Dundee duo reject enforced wage cut

DUNDEE have reached agreement with all but two of the 13 players targeted for wage cuts in their drastic bid to slash close-season costs.

The Dens Park club warned that the controversial ‘Clause 12’ rule would be rolled out to suspend the contract of employment of anyone refusing to accede ahead of this weekend’s deadline.

PFA Scotland have vowed to contest the use of the clause, which clubs claim they can trigger as a result of matches being suspended by the SFA.

There won’t be any football in the Championship or Leagues

One or Two this August because of the agreement by clubs on a delayed restart in October.

Dundee players had been placed on furlough with a payment to their full salaries made by their employers.

However, the club stressed last month that it could no longer sustain the wage bill after the cancellation of the season from March onwards cost them £500,000.

Thirteen of manager James McPake’s squad were involved in the consultation process over wage reductions of up to 25 per cent.

Eight who remained uncommitted to the salary cut received a letter stipulating a deadline of midnight on Friday. Two of them rejected the terms.

Dundee earlier cut ties with McPake’s assistant Jimmy Nicholl and sports scientist Cammy McDermid, although technical director Gordon Strachan will remain to spearhead the academy.

However, the club have also asked youth academy staff to work for free as they fight to safeguard the future of football at Dens Park.