Black Cats explain why small number of staff have been taken off furlough
Sunderland AFC has explained why a small number of staff have been taken off furlough leave.
The Black Cats have been one of a number of clubs - particularly in Leagues One and Two - to take advantage of the scheme, which sees staff placed on furlough leave with the Government contributing 80 per cent of wages and SAFC topping up the rest.
Earlier this month Sunderland
announced all players and backroom staff, as well as academy-contracted players, had been placed on furlough.
Manager Phil Parkinson was not placed on furlough leave and continued to work from home.
It is understood that three academy staff members have now been taken off furlough and returned to work, including Paul Reid (Academy Manager),DonPeattie(Headof
EducationandWelfare),Lewis Dickman (Head of Coaching).
A club spokesman confirmed: “Sunderland AFC’s first-team staff remain on furloughleave,withtheexception ofmanagerPhilParkinsonwho continues to work from home.
“A small number of academy staff have returned to work afterthelockdownwasextended to ensure player well-being, safeguardingandadutyofcare is maintained.”
It was originally reported Nick Allamby (physical performance coach) had also returned to work but he remains on furlough leave with the rest of the backroom staff.
League One fixtures have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and, as of yet, it is not known when - or if - the current campaign will resume, with all staff working from home.
The government’s jobs retention scheme sees the cost of 80% of wages covered, up to £2,500 a month, with SAFC pledging to top up the rest.
*Accrington midfielder Sam Finley has been handed an eight-match ban after admittingverballyabusingRochdale's Irish midfielder Paul McShaneonthegroundsofhis nationality. The punishment, set out by a Football Association Regulatory Commission, also includes an £850 fine plus "face-to-face education".
An FA statement read: "The Accrington Stanley FC midfielder admitted using abusive or insulting language during the 23rd minute of an EFLLeagueOnefixtureagainst Rochdale AFC on Wednesday 1 January 2020. The language used was contrary to FA Rule E3(1)andconstitutedan'aggravated breach', which is defined inFARuleE3(2),asitincludeda reference to nationality."