The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Players in pay cut talks.
● Blue Toon chairman meets staff to plot a way forward for club
Peterhead are still in negotiations with players over potential wage cuts at Balmoor. Chairman Rodger Morrison had a meeting with manager Jim McInally and several players on Wednesday evening to iron out potential changes going forward.
However, there is not a blanket policy across the board, with talks still ongoing with some players.
The League One club have already to reduce the number of staff working at Balmoor during the week.
General manager Martin Johnston revealed last weekend that six staff on reduced hours would now be operating at Balmoor, with 30 ad-hoc staff placed on stand-by.
Morrison said: “You’re in uncharted territory and can’t get answers to everything.
“We’re all stuck in a big black hole at the moment.
“I had a meeting on Wednesday night – we didn’t manage to contact all players.
“Some have been very good in realising the situation.
“Management and quite a lot of the guys have been really good.
“A lot of them are realistic because at the same time, if there’s no income coming in how do they expect to get their wages? Some can do without it and some can’t. It’s just trying to keep everyone happy. It’s a difficult job but we’re making progress.
“It’s by far our biggest expenditure.”
Lower-league clubs are expected to bear the brunt of the coronavirus-enforced shutdown.
Elgin City chairman Graham Tatters has warned of catastrophic possibilities for his own club the longer the shutdown drags on, Forfar Athletic cited an £80,000 gap in their finances and Raith Rovers have launched a crowdfunding scheme to help supporters generate cash during these lean times.
Morrison cited manager McInally as an influential figure during this difficult period.
The pair have negotiated tricky waters in the past and have seen highs and lows at Balmoor, with promotions and relegation during McInally’s tenure as Scotland’s longest-serving manager.
Morrison added: “Jim is not a money person.
“He leads by example and has been a help in negotiations with players.
“It’s a good influence on the rest of the players.”
Earlier this week Morrison offered up the five beds at his Cock and Bull bed and breakfast, situated at Balmedie, for NHS staff travelling to work at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.