Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Asghar hails Utd players’ commitment following wage cuts
DUNDEE United sporting director Tony Asghar has praised players for taking pay cuts to help the club through the coronavirus pandemic.
Like many other clubs across Scotland, United’s finances have taken a hit due to the Covid-19 restrictions enforced on football, with the club asking football staff to take 20% wage reductions to help ease the strain, coupled with reports of sliding scale cuts for higher earners.
The Tangerines’ coaching staff quickly agreed to the measures put forward last October, followed this week by the players after negotiations stretched into the New Year.
Despite the prolonged process, Terrors chief Asghar is happy to see a solution found that suits all and hailed the players for the way they handled talks.
Speaking to Tele Sport, he said: “The players have been very good.
“They understand the situation and have been open to try to find a way to help the club.
“Where we are speaks volumes for the players’ commitment.
“It isn’t a simple process that we’ve been through. Everybody has partners, families, advisors, the PFA, who also need to be informed.
“There was a lot of talking to be done in amongst continuing to play games, but the players have been really, really professional in doing so and I’m delighted we’ve got to where we have.”
The Covid crisis has put pressure on United’s coffers – a situation not unique to the Tannadice club – and, with fans banned from attending games, the club will consider selling top assets in the transfer market, should the right offers arrive.
With a new national lockdown in place, it appears the end of the road is not yet in sight and United chairman Mark Ogren previously warned things could get “messy” amid the Tangerines’ cost-cutting programme.
However, Asghar has called for calm as the club continues to try to navigate choppy waters.
He said: “There’s still a long road ahead. Reviewing where we are financially will be an ongoing task while the situation is what it is with regard to lockdown and not having fans at games.
“We are where we are with that – we’re in a tier four lockdown – and we have to adhere to the rules, which we all want to do for obvious reasons.
“But it does make things difficult. Everything is so fluid.
“We want the best for Dundee United, but I have to think about our players and staff, and Mark Ogren’s exactly the same.
“He’s an honest businessman and the main focus is making sure this club is sustainable moving forward.”
Meanwhile, Cammy Smith is set to leave Dundee United at the end of January when his contract expires.
The 25-year-old attacker, who has spent the last few months on loan at Championship Ayr United, is headed for the Tannadice exit door at the end of the winter window after two years with the club.