Les O’Neill, Carlisle United’s midfield legend, earned just £50 a week during the 1973/74 season. The basic wage was confirmed by a contract letter dated 23 May 1973, revealed by his daughter Lisa after his death in November 2025.

Basic Wage

The contract, issued by club secretary David Dent, set O’Neill’s basic salary at £50 per week. He had joined the Blues in 1972 and spent five years at Brunton Park, helping the team win promotion to the First Division in 1973/74.

Bonuses and Clauses

The document lists a detailed bonus scheme. For each league appearance O’Neill received £12.50, unless Carlisle were relegated, in which case the bonus would be withdrawn. Additional appearance bonuses varied with league position: £25 for a first-place finish down to £4 for an 18th-place finish.

A promotion bonus of £10 000 was earmarked for players on a pro-rata appearance basis; the pot was shared when Carlisle reached the top flight at season’s end. In the FA Cup, bonuses ranged from £12.50 in the third round to £100 for a final appearance, with a 50p per 1,000-ticket gate bonus and a further £10 000 shared if the club reached the final. Carlisle reached the fourth round in 1973/74 before losing to Liverpool.

The League Cup offered bonuses from £12.50 to £500; the club reached the third round, earning O’Neill and teammates an extra £15 each. Friendlies paid as little as £2.50 for crowds under 2,500, and the pre-season Watney Cup offered modest bonuses.

Longevity bonuses were also included: a £1 200 benefit after five continuous years and an additional £3 300 after ten years. Injury clauses ensured that appearance bonuses continued for two weeks after an injury, and for a further two weeks the player received his basic wage plus £12.50.

Legacy

O’Neill’s contract reflects how Carlisle United maximised a modest wage for a player who played a pivotal role in the club’s only promotion to the First Division. He also starred in the 1974/75 top-flight season. After leaving Carlisle, he played for Queen of the South. Les O’Neill died on 26 November 2025 at the age of 81.