Dens cuts Dee stars thanked by club after agreeing to reduction in salaries

Dark Blues stars praised by club as youth coach says he will work for free

Dundee yesterday thanked their stars who accepted wage cuts as the club attempts to plot a financial route through the coronavirus shutdown.

It is understood all but two of the players and staff who were asked to take a wage cut to help the club through the next few months of no income have accepted.

Former skipper Josh Meekings was one of those, departing at the end of his contract last month, while striker Kane Hemmings has been reported as the only existing member of the squad to fail to come to an agreement with the club.

Hemmings has the backing of PFA Scotland but could see his contract at Dens Park suspended through the now infamous ‘Clause 12’ unless he accedes to a 50% wage cut until October and then to 75% of his current salary for the rest of the 2020-21 campaign.

With time ticking on beyond the deadline on Friday night, Hemmings remaining at Dundee looks increasingly unlikely.

The club statement made no mention of the former Rangers striker but thanked the “high majority” of players and staff who accepted cuts for taking “the decision to help safeguard the future of the club”.

The statement read: “Following a further week of difficult but progressive conversations the club would like to provide an update.

“Two weeks ago we opened dialogue with a number of players and staff regarding wage deductions to support the club in these unprecedented times.

“We are delighted to say that a high majority of those who entered this process have taken the decision to help safeguard the future of the club. The commitment from these players and members of the coaching staff is hugely appreciated.

“In other areas of the business, the staff consultation period is in its early stages. The conclusion of the players and football staff consultation as well as the ongoing support of the fans has helped set the stage for the next steps.

“Nonetheless, these are difficult conversations and any decisions being made are with the long-term future of the club in mind.”

Meanwhile, youth coaches are willing to work for free if it means Dundee’s academy can continue beyond the coronavirus shutdown.

With income for the Championship club having dried up since football ground to a halt in March due to the global pandemic, managing director John Nelms declared a £500,000 loss suffered by the Dark Blues.

With competitive action not starting again until October at the earliest for the lower leagues, the club have moved to cut costs drastically.

On top of the majority of players and

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Any decisions being made are with the long-term future of the club in mind

staff accepting wage cuts the club’s youth system is also in the firing line.

After years of stagnation following administration, Dundee’s youth set-up has been revived by former Scotland international Stephen Wright as head of academy along with the help and experience of ex-scotland manager Gordon Strachan, who was brought in as a technical director last summer.

The extent of the cuts has not been made clear but U15s coach Robbie Raeside has confirmed to Courier Sport he has told the club he will continue in the role free of charge while finances are stretched.

The former Dundee centre-back, who won the First Division with the club in 1998 and later helped the Dark Blues to their highest top-flight finish since the ’70s, has been back on the Dens Park books since January.

And, having income from another job, Raeside says he’ll continue taking the U/15s for free to help the club.

He said: “I knew Stephen Wright from Scotland youth groups, we were in an U/21 squad together and he approached me to do a bit of coaching.

“Learning from him and Gordon Strachan, I couldn’t turn it down. I’ve really enjoyed going back and there are a great bunch of coaches and kids there.

“Despite the cuts I am sure there will be some sort of academy going forward beyond the coronavirus.

“In fact, I have said to Stephen Wright and Gordon Strachan that if the club has no money, I’ll be happy to volunteer as a youth coach until the club gets on a surer footing.

“I’m sure I’m not the only coach there happy to help out.”