Hammers stars’ wages halved if they go down
WEST HAM players will have their wages halved if they are relegated, leaving the club facing an exodus. The majority of the squad have pay cuts written into their contracts, a measure taken by clubs to protect themselves against financial problems in the event of relegation. The percentages vary, but
Sportsmail understands a significant number of players, in particular the club’s highest earners, have 50 per cent cuts in their contracts. however, while the clauses are designed to protect the club financially, those required to take hefty cuts will almost certainly look to leave in the summer to ensure they do not suffer a loss of earnings. Losing their Premier League status would leave West ham facing a hugely uncertain financial future, though the parachute payments would help offset any immediate losses. They are in the relegation zone following a dismal run of just one win in eight league games. With games against Manchester City, Liverpool,
Arsenal and Tottenham on the horizon, manager David Moyes has a difficult task trying to spark an immediate turnaround. Owners David Sullivan and David Gold, as well as vicechairman Karren Brady, are under severe pressure from disgruntled supporters, who have grown frustrated at the club’s direction under their stewardship. They are expected to show their dissatisfaction again later this month, with fans planning a black balloon protest for the game at Anfield on February 24. The hammers United group, who organised a protest outside the London Stadium last month that was attended by an estimated 2,000 people, will urge fans to display banners and let off black balloons when the teams walk out at Anfield — a game that is being televised by Sky Sports. A statement from hammers United read: ‘There is so much frustration, tension and anger in the West ham fanbase at the moment, and rightly so. There are so many opinions on how best to get our message out to the world. To show the world our dissatisfaction with the club’s owners. And also to get the West ham fans behind us who so far have remained apathetic. We have to get these people behind us if we are going to succeed. ‘Taking these factors into consideration, we propose that we make a momentous show of strength at the Liverpool away match. It is on Sky and all the world will be watching. The teams come out to a sea of black balloons at the West ham end. Then the banners go up, hundreds of them — more banners than the Kop.’ Meanwhile, West ham have reiterated their vow to issue lifetime bans to any supporter found guilty of discriminatory behaviour after two were arrested for making homophobic gestures against Brighton. The incidents took place during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Graham Potter’s side at the London Stadium.