Wanderers' flexible transfer policy has been hailed by the influential players' union as a blueprint for cash-strapped clubs battling for financial security.

Mick McGuire, deputy chief executive of the PFA, says a more pragmatic and flexible approach to player contracts and wages -- similar to the policy Reebok chiefs have adopted in recent years -- will benefit his members in the long run.

Sam Allardyce has been harshly criticised in some quarters for recruiting players from abroad on loans or short-term deals with some ill-informed snipers claiming it is a policy which blocks the development of home grown players.

But McGuire singled out the Wanderers' boss as a pioneer of an approach that will ultimately mean more opportunities for his members.

"We've seen Bolton using the very flexible approach of giving short-term contracts to stars from abroad," he said. "It's worked very well and Sam should be complimented on it, because if they had gone down he would have at least had the flexibility to get these big earners out.

"Even in the Premiership a few clubs are feeling the pinch a little bit and they'll be doing exactly what Football League clubs have done."

It is a trend other clubs are following, judging by the lack of big-money moves since the transfer window opened on New Year's Day.

One or two-year contracts are also now the norm rather than four of five-year deals, but McGuire insists that is better than clubs agreeing contracts they cannot afford to fulfil.

He added: "The clubs need to have the flexibility to re-adjust and they are being more imaginative in their negotiations with players and agents.

"Football League clubs' salaries have been gradually coming down over the last two or three years. They've been coming down more on guaranteed money and they are increasing the incentivised money.

"We are very protective of our players but we only ever want clubs to pay what they can afford to pay."

Two seasons ago representatives of the PFA travelled up and down the country and visited more than 40 clubs who were in financial difficulties to identify a way out.

"With a lot of clubs it was the collapse of ITV Digital, with some it was rank bad management and following procedures you'd never follow in a normal business," McGuire added.

"They were paying wages they couldn't afford to pay but also they were doing things like using next season's season ticket money this year.

"There's been a very gradual improvement. Clubs are far more prudent, particularly the lower down you go. They're being far more imaginative. That's why this season it's been far better in terms of fewer clubs having financial problems.

"Each year clubs are able to be flexible because there's always a number of contracts that have ended, and therefore they have been able to bring players in on lesser monies but with that incentivised programme in there so the lads can earn from it.

"The swell has now reached the Premiership."