The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Wage deferrals are not a problem for the Posh squad
Posh - The club aim to reduce player wages by 50%
Peterborough United are confident ‘inevitable’ wage deferrals will not be an issue for the Posh first team squad.
Possible paycuts to help clubs through the coronavirus crisis has become a hot topic in professional football wih conflicting advice to players from key bodies like players’ union the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and the English Football League (EFL).
But Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony and first-team manager Darren Ferguson believe their players are on board with the possibility of wage deferrals. Posh are aiming for a 50% reduction in player wages to be repaid later in the year.
They’ve both held meetings with the players and only one, young, unnamed member of the squad even wanted to discuss the matter with his agent.
Ferguson said: “I was very encouraged by the response of the players when I spoke to them about wages.
“They are a very responsible group and they recognise the current situation affects everyone at the club and not just the playing staff. I believe wage deferrals are inevitable to help clubs survive.”
Posh are thought to be in a better financial position than most lower league clubs because of the support of three wealthy owners, MacAnthony, Dr Jason Neale and Stewart Thompson.
MacAnthony said: “The reaction of our players to the possibility of wage deferrals was a real positive for me.
“The players understand they will get their money eventually. They were 99% on board with our plans. The only objection I put down to youthfil exuberance.
“Players are a protected species in football. They always get paid and I am pleased our players have taken a responsible approach. The club has 100s of employees to look after.”
Posh paid their March wage bill in full. They will place non-playing staff on furlough, but will make up the 20% of wages not covered by the government.