I don't think serious fines for lateness are too uncommon at that level. Guardiola changed the culture at Barcelona in a similar way. This is from an article about it:

'He imposed discipline, with fines of €6,000 for being late to training, €500 for missing breakfast with the squad. He sold Ronaldinho and Deco, won over those who stayed with a combination of tough demands and bright psychological management, and brought knowhow, perfectionism and seriousness – right down to weaning Leo Messi off pizza, steak and Coke.'

That was back in 2008, so I suppose you adjust the figures for inflation and huge Premier league wages and lampard probably not being any more harsh than pep was.

On the flip side, I don't get the impression our lot are lacking discipline or professionalism, more inspiration and drive. Over the last few years a great many of our players have realised that this is it for them - they aren't going to be playing at a bigger club than us now, that we won't be going to any significantly higher level on their watch, and that we can't replace them easily. I think that's why a recruitment drive and a clear out would do wonders, if it is possible to do it. Our squad not only has older legs, but older hearts and minds too.

I think that's a fair comment. My impression is that it is a fairly happy hard working squad.

You don't get many rumours in the papers about unsettled players causing trouble. Wilf wants away doubtless others would jump at a bigger move but they are professional just wish for a bit more entertainment.

One more point

One days pay for turning up late for most Chelsea players. I have known building sites where the foreman tells builders to go home if they are late. It is all comparative, one days money lost.

Nuno Espirito Santo adopts a different approach :

[Link]

Good luck with that, it appears there is no respect for employment contracts any more.

In the real world you have a point. In La La Football land the players have the power as a manager if you upset the players they don't play for you and you get the sack.

The Wolves way of doing it is a practical solution the players police themselves they know who is taking the mickey and who had a genuine excuse. Players may not care about fines but they do care about being okay with the rest of the squad.

If that doesn't work then you escalate by relegating that player to the yuff team.

I have heard stories about players being fined even though they had a genuine excuse because it was a hard and fast rule. How do you think that player or his teammates feel?

I agree that players are "precious" but as they have the power it is better to work with the grain than against.

One more point