Press release from Sunderland AFC:
Sunderland AFC and the Professional Footballers’ Association today
confirmed that an agreement has been reached with regard to a wage
deferral scheme at the club
The club and the players’ union revealed that players, club directors
and senior management had agreed to accept a deferral on part of their
salaries as part of the club’s financial re-structuring programme, which
began 4 months ago. Sunderland chairman Bob Murray and Vice Chairman
John Fickling revealed earlier this year (1st April) that they had both
resolved to forego their salaries in full.
Bob Murray said: ” I think the fact that players, directors and senior
management have come together and agreed to the deferral says an
enormous amount about them as people and their personal loyalty and
commitment to the club. It is tremendous that so many people at the club
have willingly agreed to assist the club in this way.
” The players, football management and senior executives at the club all
understand the reality of our situation and what needs to be done in the
coming months. It is inspiring and heartening to see everyone working so
closely together and with such a great team spirit, so that the club can
move forward positively again. I feel incredibly grateful to everyone
that has been so wholehearted and unreserved in their support and
rallied to limit the damage of relegation for the club.
” As I’ve stated previously we have been working on broad financial
re-structuring for several months now to adjust to the realities of life
outside the Premier League. To do this it was important that we acted
early and decisively. Fundamental to this has been agreeing a strategy
that we can deliver. We have to make a considerable financial adjustment
but we will be strong enough to do that.”
Mick McGuire, Deputy Chief Executive of the PFA said: ” We have been in
discussions with the club throughout the summer and I can only applaud
the players and non-playing staff for their commitment in ensuring
Sunderland can move forward in such a positive manner. I am very
confident that we’ll see Sunderland go forward from strength to strength
now.”
