English Premier League (EPL) captains have lauded Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson for his leading role in the Players Together campaign.
The Reds midfielder came up with the idea which will see players raise millions for the NHS and other good causes in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Henderson got in touch with the other 19 top-flight captains, started a WhatsApp group and led conference calls on Zoom to ensure footballers could play their part.
Bournemouth skipper Simon Francis says the England international essentially became captain of the captains.
He said: “Henderson called each of us captains individually last week to explain his donation plan and everyone quickly got on board.
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“He led our Zoom conference calls, has been active on the group chat and got his point across superbly.
“It has given those of us who have not played alongside him a great insight into his leadership skills.
“You often find footballers are very different off the pitch than they are on it, due to that competitive instinct when you cross the white line.
“Jordan has always been an aggressive player on the pitch and has led by example, which is why he is captain of one of the world’s biggest clubs and on course to win everything.
“He’s effectively been the captain of this group of players involved in the initiative.”
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock had called on players to take pay cuts as clubs such as Tottenham sparked public outrage by furloughing staff.
However, finding the best way to contribute was complicated, and Henderson was in talks with players long before their wages became the centre of public scrutiny.
The PFA pointed out that players wanted to be assured their money would go to the right place, and also highlighted that the government could lose £200m in tax contributions if players’ wages were cut.
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Speaking to talkSPORT, Wolves captain Conor Coady details the size of Henderson’s achievement in finding a response that works for everyone.
“Henderson came up with it a few weeks ago and spoke to all the players,” Coady told Drive.
“I’ve seen people saying it was something that could’ve been done sooner, but it’s tough, you’ve got to speak to all of the players in the Premier League.
“The initiative he’s done is fantastic, he spoke to us a lot about what he wants to do and how he wants to bring everyone together.
“And everyone is coming together, it’s a massive thing and something we’re all willing to be a part of.”
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