Each manager has their own fine system in place at a football club with different punishments for different infractions, but it seems that Sir Bobby Robson wasn’t messing about when he was Newcastle United boss.
These days we hear about fines for everything from lateness, mobile phones going off when they shouldn’t, and they will range from a few quid to a few thousand.
Let’s be honest, though, footballers are on such extortionate wages that it’s barely a punishment at all.
We’ve heard many players from the current squad talk about how Joe Willock is always, always late and is forever being fined for it. It clearly doesn’t bother him as he keeps doing it.
Sir Bobby Robson didn’t mess about when it came to late fines
Perhaps Eddie Howe needs to take a leaf out of Sir Bobby’s book, as Jermaine Jenas has revealed that you’d get attacked from two sides in those days in a clip from the Beast Mode podcast, shared by GOAL.
“If you were late at Newcastle, you had to deal with [Alan] Shearer screaming at you. Bobby Robson, he really hated it to the point where he charged you £3000 instant fine and then like a grand a minute. If you hear that number you aren’t being late, are you?
“The minimum I remember was £500 for every minute you were late. Once that money left your account, you weren’t late again.”
Joe Willock could do with this minute-by-minute fine system
It seems Joe Willock could do with being charged by the minute, and maybe he’ll get to work on time.
In today’s money, £3000 plus a grand a minute is still a decent wedge, but it’s not going to bother today’s players too much unless they’re late on a daily basis, but back in Shearer and Robson’s day, that could easily add up to being a hefty chunk of a player’s wages at the time.
That being said, I’d love to be in a position where a £3000 fine for being late wasn’t a big deal.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
