Locos grateful as staff agree to wage break

Inverurie Locos have thanked all of their staff for agreeing to suspend their wages during football’s coronavirus shutdown.

A statement from Harlaw Park club confirmed the move, which includes playing, coaching, ground, cleaning and kit staff, during what they described as a “desperately difficult time for the county and our national sport”.

All football from the professional domestic level to the grassroots was suspended indefinitely due to the Covid-19 outbreak on March 13, with Highland League clubs deciding last week to bring the curtain down on the season prematurely.

Locos revealed their staff ’s sacrifice has gone “a long way” to ensuring the club survives the shutdown, saying: “As at virtually all football clubs across the UK, we are facing up to challenges the like of which have never been seen before in peace time, and our valued employees showing understanding of the decision of having their terms suspended is incredibly helpful.

“Due to this decision our supporters and stakeholders should be assured this has gone a long way in helping to keep our famous football club alive and that professional football in Inverurie will continue.”

Locos manager Andy Low praised his players’ attitudes towards the situation and said, for him, it was a “no-brainer” to forego payment.

He said: “First and foremost, the guys want to make sure the club is secure.

“We all love football and we need to make sure the football club is secure throughout all this.

“The guys have been very understanding in their response throughout all this and have been looking to the help the club as much as possible.

“I’m delighted with the response.

“From my point of view, it was a no-brainer.

“Over and above everybody’s health and their normal jobs, I’d love to see the club come through it.

“I feel fortunate to be in the job I’m in at the club and I’m looking forward to going back to that job.

“If it means sacrificing my wage, then I’ve no problem with that whatsoever.

“Everyone’s shown that togetherness at this moment in time, which is important.”

Proud: Locos boss Andy Low praised his players’ attitude towards the club’s situation during outbreak