Non-league contract dispute: Barnet boss says government intervention required after FA changes

Barnet boss Dean Brennan has called for government intervention after Football Association changes to non-league players' contracts for next season.

The new conditions will see injured players only paid in full for 12 weeks.

Clubs can then reduce wages to statutory sick pay - £99.35 a week - until they are fit, or up to 28 weeks.

"Something has to be done at government level rather than let this go on - it's crazy," Brennan, 42, told BBC Radio London.

Oldham Athletic defender Peter Clarke, who is on the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) players' board, said on Thursday that National League players might strike.

The changes also mean players face having their contracts terminated with three months' notice if a club-instructed doctor says they are unable to play for at least four months, leading to fears players with long-term Achilles or knee ligament injuries could be released.

The PFA, which does not represent National League players, has told the FA it cannot the measures which come into effect on 1 July.

Brennan, speaking after Saturday's 2-0 win at Wealdstone, said the clubs themselves would not want this for the players.

"If you look at the game nearly every one of those players will be a PFA member. I'm a PFA member. It's scandalous," he continued.

"I'm really ing the players on this. How can you sign a contract, put your body on the line and then you can be terminated within three months if you're injured? It's ridiculous.

"Its something I'm very ionate about and it's something that I'm prepared to the players on. A contract is a contract and it should be adhered to both ways.

"It's just like when we sell players. Can players give three months' notice? Then when someone from above wants to buy them who is protected? The club or the player? It's all in the club's favour so it has to be both ways.

"As management, we want lads to go on the pitch and put their bodies on the line every time they cross the white line.

"I don't see it happening. I don't feel that football clubs would want that - if players get injured they don't get paid, and I don't think it's right."

Brennan's thoughts were echoed by his opposite number in the dug outs at the weekend, Stuart Maynard.

"It will take the competitiveness out of this level of football because people won't be going in for tackles - they just won't. Why would you">