WAGES OF SIN
WITH TYNECASTLE SALARIES SLASHED
top players on their books, I would tell Hearts, ‘Right, they are out the door, let’s do a settlement package.’ Then I’d get them fixed up down south or wherever.
“Some of their players have a lot of potential and to all intents and purposes, they are resume. Other Hearts stars are also considering their options.
The majority have already sought legal advice and have also been in contact with union PFA Scotland.
There was a concern that top Tynecastle talent Aaron Hickey might be one of those to leave the club but his current wage means he is at the bottom end of the first-team squad.
There were also suggestions among the players last night that the club might be negotiable on the wage cuts depending on each individual’s circumstances.
A source close to Stendel said: “Ann spoke to Daniel about the situation. She explained the crisis
ANN BUDGE and Craig Levein stand accused of handing out eye-watering contracts that Hearts couldn’t afford.
Here are some of the big names the Jambos splashed the cash on, only to end up bottom of the league.
Given he is understood to be one of the club’s higher earners, hovering close to the £5000 mark, the return in terms of minutes on the pitch and goals has been below what was expected.
A potential move to Stoke on transfer deadline day didn’t happen and clubs such as Rotherham claimed they couldn’t afford his wages last summer. Hearts recruitment staff managed to sell the move on other factors but it’s still thought he is in the top wage bracket.
The Burton striker’s arrival was hailed as the saviour of Hearts’ season in January but illness and a back injury have curtailed him. Hearts reportedly pushed the boat out to land the goalscorer, blowing Aberdeen out the water with an offer of around £6000 per week.
A long-time target and good friend of Clevid Dikamona, he was handed a four-year deal but early performances suggested that was a hasty move. The midfielder was at fault more than once for goals conceded due to dallying in possession.
– The marquee summer signing but he proved to be a flop. Levein convinced the former Stoke star to sign but it was always suspected that his main priority was retaining his Ireland place.
Fans felt his interest in Hearts disappeared and he was shipped out soon after Daniel Stendel’s arrival. money in the bank for Hearts. But she has just handed them her pin number and invited them to queue up at the ATM.” The Jambos could claim development compensation fees for some of their kids but that would be chicken feed compared to the cash they could rake in a potential transfer. And McMurdo reckons if Hearts are going to let go their players who don’t but he had already made up his mind because he knew which direction this was going.
“He wanted to save as much of the situation as possible for his other staff because he knows it’s even harder for them financially.
“So he proposed that he take a major cut so the others take a lower cut or even no cut. His cut accept a halving of their salaries, they will also have to give up their right to compensation.
He said: “Some are under 23 so you have to determine if the club is going to give up the right to claim compensation.
“They can’t just go and play for another club unless they go to a country like Finland or India, where the transfer window is still open. But I think most will be looking at what’s out there in Britain for them. That Hearts will get nothing for them is crazy.” is massive. Much more than the figures that have been reported.”
Stendel signed a two-and-ahalf-year contract to succeed Craig Levein in December.
But he has mustered only 11 points from 14 league matches as the Gorgie giants remain rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table. about deluded. Rae has really outdone himself with his latest ramblings. The league is over and Celtic will be crowned champions one way or another.”
said: “Rae and the millions of supporters of Rangers will stoop to any means to stop the champions winning the league again. Do they think waiting for the opportunity for their team to drop more points will do that? They are collectively embarrassing and laughable at the same time.”
Rangers coach Michael Beale reckons the halfway standings could be a fair way of determining the title.
But said: “I would like to make a suggestion. Go by the head-to-head record. I make that aggregate score Celtic 3, Rangers 2.”
League reconstruction remains a popular option and said: “Promote six teams to the Premiership creating an 18-team league leading to a 34-game season. This would take away the ludicrous split which had Rangers having to play two teams three times at home in one season.
“The second tier can have 12 added to the four left in the division creating 30 games. For third tier promote a team from the Highland and Lowland to the eight left to create a 10-team league.”
said: “No relegation and introduce four non-league teams. This would increase the Premiership to 16, all other leagues would remain the same number. Perhaps a good starting point.” Finally, has a novel idea. He said: “Another option would be to let Gordon Strachan, Walter Smith and Steve Clarke sit as a form of pools panel to decide outstanding results.”
Now there’s a thought…
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