Butcher hails togetherness in Utd squad to help club in tough times

DUNDEE United midfielder Calum Butcher believes the willingness of players to take pay cuts shows the togetherness among the Tannadice squad.

United’s players agreed to salary reductions of up to 20% in January amid the continued financial struggle facing Scottish football during the coronavirus pandemic.

When the club hierarchy first put the proposal on the table back in October of last year, Butcher – who recently made his 100th appearance in tangerine – says there was no hesitation to reach an agreement despite drawn out negotiations.

“The club came to us late last year and there was a discussion that something needed to happen,” the 29-year-old said speaking to DUTV.

“Obviously, with no fans and no gate receipts it was difficult for the club to function.

“They came to us and, straight away, we wanted to help. Everyone in the room was willing to help.

“There’s definitely been clubs I’ve been at before where players would’ve walked out of that meeting.

“From being in that room, you knew the boys wanted to help that situation and do what was right for the club.

“Negotiations went on for a month or so and we managed to come to an agreement.

“Taking a cut and not a deferral is a big thing to do.

“It’s something we’re all happy we could do to help the club in the long term.”

The Tangerines head to Rugby Park on Saturday to take on Kilmarnock as Micky Mellon’s men continued to hunt down a top-six spot.

With three games to go until the split, and Celtic and Aberdeen still to come to Tannadice, it looks likely to be a crucial game if United are to pip St Mirren, currently in sixth place two points ahead of United after last night’s draw with Motherwell, to the post.

Currently sitting seventh in the Premiership standings, Englishman Butcher believes they don’t get enough credit for the season they’ve had so

Calum Butcher.