THE thorny issue of wage-capping in football was set to be discussed in earnest for the first time today by the game's top brass.

The outcome of the discussions could have far-reaching ramifications for all clubs, but particularly at cash-strapped outfits like York City.

The City Supporters' Trust is currently conducting a review process to assess the state of the club's finances as part of its take-over bid from chairman John Batchelor.

But even before that process is completed Trust representative Steve Beck has admitted wage-capping is an issue football clubs can no longer ignore.

He said: "Throughout the game, it is time for reality football, not fantasy football.

"It is simply commonsense for the directors of any business to plan ahead and only spend what can be afforded.

"The key cost for any club is the wages bill and going forward clubs should try to achieve a better balance between costs and income."

A seven-man working party, chaired by Queen's Park Rangers chief executive David Davies, was due to present proposals to all Football League clubs, including the Minstermen, at today's meeting at Oxford United.

The options being proposed could include a blanket figure imposed on all clubs in a division.

Alternatively, something similar to that adopted by Europe's rich G14 clubs - including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal - earlier this month, whereby a limit on the proportion of income spent on wages is set, will also be put forward.

Reports have indicated today's proposals will suggest clubs should spend no more than 60 per cent of their income on wages.

Such a ratio is in stark contrast to that instigated by those responsible for the financial management of City in recent years; the current directors of Bootham Crescent Holdings, the owners of the ground.

For the 2000/01 season, the latest season for which accounts are available, the then directors created a wages bill of £2.2 million.

That was almost double the income they managed to bring in of £1.2 million and meant City were spending 180 per cent of their turnover on wages.

Of all 92 Premiership and Football League clubs, only Fulham, Wigan and Wimbledon had a higher ratio.

Today's meeting of League chairmen will not see wage capping introduced overnight.

However, the working party who have drawn up the proposals are likely to seek a mandate from clubs to pursue the principle further.

Among the issues then to be addressed would include what penalties would be imposed on clubs who breached any capping.

City chairman Batchelor, who was attending today's meeting in Oxford, said he still believed the multi-million pound rescue package he announced last week, whereby loans are secured on future gate receipts, was a better bet for clubs than wage capping.

"It (wage-capping) all depends on the details but I still think they are rearranging the deck-chairs on the Titanic to try and solve the problems," he told the Evening Press.

Meanwhile, as well as reviewing City's current financial position as part of its take-over bid for the club, the Supporters' Trust are also reviewing the relationship between the Minstermen and BCH.

According to the Trust, this process is expected to take some time and, in part, is dependent on the continuing co-operation of Batchelor and club officials.

Updated: 11:54 Thursday, November 21, 2002