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A very small gesture, perhaps, but the first semblence of common sense seems to be prevailing in the upper echelons of English football.
From Saturday's Times
Sunderland players put club over wages
By George Caulkin
THE entire Sunderland first-team squad have turned down cash that was due to them as part of the wage-deferral scheme that they agreed with the club last summer. The players have rejected a payout earned from their progress in the FA Cup this season, a gesture that has been hailed by Bob Murray, the chairman.
“At the time we completed the wage deferral with the Professional Footballers’ Association, we agreed with the players that if we had a cup run we would pay back some of the deferred money sooner than next August when it is due,” Murray said. “After the Cup game against Hartlepool United the players were reimbursed part of their deferred wages as per this agreement.
“Following this, however, the players contacted the club and said that they were happy to wait until August for the rest of their money and did not want to receive cup money from Ipswich Town, Birmingham City and any other future games. To a man, the players have all said they’ll stick to the original plan and be paid in full in August instead to help the club out.
“When you see so many critical things written about players these days, their decision tells you something about the players we have now. These players aren’t on £65,000 a week like some at other clubs; they are on division one salaries. This is an initiative that’s come from the training ground — it was not asked for. That is why it is a very significant gesture particularly when other clubs have struggled in this area.”
Leeds United only secured a deferral from their players as a last resort, while the maximum weekly wage at the Stadium of Light is £5,000. Finances have been extremely tight, but Mick McCarthy, the manager, was yesterday able to sign Darren Byfield, the 23-year-old Rotherham United striker, until the end of the season. Michael Proctor moves in the opposite direction.
From Saturday's Times
Sunderland players put club over wages
By George Caulkin
THE entire Sunderland first-team squad have turned down cash that was due to them as part of the wage-deferral scheme that they agreed with the club last summer. The players have rejected a payout earned from their progress in the FA Cup this season, a gesture that has been hailed by Bob Murray, the chairman.
“At the time we completed the wage deferral with the Professional Footballers’ Association, we agreed with the players that if we had a cup run we would pay back some of the deferred money sooner than next August when it is due,” Murray said. “After the Cup game against Hartlepool United the players were reimbursed part of their deferred wages as per this agreement.
“Following this, however, the players contacted the club and said that they were happy to wait until August for the rest of their money and did not want to receive cup money from Ipswich Town, Birmingham City and any other future games. To a man, the players have all said they’ll stick to the original plan and be paid in full in August instead to help the club out.
“When you see so many critical things written about players these days, their decision tells you something about the players we have now. These players aren’t on £65,000 a week like some at other clubs; they are on division one salaries. This is an initiative that’s come from the training ground — it was not asked for. That is why it is a very significant gesture particularly when other clubs have struggled in this area.”
Leeds United only secured a deferral from their players as a last resort, while the maximum weekly wage at the Stadium of Light is £5,000. Finances have been extremely tight, but Mick McCarthy, the manager, was yesterday able to sign Darren Byfield, the 23-year-old Rotherham United striker, until the end of the season. Michael Proctor moves in the opposite direction.
