Terriers to take ‘tough decisions’

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN chief executive Mark Devlin says that the club are preparing to make further ‘tough decisions’ in the future after announcing some cost-cutting measures.

Town’s board of directors and senior management team have taken a voluntary wage deferral for at least the next two months in a bid to lower costs and protect jobs amid the covid-19 pandemic.

Some staff members have been also placed on furlough leave for the next two months, with the club to top their wages up to ensure they receive their full salary.

Non-furloughed staff are continuing to work remotely, with talks continuing between the EFL, Premier League, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the League Managers’ Association regarding player wage cuts and deferrals.

Devlin said: “Our overriding remit as a board and senior management team is to do all we can for the long-term sustainability and future of the football club, but we are also acutely aware of the livelihoods and well-being of our staff. We’ve taken these measures with both those objectives in mind.

“All organisations – not just football clubs – will have tough decisions to make down the line, and we will be no different.

“I want to say a massive thank you to every single member of staff for being so understanding and united during these unprecedented events. I’m very proud of the reaction of all the people at the club to the challenge we all face.

“Every decision we take will be in the best interests of Huddersfield Town. We’re constantly reviewing the situation when government advice is updated, and we’re given a steer from football’s governing bodies.

“We have to be prepared for the outcome of this pandemic. I believe it could lead to a fundamental shift in football finance, with revenues and costs affected for all clubs in the future.”