Former Irish international Niall Quinn has warned players should take responsibility for the cash crisis that threatens to cause permanent damage to football.
Quinn, who has announced he is hanging up his boots due to a persistent back injury, is concerned over high wages.
He said: "The one thing that's crying out is that we don't take the money for granted and take the life blood out of the game.
"The fact that clubs can go into bankruptcy and be taken off the map, which might well happen with a lot of clubs, is a huge warning for us in all areas; chairmen, agents and players.
"With the power the players have they should remember if they abuse it too much the whole thing will collapse," he said. "You have to remember all 92 clubs and perhaps it's time to realise that the football fan should come first".
Quinn, who started the season on the coaching staff at Sunderland, is turning his back on a chance to go into football management. He is considering trying to make a career in the media.
He said: "Howard Wilkinson offered me a coaching role here on his first day and I turned it down - not out of disrespect but because I don't think I really want to be a football coach".
Quinn said he had been offered an "ambassadorial role" by Sunderland, such as being involved with visitors on match days.
PA
