Baggies players could strike after their �15,000-a-win in the Premiership for the starting 11 was ditched.

But the club's hierarchy has insisted their decision will stand.

"The board are not going to move on this," said Albion spokesman David Bick.

"They are not being bloody-minded because this is the right thing to do.

"The deal offered by the previous administration, which a few players have signed, is mindlessly stupid.

"I do not believe that the players will take strike action on the day they open their Premiership campaign against Manchester United.

"The consequences of such actions would be to incur the wrath of the supporters.

"The bonus scheme being offered by the Albion board is very good.

"We are not being unfair. We are offering the players a lucrative deal that pays out for wins and draws, then offers more money if the club stays up."

Managing director Brendon Batson added: "We've put a bonus scheme in place which rewards success.

"We can understand the reaction but we have to run the business properly.

"We feel this is the fairest scheme we could introduce."