit of cash in hand on Saturdays. And the missus really wants that extension. So he decides to not play anymore. But wait! Rose Farm, a club which jumped up a div has a great big healthy football budget, they can give him $200 cash each Saturday. You know what, **** it, Billy decides to chuck on the boots this year.
Carl the Cabinet Maker - Carl is slightly different - a couple of kids, always struggled to make ends meet, he decides that since he works such long hours during the week, he just can't keep giving up Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sunday. But wait! Rose Farm could very well help out with the credit card debt and boy that $200/week could make the difference. Carl jumps on board.
Darren the Disco Biscuit - Darren is a odd cat. Boy can he play footy though. Problem is he is lazy, and just likes to party and tune chicks. Playing footy just isn't his style anymore man, too cool for school. But wait! Rose Farm could pay for his Saturday nights, plus he can work on his bicep curls. Darren signs up.
Frank the Fitzroy dude - Frank is solid player, goes alright in the A's. Oddly he lives right next door to Mitchell Park, but that's another story. Frank here isn't really THAT keen for footy, but you know what, if someone were to chuck him a few hunge a week to roll out, why not eh? Frank signs on.
If you think coin is not a motivating factor for many, many young men to put the boots on, then, well, you need to talk to more people.